N.Z. PARLIAMENT.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4989, 18 June 1926, Page 2

N.Z. PARLIAMENT.

OPENING OF SESSION.

GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S SPEECH.

WELLINGTON, June 17.

The members of both Houses of Parliament assembled this afternoon, when the Governor-General’s Speech was read to them as follows, His Excellency being unable to be present through sudden indisposition :—

Hon. Gentlemen of the Legislative. Council and Gentlemen c*f the House of Representatives :

“In November of last year the people of this Dominion learned with deep sorrow of the death of Her Majesty Queen Alexandra, who during her long life was beloved and revered in all parts of the Empire. On behalf df the people of this Dominion I sent a message of condolence, to His Majesty the King.

“In view of the fact that an Imperial Conference has been called .tor October, Parliament has been summoned at an earlier date than usual to facilitate, the departure of my Prime Minister to attend the conference.

OUR ISLAND POSSESSIONS.

“I am pleased ,to have, been able this year to make an extended tour in th‘e Cook Islands, Niue and Western Samoa. Everywhere I was met by warm demonstrations off loyalty and of satisfaction .at the efforts which are being made by New Zealand to maintain and improve the welfare of the native population. In the. mandated territory of Western Samoa, I had opportunity of ma,king myself acquainted w’ith all sections of the population, and of studying the system of administration generally. The evidence of progress in every direction is remarkable. The satisfaction displayed by the natives in their conditions of livelihood, their ever-in-creasing efforts to improve their land, their interest in sanitation and education, and the complete confidence which they express in the administration rife most gratifying. lam firmly convinced that the territory is being governed under a wise, just, and farseeing policy, and in accordance, with the best traditions of British rule. NEW ZEALAND’S PROSPERITY. "I have also had the opportunity of visiting various parts of the Dominion, and have been deeply touched by the strong Imperial sentiment which was manifested not only ip the large centres of population, but equally in the most remote parts. The generally prosperous conditions prevailing conveyed to me the impression that this Dominion is, by application and industry, rapidly recovering from its post-war difficulties. NATIVE AFFAIRS. “During the month, of February I visited the Waiapu district, and was met by a very large gathering otf. the native race on the occasion of the consecration of a Maori carved church, erected by the Ngatiporou tribe in memory of their sons who fell, in the Great War. I noted with great satisfaction the expression given to the deep loyalty to the Throne which animates the Maori race of New Zealand. I was also much impressed with the earnest desire of the Maori people to improve their lands and to promote industries which will enable the rising generation to find adequate scope for its energies and aspirations. “My Native Minister, in accordance with the provisions of section 29 of the Native Land Amendment t and Native Land Claims Adjustment Act of last session, entered into negotiations with the natives for an agreement in respect df fishing rights in Taupo waters, and it is considered that the arrangements which were decided upon' will be satisfactory to all concerned. , ECONOMY ENJOINED. “Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives.—The results of the financial year ended March 31 last have been very satisfactory. The surplus of actual revenue over expenditure was £1,150,000. Part of this surplus has been utilised to reduce the Public Debt, and £500,000 has been transferred to the Public Works Fund. My Ministers are of opinion that, in. view of the general financial and commercial outlook, every economy will require to be exercised this year, and tha,t it would be unwise to make further reductions in taxation in view of the probability of a substantial fa.ll in the. revenue. My Ministers, with a view to providing for any possible reaction in the public finance of the Dominion, have arranged for a special committee to investigate and report as to what, measures may be taken in connection with economy and control of expenditure during the current financial year. PENDING MEASURES. “A measure dealing with the important subject of town-planning will be laid before you for consideration. Bills will be submitted to you for the purpose of compiling and amending the existing law with regard to mining, hospitals and charitable institutions, and fire brigades. A Bill will also be laid before you for the purpose of effecting improvements in the licensing law. “You will be to consider legislation designed to make, better provision for university education in the Dominion. A comprehensive measure has been prepared on the lines suggested by the Royal Commission, whose report was laid before you last year. It. is intended to repeal all existing legislation relating to the University of New Zealand and its affiliated colleges, and to reconstitute the University a r s .a Federal University. Other Bills will be laid before you dealing with amendments to the la,w relating to lands, dairy produce export control, census and statistics, destitute, persons, scenery preserva.tion, and other matters. “In commending these various matters to your coiisideration, I trust your deliberations will be directed by Divine Providence.”