THE KING'S SPEECH.

Feilding Star, Volume I, Issue 191, 14 February 1907, Page 4

THE KING'S SPEECH.

[Bf ELECTRIC TKLEOBAPH— COPYRIGHT.] [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] London, February 12. Though the weather marred the pageant in the streets there was much loyal enthusiasm. The scene in the House of Lords was most brilliant. The Prince and Princess of Wales were present. The Speech stated that foreign relations were friendly, and expressed satisfaction with the Governor and officials who were able to meet the emergency in the deplorable catastrophe at Kingston, when it was destroyed by the .earthquake. The Speech also recognised with gratitude American sympathy and the prompt assistance of the United States navy. The Ameer's visit to India would tend to promote right feeling. While firmly guarding the strength and unity of the executive power in India Government looked forward to steadfast effort to widen the base of peace, order and good government •among the vast populations of that country. Serious questions had arisen from the unfortunate differences' between the Lords and Commons, and Ministers were considering this important subject with a view to solution. Bills were promised for licensing reform, Scottish land valuation, army reorganisation, establishment of a Court of Criminal Appeal, regulation of hours of labour, mines amendment, patent laws, a measure to allow women to serve on local bodies, valuation of property amendment, small holdings for England nnd Wales, and better housing of the people. Measures would also be submitted -for further associating the people of Ireland with the management of domestic affairs and improving the administrative financial aspects of Government. Proposals would be submitted for effecting reform in university education in Ireland. The House of Lords agreed to the Address-in-Reply. Lord Castletown moved the Address, and Lord Chichester seconded. Lord Lansdowne, in speaking to the Address-in-Reply, said he was disappointed that Ministers had not indicated in the King's Speech the frame of mind in which they would approach the Colonial Conference, while its references to the relations of the two Houses were grave and oracular, but yet in agreeable, contiast to some of the Earl of Crewe's and the Hon. James Bryce's recent speeches. He said he and his friends were ready to meet any charges brought against them, but advised the Government to clear their minds respecting what they wanted. Did they, he asked, want to make the Lords stronger or degrade the House to the position of a mere debating society. He believed the country was convinced that the dangers of an unreformed House of Lords were nothing compared to the dangers of an uncontrollable Commons. Lord Ripon, in reply, said the Imperial Conference would be able to discuss any question. The House of Lords being composed of one party, he said, was a great danger to the people. Government did not intend to propose £he establishment of an Irish Legislature with a responsible Executive, but measures for improving the system of administration.