Opening Parliament

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 311, 28 June 1912, Page 6

Opening Parliament

THE SPEECH FROM THE THRONE. By Telegraph—Press As«ociation. Wellington, Yesterday. The second session of the eighteenth Parliament of New' Zealand was opened at -2.30 this afternoon by His Excellency the Governor, who "delivered the following speech:— Honorable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives,— ' It is with pleasure that I again meet you in Parliament assembled. During the recess my late advisers tendered to me their resignation, which I accepted, and a new administration was formed. I am glad to be able to congratulate you again upon the continued prosperity of, the Dominion. The outlook is promising, and a spirit of enterprise obtains everywhere. During the last two months death has removed the Hon. James McGowan, a member of the Legislative Council, and a gentleman who had earned for himself the esteem and respect of, both branches of the Legislature. Within the last few days death has removed also .Sir John Logan Campbell, an exMinister of the Crown, one of the j earliest pioneers, and ,-a most respected colonist, whoso -beneficent gifts to the city of Auckland will ever be remembered with deep affection. It is fitting that I should mention the terrible calamity that occurred on the wreck of the White Star liner Titanic, so appalling in its suddenness and so disastrous in its results. The profound sympathy of the Government and people of the Dominion was transmitted by me to His Majesty's principal SecreI tary of State for the Colonies, and was duly acknowledged. I During the recess the Imperial Gov- | ernment suggested that • the battle cruiser New Zealand, instead of serving on the China Station, should be attached to the Home Fleet for service in the North Sea, whefe she could be matched against vessels of her size and quality, and that in her stead the armored cruiser Defence, -sister to the Minotaur, should be sent to the China Station. It was also stated that if this were agreed to arrangements would be made that the New Zealand should visit the Dominion in October next to make a three months' stay, extending over Christmas, in New' Zealand waters, thereafter taking up the duties with the Home Fleet. My Government intimated, in reply, that the New Zealand should be stationed where the Home Government was of opinion her services would be of the \ most value.

In regard to defence, you will be gratified to know that during the past year a large proportion of the youths liable for service under the training scheme have been posted to units of the Territorial Force. Camps have been held throughout the Dominion for J all units of the Territorial Army. A j very high percentage of attendance has j been obtained, and the result of the) training may be looked upon as most J satisfactory. The conduct of the men I has been exemplary. The aptitude for 1 military work shown by them and the' spirit in which they have entered into it have been most gratifying. The training of the senior cadets, in face of considerable difficulties, has made good progress. Arms and equipment have been j issued to all units of the force, and all) ranks have been clothed in the new khaki uniform now universally adopted. In future, persons not required for the Territorial forces -will be posted to the rifle clubs, which, it is hoped, will become an efficient second line of defence in the Territorial Army. More rifles have been J ordered for the use of rifle clubs, and j the admission of these clubs to a fuller share in the defence of the country is hailed with satisfaction. !New field guns to replace those of obsolete pattern hitherto in use in the Dominion, are now on their way to this country, and their arrival may shortly be expected. Great assistance has been rendered to the Defence Department by employers of labor, farmers, land-owners, and all classes of the community in granting facilities to ] their employees to attend parades and! camps and by placing grounds at the dis- j posal of the military authorities. ' My advisers deemed it necessary that enquiry should be made into the cost of living, and also into matters affecting, ■ the education system and the efficiency of the unclassified departments'of the civil service. For these purposes com-. missions were appointed, and their reports will be duly placed before you. The settlement of Grown lands and estates acquired under the Lands for Settlement Act lias been steadily prosecuted, and shows satisfactory results. During the past year a greater area, of land bas been purchased than during the preceding twelve months, and every endeavor has been made to survey Crown lands and subdivide the areas still available for disposal, where they are suitable for settlement. The sustained demand for land is rapidly exhausting the balance of the Crown estate, so that a vigorous prosecution of the policy of acquiring privately-owned and native land for closer settlement purposes is absolutely necessary, and will be given effect to. Since the passing of the Native Land Act, 1909, considerable progress has been made in the settlement and opening up of native land. Over a million acres have been alienated to the Crown and private persons since the coming into operation of the Act, and at the present time three-quarters of a million acres are under survey. To obviate the delay that has been experienced in obtaining surveys of lands after they have been dealt with by the Native Land Court, it is intended to expedite auch surveys by allowing the Maori Land Boards to arrange for the work by private contract. The agricultural industry bas never presented more encouraging prospects in the history of the Dominion. Our fertile lands are being more closely settled every year. The country in occupation is being cultivated to greater advantage, thereby increasing individual and national wealth. Our farmers are passing he stage when they depended solely upon the natural fertility of the soil, and are coming to realise and appreciate more fully the importance of the application of scientific treatment of their lands. During the past twelve months continued progress lias marked the operations o! the Department of Agriculture; the usefulness and scope of the experimental stations liave been widened and the number of demonstration plots greatly increased. Instruction for youths has been successfully initiated at our experimental farms, and students now have an opportunity of obtaining on easy terms practical and scientific training in agriculture. -Herds of deep milking strains have been introduced from abroad supplementing the present valuable stock. Considerable scientific investigation has been carried out with respect to dairy produce. Satisfactory progress has been made with bringing into use what may be termed the refractory soils of the Dominion. The year's production of agricultural commodities has been on an expanding scale, and efforts are being made to open new markets for New Zealand produce. to give better facilities for transit and the marketing of our productions.

The increasing diversity of rural activities and the possibilities of the agricultural resources of the Dominion are steadily expanding. My advisers are devoting themselves to making country life more attractive. To this end we extended the parcels post and increased facilities for telephonic communication and daily rural mail delivery are being provided, thus bringing the advantages of city life within the reach of the country dweller. My Ministers have lately extended the scope of the meteorological reports. It is recognised that the Department can be made of value, not only to the seafaring community, but also to those engaged on the land.

My advisers, recognising the desirability of affording facilities for transit to worker.} living away from the congested areas in larger cities and residing in 'homes under more healthy conditions, have arranged for more rapid and regular suburban railway services at low fares.

The question of making higher education more accessible to young men and women of moderate means is under consideration by my advisers by an extension of the system of bursaries, and increased facilities have .-been provided by the Government for those who liave proved worthy to receive free university education. I*r

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives,—

The- estimates are framed with a regard for economy consistent with efficiency.

Ministers liave devoted considerable attention to the conditions of employment of members of the railway service. As the result of careful, investigation, proposals will be submitted in the direction of further improving the position of the first and second divisions of the service.

In view of the fact that it has been successfully demonstrated that our fruit can be landed in excellent condition in the London market and there is a demand for it in South America, Parliament has been asked to vote a sum of money for the purpose of taking and planting areas of country, subdividing such land into areas sufficient to provide homes and friut farms for those desiring to follow the industry. The farms can, if desired, be disposed of under the occupation with right of purchase tenure.

My advisers recognise that the time has arrived for the revision of the. Customs tariff, in order to reduce the duty on many articles in daily use. Concessions will be made in railway passenger fares for children up to five years of age to travel free, and from live to fourteen years at quarter rates: My Ministers are sure this will be appreciated by heads of families.

The revision of the railway freight rates with a view to a reduction on certain articles is contemplated. Amendments will be introduced relating to the incidence of the land and income tax. The system of graduated land tax will be altered so that the rates shall increase uniformly with the value .of the estate. The initial rate will be reduced, so that lands of low value will receive an abatement. The system of graduating income tax will be amended on similar lines to provide for the loss of revenue that will ensue from the amendments. The rate of graduated tax on the higher valued estates will be increased. There will be a slight increase in the higher rates of income tax. The graduated land tax will lie adjusted and made more uniform, the rate being increased from the point of £30,000 unimproved value upwards. The main purpose of the new graduated land tax will be to compel subdivisions in order to ensure the closer settlement of lands.

Legislation will be introduced to distinguish for taxation purposes between earned and unearned incomes, so that earned incomes will bear smaller taxation than those which are unearned. Increased exemption from land tax will be allowed to widows and others in straitened circumstances. A concession will be made to parents who support large families.

The workers' dwellings scheme has met with a large degree of popularity over the whole Dominion. It is proposed to ask for authority to increase the sum hitherto set apart for the purchase of land for the erection of buildings for workers' dwellings. It is the desire of my advisers to afford the worker the opportunity of living in a home which he may call his own. Practical experience has shown that land considered hitherto unproductive is admirably adapted for growing crops. It is therefore proposed to set aside areas of what has hitherto been regarded as poor land for disposal on easy terms for fruit-gowing under co-operative associations in small holdings, and in order to enable farms in their early stages to be profitably worked,, reasonable financial assistance will be afforded to those taking up areas.

My advisers realise tlie great importance of local bodies being assisted to carry on the work of colonisation and settlement, and while recognising that fluctuations of the money market may from time to time compel care in raising money for the purpose stated, are of opinion that the Dominion should pursue the policy of assisting other districts by advancing money to local bodies for long periods at a low rate of interest, preference being given to loans intended to provide access to the backblocks. Assistance will also be given to other local authorities by the State guaranteeing their loans. I am gratified to announce that the financial position of the Dominion still continues satisfactoiy, Full information as to the recent loan will be placed be-

j fore you -on receipt of details from the J Home Country, ; The need of better facilities for transi port in many dairying 1 and other districts is becoming abundantly apparent with, the increased productiveness of these districts, the traffic being too heavy for the maintenance of adequate road facilities by the local bodies. It is proposed to meet the difficulty by the energetic prosecution of light railways and branch lines, which will serve as feeders to the main lines and ports. These would be of great aid to settlement and profitable investments to the State. A measure will be introduced to authorise the prosecution of these lines of railway, and you will be asked for authority for this work.

| My advisers realise fully the great importance of roads and bridges as means of permanently and effectually settling the outlying districts, and consider that the financial operations of the Dominion should be primarily directed to these ends. The development of our railway system to give access to lands at a distance from the seaboard must be steadily pursued, in order that our producer* may not be unduly handicapped by heavy land freights. Last year a number of highly respected members of Parliament were compelled by advancing years and failing health to retire from public 'life. With a view to meeting such cases as these a measure providing for establishing a retiring allowance for members who have served a lengthy period in Parliament will be submitted to you.

Honoable Gentlemen of the Legislatira Council and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives,—

Our manufacturers and merchants, as well as the workers of our country are to be congratulated. There has been no lack of_ employment, while our industries, with few exceptions, have been in full operation, and trades are enjoying steady and assured business. Facts have come before my advisers which show that trusts and combines are operating to some extent in this Dominion, and, a-5 the existing legislation may prove insufficient to suppress the evii, a Bill extending the present law will be introduced.

The Arbitration Act lias in the past secured important and valuable results, and it is -hoped the future will witness a continuance of its benefits. Measures will be introducde 'providing for certain amendments in the Act.

j It is proposed this session to intro--5 dues a measure providing for the better j accommodation of flax-mill workers, shearers and sawmill employees. I It is proposed to amend the Valuaj tion of Land Act, so as to provide a !' more equitable assessment of "improvements" and "unimproved value." The question of a State cable across ithe Atlantic continues to receive attention. Failing assistance from the Imperial Government it is proposed to open up negotiations with the object of liav--1 ing n cubic laid,by the three remaining k partner countries'in the Pacific cable. ' J The'erection of wireless stations is' making reasonable progress. My ailj visers are fully alive to the importance j of this method of communication as a j means .of saving life and property, and | i ; t is 1 hoped, that before long the Seas ■ surrounding the Dominion will be ranged. ito a', consiije'l-a'blc distance from the 1 shore.

J Negotiations have been commenced bej tween theTriinmonwealth and New • land with a view to considering proposals J in regard to reciprocal tarifl's in connec-

' tion with certain articles. This, it: is | believed, will -lead to the advantage of { both countries. '

My' Ministers have under consideration it scheme for the establishment pf rest homt's, where 'persons who'afe'Buffering: from ' temporary mental 'aberration niiiV be dealt \Vitli, instead of fteing placed ia-tic ordinary mental hospitals, and it is also intended to establish boards, of ,a,dyice to assist the medical superintendents in considering whether liberty—should be granted to those in-, mates yhoare, on-the borderland of re : cov«ry. .At same time it is proposed to. develop. the central institution, at Te.kaariu,. on -the North Island Main Trunk line,- 'anc|. {o . cx.ten'd .existing . instSfty tions jn- tji'o large centres upon penman? 'erit and. lines. • ' ' .

. tye .most important factors .in ! national .development js the safeguarding of public-health. Every encouragement I Is. therefore being given to "the''various | hospifaJ boards, to'.'equip .the .base ho_=- . jntals with the latest developments in Science. It" is also gratifying to..kndw that the,public are recognising the value of th/ hospital system, and that, both the voluntary, "contributions-ami- the payments by. pa.tien.ts have steadily, inI greased.-' . ' j You .will be pleased to kno.w that a J regular supply of, qualified nurses is j being drawn from both the ordinary land maternity hospitals of the-Domin-ion, and it is proposed to extend the present, popular-system of trained nurses to the-wives and families of the workers,. and to -those who cannot otherwise • avail themselves, of such services. Tfie advantage of our public hospitals system also providing nurses for the outdistricts is being steadily ami increasingly felt, and my Ministers hope that in the course of time, by following out the- policy that has hitherto been so sneccsfully instituted, the settlers in remoter parts of the Domini'on will receive | many of the benefits in " thfc way "of medical attendance, nursing hospitals, etc., that were for many 'years' regarded as the exclusive privilege of dwellers in our cities. It is hope.d also at an early date to extend' the. maternity hospitals to four other centres, two in the North | Island and two in the South Island. A Legislature Amendment Hill will be submitted for your consideration, providing for an alteration of the method of electing members of the House of. Representatives, by introducing preferential voting 'as a substitute for the system of second ballots. My advisers consider that tile time lias arrived for so. arranging the business of Parliament that it can be done during reasonable hours and with more expedition. The proposals to give effect to this will be submit ted. A Local Government Tiill was introduced last session, ami circulated during Ihe recess to locai bodies throughout the Dominion. Subsequently a conference of delegates from local authorities was held in Wellington. As a result of their deliberations. an amended Hill will lie submitted this session, which it is hoped will effectually deal with this 'difficult and important problem. It is proposed to amend the Defence Act in the direction of substituting military detention in a cam]) or barrack in lieu of imprisonment, ill the case of failure or refusal to parade, or for similar breaches of the Act. This is the practice in Australia. Other miscellaneous alterations in the Act are also proposed. To further facilitate the settlement of the surplus native lauds, mv advisers consider that it will In necessary to make amendments to the .Native Land Act, 1!!()'.). The functions of Maori Land Hoards will required to be extended so as to jjive the presiding officers powers of commissioners of the Native Land Court. This, by allowing these officers to deal with q:i -iluas of succession, will facilitate the working of the Native Land Court-, whilst the judges will be able to continuously carry on the larger sphere of work, such as partitions and the completion of titles. Provision will also be made for strengthening the staff of the Native Land Courts, and, if found

nccess-ary, additional judges will be appointed." Steps will also be taken to ensure the expeditious method of dealing with "Papatugu," or Customary lands, and a number of other amendments will be made in the Act. Dire will be taken to prevent speculation in native land, and every possible facility will be given in the direction of assisting bona fide settlement, in order that the areas reserved for the use and occupation of the Maori owners shall be effectually occupied by them. Special provision will be made under proper safeguards to assist them financially, and also with advice and instruction in modern methods of farming. It is the intention of my advisers to restrict the trafficking in Crown leases that prevails in some parts of the Dominion, and to ensure that Crown land is selected and occupied by bona fide settlers. It is also their intetion to introduce legislation to prevent speculation in Crown lands and promote closer setItlement by all practicable means. It is proposed to introduce important amendments providing for the limitation of the areas of land that may be disposed of. It is felt that the time has arrived when large estates capable of subdivision and settlement in smaller holdings should not continue in the possession of individual owners. Provision for preventing the undue aggregation of estates and restoring the compulsory acquirement clauses by arbitration in the Land for Settlement Act will be submitted. Lee- : islation will also be introduced providing for Hie limitation of areas of land that in future may be held and occupied by any one company, person or family. In the event of owners of large estates not subdividing their land, power may be taken by the State to resume possession. The land so resumed shall be disposed of under the Land for Settlements Act, with provision that the deferred payment system will be added.

In the opinion of my advisers, the time has arrived when there should be established central bureaux of information, which,will gather the particulars of all the Crown and native lands open for settlement or about to be opened for settlement, and also collect information regarding private properties that may be for sale or for lease in different parts of the Dominion. The bureaux would be in touch with land agents throughout the country, and could supply all particulars of lands and their values, thus affording valuable aid to those interested. If bureaux of this description • were established, they would first of all place those in search of land in possession of many important facts, and they could at once proceed to that locality which contained the class of land they were seeking.. Legislation would be submitted accordingly. -; In view of the great importance of agriculture, rny Ministers propose to \ make provision for the establishment of agricultural colleges and additional I experimental farms, and also for the fur- [ ther introduction of dairy stock from 1 abroad. Legislation will be submitted im ; the-direction of providing that workers in the different centres may acquire cottage farms from the State.sufficiently near their usual work to enable them to profitably employ their spare time in fruit-growing, dairying and market gardening, Having regard to the great influence ■ • the railways of the Dominion exercise on the general progress and settlement of the country, and on the development of it?* natural resources and commerce, my advisers are of opinion that the time has artived when it is desirable and expedient to modernise the management of tijfis r great State enterprise. The successful management of an undertaking of ,such magnitude demands the employment of an expert who, as well as being thor"'oughly;' familiar with the utilisation of . the railways as a means of stimulating land settlement, is also closely acquainted witl) and experienced in modern railway management as practised in other countries. As the age limit of the present i General Manager of the Railway Depar tra.ent , andjptlier responsible officials ; Ojtthvßai'lway Department is approach- , ingfjit ls-proposed to reorganise the management and to take steps to invite from abrpad' applications from gentlemen .qttftlifiqd,to. fill,,the. position of general Snftftager. Legislation will be required to • give effect to these proposals, arid i ail amendment to the Government Railways -Act "will be submitted accordingly. This-Will make provision for the payment to the general manager of an adequate' salary, which it is hoped will induce first-class railway officials to compete for the position. . : My advisers recognise the necessity 'for securing the greater safety of those who travel by sea, and the better pro tcction of those who are engaged in lokdiiig and discharging steamers at our ports, _ Several new measures in that direction will be submitted for your consideration.

The first rear's operations of the Xa.tional Provident Fund have led my advisers to consider the desirability of enlarging the scope, of this measure of social insurance. The system will be extended.to enable local bodies to secure .superannuation or other benefits of the Act for their employees, and employers "generally will be granted facilities to assist their employees in taking advantage of the fund. The efforts of the friendly societies in.providing for their members and their families will be encouraged, 11 nd it is intended to introduce legislation to enable a subvention to be paid by the State to friendly societies upon terms that will encourage the operations of .these beneficent organisations.

The report of the Royal Commission on Mining, which was laid before you Inst session, has been considered, and Hills embodying the recommendations made are being prepared, and will De duly laid before you.

Legislation dealing with old age pensions 'will' be submitted, fixing the age for women at sixty years.

A Bill will be introduced amending the I'olice Force Act in certain directions, and remedying omissions in the original Act of ISSfI.

Recognising the important bearing t]i:t t the health of children has: not only on the efficiency of the instruction given in the schools. but also on the future development of the race, my advisers have resoived to initiate a system of modi-' eitl inspection of school children. fu order to promote further educational progress, proposals to amend t ho Education Act will be, submitted. My advisers hope to make further extensions in the direction of free university education. so that the clever children of the Dominion will be able, by reason of intellectual ability alone, to climb without cost to themselves or their parents fiom the lowest to the highest rung of the educational ladder

Proposals will be submitted in (be di- | rection of demilitarising the junior cadets, and of ensuring that more attention Is paid to the physical instruction oi boys and girls attending primary schools, Tlie ideuf of personal development is ;i sound mind in a sound body. All possible means of securing this ideal should lie taken in the interests of the rising gene ration and of the State. The desirability of uniformity ia the law of copyright, was agreed to at the l;v-t Imperial Conference, and an act with this end in view, as well as a consolidation and simplification of the law on the subject of copyright, was recently passed by the TTome Government. A liill on the lines of this measure will be introduced during the session. It is proposed to make certain amend-

merits in lh» Justices of tin* Pence Act, and in lit a Magistrates' Court Act. for the purpose of simplifying procedure in connection with appeals to the Supreme Court.

My advisers reeognise the necessity for improving tlu' law dealing with companies, and legislation on this subject, will be introduced. Measures will ba introduced providing for seed sale control, farmers' co-operative banks, and amendments of our land laws, Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Act, Noxious Weeds Act, and other measures. In commending these matters to your attention I assure you of my heartfelt wish to aid your efforts to further the interests of the country, and I pray that your labors may, with the blessing of God, promote the happiness and welfare of New Zealand.