THE KING'S SPEECH.

Feilding Star, 23 December 1908, Page 2

THE KING'S SPEECH.

LENGTHY AND COMPREHENSIVE PROROGUING THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT. -/'".. ' bi __.__ iji:^ i_l_g_aph — oorraieux. | . ir&& .BESS ASSOCUMON.I > . ; London, December 22. v Lord Loreburn, in the House of Lords, and the Speaker, in the House of Uommons, read the filing's Speech of prorogation, which was probably the longest on record. The Speech referred to the visits ot President Fallieres and the Sovereigns of Sweden, and to arbitration with various States which have not yet ratified the settling of protection •for literary afid artistic works. Regarding the Balkans, his Majesty said he had reason to hope that wise and conciliatory counsels would lead to an amicable settlement, with the consent of the parties to the treaty of Berlin. The Speech mentions the negotiations with Belgium relating to the Congo, and discusses the crisis in India and the exceptional deterrent lelislation against conspiracy by evil disposed persons in some parts, but acknowledged the demonstrations of loyalty evoked in all parts of India. This justified the advancing of measures which had been long under consideration for enlarging the share of the people in the administration, which he hoped woufld be received .__" a spirit of that mutual trust and good . will in which it was proposed. The Speech also reviews the ' visit of the Prince of Wales to Uanada, and added: "The visit of the American fleet has evoked warm feelings of cordiality throughout Australasia, and., was a source of much gratfication -to myself and my Government. lam well assured that the labour of the * important 1 Convention of Statesmen for closer union will conduce to the , abiding prosperity of South Africa." ; . The Speech recapitulated the Itegis- ,': lation of the session, and regretted that there was no settlement' of .the li- ._ censing and education questions. „'.-:"■