Opening of Parliament.

Patea Mail, Volume XXXIX, 26 June 1914, Page 2

Opening of Parliament.

Governor's Speech. Honourable Gentlemen of tbe Legislativi Council and gentlemen of the Hous of Representatives.— It is with sincere pleasure that I agaii meet you in Parliament assembled Daring the recess I have visited man; parts of the Dominion and have noticei with pleasure the general contentmen which obtains amongst all classes. Tb settlers engaged in pastoral am agricultural pursuits are prospering industries are flourishing, and the con - of labour which exist in th Dominion are in the main sufficient t provide reasonable comfort and happines for the prudent worker. It is gratifying to be able to congratulate you ouc more upon the remarkable prosperity o the country. Trade, as evidenced by th Customs returns, has been unexampled The value of the exports from our shore has reached an unprecedented height am the imports represent in moneys wort! an amount never before equalled. Oi every hand there are signs of advance ment. Settlement of tbe land i progressing rapidly, development i proceeding apace, and the Dominion i steadily becoming a country in which th' small holder predominates. Tbe inter course which I have enjoyed with thi people has served to confirm mi confidence in their loyalty to thi Throne and devotion to our mosl gracious sovereign. It is fitting that 1 should mention the loss sustained by hei Royal Highness the Princess Louise in thi death of her husband His Grace the Duk« ot Argylo. I cabled the condolences of Government and the people of Nev Zealand, and they have been dulj acknowledged. I have recently visited the Islands oi the group which form part of the Dominion of New Zealand and was accompanied by the Hon Dr Pomare. the Minister in charge of the administratior of the Islands. I am satisfied that the information obtained during my visit wil enable my Ministers to improve the condition of these possessions of the Dominion, The measures to be proposer to you by my Government in relation tc education were explained and were re ceived with great satisfaction by the natives throughout the Islands Mj Ministers recognise the responsibility which the Government of the Doniinior has assumed in regard to the Islands and have had under their consideration the legislation which has been enacted in past years, They propose to submit tc yon a measure by which those laws wil be recast, revised and consolidated. It is with satisfaction that 1 am able to announce that the smallpox epidemic which broke out in this Dominion lasi year has been coped with successfully. Every effect is being made to prevent the recrudescence of this disease. The San Francisco mail service contract which terminated in March last, has been renewed for a period of five years from the Ist April, 1914. Provision has been made for a considerable reduction in the rate of freight for butter to America by both the Vancouver and the San Francisco routes, and to meet the expected demand for ■ space, two larger steamers of improved design are to be placed in the service from the 81st December 1915 Duri' g the past year three new wireless telegraph stations have been established, two high power stations at Awauui and Awarua, and a low power station at the Chatham Islands. Under the land legislation of the last two sessions fall effect is being given to the intern ion of Parliament. Tenants of Crown and settlement lands have been enabled to acquire the fee simple of their holdings. The subdivision of private!v owned estates is proceeding rapidly and the tenures of land (including land within mining districts) have been I improved. Pastoral tenants have been granted the right to elect between accepting full valuation for improvements at the termination of existing licenses and a now license over the whole or parts of their runs at a revised rental, and in all parts of the country closer settlement has been promoted. The legislation authorising the constitution of special road districts, providing as it does for the expenditure of the moneys received from the land upon the construction of roads and bridges is much appreciated, and will be of great valne to the settlers living iu remote and isolated parts of the country. The Crown lands of the Dominion, which still remain unoccupied are being surveyed aud opened for selection as expeditiously as circumstances permit. During the last financial year there has been a gratifying increase in the revenue derived from Crown lands and land for settlements estates, the amount received having exceeded all previous records, I deeply regret that since I last met you the Dominion has lost through death the valuable services of Sir Wm. Russell, a member of tbe L°gislative Council and of Mr George Laurenson, member of Parliament for Lyttelton. The closing months of the years 1913 were marked by an Industrial struggle which seriously menaced the trade and prosperity of the country. At the commencement of tbe trouble scenes of violence were frequently witnessed and breaches of the law ware of daily occurrence, but thanks to the efficiency of the permanent'polioe and to the admirable public spirit displayed by citizens of the Dominion, who proffered their services as foot and mounted special constables, peace and order were speedily restored, the produce of the country was shipped without undue delay to the markets of the f * i . - _ -

world and a state of industrial quiet reestablished The problem of the cost of living hat e ßß fl 8 the attention of my advisors during the recess and certain proposals relating to this question will be placed before you for consideration, When I last mot you the conditions oi the principal money markets of the world made it difficult to obtain financial assistance for public works and other services. lam pleased to bo able to announce that during the last financial year circumstances combined to make money more plentiful and my advisers were able to procure at reasonable rates, sums of money sufficient to meet the general requirements of the Dominion, besides arranging for the redemption, renewal and conversion of maturing loans raised in the past years. The completion of the main trunk line between Wellington and Auckland has tended (o open up large aroars of Native and Crown lands that were lylug unproductive, but to-day tbo settlers upon fheso and other lands in the Dominion through want of adequate roads and railways ar l, working under liaaclvantngaous conditions, My adyisers ire of opinion that no policy of land lettlement is sound which does not ncludo a progressive scheme for road ionstmetion, and propose to.submit for pour consideration a measure which nakes provision for the creation of lalisfactory means of communication in solated and badly roaded districts, further the remarkable growth of

settlement and the rapid expansion of the business of the country during; recent years has convinced my Ministers of the necessity for a strong; and vigorous policy of Public Works constructions nod the speedy completion of the morn important liner of railway now in progress, The Tongariro National Park, which lies half-way between Wellington and Auckland, comprising 6,2,300 acres, and containing within its boundaries interest-

I ing mountain scenery and other natnra \ attractions can, with very little f expenditure, be made one of the mos‘ [ popular holiday resorts in the Dominion iln order that this object may b< | achieved, it is intended to so aPer tin 1 constitution of the present Board as fc< ■ provide for the inclusion of person i specially interested in the conservation o the natural beauties of New Zealand. Mr Skeakeir, and gentlemen of the 1 House of Representatives—The estimate! for the year have been framed with dm regard to economy, consistent wit! efficiency and will be duly laid before ! you. Notwithstanding the non inclusior of the proceeds of land sales, and loss oi railway income, consequent on dislocation of industries by the strike, and the smallpox epidemic, the public revenm for the past financial year has shown a subtanhal increase. Full information regarding recent loan transactions will be placed before you. The ever increasing demand on the part of the public foi treatment m our general hospitals will entail additional expenditure upon buildings for reception of patients and foi the maintenance of patients admitted tc those institutions. It has been known for many years that the system nprm which subsidies have been pai-1 and grants from public funds have been made to local bodies for development purposes is objectionable, unbusinesslike, and uneconomical. A BUI will be introduced containing provisions which it is hoped will ensure a fairer apportionment and a more careful expenditure of these public moneys. The Legislative Council. Hon Gentlemen of the L,o i3 i ative Council and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives—A Bill providing for * tho election of members of the Legislative Council by tbe system of proportional representation in Jarge electoral divisions was introduced in the Legislative Council in the second session of the year 1912, but was then postponed by the Council for consideration in the following year. In the same session the House of Representatives passed resolutions affirming the necessity for reform of the constitution in tho direction proposed by that Bill. In the session of 1913 another Bill to tho same effect bnt modified in some of its provision l !, wia introduced in the Legislative Council but failed to obtain tbe approval of the Council. The Bill of 1913 will agr.k be introduced during your present session in the Legislative Council. At the commencement of the session of 1913 the Legislative Council consisted of forty-two members. On tho Ist July 1914, if no new appointments were now made the number of members of tho Council would be reduced by ffflixion of the terms of appointment and by death to 28, of whom seven hold appointments for life. It is therefore found necessary to make further present appointments not only for the purpose of passing into law the Bill reforming the constitution of the Council, but also for due consideration of all legislation submitted to both Houses of Parliament. Inasmuch as the proposed change in the constitution has be«i postponed by the .Legislative Council until the session immediately preoading a general election my advisers, following the constitutional precedent of tbe Act by which the abolition of the provinces was effected in the year 1875, now propose (bat the Legislative Council Act shall become law dm ing the present session, but that its commencement shalljbe postponed until after the session of Parliament to be held in tbe year 1915. The Territorials. During the past year tho training of the land forces of the Dominion has made satisfactory progress. At the invitation of tbe Government, General Sir lan Hamilton, Inspector General of .overseas forces, recently visited the Dominion and inspected every unit of the citizen army and every cadet company. The units of the field forces were assembled for their annual training and bis inspectioa of five camps enabled him to observe tbe organisation of the troops, the qualifica* tioas of the higher commanders and staffs, and the practice of the throe arms in field operations. Tho conduct of the men of th citizen army and of the cadets at the territorial camps, of the cadet concentrations and during the journeys by rail and sea to and from the place of assembly was as a rule exemplary, Theseasou was late and the weather was generally unfavourable, yet notwithstanding these disadvantageous conditions the spirit of the troops and cadets was all that could be desired and afforded a valuable testimony to the benefits of the training. assembling of the units of the territorial forces in camp and all cadet companies for inspection at tbe same time faxed the organisation and administrative machinery of tho Defence and Railway Departments and it was only owing iiO the zeal and energy and increasing hard work of those responsible for district and local arrangements that it was rendered possible. The valuable criticisms and suggestions whieh the Inspector General his made and the advice which he has tendered are receiving the consideration of the Government,

The Defence of the Pacific. The defence of the Pacific, a problem of great difficulty, has engrossed the attention of my advisers during the recess and in accordance with a decision communicated to you during your list session of Parliament, Oapt Hall i’homp. son has been appointed to act as advisor to the Government on naval matters and to command the training ship Put by the Admiralty. It is probable that during the forthcoming year a conference ou n&val affairs, to which the Government of New Zealand has already been invited to send representatives, will bo c?nvened by the Imperial Government,

The Railways. Seven months ago the present General Manager of the Dominion railways commenced his new duties. {j 0 h', B since been engaged inspecting the various railway lines throughout the Dominion, and in making himself conversant with the railway system and its workings. In the comprehensive report upon this large State undertaking which the General Manager is preparing he is making recommendations which, if given effect to, will make the railways' of the country more valuable to J the commercial community and more attractive to the travelling public. To carry into effect the important works which must be undertaken to ensure the safe and proper working of the railways of the Dominion, proposal wil be' submitted for your consideration in accordance with the legislation of last session. Board of Agriculture, A Board of Agriculture has been constitute 1 and lias commonerd its duties. The Board consists of practical and experienced agriculturalists and it i confidently expected tint by its interest - and advice the agricultural industry will’-"" be greatly benefited. Workers’ Homes. , The system of Workers’ Homes has been extended to the cma.ry districts. It hi intended to submit legislation providing that the area of land attached to workers homes shall in all meh cases hr. /<>.'■;!)i.'Uad according to rs qu or producing capacity, the ohj ; of my ndvucrs sooi'.i[■ to give as ui'sm oiVera ea possible 3.;i opportunity ;jf o -heir own homes as reasonable pric-. s ?.u J ou easy terms with land surrounding r-aoh homo appropriate to the looaliiy in which i it ia situated,

Education. The state of the education system o the Dominion has been closely invest! - gated by a Parliamentary committee am by the members of the Commission anc as a result of deliberations my advisen Lave decided to lay before you a Bil which, while improving the conditions o: employment qf aims also al effecting a general aivß.nce in methods ot education. Infantile Mortality. The decrease of infantile mortality in New Zealand is most gratifying, and fully justified assistance being afforded by the Government tp the Society for Health cf Women and Children in its efforts to disseminate by Us literature and by the training of nurses and midwvves a wider knowledge of all that pertains to the successful rearing of infants. Imperial Visitors. The visit of a parly of members of the Imperial Parliament to New Zealand during your last session was welcomed by myself and my advisers. As evidencing the general desire in which I am well assured you join for closer association of the Parliaments of the Empire, my Ministers were enabled to confer with Lord Emmott. the Under-Secretary of .State for the Colonies, who was Chairman of the party of visitors, upon several questions which are of interest to both Governments. Medical Congress. Early this year New Zealand welcomed at Auckland the tenth session of the Australasian Medical Congress. My advisers are giving earnest consideration to the cor elusions arrived at. by the Oang'oss. During the present year the British Association wx 1 hold Us meeting in Australia. It has been arranged that some of the distinguished scientific gentlemen attending that meeting shall afterwards visit New Zealand and deliver addresses on their special subjects. San Francisco Exhibition. During next ■ year a great exhibition will be held at San Francisco and this D minion has been invited by the United f-’-jutes to take part in their national event. My Ministers have made arrangements fi r the proper representation of New Z -aland an 1 there is reason to believe ihat the country will reap a substantial commercial advantage. Licensing Laws and BibleReading in Schools. During the recess considerable discussion has taken place upon two rubjeefs in respect of whioh it is apparent that public opinion is largely divided. Firstly amending of the licensing laws, and secondly tho

request that definite questions relating to Bible reading in schools shall be submitted to the electors Jby referendum at the ensuing general election. Measures relating to the following subjects have been prepared and will be placed before you for consideration :

Inspection of machinery, masters and apprentices, motor regulation and license thereon, the steel industry, the fruit preserving industry, inscription of loans., fire brigades, the law of libel, local authorities, local elections, rating, land laws, contractors and workmens liens, public servants superannuation, the New Zealand University, the Victoria College Council, and other matters. I commend all the matters to which I have referred to

your careful consideration and I trust that with the assistance of Divine Providence your efforts to promote the happiness and well being of the people of New Zealand may be successful. THE OPENING CEREMONYA Brilliant Spectacle. |J3v Telegraph— Special to Press '] Wellington, Thursday Night. Parliament was opened to-day in splendid weather. There wes a large attendance of the public, the route through Parliament Grounds being lined with people. His Excellency the Governor with the Countess of Liverpool and suite, together with General Sir A. Go'dley and staff arrived promptly at 2.30 p.m, escorted by a detachment of the Heretaunga Mounted Rifles, .0 Company. Wellington Guards, furnishing the guard of honour. The procession was headed by the Regimental Band. As the Governor passed into the Parliamentary Buildings a royal salute was fired from Mount Victoria. The gathering of Legislative Councillors was poor but there was a fair attendance of members of the Lower House. The gallery of the Council during the reading of the Governor’s speech was crowded, principally with ladies, while Ministers’ wives had seats on the floor of the Council Chamber, which was crammed, The speech, which occupied just twenty-three minutes in delivery, was read by His Excellency in a clear voice and listened to with marked attention. At the conclusion of the ceremony the Legislative Council sat and the Hons. John Barr and J. T. Paul who have been re-appointed, were sworn in, Speaker Bowen was congratulated on recent honours by the Hons. H. D. Bell, Jenkinson and Mills. Leave of absence for the session was granted Sir Henry Miller and the Council adjourned at 3,15 p.m until 2.30 p.m, to-day. - The House of Representatives met formally at 2 30 and were then summoned to the Council. On resuming at 3 o’clock Mr Combs (Lyttelton) was sworn in. Messrs Webb and Robertson, M’s.P. being his sponsors. A large number of notices of questions were given. The Hon. James Allen gave notice to introduce a Religious Instruction in State Schools Referendum Bill, Sir Joseph Ward gave notice to introduce a Bill to amend the Public Service Act, and also to move that the agreement appointing a naval adviser and all papers connected therein be laid on the table of the House. Sir Joseph also gaye notice to ask Mi Massey why the change in constitution was to be introduced iu the Council instead of in the House.

Mr Lee (Oamaru) gave notice to move the Addressin-Reply on Tuesday next. Sir Joseph Ward congratulated Mr Massey on having been made a member of the Privy Council and Mr Massey replied, Leave of absence was granted Messrs Vigor Browu, E, Newman, Buddo and Payne. Sir lan Hamilton's report was laid on the table. The Premier moved the first reading of the Expiring Laws Continuance Bill and the House rose at 3.40 p.m. until 2.30 to-day. There was a big attendance of the public during the brief sitting.