THE SESSION OPENED.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 237, 30 June 1908, Page 9

THE SESSION OPENED.

GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

LIST OF -MINISTERIAL MEASURES.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT NEXT TUESDAY.

ROYAL ASSENT TO CHINESE: IMMI-

GRATION AMENDMENT, ACT.

Very quietly the fourth session of tho sixteenth' Parliament of New ' Zealand was opened yesterday.'.'The crowd outside wds smaller tiah,-usual, because thero. was less space for them, at V the front : entranco of. Government. House- than at the old Parliamentary Buildings.; Guns; were fired when his Excellency the Governor left, his temporary officos at the Ministerial-residence in Molesworth Street'. 'The Heretaunga Mounted Rifles accompanied him as a guard,of honour;,and a dotachment of the Permanent Force- paraded. ■ '■■■..

Instead of tho'usual largo attendance of spectators in < tho Legislative Council, tho single, slightly-raised gallery was occupied only by Lady.Ward and Miss Eileen Ward, Mrs. Fmdlay/ Mrs., and the two Misses HallJonos, and-a. little crowd of men, composed mainly- of tho Press representatives.,; His Excellency arrived in ' tho Legislative Council Chamber at 2.35 p.m., accompanied by Captain Lyon, A.D.C., and Mr. H. C. Waterfield (private secretary). Two minutes later came the Speaker of tho Lower House, tho leading officials, the Ministers, and about forty of the • members. The. reading of tho Speoch was followed with no very marked signs: of • interest,; until his Esceljoncy. encountered on - tho last pages' a list of a couple . of<-score of promised Bills. Then ■members smiled,, and when .the last words of:the paragraph, -" and other important - mattersi'' ! -wero\ : / prpno!inped, the ".smiles" became audiblo. The ceremony was over by 2.52- p.m. -

Tho Speech contained little that will bo now to tho public, but interest attaches to tho statement that ; Now Zealand has, owing,to v .the representations of,_the Prime Minister, been placed in the same position as the' Empire's older and greater Dominion in regard to of Bills for the Royal Ass'ont.To descend from : Imperial heights to a very local matter, it was noticed that the Meiklo Acquittal Bill was included in tho list of measures promised, instead of tho general measuro which was spoken of last sossioji. Tho-Council only remained in tho Chamber a few'minutes! longer, to begin.the session with a littlo formal business. - ,

Dr. ! Chappie,. Tuapeka's nowly-elect, was duly sworn 111 in tho Houso, and sympathetic tribute was paid to tho late Mr. J. Bennlt,' whoseseat Dr. Chappie fills. Many noticps of motions and petitions wore presented,-some of an interesting nature; and the Prime Minister, following in a brief statement, "announced that the Chin--cso Immigration Actj. 1907 (imposing: a severo education tost): had received the Royal Assent, farid- would-como -intd : ' :C 'oper%Mbn'', in' throo months from tho dato of tho giving of such Assent; that Imprest Supply would be asked for tii-day;; .that the Knancial Statement was Teailyfor;presentation to the Housoi next Tuesdayand that next «Jay. ho would make a statement m connection with tho new Parliamentary Buildings.: The - Houso, -at 3.30 p.m., adjourned out W respect -to the 'late- Mr. Rennet. . : ' THE SPEECH. BUSINESS FOR THE SESSION•A LONG LIST OF MEASURES. EVENTS REVIEWED. His Excellency's Speech was- as follows:— Honourable Cortlemen of the Legislative Council,'and Gentlemen of tha House of Representatives,— I have .much pleasuro in again meeting you in Parliament assembled.' , . In . accordance with, tha practice of my predecessors, and for .the purpose of widen-, mg my acquaintance with the people, and lands of, the Dominioy,- I have during tho past twelve months visited various parts of the countiy, and; everywhere on these journeys I-: was .profbuhdlyimpressed 'by the sturdy energy, loyalty, and material com- • fort of our people. Since I. last met , you New Zealand - has - maintained her high standard:, of healthy prosperity, and although tho prices of some of - onr';" chief _ commodities havorecently suffered depression Hhere is- a hopeful prospect of their early recovery. ' The general outlook for our producers and those engaged in 'trado.and commerce is encouraging, and given duo energy'-and prudence thero appears no ( reason to approhond - that the increase in our material wealth -and tho' widespread com- ; fort of our people is likely to declino.

Losses by Death. '•. It is, fitting 'that.-I- should mention tho loss which Great' Britain has suffered in the death el .its.' Prime'..'Minister,the late Right Honourable' Sir Henry Campbell-Bannenoan, whose High character and long public service endeared him to our nation, and now-secures for him a lasting plnco in the memory of the British people. ' During the last twelve months death has removed the Honourable William Kelly, of the Legislativo'Council, and Mr. James Bennet, of the House of Representatives, gentlemen who earned, for themselves the esteem and respect of both" branches of the Legislature."' New Zealand's Higher Plane. On September 26 last Now Zealand passed from tho status of a colony to the higher plane of Dominion, and I take this tho first opportunity I havo had to congratulate you ..in Parliament assembled upon tho high dignity. His Majesty has thereby conferred on this progressive country, and to express tho hope and belief that the chango may not only secure for us a worthier placo in tho world's esteem,' but also by increasing 'our national self-respect help' to .stimulate the higher ideals of our own people. Consequent on strong representations mado by my Prime Minister when in London, New Zealand has now been- placed in the same position as tho Dominion of Canada with respeot to tho important constitutional question of the reservation of Bills for, tho Royal Assent.

America. I haVo been notified .that early in August warships of tho United States of America will visit Now. Zealand. Tho event is historical, for it will be tho first visit of a fleet of that great nation which has sprung from our own hardy raco—a nation speaking our tongue, sharing not only our literature and our noblest traditions, but also our aspirations and ideals. .Preparations for a suitable welcomo aro now well in band, and it is hoped that tho visit, in addition to its national importance, will be made a pleasant and memorable one to the officers and men of this detachment, of the Amorican navy. "■ Another event connected' with the Northern Continent of America takes place in July next, when Canada will celebrate her Tercentenary at' Quebec. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales will represent His Majesty the King on this important and "historic or —which is one of deep interest

to all parts of our Empire. My Primo Minister was invited by tho Government of Canada to ,bo present as representing Now Zealand, but owing to Parliamont being ill session ha will bo unable to leave his public duties, and; at the. suggestion of my Advisers, my predecessor, tnc Right Hon. tho' Earl of Ranfurly, was asked and has kindly agreed to attond in his stead. It is felt that New Zealand is fortunate in having such a representative who combines with othor qualifications a wide knowledgo of arid a. deep lovo for this country and its peoplo. In England.' An Exhibition of-more than industrial importance has been recently opened in London by His Royal Highness tho Princo of Wales; and I am pleased to say that New Zealand products are' well represented. The Franco-Britisa Exhibition has for us an international . significance, in that it affords a striking testimony of tho relations of amity oxisting between Great Britain and Franco, as well as at tho s&m© timo contributing to tho world's peaco. ' The term of office of tho High Commissioner for Now Zealand having expired on Juno 14, tho Honourable William Pember Rooves was reappointed for o. further term. Bush Fires, -L' An unusual period of. dry .weather during last midsummer caused serious loss to farmers and settlors throughout New Zealand by reason' of busli and other fires, 'which destroyed large areas of crop and forest, and in some cases stock, homesteads, and other buildings.- • To relievo tho loss which fell, crashingly upon these farmers and settlors, grass-seed was furnished by my Advisers in'proper cases and upon such terms as relieved' the sufferers., , Parliament Buildings. Early-on tlio morning of the 11th December last New Zealand suffered . a national loss; in the destruction by fire of tho Parliament Buildinfis. Happily; tho library and its contents escaped injury, but many valuable records and othor' papers wore destroyed. A threefold lbss falls . upon us , by. the destruction of these buildings, "for not only were they the council-halls of our Legislature and-one of our chief archives, but. they wore closely connected with the history and progross of this country,, and with tho lives and achievements of honoured statesmen of tho past.. ■■ Indeed, as archives and as a memorial the loss of Parliament Buildings .is irreparable. , ' Temporary accommodation for you is provided in • this House, and you will be asked to consider at., an early dato proposals which. my_ Advisors will bring, before you for suitable permanent Houses of Parliament. 1 All Red Ro'utb. It is recognised that our present mailservice .to and from Great. Britain and Europe is unsatisfactory, and efforts have been,continuously made by my Primo Minister to 'secure .tho co-operation of Great' Britain and her oversea .dominions to'the end that a fast and .entirely British lino of mail-steamers: should be provided for - thosci postal services of Great Britain, .Canada, .Australia, and-New Zealand.- Theso efforts aro still , being maintained,' and ray ' Advisers are hopeful of their ultimate'success. Coming Legislation. - This year a great work . culminates in tho. completion of the labours of the Reprint of' Statutes Commission, and during this, session' of Parliament a consolidation in five volumes of the general public statutes, now contained in' some fifty-five volumes, will be introduced for the purpose of being passed into law. •., , ;...

i This country , has exceedingly rich'national endowments of water-power, and the expediency has been impressed on; my'-. Advisors of • permitting portions of "this . watorpower to do employed for private enterprise under strict' and. proper safeguards in the Arnblic 'interest.'; Proposals to :this end will be shortly laid> before''you invtho >-forjn'«of enabling' legislation."'' .My-> Advisers_ 'foel .the timo -has'S arrived to brhTg': {fiiS 7 ' ®. 9 pf those which now secure a more pcrfcct..m&-' jority. representation by tho ! system of. Ja second election,. and a • Bill will. be . introduced providing for such a systom. "

Labour, Land, and Mining. | ■ Since I last met you difficulties have 'Been i experienced in the industrial world,' and to c meet them my Advisers will , submit legisla- ; tion which it is hoped will improve the in- J dustrial condition or our pcoplo and promote friendlier relations between employer and i employed. : , . You will be pleased to know that the land , legislation of. last session .promises success, j Several, largo estates, have been . acquired, ( and : in disposing of them for settlement' , the' popularity of the renewable-leaso sys- j tem has been shown by the fact'that tho ] demapd. for sections;. has largely exceeded tho "supply. ; : I It . is gratifying to find that tho mining j industry, which is second '. in importanco 1 only to-our. farming and. pastoral industries, ( is thriving and pr6gressing .with steady ] strides.' Legislation facilitating'this opera-; . tion of some minor provisions of the Mining | Acts will bo introduced, and clearer ex- ; prossiori- will bo given to the intention of. Parliament .'with regard to. what is known: as the ."bank-to-bank" .clauso of the Coalmines Act. ■ ; : 1 , • !■' 1 .' Natiiro Land Settlement. • ! The Native Land Commissioners, His Honour tho Chief Justice, and Mr. A. T.'Ngata, , M.P., havo . been carrying on the work of their Commission with unfailing diligence. Thoy havo ; held sittings in all the different localities.in which areas of land calling for their investigation. are situated, and have with great patienco .given tW'. Native .owners the fullest opportunity of'being heard and 1 of expressing their objections or consent to those methods of dealing 1 with their lands - which have been discussed or suggested by the Commission. Tho happy result has been secured that a very large area of land his been recommended by tho Commission for European settlement, while'retaining for the Native owners such areas as are • desirable for'their use and occupation; All this work has been' done with the harmonious co-operd-tion of the Native owners themselves. Tho neoessary work. of surveys and other 'prer jiminariea in the opening of such land for settlement is being pushed en vigorously. It is hoped that tho Commission will be ablo to complete its labours very ' early noxt year. The present law with respect, to Native townships, such as Taumarunui,' Te Kuiti,. and' otber centres has, been found to be unsatisfactory to iuropoang, arid ; the disabilities arising from this law will be removed. . •The departure of thosteamship Nimrod for the purpose of tho scientific exploration of the Antarctic regions has- created much interest throughout New Zealand, and tho result of these explorations is awaited with hopefulness and interest. ' . ' ' Tho Main Trunk. It is gratifying to have the : assurance of my Advisors that tho groat work of tho construction of tho North Island Main Trunk Railway will be completed within a few months, and that thereby the two principal cities of Wellington and Auckland, will bo' directly connected by rail. Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of tho House of Representatives,— My 'Advisers feel that this country has now reached a stage at which it should institute a scheme of national annuities available for all classes of the community. The oomplexity of this question has caiiscd.my Advisers much earnest considora- ,' tion, and a scheme has boon devised which it is hoped will secure genoral approval, and ivKich will bo laid before you in tho form of , an Annuities Bill. Proposals will also be submitted providing for superannuation for' • omployoos of local publio bodios, tramway, [ gas, and electrio light compaaiea. ; Difficulties and objection# in connection ■ with our present method of public audit have i induced my Advisors to dotermino upon a I chango in tho systam, and amendman-ia of ; tho law will, therefora, bo proposed bringing : tho public audit of this countrv into clssar harmony with tho lystom which prevails in • Great Britain and most of tho oversea dor minions. During last session two Acts were passed i providing schemes for classification and sup- - erannuation of the officers of tho public ser- - vice. The necessary preliminary work of b bringing these Acts into operation has been

pushod on diligently, and they promise eminently satisfactory results. Some minor machinery defects will bo mot by an amendment which will Ixi laid before you. The estimates of tho rovonuo and expenditure for. tho year hare been compiled with duo caro, having regard to both cconomyand efficiency, and will shortly bo placed heforo you for your consideration. Tho accounts disclose, as in recent years, tho gratifying result of a substantial surplus on the year's transactions, and I am happy to say that, so far, this year's receipts aro in every way satisfactory. '

Roads for tha BacltblooKs. My Advisers. have been increasingly impressed by the needs of settlors in tho less accessible localities of tho Dominion. These settlors courageously enduro many hardships, and in riow of tho bcneficial result of thoir labour to the wholo community my Advisers are of opinion that the State should extend a strong helping hand to them in such directions ss aro prudent. To this end you will be asked to make a special and liberal provision for tho construction of roads, telephones, and such othor conveniences as willassist them in thoir work of settling and improving our outpost lands, and relieve as far as possiblo tho hardships incident to their lives. Tho success of closer settlement justifies the vigorous promotion of that policy, and among tho cardinal objects of my Advisers will be the further extension of closer settlement and tho early completion of tho main lines of railways now in hand. Increased Naval Subsidy. After mature consideration my - Advisers have dccided to increase the. contribution paid by this Dominion to tho British Navy, as they aro confident that the truest interests of the peoplo of New Zealand will bo best served by having a powerful navy under tho independent control of those responsible for directing it in time of peace or- war.' You will bo asked to make provision accordingly. Monsursblo Centleroen of the Legislative Council, and Contlemcn of the HOusc of Repreßsntatlvea,— " ■ My Advisers have asked the British Government for o,'larger vessel than the-Amokura so as.to train up to a thousand young men jit a time.. A proportion of the- men thus trained'would then be available for manning His Majesty's ships in New. Zealand waters. It is also contemplated that tho training of young men for tho mercantile marine should be undertaken on the New Zealand trainingship. The advantage of this proposal is that in time of need those who are engaged in this occupation ,will bo sufficiently trained t-6 man His Majesty's ships if required. 'Steady progress has taken placo during tho past year in the agricultural development of tho country.- My Advisers-liavo constantly kept in view the necessity for up-to-dato mothods in farming operations and tho application of science to-, agricultural pursuits. The various experimental stations aro enlisting the• sympathies: of farmers throughout the North Island, and' tho extension of tho sybtem to tho. South Island is in contemplation'.' Satisfactory-progress has been mado in fchi> direction of the establishment of a dairy scfiool it Palmcrston North and of a veterinary .school at Dunedin. •',

Manaamtu Railway. ' My Advisers are of opinion that, with tho; near approach of the completion of the North Island' Main Trunk ■ Railway, tho timo has arrived , for the _State to acquire the Manawatu Railway line, and tho proper preliminary legal steps have already been taken to tha|' ena. Legal 'difficulties which may possibly emerge in the further proceedings to bo (;ak«n will be met by legislation .if tlioy jihriaton: any serious , delay' in tho acquisition of the railway line by tho State.' ■ . Education. , ; Iti has for some time been' recognised thati. greater efficiency in tho education system! would be obtained by decreasing the siro jof tho classes under instruction; proposals will accordingly bo laid beforo you for a substantial .increase in tlio stas of tho public. Bohools. At tho samo. time, in order to secure a full supply of well-qualified teachers, it .is, proposed to make provision, especially in Jhe.'>case .of small schools, also for an increasb. in thd; salaries'.of . teachers. The; question-.c.of ' annual' increments •to 'salaries generally, and, for giving greater facilities for tho promotion and transfer of teacher's will also be submitted to you for your consideration.

A List. \ ■ Measures will, be' submitted' to you dealing with national annuities, 1 closer settlement extension, second ballot, Shipping and Seamen Act, Civil Service Amendment, slaughtering and inspection, contractors' and worked' liens, workers' compensation, friendly, societies, naval subsidy, Meiklo acquittal, backblocks' rbacling _ and bridging,:. public holidays; localvbodies, tramway, gas, and electric light companies' employees' superannuation; Public Service Classification and Superannuation Amendment, Native lands, water-power leasing, Life Assurance Policies Amendment,, consolidation of statute jaw, destitute persons' relief,. Government post audit, inspection of machinery, model by-laws, Native Townships Act, Mining Act, teachers' superannuation, police • superannuation, school teachers' salaries and superannuation, land-' and income assessment, local authorities' subsidies, local •government, mental hospitals, .hospital and charitable aid, the • law of libel,' counties, infant life protection, impounding,. corporation contracts, the Judiciary, the Supreme Court Code, secret .commissions, and other important matters. • In conclusion, I desire to express my confidence that.you will give to air tho matters I havo brought under your'notice your careful consideration and soundest judgment, and I trust that your labours and decisions may have God's blessing, result; ing in promoting still further the prosperity,' happiness, and permanent well-being of the jpeoplo of this Dominion as a whole. 1