The Bruce Herald. "Nemo me impune lacesset." TOKOMAIRIRO, JUNE 1, 1880.

Bruce Herald, Volume XIII, Issue 1208, 1 June 1880, Page 3

The Bruce Herald. " Nemo me impune lacesset." TOKOMAIRIRO, JUNE 1, 1880.

Par.lia.uent has once more assembled, and his Excellency's opening speech, which will be funnd elsewhere, was revealed to the woild on Friday afternoon, though we are told that the attendance of members of both Houses was very small on the occasion. In our opinion th<> speech contains hardly anything new or startling, and partakes of a rather tame character, making somewhat light work of the present situation. We are informed that partial relief has been experienced, and confidence revived, by an abundant harvest, and by the increased value of most of the staple products of the country, but we cannot altogether agree with the latter assertion of the Governor's, which only holds good as

far as wool is concerned. With a downward tendency in the wheat market, oats and potatoes going begging at ridiculous prices, barley unsaleable, and dairy produce at very low figures, we fail to see where the increased, value, comes in. It is admitted tbat the state of the country demands careful consideration, and a distant hope is held out that the inquiries ■ made into the means best calculated to encourage local industries will result in affording steady and remunerative employment to the people. The unemployed will have to wait a long time if local industry is to come to their relief. As usual the Natives come in for a share of the remarks, but they are of an extremely com mou place character, and do not contain anything m hich may tend to enlighten the public on Native matters, though the report and recommendations of the Eoyal Commissioners will perhaps supply that deficiency. The defence of the harbors is briefly alluded to, but we doubt that the Colony will be in a position to spend any money for this purpose during the ensuing financial year. Coming to the Estimates and Finances in general, the Governor hints at substantial reductions in the Civil Service, and next refers to the great falling off in the revenue, which has already been known to everybody. Decreased expenditure and the curtailing of luxuries forms the main portion of the programme, but we should like to have a closer definition of the term " luxuries." It is evidently nob the intention of Ministers to unnecessarily prolong the Session ; however, the bill of fare is a pretty long one, and we very much doubt if it will be possible to get through all the business so easily. The speech indicates far more work than might be anticipated at first sight, and a great deal will of course depend on a properly organised Opposition. The latter portion of the speech, referring to the Amendment of the Licensing Laws, Consolidatiou of Statutes, Electoral Laws, Waste Lands, &c, is simple enough, but it is upon the financial questions that the results of the Session will hinge, and some warm debates may be anticipated, though we fervently hope that they will not result in a chaDge of Government, and thus cause more confusion, loss, and delay in the administration of the affairs of the Colony.