PARLIAMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2594, 16 June 1923, Page 3

PARLIAMENT.

GOVERNOR,-GENERAL’S SPEECH

The Governor-General’s speech, delvered at tlie opening of Parliament on Thursday afternoon made reference to the Imperial Conferences and the attendance,, of the Prime Minister. New Zealand was intimately concerned with certain aspects of the British Foreign policy and discussions on naval, militai'y and air defence. Immigration was referred to. The results of the financial year ending on March 31st last have been extremely satisfactory. The reduction in expenditure as compared with the previous year amounted to £2,203,078, and, notwithstanding, the remissions in taxation granted by Parliament last year, the revenue has exceeded the estimate by £1,329,443. The result is a surplus of actual revenue over actual expenditure of £1,315,683. It is gratifying to have so substantial a proof of the prosperity of the country generally, and of the success of its industries. Other matters touched on were the estimates, relief to sufferers in the recent, floods, Main Highway Board, relief to returned soldiers, Government advances to facilitate building of houses, etc. Bills amending Ihe Naval Defence Act, the War Pensions Act, the Samoa Act, the Noxious Weeds Act, the Cook Islands Act, the Death Duties Act, the Insurance Companies’ Deposits Act, the -Tut - ies Act, the Justices of the Peace Act, the Master and Apprentice Act and the Police Offences Act are ainong the measures which have been prepared and are ready for youi consideration. The Dairy Produce Export Bill, the provisions of which were partly considered by Parliament in the session of 1922, will, with certain modifications, be again submitted to you. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Wilford) gave notice of an amendment to the Address-in-Reply. The Address-in-Reply debate will be commenced on Tuesday and will be moved by Mr J. C. Rolleston (Waitomo).