IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 246, 12 February 1898, Page 2

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT

THE QUEEN'S SPEECH. LONDON, February 8. TIIE Queen's Speech at the opening of Parliament will state that friendly relations amongst Ihe Powers have been maintained, aud will express recognition of the services of the Concert of the Powers in the settlement of difficulties arising out of tbeTurcoGrecian war, and a hope of a satisfactory settlement of the Cretan trouble. The splendid valour aud loyalty of the British and native troops engaged in the campaign on the Indian frontier will be acknowledged, and the future policy with regard to the frontier defiued. References will also bo mado to the Indian famine and the plague; to the treaty concluded with the King of Abyssinia, and to the West Indian sugar commission, a grant in aid of the sugar growers being indicated. The hope will be expressed that the forthcoming International Conference to be held in Belgium to discuss the sugar bounties question, will result satisfactorily. An increase in the Army expenditure will bo foreshadowed, and the reinforcing of General Sir H. Kitchener in the Soudan explained, an announcement being made that the advance of the Anglo-Egyptian army will be resumed at the first opportunity. The Speech will make no reference to the position in China. The measures to be introduced during the session will include Bills dealing with the questions of local government in Ireland, Army re-or-ganisation, London municipalities, the law of evidence, Scotch private Bills procedure, vaccination, London University, the management of prisons, secondary education, Church patronage, adulteration of food and drugs, limited liability companies, agricultural holdings, and the mercantile marine fund.

Mr J. L. Walton, Liberal member for Leeds, will move an Opposition amendment challenging the Government's Indian frontier policy, especially with reference to the retention of Chitral.