PARLIAMENT OPENS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 392, 28 June 1928, Page 1

PARLIAMENT OPENS

Spectacle Undimmed by Custom

GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S SPEECH

(THE SXJN f S Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, To-day. EXPECTED to be more a talking session than a working session, a session in which members and parties will be frequently talking to the people, rather than to the walls of the Chamber, the third sitting of New Zealand’s 22nd Parliament opened to-day with the usual form and ceremony, in bright sunshine following a cloudy morning. Though the House is confronted by several pieces of legislation that are plainly of cardinal importance, in several other phases of its business the element of electioneering may be present. The Speech from the Throne is- mainly a review of the affairs of the Dominion during the past year, covering the recent industrial conference, the Dominion’s acceptance of the invitation to participate in the war-renunciation treaty, and the steady emergence from the financial depression. The extension of pensions for invalidity and unemployment has been discussed but no proposal in this direction is to be furthered by the Government. One definite piece of legislation affecting the whole Dominion is proposed, and that is the application of compulsory insurance by motorists against third-party risks.

When his Excellency the GovernorGeneral reviewed the parade outside the House this afternoon, with military colour and civil grandeur evident on every side, and the thunder of the saluting guns reverberating over the capital, the pageant thus presented for the pleasure of the Wellington crowd, which seems never to become sated of this familiar annual spectacle, was simply the climax to a longer but less imposing period of preparation, and the prelude to the annual Parliamentary show that on occasions is as agreeable to Wellington as any theatrical production. In the past three days the shrouds have been lifted from seats and benches in Chambers and galleries. Uniformed messengers, whose uniforms now glitter with electro plated buttons, ■upplied for the first time by a grateful Government, have again taken their places at full strength, and the tinkle of crockery and cutlery in the dark passages of Bellamy’s restores the assurance that the great ones, while “walking with kings, will not lose the common touch.” But these are vagrant impressions. Higher thoughts are stimulated by the affectionate greetings of member and member, meeting in the precincts for the first time since the beginning of the long recess. Again the carpeted corridors of the House know their familiar flguresw»-the rotundity of Mr. Macmillan beside the lofty leanness of Mr. J. C. Rolleston —and a trial ringing of the all-important division bells (dynasties might fall If these were to fail) shows by another portent that the session is at hand. And the business to which ail this, along with the formality of Black Rod’s deferential invitation to the Lower House to visit "another place.” and the presentation of a bouquet to Lady Alice Fergusson in the packed Upper Chamber, is but the protracted preamble—this business was to some extent traversed by the Governor-General In his speech from the Throne. Daylight Saving. Licensing, Bible-in-Schools, and the long-deferred amendment to the Gaming Bill —these are dome of the more important matters to be discussed as the session advances. By the time they are reached, the few absent members, who include Sir Joseph Ward, the Hon. T. M. Wilford, and the Hon. G. J. Anderson, may be back to bear their share in the verbal fray. Speaking from the throne His Excellency delivered the following speech. Honourable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives.— It is with pleasure that I again meet you in Parliament assembled. My visits during the recess to different Parts of the Dominion, which I had not visited before, have further convinced me of the loyalty of the people of this Dominion to the Crown, and I have much appreciated the warmth of the welcome that has been extended to me Since l last met you, a most important step toward the peace and security ot the world has been taken by the Government of the United States of America In their proposal for a multilateral treaty for the renunciation of

war. The principal articles of the proposed treaty are: (1) The high contracting? parties solemnly declare that they condemn recourse to war for the solution of international controversies, and renounce it as an instrument of national policy in their relations with one another. (2) The high contracting parties agree

that the settlement or solution of all disputes or conflicts, of whatever nature or of whatever origin they may he. which may arise among them, shall never be sought except by pacific means. An invitation to become an original party to the treaty has been extended to New Zealand by the United States through his Majesty's Government in Great Britain. My Ministers have in reply expressed their warm appreciation of the invitation and their readiness, in co-operation with his Majesty’s Governments in other parts of the British Empire to associate themselves with the Government of the United States in this movement to add greater security to the peace of the world, and to share in any negotiations leading to the conclusion of the proposed treaty. Samoan Troubles I regret to say that, owing to the disaffection of a section of the popula. tion, the administration of the mandate over Western Samoa has caused some anxiety. As a result of various complaints and grievances alleged against the Administration, it was considered advisable last year to appoint a commission of inquiry, consisting of the Honourable the Chief Justice of New Zealand, Sir Charles Skerrett, and Judge McCormick, of the Native Land Court, to visit Samoa and investigate the complaints on the spot. The result of a long and careful inquiry was to vindicate the Administration, but unfortunately the unrest has continued. Upon the expiration of Major-General Sir George Richardson’s term of office, as Administrator, he fas appointed as one of the representatives of New Zealand to attend the Permanent Mandates Commission of the League of Nations. Colonel S. S. Alien, C.M.G., D. 5.0., was appointed to succeed Sir George Richardson as Administrator of the territory, and took up his duties in May last. The policy of the Administration is. and always has been, to exercise the

utmost possible patience consistent with the due observance of the law. A notable event during the year was the visit of the Right Hon. L. S. Amery, Secretary of State for the Dominions. His discussions with my Ministers on various matters of importance, and his personal contact with all sections of the community, gave his visit a special value. Industrial Peace The national industrial conference which was set up to consider problems affecting labour and industry met during the recess. On some matters the conference came to a unanimous conclusion, and their recommendations are now receiving the careful consideration of my Ministers. On other matters, where unanimity was not reached, the conference dealt with much information, whieh had been carefully thought out and prepared, and on which valuable discussions took place. Throughout all the proceedings there was a spirit of harmony and mutual forbearance, and it is clear that, from this aspect alone, the conference marks a step forward in our industrial relationships. It is confidently hoped that the conference has laid the foundation for a friendly discussion in the future regarding the many difficult P l ' o * that arise in our industrial life. It is a noteworthy fact, and one which shows the good relations existing between employers and employees, thaL the period of depression through which this country has recently passed, ana from which it is now happily emerging, has also been a period of industrial peace. The measures passed last session dealing with the agricultural college*, together with the activities of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. already have been fruitful of results which promise well for the lasting benefit of our primary and secondary industries, and several impor-ant co-operative research enterprises have been inaugurated. In this; much assistance has been given by the Empire Marketing Board. Finance and Tariff “The subject of farmers’ finance, which was given much consideration during the last two sessions, resulted in two measures which have been placed on the Statute Book providing for long-term mortgages and rural intermediate credit. These measures are now in working order, and it is anticipated that much benefit will accrue to the country by the facilities now given to the working-farmer to obtain credit on reasonable terms, and at a low rate of interest. Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen cf the House of Representatives— I am pleased to be able to refer to the satisfactory change, during the last 12 months, in the economic and trade position of the Dominion. Aided by a good season and better prices both the volume and value of_ our exportable products show a satisfactory increase. These factors, together with the opening up of new markets, make the outlook for the future distinctly promising, and should do much to remove the causes of unemployment which unfortunately have been much m evidence during the depression of the last two years. The operations of the public finances for the year ended March 31 last gave a surplus of £179,077 of revenue over expenditure. The estimates for the present year are being subjected to the closest scrutiny with a view to continued economy and control over administrative expenditure. For the purpose of promoting the policy of development in connection with public works, railways and hydro-electric power a loan, amounting to £5,000,000, was issued in London during May. This issue was at 4£ per cent., discounted at £94 10s, and its successful flotation marked a notable break in interest rates, thus indicating the improved financial and trade prospects affecting the Empire generally. Along with this issue for new money a conversion offer was made up to £5,000,000 of the New Zealand Consolidated Stock of £29,000,000, maturing in November, 1929, holders to receive £lO4 10s of new 45 per cent, stock in exchange for their 4 per cent, holdings. The amount offered was immediately taken up. The revision of the tariff last year rendered material assistance to New Zealand industries, and the increased preference granted to British manufacturers, has been well received in Great Britain as a further evidence of New Zaland’s desire to assist Empire trade. Concessions amounting to many thousands of pounds were made in the duty on articles in every-day use by the community. During the recess the Australian Minister of Customs, the Hon. Mr. Pratten, visited the Dominion for the purpose of discussing trade and tariff relations between the Commonwealth and the Dominion. Although the discussions which took place were not fruitful of any immediate results, it is believed that a better understanding has been reached on the various administrative difficulties that had arisen from time to time. It was with deep regret that the people of New I Zealand learned of the sudden death of

Mr. Pratten shortly after his return to Australia. Honourable gentlemen of the Legislative Council and gentlemen of the House of Representatives. Pension Extension Much consideration has been given to the provision, on a contributory and universal basis, of pensions for old age and widowhood, and of insurance against sickness and invalidity. In order to give reasonable benefits under any such scheme, which would necessarily be compulsory, and assuming that the financial liability would be borne by the State, employers and employees in equal proportions, it is estimated that the annual charge on the State would be not less than £325,000, leaving twice that amount to be borne by the employers and employees. This liability of the State would be in addition to the gross sum of £1,314,641 now expended annually for old-age and widows’ pensions, which latter payment would have to continue for many years to come. Although it is recognised that the principle of such a scheme is sound and would remove many anomalies in our present pensions law, my Ministers hesitate, in view of the stress under which many industries have been carrying on, the prevailing unemployment, and the economic conditions generally, to impose this additional burden. Apart from the financial aspect, it has also to be considered whether the conditions that led up to the establishment of the systems now operating in certain closely populated and industrially developed countries exist in .New Zealand to the extent that would warrant the initiation of a similar system here. Consideration must also be given to the effect of such a scheme on the existing voluntary organisations, such as the National Provident Fund, the friendly societies, the hospital and medical services, and other institutions, which are already in existence in this country, and deal with different phases of the problem. While welcoming any discussion on the subject, my Ministers have come to the conclusion that all the different points involved .require mature consideration, and opportunity should be afforded for the examination of the information collected by a commission in Australia which has been sitting for the last three years, and which has recently made its report. Other Legislation It is proposed this session to amend the British Nationality and Status of Aliens (in New Zealand) Act, 1923, by adopting Part 11 of the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, 1914. This will bring the Dominion of New Zealand into line with all other countries of the British Empire which have now adopted Part 11 of the Imperial Act. The effect of this adoption will be that any one upon whom British nationality has been conferred in any part of the British Empire will become a British subject in every part of the Empire, and consequently any one whom New Zealand admits to the status of British nationality can claim that status in any other part of the Empire. The Acts relating to public reserves and domains, rabbit nuisance, divorce, and auctioneers, have been compiled and reconstructed, and these measures will be put before you for your consideration. Consolidations of the Acts relating to magistrate's courts, education, reserves, post and telegraph, inspection of machinery, noxious weeds, public works, kauri gum, and orchard and garden diseases, have been prepared and will also be submitted to you. Under our existing law provision is made for local authorities acquiring charges on land for payment of various services performed by them. The existence of these charges has caused difficulty to people dealing with land, and a measure will be introduced providing for the registration of all such charges. The report on mental deficiency and its treatment furnished by the In-spector-General of Mental Hospitals has been considered, and remedial legislation will be submitted for your consideration. Motor Insurance In view of the large increase of motor traffic and the number of accidents which have occurred on the road, it has been considered by my Ministers desirable that all those who own cars should, at the same time as they pay their annual registration and licence fees, pay an additional sum sufficient to provide an insurance against what is known as the thirdparty risk. The details and working of this proposal will be set out in the Bill which will be duly submitted to you. Bills will also be submitted to you dealing with municipal corporations, companies, property law, police force, State fire insurance, licensing, cinematograph films, land for settlements, New Zealand University, and other matters. I commend all these matters to your earnest consideration, and pray that Divine Providence may so guide your deliberations that the result will be for the good of the Empire and of lasting benefit to the people of this Dominion.