HOME POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 February 1920, Page 5

HOME POLITICS.

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

THE KING'S SPEECH.

it Telegraph.—Press Aisn.-£opyi!ght

Received Feb. 11, 5.5 p.m.

London, Feb. 10. The King, in his speech opening Parliament, after an allusion to the peace ratifications, emphasised the excellent relations existing with all the Allies, and : the necessity for a restoration not only of peace, but also of normal economic conditions in Eastern Europe and Russia.

Referring to the Prince of Wales' visit to the Dominions, the King announced his assent to the proposal that the Prim* should visit Australia and New Zealand, adding: "The Prince of Wales Will take the- opportunity, on hie return Voyage, of seeing some of our West Indian possesions. He will, I feel confident, receive a cordial welcome everywhere, both from old comrades in arms fend all classes of the community." THE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK. Inferring to the economic situation, Htf Majesty stressed the fact that if lasting progress and social peace were to be'ensured, all classes must continue to throw themselves into the work of reconstruction with a goodwill for others, and with energy end patience. Legislation providing large and far-reaching measures of reform must be passed. His Majesty proceeded to outline the legislation, including a Bill dealing with Ireland, Irish education, the coal industry, with State acquisition of coal royalties for the purpose of improving the conditions in the mining areas, the regulation of the sale of liquor, the development of fisheries, the organisation of territories, unemployment insurance, Regulation hour*, minimum wages, and anti-dumping. He also alluded to the reform of the House of Lords. More production wanted. Dealing with agriculture, the Speech states the United Kingdom is still dangerously dependent for food suppliei from overseas. His Majesty said that the adverse exchange was making the financial burden very great, and he added: "Uneasiness is also caused by the unprecedented sale of landed property since the war. Measures were jeeordingly proposed to> mitigate any hardship which this operation might cause an occupier. ■ and to Stimulate production of essential foodstuffs within the United Kingdom."' «~Au»..N.Z. Cable Assn.

SPEECH BY THE PREMIER.

TBE HOUSING DIFFICULTY.

PROBLEM OF IRELAND Received-Fek 11, 10.20 p.ro. London, Feb. 10. j«r. Lloyd George, in the House of Common*, following Mr. McLaren, indicated that he would deal with several Important subjects at a later stage. Referring to. the housing problem he pointed out that the chief difficulty was due to the refusal of the trade unions to suspend their regulations, despite the fact that 330™' mobilised soldiers »ere anxious and sufficiently skilful to provide labor. That wAs a question for the Labor Party. As regard* Ireland he challenged an •nrller ipeaker, Mr. Wm. Adamson (chairman of the Parliamentary Labor Party), to say if he was prepared to pant a Republic if the Irish demanded It. Otherwise his proposal of self-deter-mination was dishonest (cheers). Ought Water to oe compelled to come under n. Parliament for the wboln of Ireland? deferring to the cowardly and despieeble murders and assassinations, he ask*d, were we to withdraw troops and all protection and leave the assassins in ttarge? (cheers').

WHY LIVING IS DEAR. Mr. Lloyd George said the real explanation of dear living was not profiteering, but a devaluation of money. This existed the world over. We were now JMlyintf over six shillings in the pound in America for all purchases. The only remedy was increased production. In reference to economy he was glad to say the forthcoming Budget would more than balance. jThe only British forces remaining in Russia Were at Batum. from which thev were rapidly withdrawing to ?onstantihople. where they were needed. He agreed that Europe could not ne restored without putting the Russian resource* Into circulation. Every Democracy in the world would like to see that done fender any but the Bolshevik regime, Whose horrors shocked mankind. PRUSSIA MUST BE RESTORED" Russia must be restored under an anti-Bolshevik regime, but it was perfectly clear that Bolshevism was not crushable by force of arms. The warring factors in Russia declared they recognised that. A volunteer army, during the occupation of large tracts In South Russia, unquestionably managed to alienate the population, and the Bolsheviks, during a re-advance, profited by past experience and avoided doing so to the same extent. He dwelt on the difficulties of an attempt to create a ring of fire which should advance and crush out Bolshevism, owing to the unlikelihood of all the border States participating. There was an additional difficulty in a lack of funds, which France, America, Italy, ind Britain would not undertake to furiifh.

aUMORED CABINET CHANGES. London, Feb. 9. On the ere of ike re-assembly of Parfaunont there are the usual rumors of impending Cabinet changes, which will Effect the following:—Sir Eric Geddes (Minister for Transport); Sir Auckland fleddes (President of the Board of Trade), Lord Inverfoifh (Minister of (Supply, Mr. J. L Macpherson (Chief Secretary for Ireland), and' Lord French (Viceroy of Ireland).