GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20820, 12 March 1931, Page 13

GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

SOME URGENT PROBLEMS.

financial deficit.

LOWER WAGES, HIGHER TAXES

EARTHQUAKE LEGISLATION

[by TELEGRAPH.— press association.] WELLINGTON, Wednesday. In his speech at the opening of Parliament to-day the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, said the session had been convened in order that earnest consideration might bo given to matters of urgent national importance arising out of the present economic situation as it affected tho Dominion. "Since I last had the opportunity of addressing you, tho external markets for our products have experienced a world-wide depression," said Lord Bledisloe, "and the values of our wool, frozen meat, dairy produce and other primary products have, after continuous depreciation over a considerable period, reached so low a level as materially to affect directly or indirectly the economic wellbeing of all sections of the community."

Notwithstanding the exercise of strict care and economy in expenditure," he continued, "tho public accounts of the Dominion seem likely to show a deficit for the current financial year, a deficit which my advisers consider will be largely increased during tho subsequent financial year, unless with your authority remedial measure*, are promptly undertaken. Faced with the prospect of a falling revenue and the possible continuance of relatively low export values for our primary products, my Ministers desire to stress tho urgent necessity for rigid economy in all public and private undertakings. Considerable Sacrifices, ''Although by no means pessimistic regarding the future of New Zealand in view of its exceptional natural advantages and the characteristic energy and determination of its people, my Ministers are convinced that the difficulties now confronting tho Dominion can only be effectually overcome by considerable sacrifices on tho part of all sections of the population."

Lord Bledisloe referred with deep regret to tho disastrous earthquake which recently occurred in Napier and Hastings and tho surrounding district.

"The grave economic crisis which this country, in common with most other countries of the world, is called upon to face has occasioned financial difficulties for our farmers, a widespread restriction of trade and considerable stringency in national finance, involving, unless prompt action be taken, a heavy Budgetary shortago in tho forthcoming financial year," said the Governor-General. "Tho difficulties of the present situation have also been accentuated by the catastrophe in Hawke's Bay. You will be asked to consider forthwith measures for dealing with this problem. Proposed Legislation.

"Proposals will be placed before you for effecting an alteration in the rate of remuneration of the Public Service, for amending the law which governs the powers of tho Arbitration Court, for providing for certain increases-in taxation and for tho establishment of a board to administer the railways, as well as other proposals designed to assist in surmounting the difficulties of the present situation. Legislative measures rendered necessary by tho recent earthquake will also be submitted for your consideration. No additional provision for supply will bo necessary during this special session of Parliament, but you will be furnished with information relating to the finances of the Dominion for the first 11 months of the current financial year. The Imperial Conference would bo discussed during tho ordinary session later in the year. During the special session the Government did not propose to submit for consideration any legislation other than that of an urgent character.

NOTICES OF BILLS.

LOCAL. BODY ELECTIONS.

PROPERTY LAW AND RATING.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL REPORTER.]

WELLINGTON, Wednesday,

Three bills discussed last session are included in the five leave to introduce which was sought by Mr. H. G. R. Mason (Labour—Auckland Suburbs), in the House of Representatives to-day. The Local Elections and Polls Amendment Bill passed the lower House last year, but was defeated by one vote in tho Legislative Council. Jt provides for the cross method of voting at local elections if a local body so desires. Tho Property Law Amendment Bill also passed the House of Representatives last session, but not the Legislative Council. It provides for 30 years being tho maximum period of grace after which absentees can claim land against a stranger in adverse possession. The purpose of tho bill is to shorten the work of searching titles on the purchase of land. The Rating Amendment Bill, also discussed last session, provides for the abolition of a rebate on rates in the case of empty dwellings. A new proposal is the Crimes Amendment Bill, seeking the abolition of the death penalty in cases of women and minors, and providing that the Prisons Department instead of the sheriff conduct executions. The Currency Bill will bo explained by Mr. Mason latei. Notice was also given of intention to introduce the following Duties Amendment (Mr. W. J. Poison —Stratford), and Gaming Amendment (Mr. H T. Armstrong—Chrisichurch East,).