IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 12728, 14 February 1907, Page 7

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

OPENED BY THE KING

THE SPEECH FROM THE THRONE.

NO MENTION OF THE COLONIAL

CONFERENCE.

IRISH LEGISLATION , PROMISED

United rVens Association— Br Electric Telofjr»aH—Copyright. (Received February 13th. 9.51 p.m.) LONDON, February 13. The King, accompanied by the opened Parliament yesterday in state. The "weather -was wet and cold. Though the weather marred tho patreant in the streets, there was much lovil enthusiasm.

Tho «»cene in the Houso of Lords was a brilliant one. The Prince and Princess of Wales were present.

Tho King'e Speech eaid that foreign relations were friendly. It expressed satisfaction that tho Governor and officials had nwt the emergency caused by the deplorable Kingston earthquake, and recognised with gratitude America's sympathy and the prompt assistance of her navy.

Tho Ameer's vieit would tend to promote a right feeling between India and Afghanistan.

Whilo firmly guarding the strength ami unity of Indii, the Executive power looked forward to making a steadfast effort to widen tho base of peace, order, and good government among the vaet population under its care. A serious question had arisen out of tho unfortunate differences between the Houeo of Lords and tho Commons. Ministers were considering this importint subject and its solution. Bilk were promised on licensing reform, Scottish land valuation, army re-organisation, establishment of a Court of Criminal Appeal, regulation of the houre of labour in mines, amendment of patent laws, the eligibility of women to serve on local bodies, valuation of property, small holding* in England and Wales, and better housing of tho people.

Measures would be submitted further associating the people of Ireland with the management of their domestic affairs and improving the administrative and financial asipects of Irish Government. Proposals would .bo submitted effecting reform in University education in Ireland.