UNION POLITICS.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 17982, 28 January 1924, Page 9

UNION POLITICS.

PARLIAMENT OPENED. MARKETS AND" RAILWAYS. (bx CIBIX —PE.ES3 ASSOCIATION COTTER", KT.) [mtstrauajt akd k.e. cahi.k association.) (Received January 2"tb, 5.5 p.m.) CAPE TOWN. January- 26. Parliament was opened bv the Gover-nor-Genera], the Karl of Athlonc. vith the accustomed ceremonial. The scene in the Senate and the Stato Chamber was moro brilliant than usual owing t-n an unusually largo gathering of notable jxirsons both from tho Union and overseas. The Earl of Athtone. in his speech, referring to the !tnp-erial r.nd Economic Conferences, fusk! thai if the resolutions passed bv ■'ho letter vrerj put into operation they would open upwider markets overseas far Soi'ih African products. I-Io gave details of tho now railway construction, including a 1 in<2 to Northern Zulu land which was urgently required for opening up a largo tract where cotton growing -was. being successfully carried on. Railway traffic had shown a marked improvement; as a result of which the Government proposed to reduce fares and rates, especially on agricultural produce and commodities, thus materially affecting tlio cost of living. In the Assembly Mr Cresswell, tho Labour Loader, 'will move on TuesTlsy that tho Houso hold that tho promises mado by tho Government at tho Imperial and Economic Conferences impose. no biding obligation on tho Dominions concerned until ratified by Tarliament, and dissents from tho contrary view put forward by tho Premier, General Smuts, in a public speech at Johannesburg. General Hcrtzog, the Nationalist leader, will move that a proper and comprehensive solution of t-bounem-ployment problem and the increasing poverty in the country requires thta earnest and immediate attention of tho Government. An unprecedented drought in portions of the Free State and Western Transvaal is causing great losses of stock and crops, and is aggravated by tho visits of locusts. Farmers aro in great distress. It is anticipated that the Government will take immediate' action with a view to enabling tfieni to cover their bonds so as not to losa their farms. - " Additional Cable Messages will bs found on Pagan 10 and 11.