SOUTH AFRICAN UNION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 178, 7 November 1910, Page 3

SOUTH AFRICAN UNION.

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. DUKE OF CONNAUGHT'S SPEECH CONCLUDED. By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright Capetown, November 4. Continuing his speech, the Duke of Connaught said:— "His Majesty well knows that you have passed through the fires of sorrow, trouble, and misunderstanding. A conflict brought calamity on the land, but all this is now peacefully buried with the past. He recognises, too, that here, as elsewhere, there must always exist marked divergence of political opinion. Such divisions, indeed, of thought and action are of the essence of full, free and responsible government —a government which you now enjoy. The King rejoices in the knowledge that the auspicious union of the South African dominions has already made for the social and material progress of his people, and he feels assured that all South Africans will work steadfastly and honorably for the welfare of their great and beautiful country. His Majesty's earnest prayer is that the Union so happily achieved may, under God's guidance, prove a lasting blessing to you all, and that it may tend to the ever-increasin? advantage and prosperity of South Africa and the British Empire. "-"^'iH "Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Assembly,— "It affords me much pelasure to convey to you this message from the King. I now, in his name and on his behalf, declare this Parliament open." CABLEGRAM FROM THE KING. After delivering his speech the Duke of Connaught read the following cablegram from the King:— "Although it has been ordained that I should not be with you on this great occasion, my thoughts and prayers are tor South Africa and for her lasting union. I earnestly trust that for the sake of the people as a whole your great country may, by God's b essing, under wise guidance and statesmanship, progress from year to ytar, ever increasing in wisdom, happin. ss and prosperity." THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

POLICY OUTLINED. Capetown, November 4. Lord Gladstone's speech was as follows: — "The King has honored you by deputing the Pake of Connaught to open the session of the first Parliament of the Union in the Mother City of South Africa, and to deliver the speech to which we have just listened with keen appreciation. You will, no doubt, desire at the earliest opportunity to send a fitting and grateful reply to his Majesty. "It is a matter of deep regret that the death of our beloved Sovereign King Edward VII. prevented King George being here in person on this historic occasion. It will be ever present in your minds that his late Majesty, who was so profoundly interested in the welfare of South Africa, assented to the Act of Union, the Act that has laid the foundation of a new nationality in this great country, and under its provisions you have now assembled Parliament. To establish, strengthen and protect this nationality in the true spirit of the Act, is the first duty of Parliament." The speech pointed to the necessity of the consolidation of the public services of the colonies on a uniform basis. Lord Gladstone announced that a eom- . mission would be appointed to make recommendations for the organisation and readjustment of the public service. The report would be available before comprehensive legislation was proposed. Some changes, however, were urgently required for which legislation would be submitted. A commission would also be appointed to enquire and recommend on the readjustment of customs, the promotion of local industries and cognate matters.

Lord Gladstone referred to the necessity of gradually making uniform laws applying to the whole Union. Legislation would be introduced to deal with certain matters in which, uniformity was

urgently necessary. Measures would be submitted dealing with audit, naturalisation, railways, harbors, posts and telegraphs, immigration, also stock and plant diseases. The problems of South African defence were engaging the earnest attention of the Government, which was also considering a scheme for the establishment of a National South African University, which would be submitted in due course. The proposals would be framed with full regard to the position and interests of the important Institutions, which for many years had successfully labored in the field of higher education. Lord Gladstone pointed out that Ministers acted under the authority of the South Africa Act, giving, the Government power to meet current expenditure out of the revenue of the Union from the date of union until two months after the meeting of Parliament. The estimates, however, only cover the period to March 31, 1911, a variation necessitated by the proposal to terminate the financial year •on March 31. Estimates to March 31, 1012. would also be submitted. The establishment of the Union has removed from the path of South Africa many of the obstacles which retarded progress and development in the past, and the new era now opening before it is rich in possibilities of great industrial and agricultural expansion. "It is my fervent prayer," concluded Lord Gladstone, "that in attaining peace security and material prosperity your aspirations will also be consta;;;'■• ' : -pctcd to the consummation of the comple' national unity essential to the high p! -ce South Africa is destined to take amoi" the self-governing dominions of the Bri-

tish Empire, and that in and with the spirit of moderation, forbearance, and wisdom you will render the great work of Union a blessing to yourselves and your posterity and an enduring basis for the future political, moral and national welfare of South Africa. And may the blessing of Almighty God rest on'your labors." A BRILLIANT ASSEMBLAGE. COLONIALS "THE CENTRE OF ATTRACTION." Capetown, November 4. The Duke and Duchess of Connaught were accompanied by an escort of Hussars. When they reached Parliament House the Assembly Chamber where the ceremoney took place was thronged with a brilliant gathering, including Senators, members of the Assembly, Provincial Councillors, judges, the consular bodies, the heads of the educational and ecclesiastical worlds. As the Duke of Connaught, accompanied by the Duchess, Princess Patricia and Lord and Lady Gladstone, ascended the dais, the Castle battery fired a salute of 21 guns and the band played the National Anthem. The proceedings were opened by prayers in English by the Archbishop of Capetown and in Dutch by the Moderator of the Dutch Reformed Church. In the proceedings the colonial visitors who assembled were thfe centre of attraction. The arrangements were most elaborate and of unprecedented brililance. AUSTRALASIAN MESSAGES. London, November 4. The Daily Mail published the following message from Mr. Fisher, Premier of the Australian Commonwealth:—"By "this happy turn in her political affairs South Africa has found the only possible way out of her difficulties and a way which, perhaps, after a struggle, will ultimately solve them all." Mr. Fowlds, New Zealand's representative, sends the message: "I think that, despite ripples on the surface, the prospects of South Africa are full of promise. AN ADDRESS TO THE KING.. Capetown, November 4. The Assembly adopted unopposed a motion conveying an address to the King, expressing the heartfelt sympathy of the people of South Africa at the death of King Edward, which plunged the country in the most profound sorrow and regret; also congratulations and dutiful homage on the accession of King George; also thanks to the Duke of Connaught for undertaking the arduous journey to South Africa on the auspicious occasion. Mr. Botha communicated messages of greeting and congratulation from Australia and New Zealand, and a resolution was adopted thanking those dominions for their messages; also from Canada, Newfoundland and Mozambique. The Duke of Connaught, in the afternoon, attended the pageant. Lord Gladstone, in the evning, gave an official reception, at which there was a very large attendance of prominent people. DUKE OF CONNAUGHT'S CABLE. Capetown, November 4. The Duke of Connaught this afternoon cabled to the King:— "I have just delivered your messages and in your name opened the first Parliament of the Union of South Africa. I also read your telegram of good wishes, which was received with unbounded satisfaction. The welcome given to me as your representative is most enthusiastic. All classes of the community have received me with the greatest cordiality. The historic proceedings to-day have been very impressive, and there is a general consensus of opinion that the new Parliament enters upon its responsible duties under the happiest auguries and supported by the goodwill of all your subjects in South Africa."

MESSAGE FROM THE BRITISH MINISTRY. Capetown, November 4. The Governor-General has received the following message from Lord Crewe to be read in Parliament:— '"His Majesty's Government offers cordial greetings to the new Assembly on the threshold of its labors in the services of the people now united by indissoluble ties. Ministers cherish the confident assurance that the new Assembly will discharge the great responsibilities committed to its care with whole-hearted devotion to the public weal, and that it will always be the loyal guardian of the constitutional liberties of South Africa. I desire to add a warm expression of my own good wishes as Secretary of State for the Colonies." CABLE FROM KING GEORGE. Reecived 6, 5.5 p.m. Capetown, November 5.

His Majesty the King cabled to the Duke of Connaught the following message:—

'"I am much gratified by your telegram, and am rejoiced to hear that yon opened the first Parliament under "such happy auspices, and with the assurance of the goodwill of my people in South Africa.—George, R. 1."

SOUTH AFRICAN UNIVERSITY. Received, C, 5.5 p.m. Capetown, November 6. The Duke of Connaught laid the foundation stone of the University Hall this morning, when the Council presented an address to the Duke of Connaught. He said the King, as Chancellor, would always take the keenest interest in the University's welfare. He (the Duke of Connaught) hoped the necessary funds would be forthcoming to convert the university into a teaching university.

THE TIMES' SUPPLEMENT. Received (j, 5.5 p-m. London. November 5. The Times published 80 pages, owing to the South African supplement. Mr. Joseph Chamberlain, in a letter, urges the extension and improvement of South African agriculture, and the adoption of more scientific methods, especially in farming. THE CLOSE OF THE WEEK. Received 7, 0.35 a.m. Capetown, November 6. Fifteen hundred people were present at a brilliant mayoral reception in the City Hall in honor of the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, who will attend service at the cathedral this morning.