PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4084, 23 June 1900, Page 3

PARLIAMENT.

THE GGVEKNOR’S SPEECH. Hi;; Excel'miey tlif Governor delivered 1;; ■; amillai Speech t o thf members of both Houses iii tho Legislative C.Viiiiinil ( 'hamber yesterday afternoon. The nt u-;i:> regarded as tho par. • lieular tune: inn connected with the in ee.'idingiin oin.,din" t.lic opening of I’o;! i • "o‘iit, ■mil, thorn was the usual huge ;il i riid.i i.if-o of Indies, who waited in;;i- 1 * fhe fcutr •iiee to 'he Legislative (‘•mind Chamber for a verv long time so i-to on -iir'! their obtaining admi.s,‘iieu. A moil" t.!i• - Indies who necil. pied. i..i l '* 1. ■, nil Idle finer of the Cliamh.w (■. i rr Airs Seddoo, Mrs J. 0. Ward, Airs t|}» Moriee and Alias Scddoii. !ii. Excellency the Governor arrived : i. ell;, aft or itd'U p.in.. eseorted hy the li■mi I r lingo. Mounted Rides, tlio Post 11 o! Telegraph Rifle,;. Of strong, furid ■ liin;/ flte guard of honour, and being aeeiilll (Kill lec.r" by 11 <1 • • 111 el lin Oil t from iI.M.S. Lizard, iviiibi the gnus of the D Ibii.ferv t hiii"!"i , i'(l old, a salute as bill Kxei■lleney left (toveniment House Mel again as he arrived at the I’ai'liani Buildings. His Excellency wan ei , moled bv Colo.' I IViilon (G’ommandei of ihe f'da-ee /, Lieut.-Com rounder AVat son. of II.A).:-!. Lizard, Lieut.(A>loin■! Collins ana Captain Given. The t.levenier having taken hi; seat, “Blank d:,.,!'’ summoned the I bful Coni, imoo.,’’ who attended with tile stalwart Sevgenn( of Arms at their head and took up (heir p.isiliop en the floor of the < 'bainher, Mi- Speaker, the 'Premier and meuibers of the M inirsf ry being in front. ’I. be reading of the Speech was listened to with much interest, although at one iii• 11 iiciit ;1 appeared as if a slight conI retemps was about to occur. ills lido elteney “lost bis place,” and on-’ » lookers in "an to wonder whether the pi oecading.s v. oidd liave t o lie adjourned to eiuihle, the mistake to bo i( i titled. Mailers were, however, quickly retd died by the: Minister for iv !ura.'ion. am! thencad'orth the delivery of (ho Speech proceeded without u hitch.

Thu Speech "ns ns follows: Honourable Gmi! lemon of the LcgislaI ivi’ Council, anil Gentlemen of the Hons© of llcproseutativcs. — 1 1 ii with -sincere pleasure that I again tiicof. you in I’arliamont assemb. 1 1 •• 1. Thu f;ivoi.ua.jlc impression I form- !■■! of your colony in Mu; past is fully I.i:i■ i;is nui by ;he improved condition ami wi II hiring of the people, evidence of which I liuvc witnessed with pleasure, ami my belief in its large resources grows st rongcr fioiu further and more ' iiilimate knowledge.

During I he reee-s 1 have visited many purls of the colony, and have noticed wadi gratification mo general prosperity which obtains amongst/ all classes. Those engaged in pastoral and agricultural pursuits are prospering, industries flourish, labour is plentiful and better paid 1.1 ran in other parts of the world, amt the mining industry has developed

iu a marked degree. The attempt made on (he life of tho Prince of Wales caused a shock throughout the civilised world. The people of New Zealand heartily rejoiced at tho 0.-c-ipe of his. ilcyal Highness, and on their behalf I forwarded the heartfelt eoiigni (illations o,f tho colony, in reply to 'which a gracious acknowledgment was received. During tin* recess there have been (■hamre'i iu Mu; Ministry, tho Hon Mr <divan having, ■ ufotigh ill-health, reyip:i[ci,f tho several portfolios held by him. (u l ake a weil-earucd rest from tail;i-re which. have boon tor the good of i:o( ; colony. lie has boon called to Mis Ilegislative Council, and retains his ass!-: inthe 'Executive Council. ’ X’.hc Hon Sir Thompson has also rotuiid from Iho ui .nistry, and I have called to my assist aimc the lion J. G. Ward and the Hon darues McGowan. The loyal devotion and affection of (lie people of New Zealand fo her Gracious Majesty and their determination to uphold tin; supremacy of_ the Empire have been demonstrated in a ma imer that has evoked the 'commendation and admiration of all well-wishers of the British nation. The Parliament of New Zealand was the first to offer assi-dancc in Mio emergency of the Empire that had arisen in South Africa.; and that a contingent from our shores should bo (ho first to land at tho seat of war is a matter mr proud recollection. In view of the continued necessities of Hie campaign, this" colony has, in addition. sent four nlhcrf contingents to ilo battle in South Africa, for justice and freedom on behalf of those of our kindred who wore denied liberty and who _ stiffened oppression, and if need be Is quit© prepared to send more and larger contingents to follow. By their spontaneous yet deliberate and' determined action, tbc people of this colony have, of their own volition, assumed a responsibility iu regard lo Mu’ empire, far-reaching in' effect and self-sacrificing and patriotic in its nature.

It is gratifying to know that our action and the motives inspiring it have been fully appreciated by our kinsmen across tlio seas.

The arming, equipping and sending free of cost .to either tho Imperial Government or flic Government of this colony of one contingent, and tho sending of another on similar conditions with the exception of the cost of transport, are matters for which the colony li;'S every re.v-oti to led proud, and, demotisl rate a patriotism which ia lasting. solid and sincere. The 'New Zealand soldiers in South Africa, have miniutpd themselves admirddy, and have well maintained tho traditions: of oor nation, and proved that climatic changer and distance from 1 fie Mother Country have in no way damped the military ardour, curtailed the powers of endurance, or otherwise d"! eriornted the race. Our addicts editing nil the veldt in South Africa have done our colony credit, and have b v,cu ibc comnimulation of (lie distinguished Commander.in-Cliicf and of the aide generals under him. and are en(it led to our gratitude, as they have wen oar admiral ion. The nail of the Umpire to her sons has been cheerfully responded to, but. i.-ii wi.ibout •nirming, for in the strug. rC many valuable lives hive been lost, rm i ere the end comes others, no doubt wiU be - aerificed. I feel sure that you will join with me in offering to - - the z bereaved relatives'our heartfelt sympathy.

Much to llioir disappointment, it wa.s imt found, possible to accept the offer made by the Maori people to furnish a emtitiT'-ut. Then- devotion to , the ] f'.. lio»mve-”.. fennd expression in (iie generous contributions which were made to the several natriotic funds. The surrender to Germany of British rights in Samoa has caused con.-idcra.ble dis.mpo'hLmr>t, i.uit I hope counterv 'ilin" ad' r,ata svs to Great Britain have boon secured by the cession of certain valuable rights in other islands. 1 feel vMidu-d that the matter was well considered, and that those upon whoiti I he responsibility rests deemed tho ait-.ra-ngemeut to bo in the best (if 1 lie 'Empire. Mv Advisors consider it to be of the hr t importance io the Empire and this colony 'that- British interests • in the

islands of the Pacific should he ‘definitely cousei veil, and, in le-peet to several'of the islands, that, witti flic 'ou(aiiTOitci; of the inhabitants, annexation should, win re possible. take _ place. With a i ic.v of removing difiieuUies anil providing sat i,-;;aetoi y administratdon, the ex I ousioii of Ihe bo uodario-' cf (hi" colonv uia v he hjiind iicees.-;iiy. ami, if so. I tie peoiile of Nr w Zealand in a v lie e.e (isf i rt to as' uaie the iucrmu—ed lospoiiS'lidity. , , , The prr.spr cl of I l.e « ly icnei.tlton ol the Australian eoh-uies is a matte; - o! "eeat. interest to New /calami: and, although my -Adviser,; deem it not desirable or opo'ii'l ('tie 101 u.i to teociate at the present time, 're entertain no unfriend!'.- filing towards the. natural aspirations of our Australian neighbours.. Looking to the fiuTrn:. as an out lying Slate "din el ly interested, representations were made to the Secretary of Stale i/i) the subject. fn the stress of a, terrible famine the Viceroy of India, appealed to this count ry, as well as t.o is I her portions of (he. Empire, for help on behalf of the millions of human beings, our trllo.v-subj'-cts, famine-stricken ami helpless in that- part of the Jtimplro: and alter consulting member:; of Parliament ni.y Ministers decided that substantial air! from tbo colony should be forwarded■ A conflagration exceptionally widespread in its devastatin' effects befell the city of Ottawa., and thousands ol people were ir ft, homeless and destitute. My Art visors. after ascertaining the wishes of members of Parliament, contributed substantial assistance on behalf of the colony. Grateful thanks from Canada came ;,u return. Mr Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of lU.'piv-senlativcs, The estimates of Ihe year will he laid before you. and they have here, prepared with due regard to economy and tho necessities of the public service. In respect to tin 1 defence forces, harbour defences, the cost of sending and maintaining the contingents, and generally placing our defences on a safer and more satisfactory footing, as you will naturally have concluded, a largely iu'-ieasod provision will have to he made.

The increasing Ira flic on our railways demands that a’ proper! ionato provision on (bo estimate's should tie made lo meet the gro’.ving reproductive r-xpenr diture. Tnasmucli as moneys • intelligently (xpciidnid ou the railways is more than compensated for by increased revenue, my Advisers find themselves in a. posilir.li to grant largo concessions in respect of passc-ugor-furcs and freights. It will be pleasing lo you to know that, wo have a. steadily increasing _ revenue, ample to meet present requirements, not withstanding tho extra calls made upon il. During the present period of universal prosperity ihe opportunity is afforded of calmly and equitably considering tho incidence of fixation. It is undoubted that, tbc groat, buoyancy of trade has added largely to tho revenues raised by indirect taxation. I trust you may at no distant date consider the incidence of indirect taxation, with a view of reducing Customs .duties levied ou the. necessaries of life. Gentlemen of the Legislative Council tuul Gentlemen of tuo House of It op i ■ e s c ntatives, —• That, the bubonic plague exists in several of the Australian colonies is un- : fortunately true, and the strenuous efforts made to prevent its appearance in New Zealand, and lo minimise, its dire effects should it appear here, will, I feel sure, receive your warmest commendation. Nothing lias been snared that science or common-sense coukl .suggest to prevent its spread to this colony, an... so far, with success. The laws, however, respecting public health aro defective, and do not give the. necessary power to preserve the health of the people, or to grapple with a scourge like the one which, threatens us. _ Commissioners. both European and Native, have boon appointed iu the several districts of the. colony. Tho information gained by them' and the reports that they furnish will be of service. Legislation in respect, to the public health will be submitted. The successful results of the policy of securing tho acquisition of lands for dost; settlement, and tho placing of tho people thereon, fully warrant a. continued and vigorous development of the system. (Iloso settlement has ocen highly beneficial, and the increased products thereby obtained havo swelled our exports in a. largo degree, an-l helped to bring about the general prosperity now existing. ; The; cheap money lent to .settlers under tho Advances to Settlers Act luw materially helped to secure a reason-' able rate of interest, and lias been of great assistance, /particularly to kasehold tenants of the Crown. The most

sanguine expectations of my Advisers have boon realised, and the success that' lias attended the operation of this lawj fully warrants further attention to'tho. question. The requirements of the. country necessitate that further nioi’.- i eys shall bo raised for this .purpose. j Pensions to the deserving aged have, proved to he a great boon to many old colonists requiring assistance. _ Oir-i cumstancos which could not, in the, first instance, have been foreseen, have, caused a somewhat larger expenditure; than was anticipated; but, notwith-l standing this, the strain has not prov-j c-cl too great for our resources, and the! continuation of this law is considered by my Advisers to bo in the best interests of humanity. It will bo gratifying to you to know that, the long-standing dispute with the. Midland Railway Company has .at last" been settled. The case was decided in the colony’s favour by the Supremo Court; it was (bon taken to the Court of Appeal, which a Get decided in the colony’s favour. The debenture-hold-ers then tooK the case to the Privy Council, which, has decided that the course taken by the colony was legal, and within tho terms of (lie contract, ft will thus be iron that the Arbitral hnC Court, (lie Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and (hi- Privy Council liave. all affirmed that the action of the Gov-' eminent throughout' has been within tho law, and that neither the-company uor the debenture-holders have, under tho circumstances, any legal ground for complaint. I understand that Parliament will be petitioned, and that consideration for the debenture-holders will be asked for. In consequence of tho delay that has taken place settlement of the land has been retarded. _ An amendment of Ihe Laud Act will bo required, so that justice may bo done to occupiers of laud within, the Midland area.

As tlio outcome of tho popular ~jll the duties of tho State have been considerably enlarged.* The increased administrative work owing to growth of population and business and increased State departments- has unduly tasc' 7 tho energies of Ministers to such an extent as to warrant your attention and consideration.

Tho time is opportune to deal with overcrowding in our cities, and, by legislation generally, to deal with this important part of our drily life on modern and progressive lines. The commerce of the colony, and improved connections by means of steamers with the markets of the world, are 'mattori> of the greatest importance, and my Advisers are of opinion that every effort should he made to open up new markets for our produce, and to

regulate established markets on oijuita.blv framed conditions. The Chambers of Commerce, if placed on a sat isfactory fooling, by being made truly representative of the commerce ■if our country, should be of more real benefit to the community than they arc at. present. To enable this to be -lone proposals 'till be placed before you. Tbo experience of the past few years points to the necessity for ronso.ida' ling and amending our labour laws. Owing to lapse of time and a,lt yred conditions, other laws require revi-aon. amendment and Proposals will be made dealing with domestic and other reforms.

The lessons taught by the wav m .South Africa have not been lost j pun my Ministers, and heavy liabiotio have been incurred by increasing the number of Volunteer corps, and ob airv ing arms and munitions of war. In view of late developments, an 1 to meet the altered conditions, the la-ws relating to the defence force requite revision, and necessary amendments will bo .submitted'. The establishment ol a fully-equipped reserve force for Imperial. and coli mal purposes, within prescribed limits, and on terms to bo arranged between the Imperial authorities and this colony, is worthy of your consideration. 'The present system of local government is not satisfactory. Reduction in the number of local authorities, greater power, and assured finance arc essential; and, though the matter is one that requires much attention, time and thought, I hope that you will no: shrink from tho task of placing local government on a more satisfactory basis. _ . Tour attention will bo required in respect to the carriage of our mails via Sau Francisco, and also mails for the Pacific Islands and elsewhere. In connection with extended and improved mail services the interchange of products and the development of trade generally should form an important facTho improvement in the breeding ol horses and cattle, the inspection of meat, slaughtering of sheep and ca tle, and grading of products are subjects worthy of consideration. In tho interests of the educational system of tho colony, proposals will be submitted dealing with teachers’ salaries. You will also be invited to consider legislation for granting further aid to tccimicul education, -in the interest of the youth of both races; also to consider several necessary am ucfnicnls and consolidations of tho laws affecting labour, regulating llie hours thereof, and providing for compensation for accidents. I am pleased to ho able to state 'hat mining in all its branches maintains its position amongst. ( thc industries ol the colony, the yield of gold for the ; ear 18911 ‘ being the highest for the na-st 'twenty-six years, while the output 1 uni tho eoal-inin.es shows a- steady inert- ise. How host to further develop onr coal measures, and insure an increased output at reasonable cost to consumers, will, I hope, nob bo overlooked. Onr leading quartz mines continue to yield satisfactory returns, _ while the impetus given to alluvial mining by the improvements made in the machi: ary and appliances for tho recovery of ; dd from the river-beds and flats of the Middle Island has been the mean-, o! affording employment to a largo n imber of men.

As extensive areas of agricultural land iu Hie Middle Island are expected to prove payably auriferous, the question of the best moans to be adopted for extracting' the gold, in such manner as not to loavo these areas thereafter unlit for agricultural purposes is one requiring careful attention. .My Ministers recognise the ucccf. dty for a rffore vigorous prosecution 'of tailway construction, especially betv ecn centres of population, and proposals regarding Airis important matter will be placed before you.

Tho establishment of a Pacific c blc has also engaged the attention of my Advisers, and no effort has been, or will be, spared to undertake the colony’s share of its responsibility in connec.ion with this Imperial work. During the recess, several large and representative meetings have been 1 eld by the natives, and from them, through their chiefs, every assurance of loy dty and desire for tho good of both races has been made to me. Measures affecting the native race, and dealing wn,. their lands, will be laid before you. I commend these several matters to your serious consideration and attention, and trust that the guidance and blessing of tho Almighty may enable your labours to be fraught with good to the people of our colony and the great Empire to which wc belong.