The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, Morning News, and Echo. FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 1894.

Auckland Star, Volume XXV, Issue 148, 22 June 1894, Page 2

The Evening Star: WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, Morning News, and Echo.

FRIDAY, JUNE 22, 1894.

Far th. _A_.si.th_t l_o_t uilitanoe, Far the vrrons t_iat ntsdi rtsiitanc., Fsr tht totem In thi diitenoi. And tie E_.d that vs oan do.

The Parliamentary session of 1894 is now fully started upon its mission for goodorevil. Its initial act—the election of Sir Maurice O'Rorke as Speaker— by a majority which included prominent men on both sides of the 7Hq_.se, will give general satisfaction; Sir Maurice's claims to this distinguished office are based upon a well-tried experience. For the sixth time the Parliament of New, Zealand has bestowed this honour upon him, and he has presided during crises when political feeling was strained to the highest tension. Under his firm and dignified rule, the New Zealand Legislature established a reputation as a model Parliament. His duties in a House containing 33 new members, the majority of whom are unacquainted with Parliamentary forms and usages, will require great tact; but these are exactly the circumstances under which Sir Maurice's unique talents shine. An incapable Speaker is the cause of vexatious delays and obstructions to business, -while an expert Chairman, by discerning exactly when and how he ought to interfere, may greatly facilitate tbe despatch of business on the Order Paper, avert wrangling, assist, inexperienced members, and keep the legislative machinery well-oiied and in good running order. This is precisely what Sir Maurice will do, unless ■* his hand has lost its cunning." Before the session is half over he will have the heterogeneous elements composing the new Parliament well harnessed in, and thoroughly trained tor the work there *s to do. With regard to that work the outline contained in the speech delivered this afternoon reaches us too late for careful review. But the financial returns already published have removed one spectre which sometimes dogs the footsteps of a Ministry from the opening day of the session until the delivery of the Budget. The Government will be able to show a good record financially. They will also be able to lay claim to deserved credit for their successful efforts to open up the country and settle people upon the land. That part of their policy which is represented by the acquisition and cutting up of the Cheviot and other private estates will demand, and will, We believe, bear special parliamentary scrutiny. Greater powers are again to be asked for, and should not be withheld; To secure public interests in large blocks of Crown lands, which have been gridironed and rendered inaccessible, they are indeed indispensable. Nevertheless, no matter what Government is in office, so long as wide areas of Crown and Native lands lie unoccupied and unimproved, the acquisition of private estates should only be proceeded with very cautiously. The labour legislation which is announced will not probably go beyond what has been proposed in previous sessions. In this matter also the Government no doubt recognise the expediency of proceeding with slow and careful steps, avoiding anything which may injuriously disturb, alarm or unwisely hamper the sound and legitimate development of industry. Of the financial measures promised we can say little until the details are before the country. The session will be one of very great importance and its deliberations will, we trust, be fruitful in good for the colony.