OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3962, 29 June 1929, Page 3

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

SPEECH FROM THE THRONE

The second session of the twenty-third Parliament of New Zealand was opened at 2.30 o’clock on Thursday afternoon by His Excellency the Governor-General '(Sir lOharles Fergusson, Bart., G.C.M.G., K.C.8., D. 5.0., M.V.0.). The weather was overcast. There was a large assemblage of the public in the Parliamentary grounds. ‘The galleries in the Legislative Council Chamber, where the, chief ceremony took place, were crowded with a brilliant gathering. The speech from the Throne referred to the illness of the. King and continued: “The citizens of the Dominion shared with the rest of the Empire —and, indeed, with other nations — in the feelings of pleasure and relief at His Majesty’s return to good health. “In December next, I shall have completed a term of five years in office, and I have received iHis Majesty’s permission to leave the Dominion on February 1, next year.

“It is with great regret that Her Excellency and I see the time of our departure drawing neat after these years of great interest and unalloyed happiness. Froim one 1 and all we have received nothing hut kindness and consideration, and the friendly and generous way in, which we have been welcomed ,on our journeys through the country will remain a happy meliriory for all time. Among the most pleasant of our recollections will be those of onr relations with the people of the Maori race.” References were made to the change of Ministry; the death of the late Chief Justice and the appointment of bis successor; the recent earthquake and the promise of generous assistance to those who have suffered; the ratification of the Kellog Pact for the renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy; New Zealand’s acceptance of the Geneva Protocol of June, 1925, prohibiting the use in warfare of asphyxiating, poison or other gases, and all bacteriological methods; no change of policy is contemplated in respect of naval defence.

“As a necessary auxiliary to the naval and land defence of New Zealand, and as an aid to comimdiice and communication, my Government is impressed with the importance of aviation; and it is its intention to take, every feasible step to promote interest in this subject throughout the Dominion. Referring to the Mandated Territory of Western 'Samoa, “it has been intimated that while the Government cannot negotiate with any movement that is openly flouting the law, the disaffected section of the native population, may be jassured of a full discussion and a generous consideration of any representations so soon as their refusal to c-olmply with live law is abandoned. Unemployment and public works, tirade within the Empire and steamship service between South Island ports and Australia were referred

Dealing with ■ trade and finance the speech said: “It. is most gratifying to note that the industry of onr producers, in conjunction with an excellent season in New Zealand and good prices abroad, resulted in the exports from this Dominion for last year being raised to the record total of £57,154,000. These exports exceeded the imports by over £12,000,000, which, following upon the favourable balance of trade for the previous year, has gtreatly strengthened the baulking and general financial resources of the. Dominion.

“It is regretted that the operations of the public finances for the year ending 31st March last resulted in a deficit of £577,000. The estimates for the present, year are being most carefully scrutinised, but some adjustments of the incidence of taxation will be necessary. Proposals to this end will be submitted. The £7,000,000 loan and conversion issue as then mentioned.

“Arrangements have been made by my Ministers to provide additional capital for State advances, and every effort is being made to meet the legitimate demands of settlers and workers for loans for the purchase and development of farms and the erection of dwellings. During the six months ended June 10 last no less than £3,620,240 has been authorised by the State Advances board in loans to settlers and workers.” ' Dealing witlr'iransporf reference was made to the Department of Transport and the setting up of a Highways Board for the North Island and South Island respectively and the construction of good roads in preference to branch railways.

Other subjects referred to were land settlement, irrigation and drainage of swamp lands, regulation of migration, encouragement of secondary industries, native lands, education. Bills for dealing with .relief of unemployment, land, river-profeletion, land-drainage, rating of farm . lands in boroughs, hank and other holidays, and town planning would be submitted. Short sittings of the Legislative ’Council and House were held and a number of questions answered.