Kingdom and Empire.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XI, Issue 53, 16 February 1921, Page 5

Kingdom and Empire.

SPEECH FROM THE THRONE, PROBLEMS OF PEACE AND WORK. CONSULTING THE DOMINIONS. GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND. By Cable.—Presa Association.—Copyright.l (Received 16, 9.20 a.m.) London, Feb. 15. The King’s speech at the opening of Parliament earnestly hoped that the Allies’ conferences in London would result in further progress giving effect to treaties of peace, re-establishing concord in Europe, and restoring tranquillity in the Near East. His Majesty also hoped that negotiations for a trade agreement with Russia would be successful. He was glad that arrangements had been made to renew personal consultation with Ministers overseas, and colleagues, which produced such good results in the last two years of the war, and during peace settlement. He was confident that the discussions would be of the utmost value in bringing about co-ordination of both the external and internal policy of the Empire. The Estimates would reflect the Government’s determination to reduce expenditure to the lowest level, consistent with the Empire’s well-being. It was imperative that the nation’s burden should be reduced to the utmost extent, in the interests of the early revival of trade industry. The King added : “Arrangements for bringing into force the Government of Ireland Act are now well advanced I earnestly trust that the majority nf the people will show a determination to repudiate violence and work under the Act. ’’

The most pressing problem confronting Parliament was unemployment, consequent on the world-wide restriction of trade. This might be alleviated, but could not be cured by legislation. A Bill would be introduced extending provision for unemployed under an i employment insurance. Another would deal with safeguarding essential key ! industries against certain aspects of unfair and abnormal condition of free- | dom. —(A, and N.Z.) LIQUOR. LORDS AND RAILWAYS.' (Received 16, 9.25 a.m.) London, Feb. 15. i The King’s speech foreshadowed a Pill to deal with the liquor traffic in the light of experience gained during tho war. His Ministers hoped to submit proposals for reform of the House of Lords this session, and reorganisation of railways.—(A. and N.Z.) PRE-WAR BRILLIANCE. GUARDS IN SCARLET CROWDS LOVE PICTURESQUE CEREMONIAL. (Received 16, 9.25 a.m.) London, Fob. 15. Dense crowds 11 »ed the royal route to Parliament They showed that they still loved the picturesque pre-war ceremonial, which was revived entirely, except that brivs were substituted for cream Hanoverian pnnie® in the King’s State coach. The Life Guards and other band.’wore elaborate pre-war uniform' 7 while the Guards, in scarlet and lined the route. Spanish. French. Japanese and Italian ambassadors journeyed in State coaches. The King, Prince of Wales, and the Duke of York were everywhere heartily acclaimed. His Majesty was attired in a Field-Marshal’s i niform. The Prince of Wales, for the first time in public, wore the Welsh Guards full dress, with a bearskin. Through (he King’s forethought crippled soldiers and orphans occupied the reserve outside Buckingham Palace, and invalided troops were similarly accommodated at other points. —(A. and N.Z.)