OPENING OF THE IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 339, 11 January 1881, Page 2

OPENING OF THE IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

THE QUEEN’S SPEECH. London, Jan. 6

Parliament was opened to-day. The Queen’s Speech referred to the continued maintenance of European concert, and said that there was every reason to hope that a peaceful solution of the TurcoGreek difficulty would bo arrived at. Alluding to the state of affairs in Southern Africa, the Speech stated that owing to the rebellion of the Boers it was now necessary to take strong measures to re-assert British authority in the Transvaal. The outbreak in Basutoland would soon, it was hoped, be suppressed. Regarding Afghanistan the Speech announced that it was not intended to retain Candahar ; and referring to the unsettled state of Ireland, stated that Her Majesty’s Government would introduce Bills to provide for the necessary coercive measures tor the suppression of the existing agitation, and a Bill would, at the same time, be brought forward dealing with the Irish land question. La^ei}. The forecast of the Queen’s Speech, as previously telegraphed, 1 is'fully confirmed by the Speechas'deliyerecf, except in regard to the Greek frontier question, referring to which the Speech states that the Great Powers and England will determine the delineation of the frontier.

Regarding the Transvaal, the Speech states that the rebellion there has indefinitely postponed the plans uhich were to have been distributed for securing administrative autonomy t<> the settlers. Regarding Ireland, it is said that the social condition of the country is alarming, it being, in fact, an extensive system of terrorism. Additional powers are requisite to deal with the state ot affairs, and Government will recommend the development of the Land Act. The Speech further states that it will be pro? posed to abolish corporeal punishment in the army and navy.