FEDERAL PARLIAMENT OPENED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13946, 4 July 1907, Page 7

FEDERAL PARLIAMENT OPENED

(Received Julj; 3, at 10.45 p.m.)

GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S SPEECH,

TARIFF, AMENDMENT,,

MAIL SERVICES.

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. MELBOURNE, July 3.

(Received July 3, at 10.34 p.m.)

The Governor-General (Lord Northcote) opened the Federal Parliament to-day ill the presence of a large and brilliant gathering. The Speech referred to the Imperial Conference, stating that it would promote a much better understanding and more intimate relations between Britain and all the oversea dominions. It was announced that a bill framed on the decision of the Navigation Conference was being drafted, and bills were promised for the amendment of the tariff and making provision for bounties to encourage, new industries. The Speech'' confirmed the report as to tho cancellation of the mail contract, and also stated that an arrangement had almost been completed with the Orient Company to continue the existing contract for another year. Regarding the extension of the Vancouver mail contract, it was mentioned that the arrangement was subject to the concurrence of the Governments of Canada- and Fiji, which would participate in the subsidy. A progressive scheme of improvements in. harbour and coastal defence was under consideration, and the local production of munitions of war would be provided for.

Amongst the legislation promised in the opening Speech of the Federal Parliament are bills to prevent- the clashing of Privy Council and High Court ..decisions and for the payment of State income tax by Commonwealth servants.

(Received July 4, at 1.1 a.m.)

"'After the speeches of the mover and seconder of the AddreoS-in-Reply the Houses adjourned.

LABOUR CAUCUS.

MELBOURNE, July 3.

A caucus of the Federal Labour party decided to continue to support the Government.