PARLIAMENT OPENED.

Evening Star, Issue 12699, 27 June 1907, Page 4

PARLIAMENT OPENED.

[By Teieobaph.]

WELLINGTON, Juno 27.

The third session of the. sixteenth Parliament was opened at Wellington this afternoon. "

Shortly after. 2.30 Hie Excellency the Governor entered the Chamber and took the chair. A message was forwarded to the House of Representatives desiring the attendance oJf members irt the Council Chamber. The members o£ the elective branch of the Legislature, with their Speaker, accordingly attended. (GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. His Excellency delivered the following Bjeech.:'— Honorable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives;—

I It is with much pleasure that I again ! nnoet you in Par'ianynt assembled. During I tho year which has intervened between, this and the last opening of Parliament New Zealand has enjoyed in an increasing degree the Wes ings «f widespread and solidly-based \ prosperity. It is a matter for universal : gratification that, judged by nil the recogI nised tests oi progress, wealth, population, | and social improvement, Now Zealand has I advanced faster during tho last ten, years ! than during any previous decade of its hisI toiy, and it is equally gratifying to note | that the future promises a continuance of j the prosperous times we at present enjoy. [ I regret to eay that since I laet addressed you death has removed one of my Advisers, the late Hon. Albert Pitt, who held the oflace of Attorney-General. We have also to deplore the death of the late Hon. William SL Bolt and the Hon. Lancelot Walker, of the Legislative Council, and of Mr M. M. Kirkbt'Jde and Mr E. M. Smith, of the Kotnsa of Representatives, all of whom had rendered long and valuable services in tho conduct of public affairs. The last loss this colony sustained is by the death of tho late Hon. Sir John Hall, K.C.M.G., ono of the veterans of our public life, who, in the active days' of Ms political career, was a distinguished member of both branches of the Legislature, he crowned his public lifo by occupying with conspicuous success the position of Prime Minister of this colony. To fill tho vacancy caused by Mr Pitt's death, I summoned Dr J. G. Findlay to tho Legislative Council, and appointed him Attorney-General and Colonial Secretary. In the belief that a knowledge of the lands and harbors of the colony and of the outlying, islands is to some degree essential to the satisfactory discharge of the duties of His Majesty's representative, I have during the recess made an extended tour throughout the colony, and visited tho Snares, Auckland Islands, Campbell Islands, Antipodes, Bounty Islands, and Chatham Islands. Tho general result of these visits has been, to iurther reveal to me not only the extraordinary natural resources and advantages of this country, but also tho unfailing and universal loyalty of its people to His Majesty the King. Tho earthquake catastrophies which lately occurred in Valparaiso and Jamaica roused much sympathy in. New Zealand, and .at the request of my Advisers I sent messages to that effect on behalf of our Government and people. I regret to say that the earthquake at Jamaica claimed as bno of its victims the late Right Hon. Sir James Fergusson, a former Governor of New Zealand. Tho Council of Defence provided *°rby tho Defence Act Amendment Act, 1906, has been set up, and my Advisers are of opinion that good results will follow from bringing volunteer officers closer and into more direct touch with the Defence administration. A squadron of H.I.M. the Emperor of Japan also visited New Zealand recently, and it being the occasion of tho visit of the Australasian squadron, our ally Admiral, his officers, and men were warmly welcomed, and treated with kindness and hospitality worthy of tho nation's traditions.

The year has been marked by two important conferences which have been held ,• in London, At the. Conference of Prime Ministers of the self-governing Oversea. ! Dominions, New Zealand was represented by Sir Joseph Ward. A full report of the proceedings will be placed before you., I agree with my Advisers, that although much that was attempted remains unachieved, yet much was accomplished in the best interests of the Empire. _ On tlte important question of Fiscal Preference the Imperial Government were unable to accept the proposal* of the Oversea representatives. The subject, however, was fully and clearly discussed, and my Advisers are of opinion that the result will bo for good in clearing the air and removing many prejudices and misunderstandings that cloud the issue. In treatingthe other i matters brought forward, the Home Government showed overy desire to co-operate ! in measures to promote Imperial unity, and in particular promised to give full consideration to the suggestions of my Prime Minister in favor of cheapening tho postal and telegraph rates, reducing tho Suez Canal dues, and quickening steam communication beweetn the United Kingdom and the Oversea Dominions. Amongst the matters agreed upon at the Conference, not the least important was that in the making of Imperial treaties and conventions the self-governing depen- ! dencies directly affected shall be consulted. In accordance with this? principle, tho British Government invited the Prime Ministers of ths Commonwealth and New Zealand to nominate a British representative on an Anglo-French sub-convention then ; shortly to bo held, for the purpose of settling osi tain matters of detail under the existing Now Hebrides Convention, and on tho recommendation of my Prime Minister the Solicitor-General of New Zealand (Dr Fitchet.) was appointed and acted. The bonots and attentions showered upon tho visiting Prime Ministers give gratifyinK proof of the kindly feelings with which tho Overcen Dominions ar© regarded in tho United Kingdom. In tho case of Sir Joseph Ward, His Majesty caused him to be sworn in of his Council; the Corporations of London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Bristol admitted him to the freedom of their cities; and • the Universities of Edinburgh and Dublin conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. As the outcome of discussions at the Conference, it is i.ndarstood that the Imperial authorities will arrange that the self-governing dependencies will m future be administered sepal ately from tho Crown colonies. Inclusive of dependencies, there are no less than thirty-three colonies of the Crown. In thin connection it will, I am sure, be giatifying to you and our people generally to kirn that, in compliance with repre serrations made by Sir Joseph Ward, 'Jw British Government are prepared to advise HiS'Mnjesty to raise the status oi New Zealand! by changing its designation from " colon-? " "to " dominion " upon <-emg requested so to do by resolution -f i'ariiaircnt. A ntiotion to this effect will be submitted, anel if carried, the effect will be to place New Zealand in a higher position in the eves of the world. The New Zealand International Exhibition, -which was opened on the Ist November last, was formally closed by me on tho 15th April. The results have more than fulfilled expectations. The total attendance was nearly two millions, and my Ministers are satisfied that, despite the cost to the Public Treasury, New Zealand has gained by the undertaking. Quite irrespective of the direct financial receipts consequent on the influx of visitors and the Customs duties on exhibits sold, the Exhibition, has served to bring into prominence the advantages and resources of NewZealand, and has also had a great eduev tive influence in industry, science, and art. The circumstances and position of New Zealand maie, and will probably always make, our agricultural and pastoral interests the paramount concern of, the whole community; and my Advisers that the already extensive machinery and ruriotiiois of the Agricultural Department may be still further developed to the material benefit of our settlers by spreading more., widely the most recent scientific know- ■ ledge in productive processes of all kinds of farming. To this end an experimental dairy school and other methods of instruction will be instituted, and two ob-1

jects..will be kept in view—first, that of ensuring the highest grade of excellence in our products, and secondly, that of protecting our farmers and the country genally against the injury resulting, from inferior products being falsely sold as those of New Zealand.

The mining industry, in the widest meaning of the term, probably ranks second in importance'to that of the agricultural and pastoral, and. it is gratifying to know that it is progressing upon a solid and legitimate basis. Gold entered for exportation last year amounted to 3*2,270,904, being a large increase on that of the (previous year's output. My Advisers will ask for authority to asisst and promote on Safe lines the development of this great indxistry, which, in all its branches, gives employment to so many thousands of our people. My Prime Minister also attended the Maritime Conference, the delegates representing the shipping interests of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and New Zealand. Full minutes of the proceedings will be laid before you, and from them you will see that many important subjects were discussed, >and in some' cases a satisfactory understanding was come to on points upon which difficulties and friction existed. My Advisers were pleased to find that British shipowners had little objection to urge against the New Zealand Shipping and Seamen Act, or the manner, in which the Marino Department administers it. In the comparatively few cases, however, where legislation is necessary hi order to give effect to resolutions of the Conference, an amending Bill will be submitted for your consideration.

You will he asked to mate further provision for workmen's homes, so that a smaller proportion of the wages earned by our city workers will have to be spent in rent.

The Tesults of the last Census have now been definitely ascertained. Tho popula- | Hon of New Zealand (excluding the members of the Maori race) amounts to 888,579, showing a veiy satisfactory increase (115,359) over the census of 1901. The Representation Commisaon have considered the necessaiy redivisioii of the electoral districts, and forwarded me their report, which will bo presented to you. Bills dealing comprehensively with the important question of our land system will be submitted to you at an early date. The problem of how the State should deal with the vast areas of native land in New Zealand, so as to open as much of it for European settlement as is consistent with' the fullest regard to the interests oi the native owners, has perplexed many past Administrations, and my Advisers, feeling that the first step to the permanent solution of this problem is a full and reliable knowledge of the facts of the conditions involved, have during the recess advised me to appoint a Royal Ownmission consisting of the Chief Justice and Mr A. T. Ngata, M.H.R., and this Commission have accordingly been est up to investigate land requirements and the maintenance of native ouners and the native race throughout the colony; also to ascertain what area of such native land can with full jußtice to the native owners be made available for Euro}>ean settlement. This Oommiasion have been actively engaged in the pursuit of their duties for some months, and the result of their labors will be laid before you .at an early, date. It is proposed to introduce legislation based upon the material supplied by tlie reports of this Commission, securing to the native owners such kind as they require, and making available for European settlement the surplus above these requirements. Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives,— ?

The estimates of revenue and expend!' turo for the current year will be placed before, you. They have been framed -with, duo regard both to efficiency fund economy. The accounts show a. very substantial surplus on the year's transactions, and so far this year the receipts ore in excess of the corresponding period of last year. My Advisera believe that a judicious system of reciprocal tariff treaties with other portions of the Empire will benefit not only New Zealand but the Empire generally. A provisional treaty has been entered into with South Airiou, 6ubjeov> of couree, to confirmation by. Parliament, and will be submitted for consideration. Whilst in London my Prime Minster discussed with Sir Wilfrid Laurier the' question of a tariff treaty between übis country and Canada, and negotiations are now in progress, the results of which, if they take practical form, will be submitted to you in due course.

A vigorous promotion of closer settlement and tho energetic construction of the main railway lines now in hand will be cardinal objects of the policy of my Advisers, who will work to secure the completion of the North Island Main Trunk Railway by the end of next year. My Ministers are fully alive to the hardships of our settlers, especially those in tho backblocks, consequent upon want of access to their holdings. Yon will be asked to make liberal provision for the construction of roads, telephones, and such other conveniences as may render the good work done by these settlers lero irksome and trying than it has been in the past.

Honorable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives,—

My Advisers are of opinion that it will be of great benefit to the trading community if the Customs Tariff were revised and simplified. A measure dealing with this matter will be submitted to you, and provision will be made for lightening taxation as far as possible on the necessaries of life.

My Advisers fully appreciate the necessity of procuring for the ranks of the Civil Pervice men of the best ability and qualifications. The good results which nave, been achieved in the Post and Telegraph Denartmont bv ite scheme of classification has led my Advisers to prepare for submission to vou an extension of tho system to the other branches of the Public Serrice. Proposals dealing with a suneramiuation scheme for the Civil Service have also received the careful consideration of Ministers, and will be submitted to yon.

During the recess a Judpe has -been •i,r»viiTiW uMer the Industrial Concilintion and Arbitration Act of last year, and. aceonding 1o the terms of tho Act, he is devoting the of his time to the w«rk of industrial disputes and other labor matters, with the result that arrears exirctin.T at the time of his appointment will shortly entirely dirvmnear. Pome amendments suppyimr machinery necessarv to the effective operation of the Act will be unbinitt/'d.

My Advisors think the time has arrived to oxtend the benefit of the Workere' Compensation for Accidents Act to those cnin our industries, and a Bill will be submitted to yon W this purpose, and also makinp more definite of ascertainment the compensation navable. The discontinuance of the San Francisco mail service has left New Zealand without an errpeditioiTs oversea eteam service to England. The necessity for this country maintaininc a. close association with the United Kintpdom is keenly felt, and it is of the utmost importance to all classes of tho comimmitv that this vrstnt bo renwlied as early and as effectively as ooseible. My Advisera V-pe that a practical solution of the difficulty will be devised, and in snrh event proposals will be rmbmittpii Vor your consideration.

Tho devnlcrpm&nt of our trade with other countries has been under the consideration of mv Advisers. .«id they are earnestly seeking the means of more cheaply Teachine onr bW TrinTltftß. and of opening up and extending new markets for some of our largest product'. The importance to onr prochwers of borne able to compete with the product? of other lnwds ufaVes chfttp and expfditiowi means of transit all-important, and careful consideration lws been piven to thi=matter, and (steps will be taken to further its ohiflct*.

Tiif. in-c rolatiii" to local bhdies, especially in regard to their horrowinp powers, v. wwrfun nnd and n mearnre dealinc; with this and othtrr branches of locs] ■frovoroment will be mmmitted to you in due course. • •

Bills dcalinir with the gambling evil, wcret commission*, mental hospital*, fire shops and offiow>. pnro foods, and other important matters will bo introduced. I am satisfied von wiD. bring to-alLnmt-

tiers 1 hare brought under your notice, and to other measures which are to be submitted to you, your earnest consideration and best judgment, and I trust that -your labors and decisions may have God's blessing, resulting in still furthering the prosperity, happiness, and permanent well-being of tnepeopl* of this colony as a whole.

THE OPENING GEREMONY. [FB.OM OtTB. PjBUAItENTA&X IisPOB3Z&.] WELLINGTON, Jane 27. Parliament was opened by the Governor. His Excellency arrived at the Council Chambers punctually, escorted by members of the Council of Defence in uniform, including Colonel Robin. Only about a dozeh Legislative Councillors were present Dr Findlay occupied a Minister's seat is the Upper House. There was a good at. tendance of members of the Lower House, including all the Ministers except the Hon. W. Hall-Jones.

The passage in the Governor's Speech intimating that New Zealand is to be designated "Dominion" instead of "Colony*— evidently the matter which* the Premier indicated last night as lifeely to gratify all classes—was received with evident surprise,, several members of the Lower House relaxing for a moment their attitude of stoßd attention.

The ceremony lasted twenty-five inmates. Tho nen members of. the Legislative Council were sworn in afterwards.

Mr T. H. Davey will move tile Ad-drcas-in-Beply, and Mr Hugh Poland ie mentioned as the seconder.