UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Evening Star, Issue 14515, 5 November 1910, Page 5

UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA.

OPENING OF THE FIRST PARLIAMENT. MESSAGES FROM AND TO THE KING. GORGEOUS AND BRILLIANT CEREMONY.

Tress Association—By Telegraph— Copyrigh t.

THE GOVERNMENT BANQUET. MR FOWLDS'S REPLY. CAPE TOWN, November 4. Replying on behalf of New Zealand at tho Government banquet Mr Fowlds reminded his hearers that Sir George Grey was recalled from South Africa half a century ago because he favored responsible government. He urged that South Africa geographically was one of tho keystones of the Imperial arch. There was a great prospect that if mutual respect, good-will, and toleration characterised their relations people would be pleased with tho qualities of the Dutch, than whom there wero eo more loyal subjects of the Crown. Lord"l)e Villiers, in 'proposing "The Union of South Africa," laid stress on the assertion that there was no re;d racial dilficulty in .South Africa. Regarding the language problem, he emphasised the fact that the fittest would survive. The ex-lVcu.ier of Cape Colony (Mr Merriinan) said ho had never feared trifles like a difference- in regard to the language. ]f South Africa ever l>eeauie a great people it would be through and by her methods of treatment of the natives. These must bo justice, freedom, and tolerance. OPENLNG OF PARLIAMENT. MESSAGE FROM THE KING. CAPE TOWN, November 4. The inauguration of the first Union Parliament took place this morning in 6uperb weather. The Duke and Duchess of Connaught and Lord and Lady Gladstone- led a processicr. from Government House through the principal thoroughfares of the city to Parliament Buildings. The streets wore lined with troops and thronged with enthusiastic crowds. The procession reached Parliament House at noon, and the participants wero received by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of tho Assembly. They proceeded to the Assembly Chamber, where the Duk9 ol Connaught delivered a speech and the King's Message. Lord Gladstone delivered tho opening Speech, whereafter Parliament met for business. Router advises that tho following is the text of tlio Duke of Connaught's speech :—- Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the Houso of Assembly. On the 21st February last my Iwloved and deeply-lamented brother, King Edward, in a speech in the Imperial Parliament dwelt on tho establishment of union in South Africa, and his desire that his s eon, tho then Princo of Wales, should make an extended tour through the Dominion and open*, in Ids name, the first session of the new Parliament. But by tho inscrutable ordering of events that purpose, charged with so deep an interest and mcimiug for all subjects both here and at Home, was not to bo fulfilled. Tho suddon calamity which within a few weeks bereaved the Empire of its levered Sovereign thus fell with particular severity on Soulh Africa herself. It broke, tho" chain of close- and abiding forethought which linked my illustrious brother to the welfare of this great territory, and effaced at one blow fill those well-planned arrangements for doing high honor to tho birth of the Union Parliament, which held a prominentl place in the King's thoughts even during tho closing hours of his life. I have it in the) command from the King to convey to South Africa an expression of his keen and profound regret that he for the present has been deprived' of tho gratification of coming amongst you in person. To havo been hero upon this great historic occasion would have been to llif. Majesty and also to the Queen an inestimable pleasure, but the imperat : ve and pressing duties and labors which at this time aro crowded upon His Majesty make it impossible far tho King te, ho absent from the Motlier Country. nis Majesty therefore conferred on mo the honor of representing him to-day. Ho has bidden mo assure you of hie heartfelt gratitnde for the warm sympathy extended by the whole of South Africa zo himeelf and family in the irreparable loss they su-rtained. Tho King, as you aro well aware, is no stranger to the Dominions Beyond the Seas. His association with them is life-long, and they hold a largo place in his heart. His Majesty well knoTve that you havo pissed through fire, sorrow, trouble, and misunderstanding, and that tho conflict had brought calamity upon the land. But all this was now peacefully buried with tho past. Here, as elsewhere, ti»ere must always exist marked divergence of political opinion. Such divisions, indeed, of thouglrt and action are of the essence of full, free-, responsible government—that government which you now enjoy. Tho lung rejoices in tho knowledge that tho auspicious union of his South African Dominions lias ahead y made for the 6ocial and material progress of his people, and he feels assured that all South Africans will work steadfastly and honorably for tho welf&ro of their great and beautiful country. His Majesty's earnest prayer is that the union so .happily achieved may, under God guidance, provo a lasting blessing to you all, and that it will tend to tho ever-increasing advantage Mid prosperity of South Africa and tho British Empire. Gentlemen of tho Senate and gentlemen of the House of Assembly: It affords me much pleasure! to convey to yon this message from the King. I now, in his name, and on his behalf, declare this Parliament open. TELEGRAM FROM THE KING. (Received November 5, at 8.15 a.m.) After delivering his 6peech tho Duke of Connaught read the following telegram from the King:— Although, it has been ordained that I should not bo with you on this great occasion, my thoughts and prayers are to-day for South Africa, and for her lasting union. I earnestly trust that for the sake of the people as a whole your great country may, by Gods blessing and under wiso guidance and statesmanship, progress from year to year, over increasing in wisdom, happiness, and prosperity. MESSAGE FROM IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT. CAPE TOWN, November 4. (Received November 5, at 10.45 a.m.) The Governor-General has received the following message from Lord Crowe, which will be read in Parliament: — His Majesty's Government offer their cordial greetings to the now Assembly

on the threshold of its lalxxrs in the service of the people now united by indissoluble tics. They cherish the confident assurance that it will discharge the great responsibility committed to its care with a whole-hearted devotion for the public weal, and that it will always l>o a loyal guardian of the constitutional liberties of South Africa.

I desire to add the warm expression of my own good wishes as Secretary of State for the Colonics. CABLE TO THE-KING. CAPE TOWN, November 4. Tho Duke of Connaught this afternoon cabled to the King as follows: I have, just delivered your message, and in your name declared open the first Parliament of tho Union of South Africa. I akvo read your telegram of good wishes, which was received with unbounded satisfaction. The welcome given to me as your representative is of the most enthusiastic character. All classes of the community havo received me with tho greatest, cordiality. Tho historic proceedings to-day have l»cen very impressive, and there is a general consensus of opinion that the new Parliament enters upon its responsibilities under tho happiest auguries and supported by the good-will of all your subjects in South Africa. HOME MESSAGES. LONDON, November 4. (Received', November 5. at 8.47 a.m.) The ' Daily Mail' publishes tho following message from Mr Fisher:— By this happy turn in her political affairs South Africa lias found the only possiblo way out of her difficulties, and a way which will, perhaps, after a struggle, ultimately solve them all. Mr Fowlda also sends a message: I think that despite some ripples on the surface tho prospects iu South Africa are full of promise. POLICY OF THE GOVERNMENT. COMMISSIONS APPOINTED. SOME OF THEIR PROBLEMS. A N ATIONA LU XI VERS IT Y. CAPE TOWN, November 4. (Received November 5, at 8.55 a.m.) Lord Gladstone's speech at the opening of Parliament was as follows : Tho King has honored you by deputing the Duke of Connaught to open the first session of the lirst Parliament of tho Union in tho mother city of South Africa, and to deliver the Speech-whereto wo have just listened withsuch keen appreciation. You will no doubt desire at the earliest opportunity to send a fitting and gratefnl reply to His Majesty. It is a matter of deep regret that the death of our beloved Sovereign King Edward tho Seventh prevented King George being here in person on this historic occasion. It will bo ever present in your minds that his late Majesty, who was so profoundly interested in the welfare of ftouth Africa, assented to the, Act of Union—an Act which has laid the, foundation of a now nationality

in this great country, and under tho provisions of which you are now assembled. To establish, strengthen, and protect this nationality in the true spirit of tho Act is tho first duty of Parliament.

The speech pointed to flic necessity for a consolidation of the public services of tho colonies on a uniform basis, and announced that a commission had been appointed to make recommendations for the reorganisation and readjustment of the public service. 'The report would be awaited before comprehensive, legislation was proposed. Some changes, however., were urgently required, wherefore legislation would be submitted. A commission also had been appointed to inquire into and recommend on the readjustment of the Customs, the promotion of local industries, and cognate matters. It also referred te the necessity of gradually making uniform laws applying to the whole Union. Legislation would bo introduced to deal with certain matters wherein uniformilv was urgently necessary. Measures also would bo submitted dealing with tho audit, naturalisation, railways, harbors, post and telegraphs, immigration, and stock and plant diseases. The problems of South African defonco were engaging tho earnest attention of the Government, who* were also considering a scheme for the establishment of a National South Africa University, which would bo submitted in due course. These proposals would be framed with full regard to the position and interests of the important institutions which for many years had succesfuUy labored in the field of higher education. Lord Gladstone proceeded :

Ministers had acted under the authority of the South Africa Act giving Government the power to meet current expenditure out of the revenue of tho

Union from the late Union until two months ajtcr the meeting of Parliament. The Estimates, however, would only cover a period up te March 31, 1911. This variation was made necessary by the proposal to terminate the financial year on March 31. Estimates to March 31. 1912, would also be submitted. Tho establishment of the Union had removed from the path of South Africa many of the obstacles which had retarded its progress and development in tho past, and the new era now opening bofore you is rich in possibilities of great industrial and agricultural expansion. It is my fervent prayer that in attaining peaco, security, and material prosperity your aspiration may also bo constantly

directed to the consummation of that complete national unity which is essential to the high place that South Africa is destined to take among the selfgoverning dominions of the British Empire, and that in and with a spirit of moderation, forbearance, and wisdom yon will render this great work of union a. blessing to yourselves and your posterity, and an enduring basis for the future political, moral, and national welfare of South Africa. May tho blessing of Almighty God rest on your labor's. ANOTHER DESCRIPTION. A BRttLUNT ASSEMBLAGE. CAPE TOWN, November 4. (Received November 5, at 8.45 a.m.) The Duke of Connaught, accompanied by an escort of Hussars, reached Parliament House. The Assembly Chamber, where the ceremony took place, was thronged with a brilliant and representative gathering, including senators, members- -oi the Assem-

THANKS TO THE KING

MESSAGES OF APPRECIATION.

CAPE TOWN, November 4.

(Received November 5, at 10.15 0.m.)

bly, provincial oouncliHors, judges, tho (Consular body, and the heads of the educational and ecclesiastical worlds.

As His Royal Highness, accompanied by tho Duchess of Connaught, Princess Patricia, and Lord and Lady Gladstone, ascended the dais the Castle battery fired a salute of twenty-one guns, and tho band played the National Anthem. Tho ceremony opened with prayers in English by tho Archbishop of Gape Town, and in Dutch by the Moderator of the Dutch Reformed Church. During the proceedings the colonial visitors who had assembled were the centre of attraction.

The arrangements were most elaborate and of unprecedented brilliance.

Tho Assembly adopted unopposed a motion conveying an address to the King expressing the heartfelt sympathy of the people of South Africa with him in tho death of King Edward, which had plunged the country into most profound sorrow and regret, and also of <xmgratulations and dutiful homage on his own accession, also of thanks to the Duke of Connaught for undertaking the arduous journey to South Africa on so auspicious an occasion.

General Botha communicated the messages of greeting and congratulation from Australia ;uid New Zealand.' A resolution was adopted thanking those Dominions, also Canada, Newfoundland, and Moszambique, for their messages. The Duke of Connaught in the af texnoon attended tho pageant, and Lord and Lady Gladstone iu- the evening gave an official reception at their house, where there was a very large attendance of prolnineni people.