THE QUEEN'S SPEECH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6214, 17 October 1881, Page 6

THE QUEEN'S SPEECH.

Parliament was prorogued on August 27. We give the following extracts from the speech : —" Kecent events in Tunis have led to communications between my Government and the Government of France ; and I have received satisfactory assurances from the Republic as to the rights secured to me by treaty with the Bey, and as to the relations between the Regency and the neighbouring Ottoman territory of Tripoli. The Convention has been signed which secures to the European population of the Transvaal, subject to important conditions therein set forth, a complete internal self-government. It awaits ratification by a representative assembly of the people. I trust that, when confirmed, it will contribute effectually to the tranquillity of South Africa and to stability in its affairs. The hopes of which I indulged on the last occasion of my addressing you, with respect to the war in Basutaland, have been fulfilled, and I have to notice, with much satisfaction, the termination of the hostilities in that country, I warmly appreciate the zeal and assiduity with which you have devoted yourselves to the task of maturing a measure for improving the relations between the owners and occupiers of land in Ireland, and for otherwise bettering the condition of its agricultural population. It is my earnest hope that the new law may be productive of benefits commensurate with the care you have bestowed upon its enactments. I regret that it has been found impossible to proceed with many measures on subjects of importance, which have been, or were prepared to be, submitted to you ; and that, notwithstanding exertions almost unparalleled, you have been unable adequately to provide the country with legislation adapted to its growing wants. It lias been my study to use the exceptional powers confided to me in Ireland by two Acts of this session, with vigilance and firmness, but with discrimination while I earnestly desire that the condition of that country may so improve as to enable me to dispense with, or to abate, the use of temporary and exceptional provisions.