SPEECH PROM THRONE MENTIONS MIGRATION

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6756, 8 November 1928, Page 7

SPEECH PROM THRONE MENTIONS MIGRATION

RENUNCIATION OP WAR

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

LONDON, Nov. 6. The King’s speech at the opening of Parliament expresses great satisfaction with the signature of the Treaty for the Renunciation of War at Paris, and states:

“In pursuance of a fixed policy the Government has continues to accord full support to the League of Nations, co-operating with all its current activities and particularly seeking fully to discharge the obligations under Article Eight of the Covenant by reducing armed forces to the lowest point consistent with Britain’s national safety, and by assisting the League to formulate plans for a general reduction of armaments.

‘ ‘Agreement has been reached with the Governments of Belgium, Franco, Germany, Italy and Japan for opening negotiations with a view to definitely settling the problems of reparations. “It has also been recognised that negotiations 1 should be held in regard to the German Government ’s_ request for the evacuation of the Rhineland. ‘ ‘ Estimates for tho services in the coming year are being prepared with strict attention to continuing the need for economy in public expenditure. “Concerning agriculture and tho coal, iron and steel industries, the situation in the mining areas continues to engage the earnest attention of the Ministers, who arc taking-/ energetic steps to promote tho success of the scheme of industrial transference and migration. ‘ ‘ tho abnormal expenditure from the unemployment fund entailed by the displacement of labour from tho mines will necessitate an increase of borrowing, and a Bill dealing with the question will be ’ submitted to the House of Commons. “•Measures will be presented to the House of 'Commons to carry out a scheme of rating reform on a more equitable basis." His Majesty trusts that the relief from the burden of rates under the scheme may benefit agriculture and lead to greater employment in industry generally, and particularly the basic trades, whoso condition stil causes concern. ' His Majesty emphasises tho import anco of tho proposed changes in local government and the relations between the Exchequer and the local authorities, which, Ministers anticipate, will promote efficiency and economy in local government, will enable better provision to be made for the health of tho people, and will direct assistance particularly to those areas whose needs are most pressing.

“Last Act of Sorry Drama” MACDONALD ASKS SOME QUESTIONS. LONDON, Nov. 6. In the House of Commons, Mr. MacDonald stated that “this was a queer King’s speech.” The Ministry, he said, while signing the Paris Pact, had been doing its best to confine the activities and development of the League Oi Nations. Britain was solely responsible for the suspicion created by upsetting the confidence of all the nations of Europe. Did we undertake to waive objections to France’s trained reserves if nr notice were taken to conscript civilians military trained ? Any disarmament agreement was not worth the paper on which it was written. Had disarmament been dropped J Had wo abandoned the round table idea ? Had we replied to America’s Note ? Mr. MacDonald invited Mr. Baldwin to answer these questions. The Labour leader concluded! “The

curtain has been raised on the last act 'of the Government’s four years of sorry I drama. The gallery is getting restive and wants the actors to have a rest. Mr. Baldwin, in replying, said that Mr. MacDonald had not enjoyed the drama. “When wo meet again there will be many ■ changes. I hope they -will meet the satisfaction of the majority of the members.” (Laughter and cheers.)