VICE-REGAL SPEECH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21295, 23 September 1932, Page 11

VICE-REGAL SPEECH

BETTER WORLD OUTLOOK DEMAND FOR CO-OPERATION BENEFITS FROM' CONFERENCES RETURNING CONFIDENCE [BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION ] WELLINGTON, Thursday Addressing the members of both Houses at the opening of Parliament to-day the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, said that he had taken the opportunity to visit various parts of the Dominion. He desired to express his keen appreciation of the cordial welcome which the people had everywhere extended to him as His Majesty's representative, and of the courageous and resourceful spirit with which they were facing the present economic crisis. The results of the Ottawa Conference deliberations had been a matter of much satisfaction to the Government. Details of the agreements entered into at Ottawa would be laid before Parliament. "I have been happy to note," said His Excellency, ''indications that the depression from which Now Zealand, in common with the whole world, has been suffering, is becoming less severe, and it is possible to hope for a return to prosperity at no distant date. At the same time, the Government is convinced that the existing economic disturbance can be overcome only by international action directed to the abolition of the numerous financial restrictions at present hampering world trade. My Ministers have therefore attached the utmost importance to the recent conference at Lausanne, and have followed its deliberations with deep interest as calculated, to enhance confidence and promote commercial intercourse. International Go-operation "Complete success must depend upon international co-operation, and my Ministers hope that a substantial measure of progress will be achieved by the world economic conference which is now contemplated." The Dominion had been- represented by the High Commissioner, Sir Thomas Wilford, at the Disarmament Conference, at Geneva, and it was the earnest hope of the Cabinet that when the conference reassembled it would be able to effect a material reduction in international armaments. Addressing members of the House of Representatives, His Excellency said that the National Expenditure Commission, which was appointed to assist in effecting further economies in State expenditure, had now submitted its final report. Many of its recommendations had already been carried out, and legislation would be submitted to give effect to others the adoption of which.was considered desirable. In spite of the prevalent adverse conditions, a loan of £5,000,0Q0 was successfully floated in London in April. Of this amount, £4,000,000 was allocated to the redemption of short-term loans and the remainder to public works. Results of Conferences "My Ministers," continued His Excellency, "are of opinion tliat the conferences at Lausanne and Ottawa, together •with the large conversion loan successfully negotiated in Great Britain, have inspired a healthy and promising return of confidence. Improved trade conditions will result in better prices for the Dominion's products in external markets and the national income thus augmented wi'J benefit all classes of our people. Renewed activity in business will aid materially in accelerating economic equilibrium and my Ministers are anxious not to discourage enterprise by imposing upon the community any further burden. "Although the Budgetary position still demands anxious consideration, every effort is' being made to avoid the necessity for any increase in taxation during the current financial year." Addressing members of both Houses, His Excellency said that the work of developing areas of unimproved Crown land was progressing satisfactorily, and that the subdivisions already selected gave promise of successful occupation. It had been found necessary, however, largely to suspend • the purchase of estates for the purpose of closer settlement, but every effort was being made to meet the demand for small dairy farms by rendering available for selection suitable areas of Crown land and by applying the provisions of the legislation of last session under which substantial advances might be made to prospective settlers who were desirous of purchasing sections of freehold property. Native Land Development The development of native lands was being pursued with energy and with duo regard to the requirements of the various Maori communities concerned- The provision of work on native lands for unemployed Maoris had been of material assistance in affording them much-needed relief. A bill to consolidate and amend the law relating to companies would be submitted for consideration to bring the law of New Zealand into harmony with company law in England, but modified so as to meet local requirements. Bills would also be introduced relating to the rating of urban farm lands, and to safety in building construction, for the amendment of the law concerning customs, banking, superannuation, native lands, hospitals and charitable institutions, remedies for livestock diseases, the poultry industry, weights and measures, and for the consolidation of the Municipal Corporations Act and its amendments. MINERS' WIDOWS DURATION OF PENSIONS EACH CASE ON ITS MERITS [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON. Thursday Although manj' pensions at present being drawn by miners' widows will cease at the end of this month, as a result of legislation passed last session limiting the period of those allowances to two years after the death of the husband, the Primo Minister, Mr/Forbes, gave, an assurance in the House to-day that individual consideration would be given to pensioners who would suffer through having their allowances stopped. Mr. A. M. Samuel. (Government — Thames), in an urgent question, asked whether the Government would immediately pass legislation to restore the pensions of miners' widows, as promised by the Minister of Public Works, Mr. Coates, when the National Expenditure Adjustment BUI was,before Parliament last session. Mr. Samuel said many widows were anxious in view of the fact that they had been advised by the commissioner of pensions that their allowances would cease at the end of this month, in spite of the premise made on, the floor of the House. He added that the Prime. Minister had promised in a letter that.he would make a policy statement on tne question before Parliament met. Replying, the Prime Minister said the question was under consideration, and each case would be considered on its merits. The Minister of Public Works had made no such definite promise as sugSamuel: An absolute betrayal.