HOME PARLIAMENT

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 40, 16 February 1901, Page 2

HOME PARLIAMENT

SPEECH FROM THE THRONE,

By Telegraph—Press) Association—Copyright London, Feb. 14. His Majesty the King has opened Parliament. ■ 'g The Speech from the Throne expressed regret at tho war in South Africa being prolonged, delaying the establishment of the institution of equal rights for all whites in tho annexed colonies.

His Majesty stated that the Duke of York’s visit to Australia was arranged in accordance with the lato Queen’s wishes, and would not be abandoned, but oxteudod to New Zealand and Canada, to l-ecogniso the patriotism and devotion of Canada and Australia in connection with tho South African War.

He referred to the Ashanti campaign and tho Indian drought. Ho asked tho House of Commons to ronow the Civil List, and announced that the proposed legislation includes changes in the final Appeal Court, owing to tho expansion of the Empire. Tho Indian troops and naval forces largely contributed to tho roleasc of the Legations and tho submission of China. The prolongation of the war led mo to make a further call on the patriotism and devotion of Canada and Australasia. I rejoice to say that the requost met with a prompt and loyal response. Tho Speech then referred to the signal success of the Ashanti campaign. The suffering and mortality from tho drought in India has been greatly alleviated, but is still sorious in Bombay province.

The proposals to bo submitted to Parliament include: Increasing the efficiency of tho military; amendment of tho education regulations ; voluntary sale by Irish landlords to the occupying tenants; amendments and consolidation of tlio Factory and Workshops Act; better administration of the lunacy laws ; amendment of tho Health Act and Acts regarding water supply ; prevention of drunkenness ; amendment of tho law regarding literary copyright. The King and Queen then resumed their scat amid complete silence, and then left.

A slight chill prevented the presence of the Duke of York and Princess Victoria at the opening of Parliament.

A GLORIOUS PAGEANT.

IMPRESSIVE WORDS FROM THE

KING.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

London, Ecb. 15

The opening of Parliament, was a pageant, and was a great military display. The King and Queen wore a crown. Tho Prince and Princesses were grouped on either side of the throne. The Commons summoned came in a rush. A few were accommodated in the Chamber.

The Speaker was in state robos. Halsbuvy administered the oath of adjuration.

The King signed the declaration against trausubstantiation. Then, donning his hat and all standing, in a clear, firm voice, he read the speech. He said: — “ My beloved mother, during her glorious reign, set an example of wlmt monarchs should be. Sly earnest desire is to walk in her footsteps. The relations of the Powers are friendly, I greatly regret the loss of life and treasure duo io the fruitless guerilla warfare maintained by Boer partisans. Their early submission is much to bo desired in their own interests, as until submission be made it is impossible to. establish in those colonies institutions securing equal rights to all whites, and protection and justice for tho natives. The war lias involved an inestimable increase in the estimates. The demise of the crown renders it necessary that renewed provision he made in the civil list, and place unreservedly at your disposal tho heredity revenues, so placed by my predecessor. The proclamation of the Commonwealth of Australia was made with many manifestations of popular enthusiasm and rejoicing. My mother assented to the Duko of York opening the first Parliament. Though separation from a son at the present thno cannot be otherwise than deeply painful, I still desire to give effect to the laic Queen’s wishes, as evincing her interest and my own in all that concerns the welfare of our subjects beyond the seas, and-have decided that the visit should not be abandoned, and should bo extended to New Zealand and Canada.

BRILLIANT AND PICTURESQUE CEREMONY.

THE GREAT STATE COACH.

DUAL THRONES.

' Received 10.58 p.m., Feb. 15. London, Feb. 15. The ceremony was a brilliant and picturesque one. There were immense „ crowds at Pall Mall, Whitehall, and around Parliament.

As a mark of honor, Strathcona’s Horse guarded the route near Buckingham Palace, and invalided Colonials were assigned a place along the route. The King and Queen rode in the great State coach, which had been unused for forty years. The coach was drawn by eight cream horses.'

The King wore a Field-Marshal’s uniform, with ribaud of tho Order of the Garter, and a plumed hat. The Queen wore an ermine cloak, a small diamond crown, a riband of tho Order of tho Garter, and a veil. Their Majesties were received with immense enthusiasm, and bowed continually.

There was a stately procession from the Robing-room to the House of Lords, the King, in a magnificent ermine crimson robe, leading the Queen by the hand. Every inch of tho House of Lords was crowded.

There was an immense concourse of black-clad, black-feathered peeresses, including the Countess of Ranfurly. The centre chamber was a mass of ermine scarlet.

The Agents-general occupied the Royal gallery. The Queen’s throne was a little lower than that of the King.