OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

Bruce Herald, Volume XXXXIV, Issue 60, 2 July 1908, Page 7

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

The fourth 'session of the s>x{«outli Parliament ol New Zealand was opened' on Monday in, the premises hitherto lmown as Government House, the House of Parliament having been burnt down during the recess. The Speech from the Throne states that HisExcellenoy has visited various parts of the Dominion during the last twelve months, and he was profoundly impressed by ihe sturdy energy, loyalty, and material comfort of our people. Although the prices for some of our commodities have recently suffered depression, the general outlook for our products is encouraging. Reference is made to the death of the Right. Hon. Campbellrßannerman, the British Premier, and to the Hon. Wm. Kelly, MX.C;, and Mt Jtis; Bennet, M.P. The hope is expressed that the change from colony to Dominion may increase our national, self-respect and stimulate us to higher ideals. New Zealand is now in the same position, ns ' unada with respect important constitutional question of - Bills for Royal assent. Reference is made to the forthcoming visit of the fleet, and to the tercentenary ctlocations in Canada at which l.ord Ranfurly will represent New Zealand, The Hon. W, P. Reeves has been appointed High Commissioner, in London for a further term. The losses sustained by' farmers from bush; fireis in the early part of this is referred to, and mention miadte of the assistance proffered by the Government. The burning of Parliament buildings on 11th December last is also referred to, ard the Government will submit proposals for permanent Houses of Parliament. Efforts are being made so that a fast and entirely British line of steamers should be provided for + he oversea j postal services. During the session a Bill will be submitted 1.0 oo< solidate into fivo volupaes the General Ti.t lin Statutes now contained in 45. It was proposed to submit proposals allowing portions of the water power of the country to be utilised by private enterprise. Proposals for a second" ballot to secure majority representation will also be introduced. A'. 11tion is made of the "differences experienced in the industrial world," and legislation will be submitted winch it is hoped will improve industrial conditions and promote friendlier relations between employers atul employed. The land legislation of lest session promise success, ie\'(s:al large estates having 'icon acquired end settled ander renewable lease. The mining industry, which is second in importance only to farming and pastoral is thriving and progr jssing with steady strides. Clearer exrnation will be given to what is Is no trn as the "Bank to Bank" Clause. The work of the Native Land Commission' is progressing satisfactorily, and large areas of land will soon be placed on the market, provision being made for the native owners. oi the steamer In in 1 rod for, scientific; exploration in the Antarctic rw'ecrod to in passing, auci satisfaction, expressed at -the- neat- cooiphaion oi the North Islam! Alain Truni-. railway. A selioini 1 for National .Annuities ivt.s been devised, 'which it is hoped v.'iii secure general appro* r al, ana proposals ! providing" for the superannuation 01 employees of locul Public Bodies, etc., will be submitted. .Measures will be submitted for an improved system oi audit. The superannuation schemes passed last session promise eminently satisfactory results. Satisfaction is expressed at the satisfactory condition of the revenue and finances. His Excellency's advisers have been increasingly impressed with the needs of settlers in the less accessible localities, and are of the opinion that a strong helping hand should be extended to them, liberal provision being made for roads, telephones, etc. The success of closer settlement justifies the vigorous promotion of that policy. The contribution to the British Navy is to be increased. Representations l have been ! made to the Hpine .Government for a larger vessel than the Amokura, so that a thousand young men may be trained at a time, and it is proposed that tho training of men for the mercantile marine should be undertaken on the N.Z. training ship. The necessity for up-to-date methods in agriculture have been kept in view, and satisfactory progress has been made in the establishment of a dairy school at Palmerston North, and of a Veterinary School in Dunedin. Proposals will be submitted for increasing the staff of the public schools, and to secure a full supply of qualified teachers, and to give greater facilities for the promotion and transfer 'of teachers. Details are given of the Bills proposed to be introduced, and His Excellency concludes "I trust that your labours and decisions may have God's blessing, resulting in promoting still further the prosperity, happiness, and perman-> ent well-being of the people of this Dominion as a whole."