GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2062, 21 June 1890, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Parliament opened last Thorsday, 43 members of the Lower and 13 of the Upper House being present. THE HOVEENOE’s SPEECH. His Excellency the Governor delivered the usual opening speech. It was very long-winded and we are obliged condense it as follows: He. had, he said, been pleased with the loyalty of the people, aa well as by the abundance of the resources of the colony, the beauty of the scenery, and the enterprise and industry of its inhabitants. The Dunedin Exhibition had the double effect of educating the people and showing to visitors the natural products of the colony. He was greatly impressed by the marvellous progress the colony had made, and also by the orderly behavior of the crowds at the Jubilee demonstrations, He congratulated the colony on its improved condition, as shown by the increase in exports. The position, of colonists as regarded private indebtedness had greatly improved, while the savings in the savings banks had increased. A statement showing a great increase in the area of land taken up for settlement, and in the number of agricultural holdings in the colony, would be laid before them. Farther meat was still desirable, and measures would be submitted for making roads and bridges, and for purchasing Native lands. A scheme tor the defence of the as suggested by General Edwards'report would also be submitted. The estimates of expenditure had been prepared with a due regard for economy. The increased demand for school houses and other public buidings had been considered, and in the opinion of ministers it would b« necessary for at least two years to make additional provision for these purposes. They believed that such expenditure should be provided for out of the revenue and votes for these purposes would be found in the estimates. -After referrto the conference in re federation and and saying that the House would be rf quired to arrange fo r other delegates to attend another conference this year the speech went on to say with regard to reduction of postage to England to 2£d. You will be asked to discuss the matter, and agree to a proposition which if adopted will, without causing a burden to the revenue, greatly reduce the cost of postage to the United Kingdom and other countries, Returns will be laid before you from which you will learn that there has been during the year a large increase in all branches of traffic upon the railways, affording another evidence of a steady advance in tho productive power of the colony. Thefifcare now ready for your consideration bills for consolidating and amending the law relating to the qualification and registration ot electors, and pro- • I( ling for the issue of electoral rights: dealing with the Civil Service; amending the law with regard to hospitals and charitable aid; amending the Counties Act; altering and consolidating the law of bankruptcy; and providing for local government on the West Coast of the South Island; as well as other Bills dealing with matters of public interest. ° These Bills will shortly he placed before you. During the recess a Commission was appointed for the purpose of considering how far the evil, which has been termed “ sweating ” had affected New Zealand. Ihe thanks of the country are due to the members composing this Commission for the ability, industry, and care with which they conducted their enquiries and treated the matters which were referred to them. The Government, although gratified® to learn from their report that “ sweating ’ had not fully Taken root, agree with the Commissioners that an amendment of the law is necessa-y. Bills therefore dealing with the requests referred to in the report, and other subjects, will be submitted for your consideration. I commend all these matters to your careful attention. I

assure you of my earnest desire to co-operate with you in endeavouring to further the interests of the colony, and pray that your deliberations may by the blessing of God promote the well-being of its inhabitants. OTHEE BUSINESS. On the House resuming, Mr Bryce, member for Waipa, and Mr Hislop, member for Oamaru, took their oaths and their scats. _ The Speaker referred to the resignation of Major Campbell as clerk of Parliament, which post he had held for 35 years. The Premier gave notice to move on Monday next that the Speaker convey to Major Campbell, on behalf of the House, its acknowledgement of his long and valuable services, Mr Taylor (Sydenham) gave notice to move that the property tax is inimical to the best interests of the people, and that it retards the settlement of the land. Mr Tanner gave notice that he would next day move an Address-in-Eeply to the Governor’s Speech. Mr Mitchelson moved the adjournment of the House at 3 p.ta. Sir George Grey moved as an amendment that the House forthwith resolve itself into a Committee for the purpose of drawing up a petition to the Governor, praying him to dissolve Parliament, and to cause writs issued for the election of anew Parliament. The amendment was lost, and the House adjourned at 8.30 p.m.