NEW EGYPTIAN ASSEMBLY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15558, 16 March 1914, Page 6

NEW EGYPTIAN ASSEMBLY.

The new Egyptian Legislative Assembly, v,hich so conspicuously marks the political development of Egypt, was inaugurated by the Khedive with much brilliant ceremonial and amid keen, if somewhat undemonstrative, public interest. The Khedive in his inaugural speech stated that the new Assembly realised the intentions he expressed two years ago regarding bringing the representative system more into conformity with the country's interests. He emphasised that the number of nominated members was limited to "the indispensable minimum figure which will alone ensure the representation ot minorities." He drew attention to the procedure providing an exchange of views between the Government and the Assembly, by which it would be possible to have discussions conducive to cordial understanding. He advised the delegates to be circumspect and prudent, so that "the right of initiation possessed by the Assembly may have useful consequences.''

The Khedive enjoined the Assembly to safeguard the well-being of every class ol population, especially the small cultivators, and to pay particular attention " to everything which may foster the development of the sources of public wealth, and especially to questions relating to agri cultural matters." " The much-looked-for day which, as the Khedive said, opens a new era in Egypt's modern history has come and gone," comments the London Times, "Egyptians are now launched on a voyage which, if they pilot the barge sagely and carefully, can eventually bring them to the much-desired haven of extended self-government, but which by Teckless steering may easily lead to the shipwreck of their hopes."