OPENING OF THE IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2771, 9 February 1882, Page 2

OPENING OF THE IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

[By Cable]. THE SPEECH FROM THE THRONE. London, Feb, 7. The members of both Houses met to-day, when the new session of Parliament was opened by Royal Commission. The Queen’s Speech was read by the Lord Chancellor. The following is a summary of it:—The approaching marriage of Prince Leopold with Princess Hewen of Waldeokis formally announced. The relations -of Great Britain with Foreign Powers are stated to continue cordial. and harmonious. Reference is made to the cession of Thessaly by Turkey to Greece having been honorably executed. Her Majesty will use her influence to maintain the status quo in Egypt in a spirit favorable to the good government and the pm dent development of the institutions of the country. The restoration of peace beyond the North-West frontier, and internally the plentiful seasons which have been experienced and the increase of revenue, had enabled the resumption of public works in India. Confidence is expressed that the Transvaal Convention will work favorably, though hostilities have been resumed in Basutoland, and affairs in that country are still unsettled. Negotiations with France 1 in regard to a commercial treaty will be continued at an early date The commerce of the country is improving; the mildness of the season is favorable to farming, and the prospects of trade generally are hopeful. The state of affairs in Ireland has improved, and crimes is diminishing. The special powers provided for the suppression of disorder in Ireland had been - largely employed. The speech makes no allusion to the question of reform of Parliamentary procedure, but Bills for changes in the Bankruptcy, Patent, Corrupt Practices, and County Government laws, for the reform of the Municipality of London and the existing criminal code and for otlur objects, will be introduced during the session.