OPENING OF THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT. [BY CABLE.]

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1498, 9 February 1882, Page 2

OPENING OF THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT. [BY CABLE.]

London, Feb. 7 (morning). Parliament will be opened to-day. The following forecast of the Queen's Speech has been obtained. It will state that is intended to maintain the present status of international rights in Egypt in concert with France. In reference to Ireland it will be announced that the state of that country is improving, and that agrarian and other crimes are diminishing, but regret will, at the same time, be expressed that it is necessary to continue coercive measures. Guarded reference only will be made to the measure for the reform of the procedure of the House. The speech will conclude by announcing bills for changes in the bankruptcy, patent, corrupt practices, and county government laws, for reform in the municipality of London, the existing criminal code and other objects.

JL/iTJER. The members of both Houses met today, when the new session of Parliament was opened by Royal Commission. The Queen's Speech was read by the Lord Chancellor. The following is a summary : The approaching marriage of Prince Leopold with Princess Helen, of Waldeck, is formally announced ; the relations of Great Britain with foreign powers are stated to continue cordial and harmonious ; reference is made to the cession of Thessly by Turkey to Greece having been honorably executed ; Her Majesty will use her influence to maintain the statu quo in Egypt in a spirit favorable to good go^rnment and prudent development of the country, and restriction of peace between the north-west frontier and the interior ; plentiful seasons have been experienced, and the increase of revenue had enabled the resumption of public works in India ; Confidence is expressed that the Transvaal convention will work favourably, though hostilities have been resumed in Basutoland, and affairs in that country are still unsettled ; negotiations with France in regard to the commercial treaty will be continued at an early date ; the commerce of the country is improving ; the mildness of the season is favourable to fanning, and prospects of trade generally are hopeful. The state of affairs in Ireland has improved, and crime is diminishing ; special powers provided for the suppression of disorder in Ireland have been largely employed. The Speech makes no allusion to the question of reform of Parliamentary procedure, but bills, as announced in forecast already telegraphed, will be introduced during the session.