IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 196, 16 February 1912, Page 5

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

OPENING PROCEEDINGS. SPEECH FROM THE THRONE. By Cable —Press Association—Copyright. London, February 14. The weather for the opening of Parliament was dull but dry. Their Majesties received an ovation while driving to Westminster in state.

The brilliant scene in the Chamber was somewhat dimmed owing to the Court mourning. The peeresses were in black drapings, only relieved by white plumes and veils. The Speech from the Throne referred to the friendly relations with foreign nations and the readiness, when a favorable opportunity offered, to join the other Powers in mediating with regard to Tripoli; also considering, with Russia, the best means to assist Persia in re-establishing order and tranquility. Britain would not intervene in China. but would adopt steps to protect British life and property. She recognised that the leaders on both sides had shown a desire to safeguard the lives and interests of foreigners. The Speech dwelt upon the labor disputes, and firmly trusted that a reasonable spirit would prevail on both sides, thereby avoiding developments which might seriously affect the trade of the country and the welfare of the people.

The Speech announced Bills for the better government of Ireland, Welsh disestablishment, electoral, social and industrial reforms, also the carrying out of the recommendations of the Imperial Conferences for the amendment and consolidation of nationality law.

NEW APPOINTMENTS.

Received 15, 11 p.m. London, February 15.

Lord Sandhurst has been appointed Lord Chamberlain, and Mr. C. F. Masterman Financial Secretary of the Treasury.

THE CAPITAL OF LNTDIA.

STABLE GOVERNMENT FOR PERSIA.

POLITICAL STATESMANSHIP.

Received 16, 12.30 a.m. London, February 15.

Mr. Aaquith justified the change of the capital of India from Calcutta to Delhi, and said there was good reason to hope that stable Government would be created in Persia, where Russian troops Rußsian troops were being withdrawn.

He angrily repudiated Mr. Bonar Law's insinuation at the Albert Hall that the Government was creating offices with the intention of filling them with their own political partisans, and challenged Mr. Bonar Law to prosecute the charge in the House of Commons.