MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 February 1919, Page 5

MOTHER COUNTRY.

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. THE KING'S SPEECH SERVICES OF DOMINIONS APPLAUDED. London, Feb. 10. The King opened Parliament. The streets from Buckingham Palace to Westminster were crowded, and there were many colonials ,oft leave. Owing to the death of Prince John their Majesties did not Use the State coach. Many Australians and New Zealanders were in the Royal gallery leading to the House of Lards. Received Feb. 12, 9.30 p.m. London, Feb. 11. After pointing out that the struggle of German tyranny with European freedom had ended in the defeat of Germany, and a new era had dawned, his Majesty said that in order to reap the full fruits of the victory, and to safeguard the peace of the world, an adequate army must be maintained in the field. Proposals to that end would be submitted. | Referring to the Allied Conference at Paris, his Majesty emphasised the Cordiality, good" ill and absence of disagreement marki.ig ihe discussions. He trusted that the preliminaries would soon be signed. He rejoiced that the conference had accepted the principle of the League of Nations, for progress in that direction alone could save mankind from the scourge of war. Alluding to President Wilson's visit to England, he said the enthusiastic welcome was an earnest Of the increasing under' standing with which he trusted the United States and Great Britain would act together in the future. For the last few months the Imperial War Cabinei had been in continuous session. "My counsels in regard to the war and external affairs have been strengthened by the presence of the leading Ministers of my self-governing dominions and my Indian Empire. The inspiring sacrifices and incalculable services rendered by the peoples of the Dominions and India during the war have won for them an important place in the counsels of the world, and it has been a source of satisfaction to me that their titles to representation have been fully recognised by the Paris Conference. "I trust that the reports of tha committee's enquiry into matiers connected with Inuian constitutional reform will be received in time to enable a Bill on the subject to be presented in the course of the session. The position of Ireland causes me grave anxiety, but I earnestly hope that conditions will soon sufficiently improve to make possible a durable settlement of this difficult problem." The House of Commons would be asked to make further financial provision to meet war charges, and for reconstruction. Addressing both Houses, his Majesty said: "The aspirations for better social order which have been quickened in the hearts of my people by the experience of the war must be encouraged by prompt co-operative action."—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assoc. Received Feb. 12, 9.30 p.m. London, Feb. 11 "Before the war poverty, unemployment, inadequate housing and many remediable ills were existing in our "land. These were aggravated by disunion, but 3ince the outbreak of War every party and every class have worked and fought together for the great ideal. In pursuit of this common aim they have shown a spirit of unity and self-sacrifice which exalted the nation and enabled it to play a full part in winning victory. The ravages and wastage of war are not yet, however, repaired, if we are to repair them we must continue to manifest the same spirit. We must stop at no sacrifice to stamp out the unmerited poverty, diminish unemployment, mitigate suffer-' ings, provide decent homes, improve the nation's health, and raise the standard of well-being throughout the community. We shall not achieve this end by undue tenderness toward acknowledged abuses. We shall succeed only by patient and untiring resolution in carrying through the legislative and administrative action which is required. That resolute action I now ask you to support. A large number of measures affecting the economic and social well-being of the nation await your consideration. It is of the utmost importance that their provisions should be examined, and, if possible, agreed upon and carried into effect with all expedition. With this object the Government will invite the consideration of the House of Commons to certain proposals for the simplification of the procedure of the House, which, it is hoped, will enable delays to be avoided, and give members an increasing opportunity of taking effective part in the work of legislation."—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assoc, and Reuter. THE DEBATE COMMENCED. ASQUITH'S ABSENCE DEPLORED. Received Feb. 12, 11.55 p.m. London, Feb. 11. In the House of Commons every seat was occupied. The Speaker read the King's Speech. Colonel Rhys-Williams proposed, and Commander Percy Dean (a Zeebrugge Victoria Crosser) seconded, the Address-in-Reply. Mr. Adamson opened the debate. He said the Government must speedily and wisely deal with the serious industrial unrest, which was almost as menacing as the war itself. The Government ought to explain its policy towards Russia. The people wished for an assurance that the peace terms would be submitted to the House of Commons before ratification. The Laborites claimed to be the principal Opposition, though this might be challenged. Mr. Donald Mac Lean hoped that Mr. Asquith would soon return td the House. He appealed for greater light on the Peace Conference, especially as to the progress of the League of Nations. Mr. Lloyd Gorge deplored Mr. Asquith's absence. He believed a genuine misunderstanding on both sides had severed our association. He agreed that exsoldiers had definite claims on the country, which, whatever happened, must bear crushing burdens for some years. The Peace Conference was settling ; questions affecting every Continent, over thirty nations being represented, the majority being directly interested. It would be a difficult task to adjust the various ! elaims. No time had been wasted,/ for a, speedy peace was important, because tftl then unrest would prevail, and be world-wide, preventing a revival of industry I A commission had been appointed for • eoßside."!r>g the responsibility for the war and the breaches of laws. Their report was expected shortly. A singularly able commission was considering the indemnity question, which is to b3 extended. Exceedingly satisfactory progress was being made regarding the League of -Natioojf