PARLIAMENT PROROGUED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20290, 24 December 1927, Page 11

PARLIAMENT PROROGUED

THE KING’S SPEECH. REFERENCE TO NAVAL POLICY. (Tress Association—By Telegraph—Copyright ) LONDON, December 22. The King’s Speech at the prorogation of Parliament dwelt on the satisfaction afforded by the enthusiastic reception given to tho Prince of Wales and Prince George in Canada, and to the Duke and Duchess of York in Australia and New Zealand and elsewhere. President Doumcrgue’s visit to London during the summer afforded tie people a welcome opportunity of demonstrating their affection for France. The frank and friendly Auglo-Egyptian conversations on the occasion of the visit of King Fuad were a good augury for future British proposals. The Geneva Naval Conference would, if it had been successful, have substantially reduced the naval strengths and costs to the nations. Despite the temporary failure Britain does not intend embarking on an increased naval -building programme, which is based on the considered view of the defensive needs of ihe Empire. The Speech refers to the great value of the recent interimperial conferences in London, and earnestly trusts that from the labours of the Indian Statutory Commission a system of government may emerge giving contentment to the people of India, and strengthening the bonds that unite the Empire.

The Speech adverts to the Anglo-Iraq Treaty, and notes with satisfaction the debt funding agreements signed in respect of all Allied war debts to Britain except Russia.

State employment, though showing welcome signs of improvement in some parts of the country, still causes anxiety in others.

It is confidently anticipated that the co-operation of both the home and overseas work of the board which has been appointed will facilitate the transfer of labour, particularly in the coal mining industry. The Speech adds: “ I followed with great interest the Duke and Duchess of York’s journeys, and rejoice at their return. I learnt from them with deep satisfaction of the loyal and enthusiastic welcome they invariably experienced.”— A. and N.Z. Cable.