HOME POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 February 1922, Page 5

HOME POLITICS.

THE SESSION OPENED. SPEECH BY THE KING. QUESTIONS OF THE DAY. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Oopyrigtt. London, Feb. 7. The King opened Parliament. The Speech from the Throne was short. His Majesty stated that Bills to be presented would include Irish Settlement, Reform of the House of Lords, Establishment of International Trade Corporation, also a Bill enabling the Government to co-operate in Empire settlement and migration. The Speech referred to the Washington Conference. His Majesty said that a treaty designed to maintain peace in the Pacific had been signed and awaited ratification. He adaed: “While the treaty replaces the Anglo-Japanese Treaty I, am happy to feel that the long standing concord between the two countries remains as cordial as ever under the arrangement concluded. At the same time our relations with the United States enter upon a new and ever closer phase of friendship. Agreement was also reached on disarmament, providing a large measure of relief from the burden of armament. The world •will owe a deep debt of gratitude to the initiative of President Harding. The success of the conference is the happiest augury for future international relations.” The problem of reparations still engages the Allies 4 attention. They are now considering German proposals submitted at the Allies’ request. Negotiations are still proceeding with France and Belgium with a view to con-i eluding agreements for common action in the event of an unprovoked German attack. His Majesty hoped the Allied discussions at Paris would result in an early solution of the Near East situation. Every effort was being made to reduce public expenditure to the lowest point consistent with the security and efficiency of the State. “The continued volume of unemployment causes me the leepest concern. The only remedy to Je found lies in the appeasement of international rivalries and suspicions. Therefore I welcome the conference at Senoa. where I trust it will be possible to establish peace on a fair basis in Europe.” Received Feb. 8. 8.20 p.m. London, Feb. 7. Notwithstanding the bitter weather •rowds cordially greeted the Royalties (long the route to Parliament. The Speech occupied nine minutes. The dominant note was economy. There is not the slightest indication of a possible dissolution.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. REFORM OF THE LORDS. INTENTION OF THE PREMIER. Received Feb. 8. 8.20 p.m. London. Feb. 7. In the House of Commons Mr. Lloyd George, replying to Mr. J. R. Clynes. said: Having been committed by the leaders of the past and his associates of the present he felt deeply committed to reform the House of Lords. AMENDMENTS TO ADDRESS. ONE FROM EACH PARTY. Received Feb. 8, 9.10 p.m. London, Feb. 7. The debate on the address concludes on Tuesday. A Labor amendment will be taken on Thursday, while Monday •will be devoted to a Liberal amendment upon the crushing burden of taxation. The Conservative “diehards” have two amendments, one regretting the chaos in Southern Ireland and the other voicing Ulster’s fears that territory will be handed over to the Sinn Feiners. The Labor Party gave notice of an amendment to the address, regretting that in view of the large unemployment there is no indication that the Government is prepared to deal effectively with the causes of unemployment, or provide useful productive work, and no indication of a grant of substantial aid to local authorities who cannot be expected to shoulder the national burden.