The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE. Equal and exact justice to all men, Of whatsoever state or persuasion, religious or political. SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 1891.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 2951, 13 June 1891, Page 2

The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE. Equal and exact justice to all men, Of whatsoever state or persuasion, religious or political. SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 1891.

Tin-: speech from tho Throne is tho only matter which gives importance to the ceremony of opening Parliament, that delivered, on Thursday containod little which could not have been anticipated by those who have noted the speeches of the different .Ministers delivered during their peregrinations through the country. It is however, an official declaration of the policy of the Government and the measuies they propose to bring forward. On these grounds it naturally calls for comment and affords matter for speculation as to the probable fato of tho Ministry during tho session. The opening paragraphs in reference to tho relations existing botweon the races were no doubt inserted in order that llis Excellency's visits to the Urowera and other tribes might bo duly emphasized, old residents in the North Island will however pass them over as of very little moment. It is well that the fact of the soundness of our financial position should bo stated oflieially, not because any man who Ims studied the question has doubts, but in order that it may be impressed niton tho3o who are not so well informed and whoso good opinions it is to our interest to cultivate. Tho exodus of population is calculated to cause an unfavourable impression but this should bo more than neutralized by the fact that in spite of our loss of population tho productions of tho colony during tlio period this has been in progress, has enormously increased, and the ostimates of revenue is exceeded by a substantial amount. The above matters very properly had their paragraphs in the spe'pch, but it is to the proposed legislation and policy which the people- will dovoto their attention, liefore proceeding to the consideration of those wo must call attention to the fact that Ministers have not ventured nn opinion as to the cause of the otnigratiou from the colony ; the'• strange phenomenon" is in their opinion well worthy of systematic investigations and tho systematic and persevering use of rati anal remedies. No man in the colony will refuse to give adhorouce to the principle laid down that the remaining Crown lands of the colony shall be resorvod for gonuino occupation and improvement; legislation will bo proposed with this object. If tho measures prepared are really calculated to have tho desired effect Ministers will have then no difficulty in passing thorn, but until they are before the House a feeling of uneasiness will bo experienced, lest the fads of the extremists of the party are given prominence, and the settlement of the land in consequence prevented. Native lauds aro to be acquired, but no information is given as to the means to be proposed. The hint is thrown out that the attempt will be made to acquire private estates by purchase in some of the most fertile districts for the purpose of settlement. His Excellency is made to term this an immense task, and no suggestion is put forth as to how it is to be surmounted. We confess to being un nblc to offer onp, neither are we prepared to endorse the principle, notwithstanding the explanation which has been made that it is not the intention of the (lovernment to treat for land not in the market, and to submit each proposed purchase to Parliament, before completing a bargain. Bills have been prepared for I'tl'ecting a bold reform of the chief pari, of tho direct taxation. Boldness, however, we are told is to be, tempered with discretion so as not)

to shake the sense of public security or run the risk of inconvenient loss nt' revenue. We already know that land and income taxes are to he substituted for the Property-tax. We have in previous articles discussed the proposal. The Ministry apparently have, no intention of bringing forward any resolution or promoting any debate on the Federation question. The official papers are to be laid on the table, and there allusion to the proceedings at the Convention end. Several Bills are prepared, including those dealing with the labour question, the electoral laws, classifying the Civil servants, goldmining companies, the liability of promoters. All doubtisset at rest as to the intentions of tho Government with regard to the conversion windfall. Wo arc told that public works will bo prosecuted to the full oxtont of available means. These works are, as far as practicable, to bo carriod out by associations of workmen on tho co-oporarive principle. As was claimed for it in advance, there are no "fireworks" in these proposals, and it is a matter for surprise as to whether their absonco will not lead to a coolness between the Ministry and somo of their supporters. Such a programme as tho above is a very mild dose compared with the programmo of the new Liberal Association. Those members who have been carried into the Houso on the shoulders of tho Socialist party are not likely to swallow tho broad pill offeror! for their acceptance, aud not clamour for something stronger, and kick over tho traces if it is not served to them. It is characteristic of this class all over tho world to prefer a state of chaos to any other, a preference begotton of the convictions that is only at first bringing about utter disorganisation that they can hope to have their proposals seriously considered. It appears to us that tho Ministry is more likely to suffer from mutiny in the ranks of their followers than from any organised attack from tho Opposition benches. Sir Georgo Grey will be a thorn in their sides. Judging by his speech the other evening in Auckland, he will press for an extension of the local self-government principle, and experience teaches us that if he cannot got his own way, the preacher of modern liberalism is tolerably certain to make himself very unpleasant, and a source of weakness to tho newly - Hedged Liboral Ministry.