PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 105, 23 June 1900, Page 2

PARLIAMENT.

THE OFFICIAL OPENING. [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, June 22. The official opening of Parliament took place to-day, at 2.30, when His Excellency read his address in the Legislative Council Chamber. The weather was fine, but overcast, and there was a large attendance of the public, both inside and outside the Chamber. Eighteen members of the Council were present, and the Lower House was strongly represented. Lord Eanfurly was accompanied by Colonel Pole-Penton, Captains Owen and Alexander, Commander Watson (of H.M.S. Lizard), and the foreign Consuls. The guard of honour was composed of a body of bluejackets and marines from the warship, and the College Rifles. The usual salute was fired by a battery.

GOVERNORS SPEECH. Wellington, June 22. The first session of the Fourteenth Parliament of New Zealand was formally opened this afternoon by the Governor, when His Excellency was pleased to make the following speech : Honorable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council and Gentlemen of the House op Representatives, — It is with sincere pleasure that I again meet you in Parliament assembled. The favorable impression that I formed of your colony in the past is fully borne out by the improved condition and wellbeing of the people, evidence of which I have witnessed with pleasure, and my belief in its large resources grows stronger from further and more intimate knowledge. During the recess I have visited most parts of the colony, and have noticed with gratification the general prosperity which obtains amongst all classes. Those engaged in pastoral and agricultural pursuits are prospering, industries flourish, labour is plentiful aad better paid than in other parts of the world, and the mining industry has developed in a marked degree.

' The attempt made on the life of the 1 Prince of Wales caused a shock through--1 out the civilised world. The people of New Zealand heartily rejoiced at the ? escape of His Royal Highness, and on 1 their behalf I forwarded the heartfelt congratulations of the colony, in reply '> to which a gracious acknowledgment " was received. f During the recess there have been 8 changes in the Ministry, the Hon. Mr. 3 Cadman having, through ill-health, re- * signed the several portfolios held by > him to take a well-earned rest from B labours which have been for the gcoi of the colony. He has been.called to the r Legislative Council, and retains his seat s in the Executive Council. The Hon. F T. Thompson ha 9 also retired from 1 the Ministry, and I have called to my 6 assistance the Hon. J. G. Ward and * the Hon. James McQowan. The loyal devotion and affection of the 9 people of New Zealand to Her Gracious * Majesty, and their determination to F uphold the supremacy of the Empire, '• have been demonstrated in a manner 1 that has evoked the commendation and admiration of all well-wishers of the " British nation. The Parliament of 1 New Zealand was the first to offer as--1 sistance in the emergency of the EmF pire that had arisen in South Africa, 1 and that a contingent from pur shores '■ should be the first to land at the seat " of war is a muter for proud recollec- * tion, In view of the continued neces- ' sities of the campaign this colony has [ in addition sent four other contingents '• to do battle in South Africa for justice 3 and freedom on bahalf of those of our " kindred who were denied liberty and * who suffered oppression, and, if needed, 3 is quite prepared to send more and F larger contingents to follow. By thtir ? spontaneous and deteinvnsd action the 9 people of this colony have of their own fc volition assumed a responsibility in ra- ) gard to the Empire far-ioactuDg in 5 effect and self-sacrificing and patriotic * in its nature, It is gratifying to know 3 that our action and the motives inspir- > ing it have been fully appreciated by 1 our kinsmen across the seas. The I arming, equipping, and sending free of II oost to either the Imperial Govern--3 ment or the Government of this colony ' of one contingent, and the sending pf - another on similar conditions with the i exception of the cost of transport, are 1 matters of which the colony has every * reason to feel prond, and dernoußjbj.'&te s a patriotism which is lasting,'solidjapd - sincere. The New Zealand soldiers in 3 South Africa have acquitted them- } gelves admirably, and have well main--3 tamed the traditions of our nation, and ' prove that climatic changes and distance -from the Mother Country have in "no ' way damped the military ardour, curi tailed the powers of endurance, or * otherwise dejierioi'ated the race. Our soldiers fighting on the veldt' in South Africa have done our colony oredit, and * have won the gommendation of the : distinguished Ciomttjanqlbr-j u-Ohipf and 1 of the able Generals under him. and ■ are entitled to our gtatitude, as they have won our admiration. The call of the Empire to her sons has been cheer--1 fully rt/sponded to, but not without suffering, for in the struggle many valuable Ijyeg have t'eep locrt, and ere the end cornea others no doubt 'will be sacrificed. I feel sure that you will < join with &3 iu offering to the bereaved relatives our heartfelt sympathy, i Much to thejr disappointment it wa§ ■

not found possible to accept the offer made by the Maori people to furnish a contingent, Their devotion to the Qieen, however, found expression iu the generous contributions which were made to the several funds, The surrender to Germany of British rights in Samoa has caused considerable disappointment, but J hope countervailing advantages to Great Britain have bean secured by the cession of certain valuable rights in other islands. I feel satisfied that the matter was well considered, and that those upon whom the responsibility rested deemed the arrangement to be in the best interests of the Empire. My Advisers consider it to. be of the first importance to the Empire and this colony that British interests in the islands of the Pacific should be definitely conserved, and, in reßpeet' to several of the islands that with the concurrence

of the inhabitants annexation should, ■ where possible, take place. With a 'view of removing difficulties and providing satisfactory administration the extension of the boundaries of this colony may be found necessary, and if so the people of New Zealand may be required to assume the increased responsibility. The prospqct of the early federation of the Australian colonics is a matter of great interest to New Zealand, and although my Advisers deem it not advisable nor opportune to federate at the present time, we entertain no unfriendly feeling towards the natural aspirations of our Australian neighbours. Looking to the future as an outlying State directly interested, representations were made to the Sec«etary of State on the subject. Id the stress of a terrible famine the Viceroy of India appealed to this country, as well as to other portions of i the Empire, for help on behalf of the millions of human beings, our fellowsubjects, famine-stricken and helpless in that part of the Empire, and after consulting members of Parliament, my Ministry decided that substantial aid from the colony should be forwarded. A conflagration, exceptionally widespread in its devastative effects, befel the city of Ottawa, and thousands of people were left homeless and destitute. My Advisers, after ascertaining the wishes of the members of Parliament, contributed substantial assistance on behalf of the colony. Grateful thanks from Canada came in return.

Mb Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives,— The Estimates for the year will be laid before you, and they have been prepared with due regard to economy and the necessities of the public service. In respect to the defence forces, harbour defences, the cost of sending and maintaining the contingents, and generally placing our defences on a safe and more satisfactory footing, as you will naturally have concluded, a largely increased provision will have to be made. The increasing traffic on our railways demands that a proportionate provision on the Estimates should be made to meet the growing need of the growing reproductive expenditure, inasmuch as money intelligently expended on the railways is more than compensated for by increased revenue. My Advisers find themselves in a position to grant large concessions in respect of passenger fares and freights. i It will be pleasing to you to know I that we have a steadily increasing revenue, ample to meet present requirements notwithstandiDgl the extra 1 calls made upon it. During the present period of universal prosperity the opportunity is afforded of calmly and equitably considering the incidence of taxation. It is undoubted that thej great buoyant? of trade has added largely to the revenues raised by indirect taxation. I trust you may at no distant date consider the incidence of indirect taxation with a view of reducing customs duties levied on the necessaries of life.

Honojuble Gentlemen or the Legislative Council and Gentlemen op the House ov TIVES,That the bubonic plague exists in several of the Australian Colonies is unfortunately true, and tho stretiuous ofiorfs made to prevent its appearance in New Zealand and to minimiss its dire efi'ects, should it appear here, will, I feel sure, receive your warmest commendations. Nothing Ins heen spired that science or common senso cou'd suggest to prevent its spread to tlw colony, and so far with succss. To* laws, however, respecting public health are defective, and do not give necessary power to preserve the health of the people or to grapple with a scourge like the one which threatens us, Commissioners, both Eurcpmn and native, havi been appointed in several distri sof the colony, and the iuforinali m gai jd by them, and the reports that the) furninb, will be of service. Legis latjou in respect to the public health will be submitted. The successful result of the policy of seeming acquisition of lands fot closn settlement and the placing of people thereon fully warrants the continued and vigorous development of the system. Close settlement has been highly beneficial, and the increased products thereby obtained have swoilod our exports in a large degree, and helped to bring about the general prosperity now existing. The cheap money lent to settlors under the Advances to Sutlers Act has materjajly helped to fecuro a reasonable rate of interest, s),ud hag been of great assistance, particularly to leasehold tenants of the Crown. The most sanguine expectations of my Advkeis have been realised, and the succdss that has attended the operation of this) l.v.v fully warrants further attention to the question. The requirements cf the country necessitate that f urthar moneys shall be raised for this purpose. tensions to ths daseryiug aged have proved to be a grea ; t boon to many old colonists requiring assistance. Circumstances whicfj could not in the first jmstance have been foremen have paused a somewhat larger expenditure than was anticipated, but, notwitbßsandjns this, the strain lias nob proved too great for our resources, and the continuation of this law is considered by my Advisers to be in thebesfc interests! tf humanity. u ''" " ' - j It will be gratifying to you to know! ihat the long-standing dispute with the I Midland Railway Co. is at last settled '

The case was decided in the colony'* favour by the Supreme Court; it was then taken to the Oeurt of Appeal, which also decided in' the colony's favour. The djbenture-holders then took the case to the Privy Council, which has decided that the course taken by the colony was legal and within tha terms of the contract, It will thus bo seen that the Arbitration Court, Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and Privy Council have all aflirmed that the action of the Government throughout has been within the law, and that neither the company nor the debentureholders have any legal ground for complaint, I understand that Parliament will be petitioned and that consideration for the debenture-holders will be asked for in consequence of the delay that has taken place. Settlement of the laud has been retarded and an amendment of the Laud 4«i will be

required so that justice may be done to uccupiers of land within the Midland area. As an outcome of the popular will the duties of the State have been oansiderably enlarged. The increased administrative work, owing to the growth of population and business and increased State departments, unduly taxed the energies of Ministers to such an extent as to warrant your attention and consideration. The time is opportune to deal with overcrowding in our cities, and by legislation generally to deal with this important part of our daily life on modern and progressive lines. The commerce of the colony and improved conditions by means of steamers with the markets of the world are matters of the greatest importance, and my Advisers are of opinion that every effort should be made to open up new markets for our produce and to regulate established markets on equitablyframed conditions. The Chambers of Commerce, if placed on a satisfactory footing by being made truly representative of the commerce of our country, should be of more real benefit to the community than they are at present. To enable this to be done, proposals will be placed before you. The experience of the past f9W years points to the necessity for consolidating and amending our labour laws. Owing to the lapse of time and altered conditions other laws require revision, amendment, and consolidation. Proposals will be made dealing with domestic and other reforms. The lessons taught by the war in South Africa have not been lost upon my Ministers, and heavy liabilities have been incurred by increasing the number of volunteer corps and obtaining arms and munitions of war. In view of late developments and to meet altered conditions the laws relating to the defence force require revision, und necessary amendments will be submitted. The establishment of a fully equipped reserve force for Imperial and Colonial purposes witbin prescribed limits, and on terms to be arranged between the Imperial authorities and this colony, is worthy of your consideration, Tie present system of local government is not satisfactory. A reduction in the number of local authorities, greater power and assured finance are essential, and though the matter is one that requir«s much attention, time, and thought, I hope that you will not Kfiiitik from the task of placing local government on a more satisfactory tusip.

Yuur attention will -be required in respect to carriage of our mails via San Francisco, and also mails for the Pacific Islands and els jwhere. In connection with extended and improved mail services, the interchange of products and the development of, trade generally should foim an important factor. The improvement in breeding of horses and cattle, tlie inspection of meat, slaughtering of sheep and cattle, and grading of products are subj cts worthy of consideration. In the interests of the educational system of the colony prop >sals will be submitted dialirg with teachers' salaries. You will also be invited to consider legislation for granting further aid to technical education in the interest of the youth of bath races, also to consider several necessary amendments and consolidations of the laws iU'eeting labour, regul.iting tbo houiß 'hereof, and pioviding for compensation for accident.

i lam pleased to be able to state that raining in all its branches maintains i'.s position ninougst tha iudus ins if the colony, t'uo yield of gold fjr the yeat 1899 being the highest for the past 26 years, while the cutput from the co*l mines shows a steady incieise, Hu« best to fuither the development i f out coal measures and insure an increased output at a reasonable cot to conHumers will, I hope, not be overlooked. Our leading quartz mines continue to yield satisfactory re'.urns, while thi impetus given to alluvial ruining by the improvements made in the inuchiuoiy and appliances for the rteov. ry of gi 1 i from the river beds and flats of theM ddlfl Ilmd has been the means of aGbrdiog..«uployment to a large number of men, As extensive areas of agricultural land in the Middle Island are expected to prove payably auiif ;r----ous, the question of the best means to be adopted for extracting the go'd in such manner as not to leave these areas thereafter unfit for agricultural purposes is ore requiring cireful attention. My Ministers recognise the necsssty for a more vigorous prosecution of nilway construction, especially between centres of population, and proposals regarding this important matter will be placed before you. The establishment of a Pacify) cable has also engaged tho attention of my Advisers, aud no effort has been or v i I ba sp.»r6d tj uadertaka the c jinny's| share of its responsibility in coi.n iutiou with this important worj;. Duiing the recess several lirgo and I representative meetings have been held by the natives, and from them, through oueir chiefs, every assurance of loyalty and deßire for the good of both" races has been made to me. Measures affecting the native race and dealing with their lands wil} be laid before you. I comuiend these several matters to your serious consideration and attention, and trust the guidance and blessing of the Almighty may enable your latZuTZ t" ha taught with good to the people of ot;r colony and the great | Empire to which we belong. I

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. In the Legislative Council, a message was received from the Governor, notifying that leave of absence had been granted to the Hon. Francis Arkwright for the session. Other messages notified the resignation of the Hon. Colonel Pitt (?) and the summoiiing of the Hon. A. J. Oadman, Colonel Pitt, Mr. J. E. Jeukinson, and Mr. John Rigg. The tln-ee last-named members were sworn in. Colonel Pitt gave notice of his intention to move the Address-in-lteply. HOUSE OF IIEPItESENTATIVES. The House met at 3 p.m. Notice was given of a large number of motions and questions, amongst the latter being oue fy Mr, Stevewa with

respect to the prosecution of the North island Trunk Railway. Captain Russell also gave notice to ask what the intention of the Government was with respect to giving pensions to membeis of New Zealand ** Contingents serving in South Africa. Notice was given by Mr. Collins of a Bill to abolish capital punishment. Mr. Witheford gave notice to move the Address-in-Reply, Mr. Seddon moved a resolution expressive of the high sense of the services rendered by Messrs. Joyce, Field, and Orowther, late members of the House, whose deaths had occurred since last session, during which he paid a nigh tribute of respect to the memory of. the deceased. Captain Russell supported the motion, which was carried. On the motion of Mr. Seddon, the House adjourned till 7.30 pm. on Tuesday out of respect to the memory of the deceased.

THE PRESS GALLERY. Wellington, June 22. At a meeting of Press representatives attending Parliament, Mr. A. B. Cohen, of the Dunedin Star, was chosen chairman of the Press Gallery, and Mr. 0. Earle, of the Evtning PoU, vice-chairman. Mr. Thos. Morrison, lof Napwr.who held the position of chairman for many years, asked to be ■ relieved of the position this year.