THE QUEEN'S SPEECH.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 32, 8 February 1899, Page 5

THE QUEEN'S SPEECH.

PEACEFUL RELATIONS WITH

FOREIGN "COUNTRIES.

NO INCREASE IN ARMY OR

NAVY.

THE CZAE'S PEACE SCHEME

THE SESSIONAL PROGRAMME

(Received Feb. IS, 10 a.m.)

LOXDOX, February 7

A forecast of the Queen's speech, to be- read at the opening- of Parliament to-day, refers to the pacilio relations of Great Britain with foreign, countries, congratulates the people upon the victory at Omdurman, and makes sympathetic reference to the Czar's Peace Conference.

The speech congratulates the people upon the settlement of the Soudan and Cretan troubles.

Sympathetic reference is made to the "murder of the Empress of Austria, and to destitution wrought by the hurricane in the West Indies. gratification is expressed at the contribution of a warship to the Imperial navy by Cape Colony.

Gratification is also expressed that India is recovering from plague and famine.

Allusion is made to the practicability of suppressing Anarchist crimes.

Bills are promised dealing with municipal government in London,, secondary education, the the regulation of limited liability companies a.nd of usurers, purchase of workmen's dwellings, adulteration of food, and amendment of the Factory and Agricultnra.l Holding Acts.

Bills are also promised dealing with the creation of an Agricultural Department in Ireland, Scottish Private Bills Procedure, and the question of tithes and rents charges.

It is not proposed to make any increase in the army or navy.

The 'Times' says the Government programme is colourless and tame, and a tranquil session is expected.