PARLIAMENT OPENS

Southland Times, Issue 20525, 29 June 1928, Page 8

PARLIAMENT OPENS

The Governor’s Speech

Forecast of Legislation.

Address-in-Reply Amendment (Per United Press Association.)

Wellington, June 28. It had almo.-’ come to be recognized as inevitable that Parliament must be opened under gray skies and showery days so persistently has bad weather pursued the interesting function for many years. This year more pleasant conditions prevailed, for after a night of heavy rain and a morning which threatened to be wet and dreary the weather broke tine for opening this afternoon of the thin! session of the 22nd Parliament of New Zealand by his Excellency the Governor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson. The ceremony took place at 2.30 pjn. and there was a large assemblage of people in the grounds of Parliament House to witness the brief military display customary on such occasions. As his Excellency and Lady Alice Fergusson and suite left Government House a salute of 19 guns was fired from the battery at Point Jerningham. Their Excellencies were attended by Captain Boyle (Military Secretary', Mr A. C. Day (Official Secretary , Captain E. L. OrrEwing A.D.C. and Lord Waleran, Assistant Private Secretary to his Excellency. The vice regal party was received on arrival at Parliament House by Major General R. Young. Colonel R. St. J. Beere. Colonel Commandant J. H. Whyte. Lieut .-Colonel F. Symon. Lieut .-Colonel A. E. Pilkington Lieut. Colonel R. B. Smythe. Lieut .-Colonel N. S. Falla. Lieut.-Colonel D. J. Gibbs, Captain C. N. Reyne, and Paymaster Commander E. N. R. Pletcher. A Guard of Honour consisting of 100 officers and men from the Wellington College Cadets under Captain W. F. C. Balham an 1 Lieutenant J. R. CYid<Le gave the Royal Salute by presenting arms as their Excellenc.es arrived and the band of Ist Battalion Wellington Regiment player! the National Anthem. His Excellency, who was in full-dress uniform, accompanied by military and naval staffs. then inspected the Guard of Honour. While the inspection was being made h°r Excellency was received by the Clerk of Parliament (Mr A. F. Lowe*, and was conducted by him tn her seat on the left of the dais in the Legislative Council Chamber The Speaker of the Legislative Council (Sir Walter Carncrossi, handed a bouquet to her Excellency and another to Mrs Coates, who. with Lady Camcross and the wives of Ministers, was seated in the Chamber. The galleries were filled with spectators, the majority of whom were ladies whose bright costumes made a brilliant spectacle. On entering the .building after inspecting the guard his Excellency preceded by the Black Rod proceeded to the Speaker’s chair in the Legislative Council Chamber. Members of rhe House of Representatives, assembled in their own Chamber, were then summoned by the Black Rod at his Excellency’s command and in a few minutes they entered the Legislative Council Chamber. headed by their Speaker (Sir Charles Statham . His Excellency then read to members of both Houses the following HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND GENTLE MEN OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES It is with pleasure that I again meet you in Parliament assembled. My visits during the recess to different parts of the Dominion which I had not visited before have further convinced me of the loyalty of the people of this Dominion to the Crown and I have much appreciated tht» warmth of the welcome that has been extended. Since I last met you a most important step towards the peace and security of the world has been taken by the Government of the United States of America in their proposal for a multilateral treaty for the renunciation of war. The pr incipal articles of the proposed treaty are: (li The High Contracting Parties solemnly declare in the name of their respective peoples that they condemn recourse to war for the solution of international controversies and renounce it as an instrument of national policy in their relations with one another. (21 The High Contracting Parties agree that the settlement or solution of all disputes or conflicts of whatever nature or of whatever origin they may be which may arise amongst them shall never be sought except by pacific means. An invitation to become an original party to the treaty has been extended to New Zealand by the United States through his Majesty’s Government in Great Britain. My Ministers have in reply expressed their warm appreciation of the invitation, and their readiness in co-operation with his Majesty’s Govern ment in other parts of the British Empire to associate themselves with the Government of the United States in this movement to add greater security to ihe peace of the world and to share in any negotiations leading to the conclusion of the proposed treaty. ' . J regret to say that the disaffection of a section of the population on the Administration of the mandate over Western Samoa has caused some anxiety. As a result of various comphints and grievances alleged against rhe Administration it was considered advisable last year to appoint a Commission of Inquiry, consisting of the Honourable the Chief Justice lof New Zealand, Sir Charles Skerrett, and Judge McCormick, of the Native Land Court to visit Samoa and investigate the complaints on the spot. The result of a long and careful inquiry* was to vindicate the Administration, but unfortunately the unrest has continued upon the expiration of Major-General Sir George Richardson's term of office as Administrator. He was appointed as one of the representatives of New Zea land to attend the permanent Mandates Commission of the League of Nations. Colonel S. S. Allen, C.M.G., D. 5.0., was appointed to succeed Sir George Richardson as Administrator of the territory and took up his duties in May last. The policy of the Administration Is and always has been to exercise the utmost pos sible patience consistent with the due observance of the law. A notable event during the year was the visit of the Right Hon. L. S. Amery, Secretary of State for the Dominions. His discussions with my Ministers on various matters of importance and his personal contact with all sections of the community gave his visit a special value.

The National Industrial Conference, which was set up to consider problems affecting labour and industry, met during the recess. On some matters the conference came to a unanimous conclusion and their recommendations are now receiving the careful consideration of my Ministers. On other matters where unanimity was not reached the conference dealt with much information which had been carefully thought out and prepared and on which valuable discussion? took place. Throughout all the proceedings there was a spirit of harmony and mutual forbearance and it is clear that from this aspect alone the conference marks a step forward in our industrial relationships. It is confidently hoped that the conference has laid the foundation for friendly discussion in the future. Regarding the many difficult

that arise in our industrial life, it is a noteworthy fact and one which shows the good relations existing between employers and employees that the period of depression through which this country* has recently passed and from which it is now happily emerging has also been a period of industrial peace. The measures passed last session dealing with the Agricultural College together with the activities of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research already have been fruitful of results which promise well for the lasting benefit of our primary and secondary industries, and several important co-operative research enterprises have been inaugurated. In this much assistance has been given by the Empire Marketing Board as a result of the visit of Mr. Amery. My Ministers feel that in the application of scientific methods to the cultivation of our land and to the raising and treatment of stock there is a practical means of increasing production which Is so essential to the prosperity of this Dominion. The subject of farmers’ finance, which was given much consideration during the last two sessions, resulted in two measures which have been placed on the Statute Book providing for long term mortgages and real intermediate credit. These measures are now in working order and it is anticipated that much benefit will accrue to the country by the facilities now given to the working farmer to obtain credit on reasonable terms and at a low rate of interest. ECONOMIC SITUATION. “MR SPEAKER AND GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: I am pleased to be able to refer to the satisfactory change during the last twelve months in the economic and trade position of the Dominion. Aided by a good season and better prices both the volume and value of our exportable products show a satisfactory increase. These factors, together with the opening up of new markets, make the outlook for the future distinctly promising, and should do much to remove the causes of unemployment which unfortunately have been much in evidence during the depression of the last two years. The operations of the public finances for the year ended March 31 last gave a surplus of £197,077 of revenue over expenditure. The estimates for the present year are being subjected to the closest scrutiny with a view to continued economy and control over administrative expenditure. For the purpose of promoting the policy of development in connection with public works, railways and hydro-electric power a loan amounting to £5,000,000 was issued in London during May. This issue was at 44 per cent., discounted at £94 10/and was successful. The flotation mark ed a notable break in the interest rates, thus indicating, I am pleased to state, improved financial and trade prospects affecting the Empire generally. Along with this issue for new money a conversion offer was made up to £5,000,000 of the New Zealand consolidated stock of £29.000,000 maturing in November, 1929, the holders to receive £lO4 10/of the new 44 per cent, stock in exchange for their 4 |>er cent, holdings. The amount offered was immediately taken up. The revision of the tariff last year rendered material assistance to New Zealand industries and the increased preference granted to British manufacturers has been well received in Great Britain. As further evidence of New Zealand’s desire to assist Empire trade concessions amounting to many thousands of pounds were made in the duty on articles in everyday use by the community. During the recess the Australian Minister of Customs, the Hon. Mr Pratten. visited the Dominion for the purpose of discussing trade and tariff relations between the Commonwealth and the Dominion. Although the discussions which took place were not fruitful of any immediate results it is believed that a better understanding has been reachefl on various administrative difficulties that had arisen from time to time. It was with deep regret that the people of New Zealand learnt of the sudden death of Mr Prat ten shortly after his return to Australia. PENSIONS. HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES : Much consideration has been given to the provision on a contributory and universal basis of pensions for old age and widowhood and of insurance against sickness. In order to give reasonable benefits under any such scheme which would necessarily be compulsory and assuming that the financial.liability would be borne by the State employers and employees in equal proportions, it is estimated that the annual charge on the State would be not less than £325,000, leaving twice that amount to be borne by the employers and employees. This liability of the State would be in addition to the gross sum of £1,314,641 now expended annually for old age and widow’s’ pensions, which latter payment would have to continue for many years to come. Although it is recognized that the principle of such a scheme is sound and would remove many anomalies in our present pensions law my Ministers hesitate, in view of the stress under which many industries have been carrying on, the prevailing unemployment and the economic conditions generally, to impose these additional burdens. Apart from the financial aspect it has also to be considered whether the conditions that led up to the establishment of the systems now operating in certain closely populated and industrially developed countries exist in New Zealand to the extent that would warrant the initiation of a similar system here. Consideration must also be given to the effect of such a scheme on the existing voluntary organizations, such as the National Provident Fund, the friendly societies the hospital and medical services and other institutions which are already in existence in this country and deal with different’ phases of the problem. While welcoming any discussion on the subject my Ministers have come to the conclusion that all the different* points involved require mature consideration and opportunity should be afforded for the examination of the information collected by a commission in Australia, which has been sitting for the last three years and which has recently made its report. STATUS OF ALIENS.

It is proposed this session to amend the British Nationality and Status of Aliens (in N.ew Zealand) Act 1923 by adopting Part 11 of the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act 1914. This will bring the Dominion of New Zealand into line with all other countries of the British Empire which have now adopted Part 11 of the Imperial Act. The effect of this adoption will be that any one

upon whom British nationality has Men conferred in any part of the British Empire will become a British subject in every part of the Empire, and consequently any one whom New Zealand admits to the status of British nationality can clairn that status in any other part of the Empire. OTHER MEASURES. The Acts relating to public reserves and domains, rabbit nuisance, divorce and auctioneers have been reconstructed and these measures will be put before you for your consideration. Consolidations of the Acts relating to Magistrate’s Courts, Education Reserves, Post and Telegraph, inspection of machinery, noxious weeds, public works, Kauri gum, orchard and garden diseases have been prepared and will be submitted to you under our existing law. Provision is made for local authorities acquiring charges on land for payment of various services performed by them. The existence of these charges has caused difficulty to people dealing with land, and a measure will be introduced providing for the registration of all such charges. The report on mental deficiency and its treatment, furnished by the In-spector-General of Mental Hospitals, has been considered and remedial legislation will be submitted for your consideration. In view of the large increase of motor traffic and the number of accidents which have occurred for the road, it has been considered by my Ministers desirable that all those who own motor vehicles should at the same time as they pay their annual registration and license fees pay an additional sum sufficient to provide an insurance against what is known as the third party risk. The details and working of this proposal will be set out in the Bill which will be duly submitted to you. Bills will also be submitted to you dealing with municipal corporations, companies, property law, police force, State fire insurance, licensing, cinematograph films, land for settlements, New Zealand University and other matters. I commend all these matters to your earnest consideration and pray that the Divine Providence may so guide your deliberations that the result will be for the good of the Empire and of lasting benefit to the people of this Dominion.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Members of the House of Representatives at the conclusion of the speech returned to their own chamber and a brief meeting of the Legislative Council was held immediately after the opening ceremony. The retirements of the Hon. J. Barr and Sir Thomas Mackenzie by the effluxion of time and the death of the Hon. M. Cohen were notified by Governor’s Message and a message was also read affirming the re-appointment of rhe Hon. J. Barr and Sir Thomas Mackenzie. The Hon. J. Barr was then formally sw’orn in, Sir Thomas Mackenzie being absent abroad. Sir Robert Stout eave notice to move the Address-in-Reply motion on Wednesday next. The Council adjourned at 3.10 p.m. until 10 a.m. on Saturday, when the Imprest Supply Bill will be considered. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. When the members of the House returned from the Legislative Council formal business was taken in the way of petitions and notices of motion. Amongst the latter Mr J. A. Nash (Palmerston North) gave notice to ask whether it was the intention of the Government to raise a loan to aid the State Advances fund. Mr T. K. Sidey (Dunedin South)’ gave notice of his intention to introduce the Summer Time Bill. Sir George Hunter (Waipawa) stated that he would ask the Government whether they would introduce legislation to fix Easter. Mr D. G. Sullivan (Avon) gave notice to ask the Government whether they would make adequate provision for the relief of the unemployed. Mr P. Fraser (Wellington Central) stated (hat he would ask whether the Government would increase the pay of the unemployed to award rates. Mr W. E. Parry (Auckland Central) said that he would ask the Government whether they would this year increase the rate of old age pensions to 25/- per week and whether they would introduce an Invalidity Bill. Mr M. J. Savage (Auckland West) gave notice of a series of questions relating to the cost of the Arapuni hydro-electric works. Mr F. Waite (Clutha) gave notice of his intention to move that a respectful address be presented to his Excellency the GovernorGeneral in reply to his speech. Mr H. E. Holland (Leader of the Opposition) gave notice of his intention to move an amendment to the Address-in-Reply. Replying to Mr J. G. Elliott (Oroua) the Prime Minister said that accounts in connection with the Public Trust Office were rendered strictly in accordance with the Act and he had no power to interfere. All the necessary information regarding these accounts could be obtained from the balancesheets of the office. Mr Holland asked the Prime Minister if he could give the House an idea when the session was likely to end and the date when the election would be held. The Prime Minister replied that much would depend on what time the House took to consider the business put before it and the amount of assistance the Government received from the Opposition. Both these contingencies were involved in a considerable amount of doubt so that he was afraid he would not be able to give the hon. gentleman very much information or indeed even consider his question. Leave of absence for various reasons was granted to the following: The Hon. G. J. Anderson (Mataura), Mr H. L. Tapley (Dunedin North), Mr D. S. Reid (Waikato), Mr E. D. McLennan (Franklin), Sir A. T. Ngata (Eastern Maori), Mr T. M. Wilford (Hutt), Mr T. E. Y. Seddon (Westland), and four weeks to Sir Joseph Ward (Invercargill). On the motion of the Prime Minister the Expiring Loans Continuance Bill was read a first time, and at 3.22 the House rose till 2.30 to-morrow.