The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1937. THE SPEECH.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 September 1937, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star , with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1937. THE SPEECH.

The Governor-General's speech for the opening of Parliament this week, followed the usual lines in such cases. The Government is responsible for the i substance of the speech, which gives an outline of past performance and some indication of the scope of work to go before Parliament. There is invariably an absence of detail, and the present is not any exception. However, many matters of vital importance lire touched on, and the Parliament has a very extensive order paper in the making for its attention. Of outstanding importance from the national point of view as tending to the seem - ity of the Empire, is the question of defence. The Government has resolved to act as required and advises that “the. necessary steps” are in hand already. In view of world conditions, and the far-llung interests of the Empire, there was never more occasion for unity throughout the dominions in co-operating with plums formulated by the Mother Country, the vital centre of our well-being. This has boon recognised wisely, aud that step will lie approved generally. The late visits of Ministers abroad, and the business involved in the missions are referred to, but there is little tangible to report On the all important subject of trading the speech is even less informative, than was the Minister, but at least the Government is hopeful of improving results, yet on what foundation the public is not told. The proposal to devote some attention to education reform, is to be expected. The late visit of the Education Fellowship. and the discussions on the new aspects of imparting knowledge and instruction as published abroad in the interesting addresses hv visiting professors in this country and Australia, will have made some mark, and it is reasonable to expect a measure of reform along the lines suggested. Similarly law reform is also proposed, and this too is a need demanded by the changing conditions of the times. The encouragement of sport and physical training is put in the forefront, an a means to improve the stamina of the nice, and allied with that aspect ?s tlu> great question of health insurance and national superannuation. The issue will ho' one of the biggest the country has tackled. eclipsing the pension scheme, which has grown to such dimensions, and is being added to still. The country will await, the details of the scheme with much interest. The proposal for local government reform appeared almost in the final paragraph of the speech, as if it were almost forgotten. This placement may have- some significance in view of all round objections to the scheme voiced by numerous local bodies. However, there is plenty of other heads to which the attention of Parliament will he directed in the proposed measures to be brought forward. These will be the amendments to the labour laws in tfic interests of social betterment as the Government sees it, and expansion of the pension law. as well as further consideration of housing, transport and other large schemes the country is now engaged in. There will be no lack of important business for consideration, j but the country will he glad to have fuller details as early as possible on the chief policy measures. The range of subjects touches all parts of the country, and the public should manifest the fullest interest in the proceedings of Parliament, to learn lor themselves wliat is transpiring. A new deal is being made afire-ting all interest'.. and none c-an afford to ignore | the course of events. I