ECONOMY SESSION.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 24 February 1932, Page 5

ECONOMY SESSION.

A Deficit Foreseen.

PUBLIC WORKS TO BE FURTHER REDUCED.

EXTENSION OF MORTGAGE RELIEF.

unemployment and arbitration MEASURES.

The “emergency” session, socalled because the new Parliament has been called together early in the year so as to deal urgently with the 'economic crisis, was opened by commission yesterday; and the Speech from the Throne was delivered and the ceremonial opening performed by the GovernorGeneral (Lord Bledisloe) tills afternoon. -As previously promised the Speech is brief. It notes only the most outstanding of international events, refers to the steps taken to arrive at trade agreements goes on to give an indication of the nature of the work ahead of Parliament. Of policy it reveals little—probably because the National Government was given a mandate to deal with changing circumstances in the manner most expedient. The Speech does, however, intimate. that further economies in public works will be necessary; that reports of the Economy Commission will be considered; that the legislation for the relief of mortgagors is to be extended; and that it is intended to improve the method of unemployment relief, and to amend the present arbitration system. A deficit at the end of the year is considered unavoidable. The Speech is as follows: UNFETTERED AUTHORITY.

Honourable gentlemen of the Legislative Council and gentlemen of the

House of Representatives: In conformity with, the advice of my Ministers, 1 have, summoned this special session of the new Parliament owing to the abnormal financial and economic position of the Dominion. At the general election, my Government, in inviting an expression of the country’s confidence, appealed for unfettered authority in the existing emergency to adopt such measures for meeting it as circumstances might from time to time apphar to justify. Since then, Ministers have devoted their earnest attention to the difficult and complex problems confronting the Dominion; and suitable legislation will be submitted for vour consideration. DISARMAMENT.

A general Disarmament Conference under the auspices of the League of Natrons is now meeting 'at Geneva, at which this Dominion is represented by its High Commissioner. It is earnestly hoped that this Conference , may lead to an effective reduction in world armaments. WAR IN THE EAST. My Government view with deep regret the recent disturbance of peaceful relations between China and Japan —two nations with whom New Zealand has long enjoyed friendly commercial intercourse. They trust 'that the efforts of Great Britain and the other Powers to effect reconciliation and peace may be fraught with success. OTTAWA CONFERENCE. An Imperial Economic Conference is to meet at Ottawa in July next. My Ministers attach the utmost importance to this 'Conference, the deliberations of which, 'they are convinced, will have a profound and lashing effect upon the economic welfare of the British Empire and they are now engaged in. taking the prelimiary steps necessary to ensure the adequate representation of this Dominion and the due presentment of its views on Imperial trade. TRADE RELATIONS WITH CANADA. The commercial relations between the Dominions of Canada and New Zealand have for some time been receiving the earnest consideration of any Government, and, with a view to reaching a satisfactory agreement, my Minister of Customs has recently held a conference with the Canadian Minister of Trade and Commerce. I am happy to say that a provisional agreement has been reached, which will be placed before you for ratification. AGREEMENT WITH BELGUIM.

My Government have recently arrived at a trade agreement with, the Belgian Government, and this also will be laid before you for endorsement. THE CALL TO SACRIFICE.

Mr Speahter and gentlemen of the House of Representatives: The economic difficulties which still beset the whole of the civilized world continue to affect the wellbeing of this Dominon, and unfortunately the hopes which were freely expressed last year that an improvement might be expected, have not been realized. As New Zealand is dependent probably to a greater extent than any other country upon her overseas trade, external conditions have a very direct effect upon local prosperity. The low prices received for primary products continue to impose severe hardships upon the farming community, resulting in turn in a marked diminution in the general business of the country and in the reduction of personal 'incomes. All sections of the people are consequently being called upon to make sacrifices, and it is gratifying to note the determination and sense of public spirit with which the crisis is being met. A DEFICIT UNAVOIDABLE.

The decline in trade is intimately reflected in the public accounts, and it is estimated, that the year will close, with a deficit, which is unavoidable ini the circumstances. Details of the present and prospective position of thepublic finances will be duly placed be- 1 f-ore you. PUBLIC WORKS CURTAILMENT.

Steps have already been taken greatly to curtail expenditure upon public works, tout the resources likely to be available 'for this purpose will be so seriously diminished by the existing financial stringency that my Ministers consider a further drastic reduction to be inevitable. ECONOMY COMMISSION.

An Economy Commission has recentlybeen appointed to review and report upon the public expenditures in all

its aspects, and also to indicate directions in, which further economies may be effected. Copies of the Commission’s reports will in due course be placed before you. INDUSTRIES DEVELOPMENT. Honourable gentlemen of the Legislative Council and gentlemen of the House of Representatives: With a view to the prudent and progressive development of secondary industries, a special Development of Industries Committee has been set up, in pursuance of legislation passed last year; and my Ministers confidently hope thr.it its investigations will lend to the closer application -of science 1° industry, and to the expansion upon sound lines of manufacturing enteiprise. FURTHER MORTGAGE RELIEF. Experience having shown that the provisions of the Mortgagor’s Relief Act are maequiate to cope with the present conditions, it is' proposed to review and extend the existing legislation on this subject. UNEMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR LAW. Measures will be submitted for your consideration for improving the method of unemployment relief, for amending the present arbitration system, and generally for meeting the special conditions which have arisen out of the current economic crisis. I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your deliberations. OPENING PERFORMED IN MISTY WEATHER. 'By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. In misty weather this afternoon, the Ceremonial side of Parliament’s opening was performed by the GovernorGeneral, After inspecting the guard bf honour, provided by St. Pailtiek’s College, His Excellency proceeded to the Legislative Council Chamber 'and. read the Speech from the Throne. There was a fair attendance of the public in th" Parliament Grounds; and the galleries in the 'Chamber, as usual, were crowded.