THE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2041, 24 August 1906, Page 3

THE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

THE GOV PERNOR'S SpEMCIi. The following is the Governor's speech at (lie opening (if Parliament on Tuesday—Hon. Gentlemen of the Legislative Council and Gentlemen of the House of lteproscmtatives— It. affords me much pleasure to again, moot you in Parliament assembled and to feel that you must rejoice with me at the prosperity which continues to bless this colony as a whole. The outlook was never brighter or more encouraging; production has increased ; prices are profitable, and the condition of our trade, industries and finance reflects the prevailing spirit of enterprise and confidence. These happy circumstances notwithstanding, sorrow is still deeply felt at the occurrence that led to the various political changes which have taken place in the l'fccent short recess. Tho Hon. Sir Joseph George Ward was asked, and at my request undertook, to form a Ministry, and it is now in oflice. Ir is gratifying to note that our population has grown with our prosperity, and that the last census shows a marked increase both in the white arid Maori races of these islands. The late Right Hon. R. J. Seddon visited the Australian Commonwealth in May last, and everywhere received a ,veieonie that, was at. once worthy of his achievements and gratifying to this colony. He crowned his career of splendid service to New Zealand by arranging a provisional reciprocal treaty between this country and Australia. This treaty will be laid before you for consideration ami; if ratified, may form the first step to a closer commercial union with our nearest neighboring kins-men. Tt is. unnecessary to emphasise the advantages accruing to both lands from a closer commercial relationship and freer exchange of products. Mr Petition also established New Zealand agencies in Sydney and Melbourne. Following last year's session, a Postal Conference was held at Home, The lion. Sir .1. G. AVard represented the colony. ami one of the important results secured by him was the "ranting to New Zealand of a separate vote. lie used his best endeavors to obtain universal penny postage, but was outvoted. lie visited the Marconi works, and the knowledge he gained will, I am satisfied, be of benefit to the eolomv when considering the question of wireless telegraphy. The news of the attempt on the life of their Majesties, the King and Queen of Spain, was received bv the inhabitants of this colony with horror, and a message was. sent expressing detestation at the dastardly outrage. The terrible calamity which befell the city of San Francisco by earthquake and lire, appalling in its suddenness and awful in its magnitude, cast a gloom over the whole colony. Messages ol sympathy and offers of assistance were sent to America, and the thanks of the President, the Government and people the I'nited States have been receffed. The Japanese famine and the distress caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, also evoked the sympathy of our people, and practical assistance has lieeil nnderfd in both eases. Owing to etllnxion ol time, th« present Commandant of Forces (General Habington) will retire at the end of this year, and it is with much regret that the Government will then lose the services of this valuable officer, as he is unable to see his way to accept engagement for a further term. When considering the appointment of his successor, the whole question of colonial defence, will be reviewed anil weighid by my Advisers. I am pleasetfto inform yon that the new flagship, TI.M.S. Powerful, with the Australasian squadron, recently visited NewZealand. The Admiral and his officers were accorded a very hearty welcome, and I feel sure carried away with them kindly remembrances of thoir visit. Hon, members will be pleased to hear that a training ship for boys has been established. The work is at present in the preliminary stages and my Advisers hope to submit a report to Parliament. I am pleased to inform you that. preparations for the opening of the International Exhibition on the Ist of November next are progressing satisfactorily. Mv Advisers are satisfied that it will be a success and result in great benefit to the Colony. The Imperial Government, and the Commonwealth Government have signified their intention of being represented and have lent some valuable pictures. Other exhibits have been received from all parts of the world. I feel confident that when the extent of the buildings, the number, variety, and importance yf the exhibits, and the beauty and interest, of the surroundings are disclosed, it will be admitted that the N.Z. International Exhibition is worthy to lake an honorable place amongst, similar undertakings of the Old World. In accordance with the arrangement expressed in the An-glo-French Agreement of 19(1-1, a conference was held in London between representatives of the British '* and French Governments for the purpose of drawing up a scheme for the control of the New Hebrides, which, without altering the international status quo, would provide for the personal security of Furopeai) residents and for the settlement of disputes. A copy of the draft Convention adopted at that conference has been forwarded to my Ministers, who have hud the advantake of consulting the Prime Minister of the • Commonwealth with respect to its terms, A. communication expressing these views concerning the protection of the natives and the preservation ol Australasians' interests in the group has been forwarded to the Colonial Ofi'ice for consideration. My Advisers, recognising that among the main industries of New Ziealand are those of a pastoral and agricultural character, deem it advisable to encourage the application of scientific methods to productive processes in order that our farmers may successfully meet tho increasing competition offered % other countries. Although much has been accomplished in this direction, much yet remains to be done. The mining industry has received the careful attention of my pxlvisers, and honorable Members wiU( [be gratified to ktiow that the output ! of gold and coal last year has ex-

ceeded anything for the past thirty years. You will be asked for authority to enablo additional assistance to be given for the development of this important industry. , The land question arises periodically for discussion, and is still, as in all free countries, one of the greatest of unsettled problems. On the wliolo, our complex system of freehold and leasehold tenures which ha* been slowly built i.p during many years by successive (Jovernments, has worked well, and steadily furthered settlement. It would be imprudent to suddenly attempt any radical change in the land laws, which have been carefully devised to meet the needs of desirable settlors, whether in good or bad times. Important amendments are necessary mh! my Advisers hope to submit >ro;>-is-als which will bring our system n. ar to the ideal of granting the fullest measure of security and stimulus to the farmer consistent with the taiamoigit interests and duties of ihe State. 3ly Advisers believe that it will be ten the interests of the Maori race as well as to the general advantages of the whole colony, to provide that all native lands should be beneficially occupied, either by tlve Maoris themselvos or by Europeans. To accomplish this it is recognised that native land titles must lxt more expeditiously dealt with and determined; the needs of the owners ascertained, and where! they have a surplus of unoccupied lands these must be acquired by the State for settlement. The creation of an efficient and distinct department for native affairs will, it is believed, expedite the carrying out <■l such a policy, and this has already been undertaken. Proposals will be submitted'to you for the improvement of tlve system of audit in the accounts of Government departments and public bodies. The colony is, happily, attracting an increased number of visitors, many of whom may be regarded as tourists. The value to our people from this source is very considerable, and reasonable efforts will further be made, to increase the usefulness of (he Tourist Department. The Commission which was appointed to inquire into the Te Auto and other native trusts, has reported to me and the report will be laid before you. Another Coin-mission has been set up to investigate the causes of tiies on board ships laden with our produce voyaging from this colony to England. The frequency of these, tires, their danger to life and properly, and the importance to producers of minimising all risks by sea carriage, make it imperative to ascertain the sources of these accidents so as to prevent them. Tliis report will be presented to vo-u in due course.

Mr Speaker and (lentlemen -of the House of Representatives

TV estimates of expenditure for the vcar have been framed with economy, having duo regard to the magnitude of the area of interests under control. The policy of active progress in connection with the railways and the completion of lines under construction will be vigorously prosecuted. You will be asked to make special provision lo provide for the extension of roads and telephones to outpost settlements, to facilitate both business and. medical aid communiontion. The question of making provision for old age pension*, as well as that of a aepiu'Me endowment find for educ»itionol purpomu nod honpitnls and charitflble aid. is n sjubjeck of national importance, and proposal* for setting aside suitable endowments for this purpose will be submitted to you. lion, ficntlemen of the Legislative Council and (ientlcinen of the House of Representatives!—

Tin; labor laws have been administered, on ihe whole, with satisfaction both to employers and employees. As, however, our industries have, developed and multiplied -the number of industrial differences, broaches of awards and workers' compensation claims have necessarily increased, and delays have unavoidably arisen. The arbitration and conciliation system cannot operate satisfactorily unless disputes in claims are promptly and expeditiously decidwl. To ensure this my Ministers are of opinion that the time has arrived for the appointment of a .fudge of tlii! Arbitration Court who should devote the whole of his time to the special work. Proposals will be laid before you to give effect to this object. Experience has also disclosed some defects and anomalies in our labor laws. Steps will be taken to have this remedied. The buildings in course of erection at IVlone and Auckland for workers' dwellings are being rapidly pushed forward, and others will follow in dilTerent parts of the colony as circumstances require. Maternity homes have already been opened in Auckland, and Duncdin, and one will shortly be opened in Christ-church. The scheme is working satisfactorily. Infective and economical administration of the (iovernment cannot be secured unless the ablest, and best qualified men are drawn to the ranks of the Civil Service. The attainment of this will be materially assisted by a classification of thi! service and by provision being mtuclo for the old aire of those who have, as public officers, served the colony faithfully and well. The encouragement of thrift should be one of our cardinal aims. The operations of the Post Oflico savings bank and the (lovernment life insurance department. have done much in this direction, but a more immediate stimulus to thrift is still desirabl •. My Advisers consider that the creation of an annuity scheme, accepting contributions from all classes and offering in return the largest, annuities the State can all'ord to pay, deserves careful attention, and mv Ministers hope to submit a complete scheme for carrying out thi# objewt. The development of trade by opening up fresh markets for produce will be actively prosecuted, and -the importance to producers of having cheap rates of freight and freedom to avail themselves of them will not be lost sight of. My Advisers are of opinion that the Sa:i Francisco 111 ail service and the olTer ier the Vancouver mail service should ! rcnewixl. Ellorts will be made to enable New Zealand io enjoy along with Australia the "Commonwealth royal mail service. The question of extension of commerce to the East is occupying the attention ,of my Advisers, and proposals relating thereto will bcihibmittiSll. The promotion of trado with the Dominion of

Canada and with the United State# is receiving every consideration at the hands of the Cowrnment. Another direction in which the efficiency of administration of public affairs can be is by simplifying our system of local government, and a measure dealing with these and kindrttd matters will be submit Ud to you in due course. Ther« are many anomalies in the Customs tariff which should be removed. It is e\|>edicnt, howevor, to have a revision of the whole question of Customs duties, rather than confining attention hj small defects or particular items. The formation of treaties with other colonies and the suggested arrangements with the Slot Iter Country require to )>e first considered before any such general revision is made. It is, therefore, felt better to postpone the review of our Customs duties until after the projected conference of Prime Ministers to be held in London next year. Moreover, this will enable the Minister in eharue of the Customs Department to personally investigates the general requirements of both producers and consumers in N«nv Zealand. Meanwhile Ministers propose to ask Parliament to renew the Agricultural Implement Manufacture! Importation and Sale; Act., 190r>, which has expiivd, Important matters affecting the Kmpire will be dealt with at. the conference of Prime Ministers to be held in Londem em the loth April next, at which it is intended this colony shall be represented. A conference de-aline with shipping laws will also be held in London next, year, and my Advfsers have arranged for the colony tei he represented. I feel conlidcnt you will eive; the position eif the colony and the matte'i's I haves brought under your notice, together \rith the measures that are- to be submitted, your earnest and careful consideration, and I trust that your labors ami decisions may, with Cod's blessing, result in materi ally promoting the prosperity, happiness, we-libeitie- anil lasting beii'-lit of the people of New Zealand.