THE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. (BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION) [BY TELEGRAPH.-SPECIAL REPORTER.] Wellington, April 28.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 201, 30 April 1887, Page 5

THE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. (BY TELEGRAPH. — PRESS ASSOCIATION)

[BY TELEGRAPH.- SPECIAL REPORTER.] Wellington, April 28.

WellijnGton, April 28. The fourth session of the ninth Parliament of Now Zealand was this day opened by the Governor, when His Excellency was pleased to make the following speech :—: — Honourable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council and Gentlemen of the House of Eepresentatives, - I have again to express the pleasure I feel in meeting you in Parliament assembled. You will join in regretting that since last session so many members of both Houses have been removed by the hand of death. The loss of Mr Macandrews is widely mourned. It is unnecessaxy that to you who knew him so well, I should dwell on his great qualities as a statesman and a patriot. The proper manner of celebrating the Jubilee of our Most Gracious Sovereign has been considered by Her Majesty, and she has intimated that the founding of an Institute that will remain a permanent exhipition of the wealth and industries of her wide dominion will be most pleasing to her. Stepa have been taken in England to carry this project to a successful issue, and the colonies have been invited to join in this mode of celebrating her Jubilee. My advisers in accordance with the wish of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales have asked the local bodies to invite assistance from private individuals and it will be for you to consider what further steps should be taken to testify in the way desired by our sovereign, or in such other manner as you may approve, the love and loyalty of this colony to the Crown. A conference convened to discuss important subjects affecting all parts of the Empire is now being held in London. This is the first meeting of the kind in the history of our country, and it marks a new era in the great work of colonization I have no doubt that even should its results appear to be meagre, the very fact of such a conference will help forward that close union of the empire which the citizens of a great State must desire to see maintained and developed. The more firmly the bonds of relationship between English-speaking people are drawn together the better it 'must be for every colony and dependency of the Empire. The question of naval defence has necessarily been discussed by the dele gates. lam glad to be able to inform you there seems every prospect that a reasonable and fair arrangement will be concluded between the Mother Country and her colonies. A propostl has been made which will be duly submitted to you, by which, at a compnratively feniall cost to the coloey, the fleet in the Australasian waters will be increa&ed and due provision made in time of war for tho protection of the coasts and shipping. Perhaps, however, the moat gratifying announcement that can be made in reference to the subject is that the firmness of my advisers in urging, the claims of New Zealand to be regarded to some extent as a distinct naval station has been crowned with success. New Zealand subject to your approval of the proposed arrangement, is therefore to be head quarters of a portion of the fleet with a peace establishment of two vessels of war. Such a recognition of her Maritime position cannot fail to be of service to her commercially and my Ministers desire to express their sense of the generosity with which the other colonies supported this proposal. So far as tho Conference has paoceeded all may rejoice at the harmony that has characterised its proceedings and the evident feeling in favour of union that has been displayed by Her Mayesty's subjects in all parts of the Empire. Intimately related to naval protection are the defences of the principal ports, which are also the chief centres of tjie wealth of the cpuntry. I am glad to be able to state that the defence works are gradually approaching completion, and that the Government is now in a position to entrust their execution to the permanent forces of the colony. When the forts and batteries are finished, the harboiir defences of New Zealand will redound to the credit of the colony, and will be of the utmost service to her should war arise. The cultivation of friendly feelings amongst the colonies cannot be too strongly ux'ged. , The colony of Victoria is about to celebrate the Australian centenary by holding an International Exhibition, and you will be asked' to consider whether New Zealand shall be represented on such an important occasion. An exhibition of this character cannot fail to bo of immense service to the colonies in bringing before visitors from all parts of world, the products and resources of these, vast territories that only require capital and labour for their further development, and the increase in the pxice of wool, and the bountiful grain • harvest that has just been reaped must have a beneficial effect on ,all the industries of, the colony. , Though 1 the price of agricultural produce has been low, the work of settlement has made great progress and You will be pleased to team that, large nnmbers of families have been attached to the soil during the past year under the various schemes of the Land settlement that are provided for in the Land Act. When the large areas that have been recently acquired from natives on the route of the North Island main trunk railway have been made available for occupation by the construe

bion of the line, there will no doubt be further extension of settlement in the interior of this Island. The difficulties in the past in arranging with the natives for obtaining suitable land, are daily lessened, ana the recent adjudications by the Native Land Court on some millions of acres proves that the Maories are awakening to the advantages to be derived from the profitable occupation of their lands. Papers will be laid before you regarding the conference held in Sydney relating to the importation of stock into the colonies. Gentlemen of ehe Housk of Representatives, — The estimate of revenue and expenditure for the current financial year will be brought before you at an early dute. The revenue has been diminished to a considerable extent, partly by the fall in the price of gooilb and partly also by the happily-increased habits of temperance amongst the people. My advisers recognise the necessity of limiting the expenditure as far as the wants of the colony will permit, and I have no doubts that when the financial position and requirements of the country are placed before yo\i they will receive yonr most care ful consideration. Hon. Gentlemen of the Legislative Council and Gentlemen of the House of "Representatives : A Representation Bill will be brought before you. Its purpose will be ho to deal with the subject that after every census the' representatation of the colony will be selfadjusted. The reform of the Legislative Council has bacn frequently before Parliament. My advisers believe that it may be fittingly consideiel when a measure for the represent ai.ion of the people is being discussed. A Bill on the subject will be brought before you. "3 he Loans to Local Bodies and Government Loans to Local Bodies Acts which were passed by Parliament la&t year have given treneral satisfaction throughout the colony. Experience, howevor, has shown that some amendments may be necessary in order more effectively to carry out their provisions, These will be submitted to you My advieers believe that one of the main aids to the progress of the colony is the promoting of Agricultural Settlement Much has already been done in this direction. It will be for you to consider whether exceptional legislation is not desirable to establish amall farm settlements wheie there are no Crown lands available. My advisers believe that together with agricultural and pastoral settlement it is of the utmost importance that other industries should be encouraged. Yon' will be invited to consider how this object can be accomplished. The good feeling that is being exhibited by the Maoris towards the Government has been evidenced m a marked manner by the generous offer to the colony of the Kuapehu, Tongariro, and Ngaruahou Mountains by the Ngatimoharefcoa tribe, who desire that a large area of land should be set aside as a national park. You will be asked to legislate on the subject in order that effect may be given to their wishes. Efforts have been mode to further and develop the mining industries of the colony, the pressing want at the present seeming to be some mode of treating the iich and varied ores that are to be found in many part* of the Country. It is hoped that new methods may be applied which will turn to account the valuable mineral resources of the gold fields that are now left unproductive. The question as to the assistance that can properly be devoted to such a purpose will, no doubt, receive your close attention. You will be asked to consider bills providing foramenr-'meots in the electoral laws, the Government Insurance Act, the Criminal Law, and the Guardianship of Infants, and for tho Constitution of Railway Boards of Advice. Various other bills will also be submitted for your consideration. I commend to you-r attention the impor tant questions that will be brought before you and I hope that under the blessing of God your labours may prove of great service to the colony.

The opening of Paiiiament yesterday afternoon was decidedly tame. • Wellington was itself on the occasion - cold, wet, and miserable. The rain fell in sharp showers occasionally, but cleared offlaterintheafternoon. There were sixteen " peers" assembled in the Upper House at 2 o'clock, awaiting the arrival of the 'Governor. The galleries were Crowded, the fair sex largely predominating amongst the spectators. Precisely at two o'clock the distant booming of artillery announced the fact that His Excellency had left Government House, and immediately afterwards he drove up to the entrance' to the Legislative Council, whei'e he was received by a guard of honour can sisting of a detachment of the Permanent Force. His Excellency entered the Chamber, accompanied by Captains JFortescue, A.EKCL, and Medley, Hon. A.D.C., Major Jervoas (private secretary), Lieut-Colpnel , putts, Lieut-Colonel Bailey. Count Jouftray D&bbaus (French Consul,) Mr C. J; Toxward (Danish Consul), Mr C. Castendyke (German. Consul), and Ma jar-General Whit-more. Ladjy,' Jervois, Miss Jervois, an,d a large nuHafoer of ladies occupied seats in the, body, ofitheChamber. The usual summons was sent, to the "Faithful Cornmose," whp t presently crowded iiijbo the Chamber \h fcho- most, approved schoolboy fashion s at the Uqe.ls,of Sir Maurice O'Rovke, t)ieif .Speaker. The attendance 6f tW members of the Lower House -wad larger than, usual, sixty-three putting^ an appearance. All the members of the Gove'rßment were present with the exeepiiojraF Sir Julius Vogel and the Hon. W.J. M. Larnach, , Sir Grey was aj^in absent on prihoiple, although he was <>ne of the first members to ejiter the Low(w Chamber subsequently. The Hon. Patrick Buokley hand,os the speech to His Excellency, by whom it was read with duo effect, This done, the Com,- 1

mons trooped back to their own chamber, where notices of several bills and a number of questions were given.

Mr George Grey's Bills As the speech was read again by the Speaker* Sir George Grey was one of the first to catch the Speaker's eye, and Avhen he announced his bill to regulate the admission of persons 1 to the pi'actice of law there was an ironical laugh from several of the lawyers of the House. Sir George does not intend to drop any of his policy bills.

Utiibbit Extermination. Mr Ceorge Williams, of Auckland, is still in Wellington in connection with his patent for the extermination of rabbits. He complains of the disinclination of Inspector Bayley to give his plan a trial, and at the same time doe 3 nob think Mr Buckley has treated him fairly. Mr Williams claims that his patent will destroy ninety per cent, of the i-abbits in any locality, and is very anxioust to arrange for a trial in the South. He is willing to give his services free of charge, in order to prove the utility of the system. He paid a visit to the Wairarapa district, but the settlers there were unable to raise sufficient money to pay the necessary expenses before the business was proceeded with.

The JXew Speaker of Council. In the Legislative Council yesterday Mr Olliver took occasion to express the satisfaction of himself and other members of the Chamber at the accession to the chair of the, Hon. G. M. Waterhouse. These remarks were reiterated by the Hon. Mr Buckley, and in replying, the Speaker said that so long as ' he occupied the chair he would endeavour to conduct the proceedings of the Chamber in strict accordance with the usage of the English House of Lords.

*d<lre>s-m Reply. I have it on good authority that Mr Fraaer, I/he newly-elecbe 5 member for Te Ai'O, is not quite satisfied with himself for having promised to move the Address-in-Reply. My informant adds that Mr Fraser is not likely to be an enthusiastic supporter of the Government during the session, and will differ from them on a number of points of policy.

The t;ivil Servant . The Civil servants of Wellington are not deeply interested in politics. They are allowed a two-hours' holiday this afternoon, in order that they might witness the opening of Parliament, but it is hardly necessary to say that they were conspicuous by their absence from the ceremony. They were, however, represented by an army of "sisters and cousins and aunts."

New tteinbrrs. The following new members were introduced in the House of Representatives yesterday : — Mr Thos. Bracken, inti % oduced by Sir Robert Stout and Mr (Jore; Mr Monk, by Me^pis Mitchel<3on and Fergris ; Mr Jones, by Mr McMillan and the Hon. Mr Richardson : Mr Fraser, by the Hon. J. Ballance and Dr. Newman ; Hoani Taipua, bv Messrs Pratt and Fergus.

Intentions of the Opposition No amendments will be offered to the address in reply, but the leading Oppositionists will enter their protest against the policy indicated in the Governor's speech, and express- regret that no thorough retrenchment has been foreshadowed. This cause has been determined on so that Ministers may not taunt the Opposition, as they did last session, with giving tacit approval to the speech. So many members have declared themselves as free lances, that it is impossible to foretell what the result of the session may be. The key-note to the position has been pithily put thus : Any direct hostile vote, if proposed in the present; posi'ion of parties, would prove abortive, but; the Government are so situated that it is impossible they will be able to carry any of their main policy measures. The Lands Acquisition Bill is said to be certain to be defeated, a majority of members having been sounded and found opposed to it..

Bankers' Amendment Act The first bill of tho session was in circulation yesterday. It amends the Bankers' Act by repealing Sections 15 to 20, , and pro-, vides that a. copy of an entry in a banker's book shall be received in legal proceedings as prhnd facie evidence of such entry. It taust be 'first proved, however, that the book is 'one of the ordinary books of the bank, and that the entry was made in the ordinary course of business. Power is given to a judge to order an inspection of the bankers' books. ' Mr Taylor, the facetious member, intends to ask the Government ta make provision to extend the hours of polling till 8 p.m., and to biing in a bill to amend the Property Tax in. the direction of levying ' the tax on a graduated scale in or<4er that all classes of the community shall contribute their fair quot& to the revenue in accordance with their, means. Tlu&re is a larger assemblage of. pressmen, in Wellington this session than usual. A\ meeting of the "Gallery" was held yesterday, when M» E., W. Morrison, of Napier, was elected chairman, and Mr Qakley Brown, cd Wellington, vice-chair-man. j Mr Tarnbull is moving for extension 1 returns relative^to the cost incurred b>y the ' Crown in the i&rosecution of Thomas Hall, ' and sums paicf; to the Crown Prosecutor, His object is Gql very cle^.% Quite a sheaf of bilte has already bee» , given notice* of , but motion* has bees* j made so far of the Representation Bill. Sir Robert Stiout promises a bill to amend th/j 'Employn&ent of Females an<s Others Act , and also 3 an Amendaaentto th>© High S«Jioo"is Reserve Act. Sir George Qrey has, framed billfj to repeal the Contagious Diseases AcJc, to authorise the purchase- or acquisition of lanss for private settlement, to regulate the admission of persons to practise in the aom ts of iftW, and to provide for tlie limitation of vobes in the election .for,i:epx'es^ntatives io the House of Repxesentativeff. Mr/ ,W. D. Stewart seeks to amend the Friendly Societies Act.

I ministers Unprepared. The ■ w Post " doolares that Ministers

are not prepared with thoir policy measures and says : " Rarely indeed has a Ministry had graver or more momentous questions imperatively requiring to be dealt with, and rarely, we believe, has any Ministry met Parliament in a state of greater unpreparedness. We may be mistaken, but when the House comes to deal with the real business of the session, and looks to the Government in vain for a lead or well-consid-ered suggestion, if Ministers meet with an adverse vote during the session, and the probabilities are strongly in favour of their doing so, they will have themselves to blame for it, and their defeat will be in a measure due $ o their having been gadding about the country when they should have been closeted together, carefully considering the nature of the proposals they intended to submit to Parliament. "

Auckland irnivcrsity €oilcge The annual report of the Auckland University College was presented to the House yesterday. It states that the number of persons who attended lectures during the year was 101, of whom 69 are non-mati'icu-lated students. Of the students, 56 are males and 45 females.

Duplicating Auckland Kail way. Amongst the questions of which notice is given to-day were tsvo which are specially of interest to Auckland. Mr Peacock gave notice to ask the Minister of Public Works if he has finished inquiries with regard to duplicating the Auckland railway line by the western route, and whether he intends to take steps to carry out the line in that direction.

Herekino 18 arbour Mr Hobbs is asking the Government to hays a survey made of the Harbour of Herekino, with the object of having buoys placed to mark the channel.