OPENING OF PARLIAMENT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22065, 22 September 1933, Page 8

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT

THIRD SESSION OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY A COLOURFUL SCENE SPEECH FROM THE THRONE MEASURES TO BE DEALT WITH * (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON’, September 21. Notwithstanding the rainy weather the customary colourful scene was provided by the formal opening of the third session of the twenty-fourth Parliament of New Zealand by the GovernorGeneral (Lord Bledisloe) this afternoon. The vice-regal party, ' consisting of their Excellencies, Sir Cecil Day (official secretary to the Governor-General), Lieutenant Thomson, A.D.C., and Captain Tweedie, A.D.C., left Government House at 2.15 p.m., their departure , being signalised by a salute of 19 guns fired from Point Jerningham by the Royal New Zealand Artillery. On arrival at Parliament Grounds, where large crowds had assembled, many taking shelter under umbrellas, his Excellency was met by Major-general SmclairBurgess, general officer commanding the New Zealand Forces, an Commodore Burges-Watson. The combined bands of H.M.S. Dunedin and H.M.S. Diomede played the first bars of the National Anthem, after which his Excellency inspected the Guard of Honour provided by the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy, while Lady Bledisloe, accompanied by Sir Cecil Day, was received by the Clerk of Parliaments (Mr B. W. Kane, C.M.G.) and conducted to her seat on the left of the dais in the Legislative Council Chamber.

After inspecting the Guard of Honour Lord Bledisloe entered Parliament, where he was met by Black Rod (Mr A. T.- Bothamley, 1.5.0.). His Excellency then proceeded to the Legislative Council Chamber preceded by senior officers of the Navy, Army, and Air Force. On entering the Chamber Lord Bledisloe took his seat on the dais, and after causing Black Rod to summon members of the House of Representatives, delivered the Speech from the Throne.

At the conclusion of his speech his Excellency left Parliament Buildings, and the band again played the first bars of the National Anthem.

GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S ADDRESS

fronted my advisers during the last three years. Although the production of the Dominion has materially increased, many of these difficulties still exist. The bulk of the exports of New Zealand are consigned to Great Britain. The Dominion is consequently, very largely dependent upon the economic conditions in the United Kingdom. People of all classes in New Zealand, while facing their difficulties with determination and courage, have been anxiously watching for that improvement in prices which it is hoped will mark the end of the economic depression so far as it affects this Dominion, but until recent months there has been little indication of the realisation of these hopes. It became imperative early in the y6ar that some action should be taken to avoid serious disorganisation in our basic industries. My advisers, therefore, after carefully considering all remedial measures, decided to depreciate the currency of the Dominion in order to assist in bridging the gap between farming costs and prices. The legislation which was passed in pursuance of this decision during last session is deemed to have afforded timely relief during the further depreciation in value of primary products which continued until April last. Since then prices have tended to rise, although the movement is slow. My Ministers have reason to hope that the increase will he permanent, and_ beneficial effects are already becoming evident. REDUCTION IN INTEREST RATES Recognising that falling _ prices automatically increase the relative burden of all fixed charges, and that relief in this ■direction would be a powerful aid to economic recovery, my Ministers have devoted careful attention to the question of reducing the current rates of interest on an equitable basis. Conversion of the interest rate of the internal public debt of the Dominion to 4 per cent, was undertaken, and the operation was an outstanding success, thanks to the patriotic response made to the Government's appeal. At the same time, legislation was passed providing for a reduction by one-fifth in the interest on securities issued by local authorities, but with a provision that such interest was not to be reduced below 4J per cent. Arrangements were also made for a reduction in rates of interest on bank overdrafts and deposits and on mortgages. There are definite indications of. the success of the plan for establishing long-term interest rates at lower levels, and my Ministers feel that the reduction is now permeating the entire field of investment with consequent benefit to the Dominion as a whole. A SMALL SURPLUS Under the stress of the economic conditions the Budget for the last financial year contemplated a substantial deficit, but as a result of progressive savings in expenditure and of an unexpected excess of revenue, over the estimated receipts, the financial year closed with a small surplus. The conditions to be faced for the current year are nevertheless _ still serious, and the problem of maintaining the budgetary position, within safe limits pending some measure of economic recovery continues to receive the earnest attention of my advisors. Honourable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council and Members of the House of Representatives! THE UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEM Unemployment remains a difficult social problem, and until there is a substantial improvement in the prices of primary products a return to more normal conditions is' unlikely to be realised. The utmost effort to meet the situation is being maintained by my Government, which is continuing its endeavours to retain as many persons as possible in their normal occupations. Various schemes of relief -have been put into effect to ease the position, and assistance as liberal as possible is being rendered to those who are without work. It_ is gratifying to record the valuable assistance afforded during this period of stress by local bodies, voluntary organisations, and the community generally. . Notwithstanding the adverse conditions affecting the primary industries steady progress hag been maintained in placing new settlers upon Crown lands, and in rendering available new areas for settlement. Special measures have been taken to encourage Crown settlers to meet their many difficulties, and in the circumstances substantial concessions have been made to them. Under the Small Farms (Relief of Unemployment) Act, 1932-33, a board has been constituted to place approved applicants on suitable areas of land m different parts of the Dominion. The services of unemployed men are being utilised to develop unimproved land, on which many of them will eventually be established as farmers, and in addition considerable numbers of unemployed have already been placed on individual holdings. The board is finding some difliculty, however, in acquiring sufficient land of a suitable character to meet the current demand, and this matter is at present receiving the consideration of my Ministers. NATIVE LANDS Pursuant to the legislation passed in 1932 the Native Land Settlement Board was constituted early in this financial year. The amalgamation of the various branches of the Native Department is in progress, and is_ calculated to effect considerable economies in administration and in the supervision of properties on

A NOTE OF OPTIMISM The following is the full text of the Governor-General's speech:— Honourable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council and Members of the House of Representatives: Last April the opportunity was afforded me of visiting the mandated territory of Western Samoa and the Island of Rarotonga through accommodation provided on hoard HM.S. Diomede in the course of her annual cruise in the Pacific Ocean, and but for the necessity of economy in the expenditure of fuel,' I would have extended my official tour to Niue and other islands of the Cook group. Accorded everywhere a most loyal and friendly welcome, I was particularly gratified to note the absence of all evidences of serious privation in these islands (in spite of - the inevitable setback in their economic prosperity), and the watchful care for their moral material welfare exercised by their respective _ Administrations. Visits which I paid in passing to Nukualofa and Pago Pago enabled me to accept the courteous hospitality of her Majesty the Queen of Tonga, and the Governor of American Samoa, _ and to testify to them and to the inhabitants of their respective territories the friendly attitude towards them of this Dominion. I trust that these visits may prove to have assisted in cementing happy and sympathetic relations between those who have the responsibility of native administration in the Pacific,

WORLD MONETARY CONFERENCE The World Monetary and_ Economic Conference which assembled in London last June was convened by the League of Nations with the object of securing international co-operation in devising fneans of solving problems created by the economic depression. It was regarded by my , advisers as of outstanding importance to New Zealand, particularly as one of its contemplated results was the raising of the price levels of primary products. the Dominion was accordingly represented at the conference by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Industries and Commerce. It is a matter for regret that the conference has so far been unable to reach any final agreement.' Some progress is, however, made in exploring the economic problems and in promoting among the nations of the world a mutual understanding upon which a return to general prosperity so largely depends. My Ministers who attended the conference were afforded opportunities for important discussions with representatives of his Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, and of commercial and agricultural interests in Great Britain on matters vitally affecting trade between the two countries. My Government confidently hopes that beneficial results will accrue from these discussions, 'and that they will eventuate in a better realisation of our common problems. CUSTOMS REVISION In the agreement made at Ottawa last year between the representatives of his Majesty's Governments in the United Kingdom and in New Zealand respectively an undertaking was given by the latter that an inquiry would be instituted into the existing protective duties in this Dominion, a course fully in accord with the opinion of my Ministers that a periodical investigation of the Customs tariff is desirable. A commission has accordingly been appointed for this purpose. Owing, however, to the wide scope of the inquiry, the report of the commission will not be available in sufficient time to permit of revised tariff schedules being presented for your consideration during this calendar year. TRADE AGREEMENTS During the parliamentary recess the Minister of Trade and Customs of his Majesty’s Government in the Commonwealth of Australia visited New Zealand in order to. discuss with my Ministers the question of commercial relations between the two dominions. An agreement has been reached, and will be submitted for your ratification at an early date._ My advisers have been engaged in discussion with his Majesty’s Government in Canada regarding the existing trade agreement which came into effect on May 24 of last year. This agreement, which was originally intended to remain in force for a period of one year, has been extended until November 24 next. It has afforded me very great pleasure to extend a cordial welcome on behalf _ of the people of New Zealand to the ships of the Australian Squadron _ which are now in Dominion waters. _ Their visit will serve to strengthen still further the friendly relationship between the Commonwealth and New Zealand. Mr Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives: THE ECONOMIC DEPRESSION The trend of the world’s markets has remained uncertain during • the past 12 months, and a further fall during this period rn the value of several of the Dominion’s primary products accentuated the difficulties which have continuously con-

which advances by the Native Trust Office and Maori land boards are secured. The development of Native lands with moneys provided by the State is making satisfactory progress. The Unemployment Board has made special arrangements with the Native Department for the employment of a large number of unemployed Maoris in connection with schemes tor the development of Native lands. During the recess a committee wag. appointed to investigate the rating of Native lands, and its report, when available, will be laid before you. SYSTEM OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT The system of local government. in the Dominion has recently been receiving tbe earnest consideration of my Ministers, who recognise the desirability or a lull investigation of this subject. . It is intended to appoint a commission ot mauiry to ascertain what steps are necessary to secure greater efficiency and economy. CENTRAL RESERVE BANK My Ministers, appreciating the importance of currency and credit as factors in the economic welfare of the people, are convinced that they should be subject to greater control and co-ordination by a central body specially established for the purpose. Legislation providing for the establishment in New Zealand of a Central Reserve Bank will accordingly be submitted for your.consideration. in the opinion of my advisers the co-ordination of banking functions under a Uential Bank cannot fail to strengthen the financial structure of the Dominion. COMPANIES' LAW The Advisory Committee appointed in 1930 for the revision of the law relating to companies has now completed its work A Bill which ha 8 been drafted in order to bring the law 8 of New Zealand m o harmony with English company jaw, but modified so as to meet local requirements,, will be submitted for your consideration. OTHER MEASURES Measures will also be laid before you relating to coinage, amendment of tn law or libel, weigfits and. measures, post and telegraph, immigration restriction, Customs (vis a vis Australia), remedies for live stock diseases, and the reduction of interest on, and the conversion of, loans made to local authorities; also for the consolidation of the Mortgagors Relief Act arid the Municipal Corporations Act and the statutes amending the same. l’ commend these matters to your careful consideration, and liberations may be guided by Divine Providence. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS SWORN IN The Legislative Council met after the opening ceremony. Mr J. A. Han an and Mr C J. Carrington, who had been re appointed during the recess, were sworn in ' ADDRESS-IN-REPLY. Mr W. W. Snodgrass gave notice to move the formal Address-in-Reply motion. The Council rose at 3.30 p.m. until tomorrow. . house of representatives THE GAMING ACT. When members of the House of Representatives returned to , their own chamber a large number of petitions, was presented, including many praying for an amendment of the Gaming Act to permit telegraphed investments, the double totalisator, and the publication. of dividends. The petitions on this subject bore a total of 7000 signatures. BILLS TO BE INTRODUCED. Notice was given of intention to introduce the following Bills: The Banks Indemnity Exchange Repeal (Mr _W. A. Veitch), Judicial Proceedings (Regulation of Reports) (Mr J. G. Cobbe), New Plymouth Airport (Mr S. G. Smith), Bay of Plenty Licensing Committee Enabling (Mr K. S. Williams), Meat Export Control Amendment (Mr W. J. Poison), School Committees Facilities (Mr R. MTleen), British Nationality and Status of Aliens in New Zealand (Mr P. Fraser), Distress and Replevin Amendment (Mr P. Fraser). NOTICE OF QUESTIONS. Mrs M'Combs gave notice to ask questions relating to unemployment among youths and women and girls, and to inquire whether the Government would be prepared to raise the marriage age for both sexes to 16 years. STOCK MORTGAGEES. Replying to Mr C. L. Carr (Timaru), the Minister of Justice (Mr J. G. Cobbe) said the Government was at present considering the question of making it mandatory for stock mortgagees to enter into a pooling arrangement in connection with the proceedings, of the Mortgagors’ Adjustment Commissions. NEW WELLINGTON RAILWAY ♦ STATION. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr H. E. Holland) asked the Prime Minister (Mr G. W. Forbes) whether he had investigated the-representations of the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation relating to the conditions of tender, for the new Wellington railway station in which attention was. called to conditions which imposed handicaps upon local manufacturers. as compared with overseas manufacturers in respect to the following points:—(a) A contractor was to be liable for the sales tax on all materials which he might purchase in the Dominion, but on all materials imported he would not be affected by the imposition of Customs duties or sales tax; (b) a local manufacturer would apparently have to pay ordinary exchange on such imported articles as he might use, while an overseas contractor seemed to have the exchange provided for him at par. Mr Holland asked whether Mr Forbes would immediately take steps to . remove the disadvantage at ■which local industry had been placed. , .... Mr Forbes said that when the tenders were received for any Government contract full allowance was made for any disadvantages to which a local contractor might be subject. For instance, if the payment of sales tax were involved or anything of a similar nature were entailed, allowance ‘was made for that in all cases. The principle followed in jetting contracts was that wherever possible when prices were anything within reason the local manufacturer received first preference. Mr ForbeS said that no injustice would be done to the local manufacturer in regard to the Wellington railway station contract.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE. Messrs W. D. Stewart (Dunedin West) and W. Nash (Hutt) were granted seven days’ leave of absence on account of public service, and Mr Tau Henare was granted four days’ leave of absence on account of illness in the family. FIRST READING. The Expiring Laws Continuance Bill was read a first time pro forma on the motion of Mr Forbes. ADDRESS-IN-REPLY. Mr H. Holland (Christchurch North) gave notice to move the formal Address-in-Reply motion. DECEASED LEGISLATORS.

Replying to the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Forbes said that to-morrow afternoon would be devoted to the paying of tributes to deceased legislators. The House rose at 3.30 p.m. until S p.m. to-morrow.