GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2416, 28 June 1900, Page 22

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

THE OFFICIAL OPENING.

WELLINGTON, June 22. The official opening of Parliament took place to-day at 2.30, when his Excellency read his Address in the Legislative Council Chamber. The weather was fine, but overcast, and there was a large attendance of the public both inside and outside tbe Chamber. Eighteen members of the Council were present, and the Lower House was strongly represented.

Lord Ranfurly was accompanied by Colonel Penton, Captains Owen and Alexander, Commander Watson (of H.M.S. Lizard), and the foreign consuls. The guard of honour was composed of a body of bluejackets and marines from the warship and the College Rifles. The usual salute was fired by the battery.

THE GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS.

His Excellency the Governor having arrived in the Council Chamber, the members of the House of Representatives were summoned, when his Excellency was pleased to make the following Speech: — Hon. Gentlemen, of the Legislative Council, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, — It is with sincere pleasure that I again meet you in Parliament assembled.

The favourable impression formed of youv colony in the past is fully borne out by the improved condition and well-being of the people, evidence of which I have witnessed with pleasure, and my belief in its large resources grows stronger from further and more intimate knowledge. During the recess I have visited man;/ parts of the colony, and have noticed with gratification t^e general prosperity which obtain.-: among-t all classes. Those engaged, in pru< Loral and agdcultural pursuits y are prospering; industries flourish; labour is plentiful-arid better paid thanjn other parts of- the world; and the mining industry has developed in a marked degree. v

The attempt made on the life of the Prince of Wales caused a shock throughout the civilised world. The people of New Zealand heartily rejoiced at the escape of his Royal Highness, and on their behalf I forwarded the heartfelt congratulations of the colony, to which a gracious acknowledgment was received.

During the recess there have been changes in the Ministry, the Hon. Mr Cadman having, through ill-health, resigned the several portfolios held by him to take a, well-earned rest from labours which have been for the good of the colony. He has been called to the Legislative Council, and retains his seat in the Executive Council. The Hon. T. Thompson has^ also retired from the Ministry, and^ I have called to my assistance the Hon! J. Gr. Ward and the Hon. James'M'Gowan. The loyaL devotion and affection of the people of New Zealand to her Gracious Majesty and their determination to uphold the supremacy of the Empire have been demonstrated in a manner that has evoked the commendation and admiration of all well-wishers of the British nation. The Parliament of JSew Zealand was the first to offer assistance m the emergency of the Empire that had arisen in South Africa, and that a contingent from our shores should be the firet to land at the seat of war is a matter for proud recollection. In view of the continued necessities of the campaign, this colony haa, in addition, ppnt four other contingents to do battle in South Africa for justice and freedom on behalf of those of our kindred who lvere denied liberty, and who suffered oppression, and if need be is quite prepared to eend more and larger contingents to follow. By their spontaneous yet deliberate and determined action, the people of this colony have of their own volition, assumed a responsibility in- regard to the Empire far reaching in effect and selfsacrificing patriotic in ite. nature. It is gratifying,.!© know that our action and the motives inspiring it have been fully appreciated by our kinsmen across the seae. The arming, equipping, and sending free of cost to either the Imperial Government or the Government of this colony of one contingent, and the sending of another on similar conditions, together with the cost of transport, are matters for which the colony has every reason to feel proud, and demonstrate ,a patriotism which is lasting, solid, and sincere. The New Zealand soldiers in South Africa have acquitted themselves admirably, and have well maintained the traditions of our nation, and proved that climatic changes and distances from the mother country have in no wav damped the military ardour, curtailed the powers of endurance, or otherwise deteriorated the race. Our soldiers fighting on the veldt in South Africa have done our colony credit, and have won the commendation of the distinguished Commander-in-Chief, and of the able generals iinder him, and are entitled to our gratitude, as they have won our admiration.

The call of the Empire to her sons has been cheerfully responded to, but not without suffering, for in the struggle many valuable lives have been lost, and ere-the end comes others, no doubt, will be sacrificed. I feel .sure that you will join with me in offering to the bereaved relatives our heartfelt sympathy. Much to their disappointment, it was not found possible to accept the offer made by the Maori people to furnish a contingent. Their devotion to the Queen, however, found expression in the generous contributions which were made to the several patriotic funds. The surrender to Germany of British rights in Samoa has caused considerable disippointment, but I hope countervailing advantages to Great Britain have been secured by the cession of certain valuable rights in other islands. I feel satisfied that the matter was well considered, and that those upon vvhom the responsibility rests deemed the arrangement to be in the best interests of the Empire.

My Advisers consider it to be the first importance to the Empire and this colony that British interests in the islands of the Pacific should be definitely conserved in respect to several of the islands ; that, with the concurrence of the inhabitants, annexation should, where possible, take place. With a view of removing difficulties and providing satisfactory administration, the extension of the boundaries of this polony may be found necessary ; and, if so, the people of New Zealand may be* required to assume the increased responsibility.

The prospect of the early federation of the Australian colonies is a matter of great interest to New Zealand. Although my Advisers deem it not desirable or opportune for us to federate at the present time, we entertain no unfriendly feeling towards the natural aspirations of our Australian neighbours. Looking to the future, as an outlying State directly interested, representaions were made to the Secretary of State on the subject.

In the stress of a terrible famine the Vice* roy of India appealed .to this country, as welf to the other portions of the Empire, for help on behalf of the millions of human beings— our fellow subjects — famine stricken.and help* less in that part of the Empire, and after con-< suiting membera_of Parliament my Ministers decided that substantial aid from the colony should "be forwarded.

A conflagration, exceptionally widespread! in its devastative effects, befell the city o£ Ottawa, and thousands of people were left; homeless and destitute. My Advisers, after, ascertaining the .wishes of members of Parliament, contributed substantial assistance on behalf of this colony. Grateful thanks from' Canada came in return. Mr_ Speaker and Gentlemen 'of the House of Representatives; — The Estimates of the year will be laid before you, and they have been prepared! with due regard to economy and the necessities of the public service.

In respect to the 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-increased provision will have to be made.

The increasing traffic on our railways demands that a proportionate provision on the Estimates should be made to meet the growing reproductive expenditure, inasmuch as moneys intelligently expended on the rail-waj-s are more than compensated for T>y; increased revenue. .My Advisers find themselves in a position ',to grant large concessions in respect' to passenger fares and freights.

It- will be pleasing to you to know that we 'nave a steadily increasing revenue — ample _ \.o meet present requirements, notwithstand-« ing the extra calls made upon it.

During the present year of universal prosperity the opportunity- is afforded of calmly and "equitably considering the incidence of taxation. It is undoubted that the great buoyancy of trade has added largely to the revenues raised by indirect taxation. T trust that you may. at no distant date, con- - fdder the incidence of indirect taxation, with a view to reducing the customs duties levied on the~tnecessaries of life. Gentletaen of the Legislative Council, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, —

That the bubonic plague exists in several of the Australian colonies is unfortunately true, and the strenuous efforts made to prevent its appearance in New Zealand, and) to minimise its diro effects should it appear here, will, I feel sure, receive your warmest commendation. Nothing has been sparest that science or common sense could suggest to prevent its spread to this colony, and so far with success. The laws, however, respecting the public health are defective, an<s 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 been appointed in the several districts of the colony. The 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 secur- . ing the acquisition of lands for close- settlement and the placing of the people thereon/ fully warrant a continued vigorous development of the system. Close settlement has • been highly beneficial, and the increased products thereby obtained have swelled our ex- . ports in a large degree, and helped to bring about the general prosperity now existing. The cheap money 'lent to settlers under the Advances to Settlers Act has materially helped to secure a reasonable rate of interest, and has been of great assistance, particularly to leasehold tenants of the Crown. The most sanguine expectations of my Advisers have been realised, and the success that has attended the operation of this law fully war-* rants further attention to the question. The requirements of the country necessitate that further moneys should be raised for this purpose. , ' k \ , Pensions to the deserving aged have proved to be a great boon to many old colonists requiring assistance. Circumstances which. • could not in the first instance" have been fore- ■ seen have caused a somewhat larger expenditure than was anticipated, but notwithstanding this the strain has not proved too great for our resources, and the continuation «of this law is considered by my Advisers to be in the best interests of humanity. It wilPbe 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 Supreme Court. It was then taken to the Court of Appeal, whjeh- also decided in the colony's favour. The debenture-holders; then took the case to the Privy Council, which* has decided that the course taken by ther colony was legal, and within the terms of the contract. It will thus be seen that the Arbitration Court, the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Privy Council have - all affirmed that the action of the Govern- , ment throughout has been within the law, and that neither the company nor the deben-ture-holders have, under the 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 the delay that has taken place the settlement of the land has been retarded.

An amendment of the Land Act will be required, so that justice may be done to the occupiers of land within the Midland area. As the outcome of the popular will the duties of the State have been considerably enlarged. The increased administrative work, owing to the growth of population and business, and the increased number of the State's departments, have unduly taxed the energies of Ministers to such an extent asto warrant your attention and consideration. The time is opportune to deal with over-, .crowding in our .cities, and by legislation generally to deal with this important part of our daily 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 matters _ of the greatest importance, and my Advisers are of opinion that every effort should "'be made to open up new markets for our produce,

The doctor may scoff, and likewise may sneer, When to his advice you lend him no ear, But tell him his fee is a little too dear For the good that he does when you feel a bit

queer. He from yo\i the secret may try to allure, 3?he cure for all coughs so cheap and so sure, Suspense you'll not let him then too long en«

dure, But explain that it's Woods's Great PeppeE* mint Gyrs.

#nd to regulate established markets on equitably framed" conditions. The chambers of commerce, if placed on a satisfactory footing by being made truly, representative of ±He 'commerce of our country;, should be of more real benefit to the community than they are at present. "To enable this to be done, proposals will be placed before you. ; TKe experience of "the past few years points to the necessity for consolidating and amending our labour lawsr Owing to the lapse of time and altered conditions other laws require revision, amendment, and consolidation, and proposals will be made dealing with domestic and other reforms.

The lessons taught by the war in South Africa have not been lost upon my Ministers, and heavy liabilities have been incurred by increasing the number of volunteer corps and obtaining arms and "munitions of war. .In view of late developments, and to meet the altered conditions, the laws - relating to the defence force require revision, and , necessary amendments will be submitted. The establishment of a fully-equipped' reserve force for Imperial and colonial purposes within prescribed limits, and on terms to be arranged between the liriperial- authorities and this colony, is worthy of yours consideration. The present system of local government is not satisfactory. Reduction in the numbers of local authorities, greater power, and assured finance are essential, and though the matter is one that requires much attention, time", and thought, I hope that you will not ■shrink from the task of placing local government on A more satisfactory basis.

your attention will be required, in respect I to the carriage of our mails via San Fran- 1 cisco, and also mails for tlie Pacific Islands ; and elsewhere. In connection with exiended and improved mail services, the interchange of -products and the development of trade generally- should form an important iactor. The improvement in Jhe breeding of horses and cattle, the inspection of meat, slaughtering! of sheep and cattle, and grading of pro-ducts-are subjects worthy of -consideration.

In the interests of the educational system of the colony proposals will be submitted dealing with teachers' salaries. You will also ,. be invited ,to consider legislation for granting further aid to technical education in the .interest of the youths- of , both races.

You. will also be a-sked to consider several necessary amendments and consolidations of the laws affecting labour, regulating the hours thereof, and providing for compensation for accidents.

J am pleased to be able to state that mining in. all, its branches maintains its position amongst the industries o£»the colony, the yield of gold for the year 1899 being the highest for the past 26 years, while the output from the coal mines .shows a steady increase. How best to further develop our coal measures and ensure an increased output at reasonable cost to consumers will, I hope, not T)e overlooked.

' Our leading quartz mines continue to yield satisfactory returns, while the impetus given to alluvial mining by improvements made in machinery and appliances foi the recovery of gold from the river beds and flats of the Middle Island has been the means of affording jnployment to a large number of men, as extensive areas of agricultural land in the Middle Island are expected to prove payably auriferous. The question of the best means to be adopted for extracting the gold in such manner as not to leave these areas thereafter unfit for agricultural purposes, is one requiring careful attention.

My Ministers recognise the necessity for a more vigorous prosecution of railway construction, especially between centres of population, and proposals regarding this important matter will be placed before you. The establishment of a Pacific cable has 'also .engaged the attention of my Advisers, and no effort has been or will be spared to undertake the colony's share of it"! responsibility in connection with this Imperial work.

1 During the recess several large and representative meetings have been held by the • Natives, and from them, through their chiefs, j every assurance of loyalty and desire for the good of both races has been made to me. Measures affecting the Native race and dealing with their lands 'will be laid before you. I commend lihese several matters .to your serious consideration and attention, and trust that the guidance and- blessing of the Al : 'mighty may enable your labours to be fraught with, good to the people of our colony and the great Empire to which we belong.