OPENING OF THE VICTORIAN PARLIAMENT.

Patea Mail, Volume IX, Issue 1055, 4 July 1883, Page 3

OPENING OF THE VICTORIAN PARLIAMENT.

[REUTER—COPYRIGHT.] (Received July 3, 10,15 p.m.) MELBOURNE, July 3. The Victorian Parliament was opened to-day by the Marquis; of Normanby. In the course of his speech on the occasion, His Excellency stated that the movement to bring about the annexation of New Guinea by the Imperial Government had been warmly supported by his and . subsequently; the importance of securing the islands lying between New Guinea and Fiji had induced them to communicate with other colonies with a view to making a collective representation to the Home Government in favour of their annexation, or the establishment of a protectorate and the various colonies had given- their hearty co-operation to further the project. An intercolonial conference had been held in Sydney at which an agreement was come to regarding the admission of the colonies to the postal union under conditions which would at once secure the adequate representation of the colonies and strengthen the hands of the mother country. The

question of federation was commanding the earnest attention of all who were interested in the welfare and development of the colonies, and it was the intention of his advisers . to open negotiations with other colonies in order to ascertain to what extent federation was practicable. The necessity of securing an efficient state of defence was folly recognised. The reorganisation of the forces was proceeding, and necessary defensive works would be prosecuted without delay. Reference was made to abolishing patronage m the public service, and measures would be brought down at an early date for dealing with the management of railways and the proper selection, appointment, and promotion of public employees. Measures would also be submitted , t,o -Parliament to provide for the establishment of irrigation trusts applicable to agricultural lands. Further legislation would be necessary in regard to local military forces with a view to the establishment of militia nnder efficient instructors and officers. A Bill providing for an increase in the number of ministers of the Crown was also promised, and m conclusion His Excellency offered congratulations upon the flourishing condition of the colony at the present time.

(Received July 4, 1.10 p.m.) MELBOURNE, This day. Addresses in reply to the Governor’s speech were carried unanimously in both Honfes of Parliament lost night.