BRITISH POLITICS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7969, 21 February 1906, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. THE SPEECH FROM THE THRONE. Beoeived February 20, 11.52 a.m. LONDON, February 19. The offlciul opening of the new -"Parliament by King Edward took place today. The Speech from the Throne announced that Bills would ho introduced dealing with trade disputes, -equalisation of London rates, amendment of the Education, Worker's Compensation, und Unemployed .Acts. A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME. "Received February 20. 8:57 p.m. LONDON, February 20. The speech from the • Throne referred to King Christian's death, and Queen Alexandra's severe bereavement. His Majesty was most gratified at the Prinoe and Princess of Wales 1 reoeption in India, and it was announced that Britain's -.relations with the foreign powers •were friendly, and the King rejoiced that an honourable peace had been arranged between Russia and Japan, due to Pre- • sident Roosevelt's initiative. An allusion was made to the prolongation and extension of. tbe Anglo- - Japanese agreement, and the hope was expressed that the Algeoiras Conference would be conducive to the -maintenance of peace. His Majesty 'mentioned Prinoe Charles' accept--anoe.of the Throne of Norway. In "regard to Maoedonia, the Speech declared that tbe condition of affairs would continue to cause anxiety, and •the King added that in view of eflr tablisbing responsible Government in the Transv«al letters patent providing for the intermediate stage of representative Government would be recalled. A new constitution was being prepared, and fcbpugb the is for the General. Assembly •would not take plaice before July, it wbb not likely to be delayed many months. Meanwhile, no farther licenses for importing coolies would Tbe issued. Responsible Government would, also, be gran ted to the Orange iJßiver Colony. .Received February 20, 9.18 p.m. LONDON, February 20. The Speech continued, that the 'Colonial Conference had been postponed with the concurrence of the Colonial Governments, until early "in 1907. The steady and auceler'ating inorease of imports and exports, with the growing activity-of 'the Home trade, indicate that the Industries are in a sound and progressive condition His Majesty hoped that national expenditure increasing the capital and liabilities of tbe State would receive •earnest attention. Tbe Government were considering' plans for improving and effecting economics in the of Ireland. They were. »Lao, considering the introduction of means for associating the people with the conduct of Irish affairs. '"My desire is." said Hia Majesty, '"that the Government shall be conducted, aa far as circumstances permit, in a spirit of regard for "the full wishes and sentiments of the Irish. Since the social eoonomio conditions of the British rural districts require careful consideration, -enquiries are proceeding relative to means for attracting and retaining on tbe soil atlarger population. ' Additional Bills are announced, dealing with the Merchant Shipping, Scottish Crofters' Holdingp, Irish labourers, checking commercial corruption, improving the law regarding certain colonial marriages, and prevention of plural voting at Parlia'mentary elections. The King looked well, though he ■walked slowly, leaning on a stiok. 'The opening was a stately ceremony, -. 'though the Court being fn mourning, robbed the scene of colour. MR CHAMBERLAIN'S PERTINENT QUESTIONS. deceived February 20, 11.49 p.m. LONDON, Febrnary 20. In the House of Commons, Mr W. Dickinson moved, and Mr Aolaud seconded, the Address in-Eeply. Mr Chamberlain, in the course of ; , a speech, rejoiced that the Government was,well supported, and he , Sloped it would prove independent. ) "The Opposition hoped that a continuty of pulioy would be displayed in both foreign and colonial affairs. Time alone would show if it was wise to confer immediate responsible liovernment on the Transvaal, and •Orange River Colonies. He hoped that there would be no important ohange in the electoral system, as sketched in 1905. The electoral car--1 toons of the Chinese exhibited were Ml the grossest bypoorisy and dis'honesty. If the oovernmeot believed there was slavery and torture, bow was it possible to justify their inaotion? If Home trade was prospering to tbe degree alleged, why was a third of the population under fed and on the verge of starvation? He complained of the enigmatic reference to Ireland. Referring to the very generous treatment of the Irish evicted tenants,, he inquired what would be done for the British farmer who paid his rent. He deolared that the last had not been heard of tariff reform. THE PREMIER IN REPLY. Received February 21, 12.2 a.m. LONDON, Febrnary 20. Replying to various speakers, the "Premier (Sir aenry Oampbell- . Bannerman) said he ever personallly favoured a continuity in the policy of colonial affaus in a sense. There ■ should be no wanton ohange'for tbe eake.of a ohange in, the Government. He looked forward to the eventual federation .of tbe whole of South .A fries The "conditions of Chinese labour 'Were certainly servile and some of

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them cruel. If a coolie desired to return he should be repatriated by publij funds, if without money himself. The question of a Royal Commisfiion to enquire into the condition of the Chinese would be considered. The Opposition ought to welcome the development of their own policy in ireSaud. The Crimes Act would bo repealed. Eduoatiou was the chief measure, though uot necessarily the first that the Government would deal with. Mr tfetfoipnd indicated that ho would accept no settlement short of Home Rule. A satisfactory debate was then adjourned.