THE SESSION OPENS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 232, 29 August 1935, Page 7

THE SESSION OPENS

SPEECH FROM THE THRONE

LIGHT PROGRAMME INDICATED

The fifth and final session of the 24th Parliament of the Dominion was opened with traditional ceremony, this afternoon, by His Excellency the Governor-General, Lord Galway, who acted in this capacity for the first time since he assumed His Excellency, in his Speech from the Throne, reviewed at length world affairs, expressed the Dominion’s desire to cooperate in the promotion of peace and traced the rehabilitation measures adopted by the Dominion Government. The economic recovery noted in the Dominion was referred to with gratification, and an outline given of the legislative programme, which on this occasion promises to be a light one.

LOYALTY To_ THRONE. KING'S DEVOTION RECOGNISED.

DUKE’S VISIT RECALLED

In his Address His Excellency said Honourable gentlemen of the Legislative Council and members of the House of Representatives:— This year His Majesty the King completed twenty-five years of selfless devotion to tlie exalted duties of his high office, and in every portion of the British Commonwealth of Nations His Majesty’s Silver Jubilee was celebrated with spontaneous and sincere demonstrations of affection and loyalty. In New Zealand, where loyalty to the Crown and to the Sovereign personally is heartfelt and universal, the Jubilee celebrations evoked special enthusiasm in every city, town and village of the Dominion. It was my privilege, and indeed one of my first public duties as Governor-General of this Dominion, to preside over the official ceremony of celebration and of thankgiving by which the occasion was marked in the Capital City. My Prime Minister, with the Prime Ministers of other portions of the British Commonwealth of Nations, represented this Dominion at the Jubilee celebrations in London and performed the happy function of conveying to His Majesty and to Her, Majesty the Queen and expression of the loyal affection of the Government, the Parliament and the people of Now Zealand, both Maori and pakelia. In December of last year the Dominion was honoured by a visit from His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester. His Royal Highness was the third of His Majesty’s sons to visit New Zealand, and the warmth of the welcome extended to him in all parts of the country served once again to demonstrate the attachment of the people of this Dominion to Their Majesties and the Royal Family.

FmST MEETING WITH PARLIAMENT. This is the first occasion upon which I have had the honour of meeting you in Parliament assembled, and the occasion is one which affords me tlie greatest pleasure. I have been greatly touched by the very warm welcome that has everywhere been extended to me and to Her Excellency since we first set foot upon these shores, and it is our most earnest hope that during our sojourn in New Zealand wo may assist in some measure in contributing to the welfare of this great Dominion and to the happiness of its people. .GOODWILL TOWARD JAPAN. The Dominion has recently been privileged to receive a Goodwill Mission from Japan ifnder the distinguished leadership of Mr Katsuji Debuchi. Animated as it was by the sentiments of goodwill, peace and amity, the visit ot the Mission has given great pleasure to the people of this Dominion and will no doubt promote a fuller understanding of mutual problems and still closer relations between Japan and New Zealand. CO-OPERATION FOR PEACE. My Ministers are firmly attached to the principles of world peace and disarmament, and will continue warmly to support the League of Nations in common with responsible statesmen in other parts of the world and in other portions of tlie British Commonwealth or Nations. They have, however, been gravely perturbed by recent international developments. While in London, my Prime Minister and my Minister ot Finance were afforded the opportunity 01 a full discussion with His Majesty’s Government iu the United Kingdom, who are making every possible effort and exploring every possible avenue to preserve the peace in tlie interests of mankind. In the opinion of my advisers His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom should receive the full and unqualified support of His Majesty’s Government in New Zealand and tlie people of this Dominion iu their efforts to further that object. DEFENCE MEASURES.

TRADE EXPANSION

My Ministers feel, however, that they would he failing in their duty were they not to take what reasonable steps are necessary and within their power to provide for the effective deienoe of this Dominion and for the protection of its people, and steady progress has been maintained with this work. Progress is being made with tlie construction of a chain of aerodromes and landing grounds throughout New Zealand in preparation ipr the development of civil aviation in the Dominion. AIR MAIL DEVELOPMENT.

My advisers are giving careful consideration to proposals lor an air service to connect the Dominion with the Commonwealth of Australia and with the existing air services to the United Kingdom, and an air mail conlerence, held at Sydney in February last, was attended by delegates Ironi the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth of Australia and New Zealand. This Dominion was represented by my Postmaster-General, and the British proposals lor an extension ot the seivice to New Zealand, commencing m 1937, were discussed and in principle approved. „ . , . , The investigation of essential points relating to linance and to the type ot machines to be utilised is still m progress. \

ECONOMIC_RECOVERY. MARKED PROGRESS NOTED. UPWARD PRICE TREND. Mr Speaker and members the TTnnse of Representatives, Ills Excellency added: It is a pleasure to me and to my advisers to be able to call youi attention to the marked progress that lias been made and is still being made towards economic recovery in the Dominion. Production has been well maintained, and though the prices received for our exports of primary products are still low they are substantially higher than they have been, and the 'trend is upward. The Dominion lias already made a material advance

in adjusting its affairs to the lower price level now ruling, with tlie result that conditions are now sufficiently stable to engender a feeling of renewed confidence, which augurs well for the future. THE MEAT NEGOTIATIONS. The problem of overseas markets has, nevertheless, occasioned my Ministers considerable anxiety. The question engaged the close attention of my Prime Minister and my Minister of Finance during their recent visit to the United Kingdom, and the success that has attended their negotiations must be a source of gratification to the whole Dominion. Not only have the mutton and lamb producers ot this country been saved from the great financial loss that would have resulted from the imposition of a levy on mutton and lamb imports into the United Kingdom, but an expanding share of the United Kingdom market has been assured to them, thus extending the principle laid down at tlie Ottawa Conference. The principle of regulated marketing lias also been retained. My Ministers have agreed to the proposal that an Empire Meat Council should be established which would have extensive responsibilities in relation to the regulation of market supplies. Such a body, it is suggested, could watch trends in consumption and recc/mme»d to the Governments the quantities that the markets could absorb. In addition, it is proposed that there should be a larger body—a meat conference composed of Empire and foreign suppliers—the functions of which would be confined to thoso matters in connection with the meat market of the United Kingdom which are of common interest to all supplying countries.

REHABILITATION OF COUNTRY.

During the last few years a series of measures has been adopted to promote the financial rehabilitation of the Dominion. In pursuance of this policy legislation was enacted during the last session setting lip appropriate machinery lor the purpose oi facilitating voluntary arrangements between farm debtors and farm creditors and otherwise effecting a settlement of the financial difficulties of farmers. The Court of Review constituted by this legislation is now functioning and the increasing number of applications being received indicates that the measure is proving effective in the permanent readjustment on an equitable basis of the liabilities of rural mortgagors. Provision was also made last session for the establishment of a National Mortgage Corporation designed to provide long-term finance on the cheapest possible conditions. Tlie activities of this corporation, which has now commenced business, will materially alleviate the financial burdens that have been pressing so heavily on a large portion of the community and should assist in strengthening the financial fabric of the Dominion. BUDGETARY STABILITY.

My Ministry’s unremitting efforts, extending over several years, to restore budgetary stability, resulted last year in a surlplus of £1,626,000. Owing to some large receipts of a fortuitous nature the result exceeded all expectations and provided the means of liquidating a substantial portion of the accumulated deficits front past years. Another beneficial result of the sound financial policy, adopted by my Ministers is the satistaetory terms upon which the conversion of a further portion of the public debt domiciled in London has been successfully accomplished. The result will he a substantial saving in interest charges.

Honourable gentlemen of the Legislative Council and members ot the House of Representatives: During the recess my Ministers have held preliminary discussions with representatives ot His Majesty s Government in the Commonwealtii of Australia regarding the trading relations between Australia and New Zealand, and it is anticipated that negotiations will be undertaken at the earliest possible opportunity with a view to a complete review of the existing trade agreements between the two Dominions. My Minister of Customs took advantage of his visit to the United Kingdom to discuss trading relations with the respective representatives of the Governments of Belgium, Germany, the Union of Soviet bocialist Republics, Sweden, India, and the Union 01 South Africa, while at a later date a similar conference was held with the President and representatives of Departments of State of the United States of America. These discussions have in general resulted in a better mutual understanding and, it is hoped, may lead ultimately to agreements with those countries that will effect an extension of New Zealand’s overseas markets. . My Ministers are Lilly conscious of the desirability of such an extension whenever possible, and tor this reason they have decided to appoint Trade Commissioners for New Zealand in Western America and in Europe. My advisers are also endeavouring to arrange for improved shipping facilities to the markets of the Pur East,_ ancl material progress in this connection is confidently, anticipated at an early date.

ABSORPTION OF UNEMPLOYED. The problem of unemployment is still causing my Ministers grave concern, though it is pleasing to note that there has been a considerable improvement in the industrial and economic position, while the co-operation of local employing authorities is everywhere being enlisted with the object of providing the greatest possible measure of full-time employment. Earnest efforts are also being made in the direction of stimulating the re habilitation of the unemployed in spheres of permanent industrial activity It is niy Ministers’ sincere hope that the present improvement in industrial and economic conditions will continue in an increasing measure and thus facilitate the absorption of the unemployed under normal trade conditions.

LAND SETTLEMENT

COMING LEGISLATION, OUTLINE BUSINESS.

EXTENSION OF PUBLIC WORKS

Although some of the Dominion s manufacturing industries have in recent years been able to show a gratifying progress, and although there now exist very definite indications of an improvement, it is unfortunately a fact that many industrial workers have been suffering from loss of employment, in which connection my Minister of Industries and Commerce has associated with him in a Development of Industries Committee representatives of several departments competent to assist in the work of reviewing proposals for industrial projects which involve State assistance in some form, including financial help from the funds of the Unemployment Board.

In order to meet the needs of prospective settlers and to alleviate the unemployment position, my Ministers have given close attention to the requirements of land settlement and steady progress has been made with the programme of land development, not only on areas intended for settlement under the Land Act, but also on land being made available for selection by suitable unemployed men under tlie Small Farms (Relief of Unemployment) Act, 1932-33.

During their discussions with His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom, my Prime Minister and my Minister of Finance made careful investigation into the matters of industrial organisation, housing policies, health insurance and pension schemes, while in New Zealand committees, set up by my Ministers have been making inquiries into the several aspects of national superannuation, health insurance, housing, labour conditions and tlie rehabilitation of urban mortgagors, His Excellency added. My Ministers have under consideration legislation dealing with' these subjects. My Ministers propose to consider an extension of useful public works for which the time is appropriate, and the necessary loan moneys are now obtainable at Jow rates of interest.

It is pleasing to be able to state that the Dominion has been free from industrial disturbances of a serious nature. Minor stoppages of work which occurred in one or two cases were quickly adjusted. MORE SAFETY ON ROADS. The toll of fatalities and accidents on roads, which has notably increased in New Zealand during recent months, is causing my advisers real concern. With a view to remedying the position proposals have been adopted lor the progressive elimination of level railway crossings and amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1024, will be introduced for the purpose of improving the traffic laws.

My Ministers also propose to lay before you legislative proposals designed to safeguard the use of electrical appliances and to make better provision for controlling the sale of stock ioods, a measure relating to colonial light dues and amendments to the law relating to tlie dairy industry, land and income tax, coal mines, mining, public works, electric power boards, health, war pensions and other subjects. I earnestly pray that your consideration of these matters may be guided by Divine ‘Providence and that your deliberations may promote tlie wellbeing of the people of New Zealand.