OPENING OF PARLIAMENT

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 68, 29 June 1910, Page 8

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT

*c*. BY THE NEW GOVERNOR. TIME-HONORED OBSERVANCES. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The third session of the seventeenth Parliament of New Zealand was opened this afternoon in boisterous southerly weather. Both Houses met at 2,30 p.m. for the swearing-in of members, rendered necessary by the death of King Edward. At 3.30 p.m. His Excellency, accompanied by Captain Shannon and Captain Crichton Maitland, A.'sD.C, and Mr. • Kerr Clarke (private secretary), attended., tie Permanent Artillery, providing! the escort and the guard of honor, their departure from Government House in Moleswortb-streot being announced by a salute from guns at Pipitea Point. The accommodation in the Council Chamber, where the formaj ceremony \itook place, was only sufficient to enable the Ministers, their wives, and* very few visitors to take part in the proceedings, but .here was a good attendance of members of both Houses, and the ceremony was rendered interesting in view of th° fact that this waa the first official act <f Lord Islington in connection with the Legislature ol the Dominion. His Excellency read the following speech j—' Hon Gentlemen of the Legislative Council and Gentlemen of the House ol Representatives Having ibeen appointed by his Most Gracious Majesty as his representative in New Zealand, it gives me great pleasure to meet you now for the first time in Parliament assembled. The very warm;and enthusiatie welcome accorded me upon my landing was a strong and stirring evidence of New Zealand's loyalty and devotion to his Majesty's throne and person, and I personally very much appreciated the kind words of welcome extended to me as his representative. I look forward with great pleasure to making myself acquainted with the Dominion, its people and its resources, arid witnessing, when my other duties permit, the world-famed scenery of this interesting country. ' It is only a few weeks since the British nation had to deplore the death of his late Most Gracious Majesty King Ijldward VII., an event both profound in effect and appalling in suddenness. On his demise a throb of grief went forth throughout the civilised world. Our late Sovereign's life was a strenuous one, and his constant desire was to promote the best interests of his people. He sought unremittingly' to maintain their liberties, and to improve their conditions. In his death the world, in losing the greatest friend of peace, has suffered incalculable loss. He died loved and revered by his subjects, and the memory of his works will live for ever in our hearts. Messages of sincere sj r mpathy and condolence were forwarded by the Prime Minister, .on 'behalf of the people of New Zealand, through my predecessor, •to his Most Gracious Majesty King

George V. and the Royal Family, to which a grateful and appreciative reply., was received through the .Secretary of State for the Colonies. On the death of his revered father, his Majesty assumed the throne as King George V., and the people of this Dominion most loyally acclaimed the reign of the new King,, and his accession was fittingly proclaimed at the threshold of Parliament Buildings in every city and in almost every borough ;and county throughout the Dominion similar functions took place. I feel sure that this Dominion, which has already so rapidly, has a still greater future before it, and it will ever during ■ my term of office be my duty and my •pleasure to assist in giving effect to the ■will of the people, and to the promotion of their highest aspirations and ideals. I to announce to you that during- the recess death has removed the Hon. Richard Harman Jeffares Reeves, the Hon. Francis Trask, and the Hon. Jas Holmes from the Legislative Council, | and Mr. Frederick Ehrenfried Baume, K.C., from the House of Representatives, i whose' loss was in each case universally lamented throughout the Dominion. It gives me special pleasure at this, the commencement of my term of office, to be able to congratulate yon upon the .splendid recovery this Dominion 'has made' from the recent financial depression which affected it, in common with the world. It is gratifying to recognise the continued and marked improvement which is evidenced in both the public fihaitces and the industries of the Dominion, and probably it is fair to say . tlint iNew Zealand is now in as sound "i" l .' prosperous a condition as she has been: at any time during her history. In thiij connection It is interesting to notice that the Yalue of our products for last year exceeds that of the previous twelve months by a sum of upwards of six millions sterling. During the last twelve months the alienation and settlement ot Crown lands and of all lands purchased from native owners and also from European owners under the Land for Settlement Act have continued with more than usual energy. The great increasing demand for land by bona fide small .settiers is conclusive pioof o" the need of the closer land settlement of this Dominion, and of the necessity for procuring by every resource within the powers lof Government the necessary land to reasonably satisfy this increasing demand. The purchase of native lands vor European settlement has been carried on with as much expedition as possible, and as far as the financial limits fixed by law permitted. It is gratifying to know that' the native owners throughout New Zealand who have surplus land for disposal are evincing a spirit of friendliy co-operation with the new Maori Land Boards, and with other statutory agents [ making these surplus lands available for European settlement, while on the areas retained for their use and occupation the settlement of the Maori lands is proceeding more vigorously than at any previous period in the history of the Maori race. The Native Land Act, which came into force on March 31 last, made radical and important changes in the ipre-existing land law, and although the ! .

Aft has been in operation barely three Diciuth.-.. the results so far promise that which was expected oil the passing of the important statute in the direction of facilitating and expediting the direct acquisition of surplus native land bv European settlers, will be realised. It has been found desirable for the sake of both the public and commercial interests of this Dominion to promote communication with Australia and some of the South Pacific islands by means of wireless telegraphy, and arrangements have keen made to this effect. The necessity for improving communication with backblock settlement in this country is increasingly recognised, and during the lii-t twelve months very large sums h:i73 teen spent in improving and forming road communication with the settlers on the more remot" lands, which have been in recent years settled in small areas. The operation of the New Zealand State Guaranteed Advances Act passed last session has already had beneficial results, and both country settlers and town workers, and also local bodies, have recognised the improved facilities and advantages for obtaining money furnished by that statute. The greatest interest has been shown in all parts of New Zealand in the scheme contained in the tend Settlement Fi'innne Act, nl- ' though some further anU'hdniehts arc Necessary to give the statute the free and effective operation-' my advisers coufcenipl'ate. During tire last recess this Sounti'y" has 'been honored by a visit of 1 Ihat distinguished soldier, Field Marshal lord Kitchener, who after examining our defence system, defence forces and harbor defences, furnished my advisers with a most valuable communication containing a series of recommendations as to the most effective protection of this Dominion. These' recommendations, so far as they were ri'ot confidential, have already been published, and have been [studied with great and widespread interest. Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the : House of Representatives,— The last year's return of public revenue have been eminently satisfactory. The estimates of revenue and expenditure will in due course be laid before yon. These have as usual been framed with a due regard to efficiency and economy. The work of reducing the cost of the public service by amalgamating departments and 'by reorganising other branches of the pwblic service has been completed, and the savings contemplated will be substantially realised. You win be glad to learn that Death Duties Act of last year has been found to work effectively and smoothly, and will produce the additional revenue which was contemplated at the time of its being passel , Honorable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council and Gentlemen of the House of 'Representatives,—

(Returns will be laid before yon showing the results of traffic throughout our railway system, and your attention will be directed to various questions of importance in connection with the management and extension of ijhat 'braneh of the service;. The present condition of the mail' connections with' the United Kingdom have been engaging' the close attention of my advisors, and negotiations are at present proceeding wi't& a view to giving better and closer mail" services with Great Britain.

Consequent upon the recommendations made by Lord' Kitchener, you will be asked to give your best consideration' to amendments of the Defence Act of last year, which will provide under certain conditions for an extension of the age limit for compulsory training. You will also be asked to consider a number of other important modifications in and improvements of the scheme contained in that statute. Your attention will be directed to the iinpwrtant questionooff f land legislation, and the Land Bill of last year with some amendments will again be submitted to you for approval. > My advisors are of opinion that the time has arrived vvlen an effective kheme for the establishment of a sinking- fund!.for the repayment of the public Bebt should be instituted, so that this country !eould have both a prospect and an assurance of discHarging its public debt within a limited' period of years. The statutory provisions far creating and carrying out such', a scheme will be submitted for vour consideration.

I Legislation will also" be introduced to afford relief in proper cases to the homes, upon which the bundeir.and expenses of rnaternitv now Jail heavily, and a provision will be made whereby the State will, in cases where the breadwinner earns only a wage, ma Ice a substantial •.contribution'towards this relief. The National Annuities Bill of last year with some amendments will be introduced and submitted for your consideration. My advisers--have given further attention to the very important question of local government, and proposals will be submitted" to you for approval as the basis of a comprehensive measure upon the subject. ■lt is considered necessary for the protection of the .people as a whole that effective and trust lcg'slation should be placed on our Statute Book, and a Bill for that purpose has been prepared, and in due course will be laid before you. It has been recognised that in a democratic country the names of all tnose entitled to exercise the franchise should be upon Jhe electoral rolls. This result, it is found, cannot be secured by leaving enrolment to voluntary initiative, and it has been decided to introduce a provision into our electoral law whereby suitable persons will be appointed to ensure the enrolment of adults entitled to the franchise.

Legislation will be also introduced for the purpose of establishing in this country what is known as the post-audit system in connection with our public accounts.

My advisers have decided \ipon a complete revision of the existing prison system of (this country, and the new scheme which has been published is being steadily put into force. To complete its operation, however, some legislation is necessary, and a Bill embodying the necessary provisions will an due course Tie submitted to you. It has after full consideration by my advisers been decided that in the* best interests of this Dominion, the chief sources of water power should be retained in the hands of the Government, and that they should be developed for public, commercial' and mining purposes by State enterprise. To this end legislation

will be introduced providing for the no-1 ces.su ry powerjs and ways and mean.-.. j A Bill niiie|idiiig or consolidating the,' law with regard to land settlement fin-1 iinco and iiisome Assessment., gaming, destitute persons, municipal corporation", l Crown suits, public' holidays, mental hos-i pitals, harbor .boards, native reserves, native townships, rating on native lands, : factories, shops and offices, companies, criminal appeals, bankruptcy, libel and slander, indecent literature,* secret commissions, silver coinage, tramways, education, noxious weeds" and other'important matters will be introduce! for your consideration. I feel sure that in dealing with all these proposals, aiming as they do at the further progress of "this country and at the promotion of the material and social well-being of its people, you will use your best industry and judgment and trust that bv grace of God your deliberations and proceedings will be to the credit of Parliament, tSe good of New Zealand and the honor of the Empire. ' I lEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. ! ■Subsequently the Council met for formal business. I The Attorney-Gcneral, j n speaking to the motion respecting the death of the' late King (similar to that moved in the House), paid an eloquent tribute to the services of the late King, who had, he said, rendered vast Service to the throne of England. Monarchy, had its personal 1 aspect as well as its constitutional aspect. He declared that the stately throne of England to-day stood more stable than ever before, owing to the late King's services. The deepest sympathy'was felt for Queen Alexandra. It was the hope and belief of everyone that King George V. would worthily succeed a worthy father. The .motion was carried, all the members standing 1 . The Attorney-General moved motions' expressing appreciation of the public services of the late Horns. K. H. J. Reeves (Chairman of Committees), Tragk, and Holmes (members of the Council), and condolence with their families. Dr. Findlay sketched their lives and paid eloquent tributes to their honorable public services and to their high indi•vidual characters. These eulogies were emphasised by various members of the Council, and .the motions were carried. A similar motion respecting the late Mr. F. E. Baume, K.C., M.A., LL.B., M.P., was moved by Dr. Findlay, and carried'. The How, Mr. Scotland congratulated Sir Charles Bowen, the Speaker, on the honor done' Mm .by the King: No one had more deserved that honor than the author of oar Education Act. He referred to Sir C. Bowen's long* public services, and said that as the Speaker of the Council' none had ever been abler or more courteous than the present occupant of the chair. The Attorney-General also offered congratulations to Sir Charles Bowen;, and spoke in the highest terms of t&at gentleman's services. Sir Charies Bowen briefly but feelingly replied. On the motion of tine Attorney-Gen-eral, the Council adjourned until Thursday next as a mark of respect to th» late King and the late members of the Council, and the Hon. T, Kennedv Macdonald gav* notice to move the Address in Reply. HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES. The House met at 2.30" p.m. for the swearing-in of members, and adjourned ■to the Upper House for the reading of the Governor's Speech. The House resumed at 3.50 p.m.

The Speaker (Hoii. Mr. Guinness) reI ferred to the death of Mr. Baume, the I Tate member for Auckland East, and I called on 'Mr. A. Myers, the new memI her, to take the oath and His seat. The Prime Minister, in moving that I the Address from the Governor be reI corded, 'referred to the death of the late King Edward, whose efforts since he ascended the throne had been directed to the promotion of peace and goodwill amongst all people. Edward VII, was a born diplomat, and might be described as the "Peacemaker of Europe." The] Premier traced the principal" events in ' tfie kte King's life, saying that King Edward had taken a deep personal in- 1 terest in the overseas dominions. As a man he was thoroughly genial and courteous and at the same time dignified. King Edward's memory would be revered as that of a 'great and god man. He believed that he was affirming the opinion of all classes in the country in placing on record their deep- regret at the King's death.

Mr. W. Massey. Leader of the'Oppo-sio-n, referred to the feeling aroused by the news of the King's death from ail classes and creeds. A cry of mourning went up because a ruler had" ceased in Israel. It was not only as a sovereign but as a man that King' Edward was respected. King Edward's tact and diplomacy had been the mea-ns of preserving European peace. The people of New Zealand would be equally loyal to King George as they had been to Queen Victoria, and King" Edward. He seconded the motion.

Sir Joseph Ward, Premier, moved that the following address be forwarded to the Secretary of State for the Colonies for transmission to King George:— I 'We. the members of the House of Representatives of New Zealand in Parliament assembled, humbly desire to assure your Majesty * that this ■House deeply laments the death of, His late 'Most Gracious Majesty King Edward VII., whose name and reign j will ever be held in lasting remembrance by His late Majesty's sorrowing arid loving subjects. ' This House I respectfully begs to submit to your Majesty its congratulations on your accession to the throne, and assures your Majesty of this House's loyal attachment to your person, and desires to pray for your Majesty the glory of a reign to be distinguished by peace, prosperity, and a general advance in the social and economical lives of your subjects." The Premier moved that the House record its high sense of the faithful services rendered by the late Mr. P. E. Baume, and tender its condolences to his relatives. He sketched the late member's career.

Mr. James Alien (Bruce), seconded', and referred to the fact that Mr. Baume had received his education in Ofcago, and to hius valuable work on behalf of education in the House. The Hon. (t. Fowlds and Messrs. Pole and Glover (M.P.'s for Auckland) also paid tribute to the memory of the late member. Resolutions of sympathy with the] relatives of the Hon. Messrs. Reeves, Trask, and Holmes (late members of the Legislative Council) were also passed. • The Premier moved the adjournment of the House till Thursday afternoon out of respect to the memory jot the late King and deceased legislators. The motion was carried, the njembers\ standing. I j The House rose at 4.50 p.m. j