Opening of Parliament.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXI, Issue 1924, 30 June 1905, Page 5

Opening of Parliament.

THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. Parliament was opened on Tuesday with the usual display. The Speech from the Throne was a very comprehensive one, and outlined the programme for the Session.. In opening Parliament, the Governor expressed himself as greatly impressed with the loyalty ot the people manifested wherever he had been. The information he had respecting the great possibilities -of the colony has been conlirmed. He was glad to be able to congratulate them upon the continued prosperity of the colony. The outlook was most promising, and contentment and happiness obtain everywhere. The speech then went on to refer to what had been done during the recess, and outlined the Bills to be brought before Parliament. The increase in population was referred to. This had risen by 230,000 since 1890, and now (including Maories) stood at 900,682. The arrival of Chinese in large numbers was a matter which required to be considered. The taxation per head of the population had decreased during the last two years. The railway and customs returns were increasing. The classiiication of the whole of the Civil Service was necessary. A Bill would be submitted for the increase in teachers' salaries, also a scheme for superannuation in the Education Department. The increase of the Old Age Pension from 7/- to 10/- was outlined. Public Works proposals would be submitted for the more expeditious construction of im-, portant railway lines and the extension of telephone lines to the back blocks would be proceeded with. A larger appropriation for school buildings was necessary. Subsidies to local bodies would be placed on an improved basis. The taking of the census and tho cost of the coming general election would have to be provided for in the Estimates. Larger advances would be made under the "Advances to Settlers' Act. Salaries of magistrates required to be increased. The law for the protection of females would be considered. The fixing of a rate of interest on advances would be made law. The endeavour to establish a mail service via Vancouver would be continued. Laws relating to local government would rc(uire to be amended. Valuations made by tho Valuation Department would in future only apply to State Departments. Effectual steps are required to be taken to prevent delay in settling awards in the Arbitration Courts. The Workers' Compensation for Accidents Law required to be amended. Forest reservation was a matter requiring prompt attention.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. In the Legislative Council, the vacancies caused by the death oE Sir. A. •J. Cadman, and the resignation of the Hon. H. Williams, and the expiry of the term of appointment of the Hon. •J. M. Twomcv and Hon. A. Lee Smith were announced. A motion expressive of the high esteem the late Sir A. J. Cadman was held in was passed. lIOUSF OF REPRESENTATIVES. Mr F. M. B. Fisher, the new member for Wellington City, took the oath and his seat. Notice of the introduction of a number of bills was given. A' motion expressive of the appreciation of the House for the late Mr Geo. Fisher's services was passed.

ADDRESS-IN-REPLY, Wednesday, June '2B. In the House of Representatives after a number of Bills had been read a first time, Mr Flatman opened the Address-in-Reply. Mr Hogg seconded the address. Mr Massey, Loader of the Opposition, spoke at length traversing the matter of the speech. Mr Flatman replied, and the Address in-Reply was carried.