FEDERAL PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20174, 7 February 1929, Page 9

FEDERAL PARLIAMENT.

GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S SPEECH

PROPOSED LEGISLATION.

(Received February G. 10.55 p.m.) CANBERRA. Feb. 6

The Commonwealth Parliament was opened to-day. The Governor-General's speech set out that the Government proposed to convene an inter-State conference, for the purpose of discussing transport, social legislation, unemployment and health matters, the development of power resources and the unification of the railway gauges.

The Government would consider financial provisions in order to give effect to the recommendations of Air Vice-Marshal Sir John Srilmond, on air defence. Bills would be presented to Parliament providing for a comprehensive scheme of national insurance against sickness and invalidity, and to repeal the coastal clauses of the Navigation Act, and in lieu thereof that protection be given through tariff provisions to vessels complying with Australian standards and living conditions. The Government also, intended to give consideration to providing financial assistance to certain of tho States.

Sir Littelton Groom was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives. Mr. J. H. Scullin, Leader of the Labour Party, made feeling reference to the restoration of King George to health. Parliament was adjourned until to-mor-row.

This Parliament is the first to be opened in tho new capital. A former ceremony, performed by tho Duke of York in 1927, marked the opening of tho building-

COUNTRY PARTY CRITICISED.

ALLEGED BREACH OF PACT.

(Keceived February 6, 5.5 r.m.) CANBERRA, Feb. C.

At a meeting of the Nationalist Party of Australia the Prime Minister, Sir. Bruce, Mr. W. M. Hughes and others criticised the Country Party for its non.observanco of tho pact by running candidates in opposition to Nationalists in some electorates. At a subsequent meeting of the Nationalist and Country Parties Mr. Bruco suggested tho formation of a united party to support tho Government,