The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 1905. THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7858, 28 June 1905, Page 2

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 1905. THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

-_ •- The speech of His Excellency the Governor in opening the third session ol the fifteenth Parliament of New Zealand was much on the lines that we anticipated. There were no grounds lor expecting that in the last session ol the present Parliament any startling legislation would be foreshadowed, and those measures which are mentioned as part of the Legislative programme will more than suilice for the short period which members win be willing to devote to their worK. It must have-afforded the Govcrnoi genuine pleasure to congratulate 11k eolonv on its continued prosperity, and the increased 'spending power oi me people. As evidence of this, ■satisfactory state he pointed to the steady Jiiictfia'sc" in population, the decrease per head m in. amount of taxation, the expansion ot the railway and Customs revenue, the satisfactory returns iron! lasi year's loan, and the enhanced prices of this colony's stocks, denoting the improvement in the public credit, aim the confidence of the money market in - Mew Zealand's political and economical prospects. Though this hap py condition of the colony is well Known, it has; received additional cm • phasis by receiving the prominence at corded to the facts in the Governor's speech, and coupled with tlu statement that the rate of interest has fallen so that an added stimulus should be given to industrial enterprise, there is much cause for rejoicing over the improved financial position of the colony and its future prospects. Passing over the references to matters which have occurred since the close of last session, which will doubtless be dealt, with in. due course, the first item on this year's programme appears to be the' increase of the old age pensions from seven to ten shillings per week. This by no means comes as a surprise, and if due care is taken in the administration of these pensions the concession should be a great boon to the recipients. The Premier had already prepared the colony to expect a larger expenditure, on public works this year than was the case last year. In addition to this, and a display of greater activity on' the construction of the more important railways, there is to be an extension of the telephone system to the backblocks—a long-felt need—which, coupled with the completion of roads,i should do much to ameliorate the hardships of the hardpost settlers. That a larger grant should be asked for to meet the growing needs of the Education Department was a foregone conclusion, as due recognition 01 tjie claims of both the large and the newly-settled districts can no longer be delayed. In connection with cuucational matters the question of an amendment of the basis of teachers salaries is to be brought forward with a view to an increase, but whether any solution of the difficult problem w ill be satisfactory to the teachers in general is open to doubt. A scheme for the superannuation os teachers is also to be laid before the House, and here, again, there is likely to be some divergence of opinion consequent on the fact that there are already, a number of teachers who are keeping their positions because the' boards-and committees have no heart to turn them adrift on the world. In stating that the contributions to public bodies required to be placed on an improved basis His Excellency was well advised, and when, later on, indicating that a measure would be introduced having for its object the amendment of the laws relating to local government, the Governor certainly broached a subject that has long been treated as an academical question, but has not yet been brought within the range of practical politics. Such an important 'measure as that mUfmi will hardly receive that careful- consideration tbis session which must necessarijy be bestowed upon it. The aim of the Minwtry appears to be to follow in" "the' footsteps of the Home Government and create large County Councils tlollied with sufficient powers and provided with adequate funds to practically administer the ordinary public .works and other affairs under their jurisdiction with a minimum of aid from Parliament, thus rplicving; the Legislature from much of jts <)e-' tail work, and abolishing a numbec of small local hodies whose struggles furnish an ever-increasing worry to the Government and themselves The tendency to multiply local hodies has* of Jate years been very pronounced, and it is not surprising (hat an attempt is to be made in the other direction. The details of the scheme will be awaited witii considerable interest. Another much-needed reform Is to be the 'subject of legislation, namely, that relating to the settlement of,lauds. The lines on which this measure is to be based are so 'sound that it should entail very lit-

hble discussion except. as to details, ■ and its entry • oh. the Statute Book i will Rive a decided impetus to settle- \ men', as well as remove.what is at t present a blot on the progress of the , country.' Among the. other measures j to hi', introduced are to .be found sev- j eral which are' designed to overcome ( detects in existing legislation. It is ; pro Dosed that the State shall step in and" minister to 1 the requirements of Hi-' working man.so far as providing him with a home is concerned, j and in increase the advances beyond the i usent limit of fifty per cent, of the unant's interest. This may inI duce a larger number than at present avail themselves of the opportunity of esciping from overcrowded quarters in large centres, though it is not likely to effect any 4 but the' better class of those for whom the boon is 111 tended. The proposed Increase of ■magistrates' stipends is an act of justice that will commend itself to mos* people, and the amendment of the law relating to the protection oi young girls should also be commended. The action which is to be taken

ill relation to the Valuation Department, . arbitration and conciliation) awards, compensation for accidents, suppression of gambling, hospital and charitable institutions, Shops and Offices Act, fixing a maximum rate - of interest,' forestry, and other matters will all tend to the best interests of the colony. There Is plenty of workcut out far our legislators, and it is No be hoped that they will malte the best use of their opportunities, for by so doing they will be able to seek the suffrages of the electors with the greater" confidence when Parliament is dissolved.