THE FEDERAL PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11650, 11 May 1901, Page 5

THE FEDERAL PARLIAMENT.

A NEVER-TO-BE-FORGOTTEN SCENE.

THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S SPEECH.

POLICY OF THE MINISTRY.

By Telegraph.— Association.—

Melbourne, May 10. A sight never to bo forgotten was the- assemblage which greeted the Duke yesterday. Many thousands throughout Australia will envy them the mere fact of making units of such a memorable occasion. As tha Duke pronounced Parliament open the Duchess pressed an electric key. which gave a sigual for hoisting the Union Jack, -.aid sending a message to England, declaring the Royal envoys had accomplished their mission. Lieutenant Uru and 16 Maoris took part in the Royal escort, and were cheered at various points. When the Royal visitors crossed the bridge into the city the stands were black with, people. Mighty cheers rang out, echoing up and down the river like the sound of thunder. The Governor-General, too, came in for an enthusiastic reception along the route.

The military sight of the day was seen from the steps of Parliament House.

There, in interesting contrast, were tb.B navy and army veterans of Britain, wearing,; with unconcealed pride, their medals, and numbering 250. They were surrounded by; the boy soldiers of Victoria to the number of 4500. 'the little fellows were perched on the steps, walls, and balustrades, in end« less lines of khaki, streaked with tliia touches of red. In front the senior cadets* in dark blue, formed the guard of honour, Most of the veterans wore medals for the New Zealand war, but here and there wera strong old men ready to show iheir med.. _ for the Crimean war, lie Burmese war, tho Indian Mutiny, and lor many a, one of Britain's little wars, of which there are so many that their very names sound strange.

Most of the visiting warships, which are) berthed at Port Melbourne, were visited by; 20,000 people yesterday.

The State concert in the evening was at most brilliant spectacle, and attended by, the Royal visitors.

There was a fair attendance of notables in the Senate to listen to the delivery of the Governor-General's Speech, which was lengthy.

It set out that some time must elapse be* fore the financial condition of the Common-, wealth would permit provision being made for old age pensions, but Ministers would deal with the subject as soap.* as possible-., Bills dealing with banking, navigation, ship« ping, and quarantine would be introduced as quickly as possible, while consideration would be, giv mi to the best means of convert* ing, renewirg, or consolidating the publia debts of the States. Tho fiscal proposals of any Federal Government must be largely dependent on the financial exigencies of the Slates. The adoption of the existing tariff of any one State was impracticable, and would be unjust. To secure a reasonable and sufficient return of surplus revenue' to each State so as fairly to observe the intention of the Constitution, while avoiding the unnecessary destruction of sources of employment, was a work which prohibits a rigid adherence to fiscal theories. As the existing tariffs had given rise to industries, the Federal tar,' ' must give fair consideration to these facts, and must necessarily operats protectively as well as for the production of revenue. Attention would bo given to the construction of a railway to connect West Australia and the Eastern States, and, if possible, universal penny postage would be established. The Speech also alluded to steps to be taken for the selection of a Federal capital site. Bills will be introduced fot the establishment of a High Court, an interStale Commission, and other machinery mean sum;. Allusion was also made to defences* the preservation' of Australian interests in the Pacific Islands, and Bills conferring the franchise on women, dealing with coloured labour, and with compulsory arbitration, were promised.

(Received Way 11, 12.5 a.m.)

Melbourne, May 10.

The Federal Parliament has adjournedf over the Duke's visit, and will resume on Tuesday week.

The Royalties attended the Mayor's re* ception to-night.

At a meeting of the Opposition, on the motion of Sir Edward Braddon, seconded, by Mr. Glyn, of Adelaide, Mr. Raid war elected leader.

THE ARGUS ON THE OPENING. Melbourne, May 10. The Argus, commenting on yesterday' ceremony, says it was marked by the splen* dour and solemn impressiveness which belilted its historic importance. The picture was magnificent. The King's message was charged with warm feeling. Though nob packed with great thought, it comes from; the heart of the Crown, and goes straight L 4 the hearts of the people of Australia.

REJOICINGS IN OTHER STATES. Syu.VKr, May 10. There was a considerable display of bunt* ing in the city and country yesterday in hon< our of the opening of the Federal Parliament. .-;

Adelaide, May iO. Simultaneous with the opening of th» Federal Parliament a salute of 21 guns was fired, the Town Hall bells were rung, and the Union Jack hoisted in the citj and country. At a given signal at night bonfires were lighted.

Brisbane, May 10. The Presbyterian Assembly, at the hour fixed for the opening of the Commonwealth Parliament, offered up a prayer that the Divine Po.ver might guide the deliberations of the Federal Legislature.

THE PRESIDENCY OF THE SENATE. Melbourne, May 10.

The Argus declares that Sir F. Sargood'S defeat for the Presidency of the Senate was due to the Labour party deciding to support him. Apparently there was a general resolve on the part of the other members that the Labour contingent should not hold the} balance of power.

THE ENGLISH PRESS AND THE OPENING. (Received May 11. 12.41 a.m.) London, May 10. The newspapers publish columns of cables descriptive of the opening of the Federal Parliament. All comment is in a tone of proud affection, echoing the King's good wishes. The Times predicts the consequences oj Australia's political expansion will be far* reaching and manifold, and will inevitably; be followed by a corresponding expansion! in other spheres,,