FUNCTION MARRED BY RAIN.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13455, 28 June 1912, Page 5

FUNCTION MARRED BY RAIN.

THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

A "MODERATE PROGRAMME

Wellington, June 27. The -second, session of the 18th Parliament opened to-<lay at 2.50.

Tho wet weather, and the broken up condition of the Parliament House grounds, owing to the foundations of the new House, limited the public attendance outside, and the visitors in the galleries, and on the floor of the Chamber,. were few in numbers.

The Governor, attended by his A.D.C. and a number of Territorials, entered the Legislative Council Chambers punctually, and, the members of the House, having been summoned, His Excellency read the Speech (which occupied him for 40 minutes) as follows:

Hon. Gentlemen of the Legislative Council and Gentlemen of the Hous© of Representatives:—..•;,' It is with pleasure that I again meet you m Parliament assembled. During the recess my late advisers tendered to m« their resignation, which I accepted and a new Administration was formed. 1 am glad to be able to congratulate you again upon the continued prosperity of tho country. The outlook is promising and a spirit of enterprise obtains everyObituary: During the last two months death has removed the Hon. James McGowan, a member of the Legislative Council, and a gentleman who had earned for himself the esteem and respect of both branches of the Legislature. Within the last few days death has removed also. Sir John Logan Campbell, an ex-Minister of the Crown, one of the earliest pioneers, and a most respected colonist, whose beneficent gifts to the city of Auckland will ever be remembered with deep gratitude. It is fitting that I should mention th© I terrible calamity to the White Star liner, litanic, so appalling in it s suddetnn&ss, and so disastrous in its results. The profound sympathy of the Goveroment and people of this Dominion was transmitted by me to His Majesty's principal Secretary of State for the Colonies, and was duly acknowledged. Imperial Defence: During the recess tho imperial Government suggested that tho battle cruiser Now Zealand, instead of -s'Tving on thoCh;n.i -station, should be attached to the Homo Fleet for service in the North Sea,- where .she could be matched against vessels of her sizo and quality, and that in her stead the armoured cruiser Defence, sister to the Minotaur, should be sent to the China station.. It was also stated that, if this was agreed to, arrangements would be made that the Now Zealand should visit the Dominion w. October next to make a three months' stay, (extending over Christmas) in NewT^Zealand ports, before taking up her duties with the Home Fleet. My Government intimated in rep.y that the New Zealand should be stationed where the Homo Government was of opinion her services would bo of the most value. Internal Defence: In regard to de*. fence, jrou will be gratified to know that during the past year a larger proportion of the youths liable for service under tho training schemes have been posted to units of the Territorial force. Camps have been held throughout the Dominion for all units of the Territorial army. A very high percentage of attendance has been obtained. The results of tho training may be looked upon as most satisfactory. The conduct -of tlio menhas > been exemplary. Tho aptitude for military_ training shown by them, and tho spirit in which they have entered into it, have been most gratifying. The training of the senior cadets in face.of considerable difficulties has made good progress. Arms and equipment iiave been issued to all units of the force, and all ranks have been clothed in the new khaki uniform now universally adopted. In tho future, persons not required for the Territorial forces will be posted to the rifle clubs, which it is hoped will become an efficient second line of defence to tho Territorial army. More riiles have been ordered for the use of rille clubs and the 'admission of these clubs to a fuller share in the defence of tho country is i.ailed with satisfaction. New field guns to replace those of the obsolete pattern hitherto in use in the Dominion arc now on thoir way to the country, and their arrival may shortly be expected. Great assistance has been rendered to Ih-e TWo-nc Department by employers of labour, farmers, land ownoiß. a;,.' >mi t:i.....-- , . tlio community in granting facilities to their employees to attend the parados and camps, and by placing grounds, etc., at the disposal of the military authorities. Cost of Living: My advisers deemed' it necessary that inquiry should bo made into the cost of living, and also into the matters affecting the education system and efficiency of the unclassified departments of the Civil Service. For these purposes Commissioners were appointed, and their reports- will be duly placed before jyou.'.. . . • .. " -* Land Settlement': The'settlement of Ci;own lands and of estates acquired under the Land fo r Settlements Act has been steadily prosecuted and shows satisfactory results. During the past year a greater area of land has been purchased than during the preceding 12 months, and orery endeavour has been made to survey Crown lands and subdivide the areas still available for dfeposal whero they are suitable for settle* meirfc^ The sustained demand for land is rapidly exhausting the balance of th© Crown estate, co that a vigorous prosecution of the policy of acquiring privately owned land am! Native 'and for closer settlement purpcT-csi is absolutely necessary, and will be given effect to. Since tho passing of the Native Land Act, 1909, considerable progress has been made in the settlement and opening up of Native land. Over a million acres-nave been alienated to the Crown, and private perjsons.^since the coming into operation of the Act, and at tho present tim e three-quarters of a million acres are under survey. To obviate the delay that haig been experienced in obtaining surveys of land.'., after they have been dealt with by the NativeLand Court, it ia mteixWl to expeditesuch surveyn. by nib-win:; th© Maori Land Boards to crran^e 'work by, private contract. Agriculture': Tho agricultural industry has never presorted more encouraging prospects in the history of ih& Dominion. Our fertile lands are beingmore closely eettled. Every year th© country in occupation is being cultivated to greater advantage, thereby increasing the individual and national wealth. Our farmers are passing the stage when they depend, solely upon th& natural fertility of tho soil, and are coming to realfso and appreciate, more fully the importanceiof thei application of scientific treatment to their lands. During tho past 12 months continued progress has marked the operations oi: the Department of Agriculture. The usefulness and scope of the''■.experimental'stations have been widened, and thonumber of demonstration plots hasbeen greatly increased: Instruction for youths has been successfully initiated at our experimental farms, and stud- _ ehtsnow have an opportunity of obtaining on ecsy terms .• nractic*!: and scientific training in agriculture. Herds of deep-milking strains have been introduced from abroad, supplementing the present valuable stock, and consider^ able scientific investigation haa been carried out. . With respect to dairy pro-

duo© satisfactory progress Ims also been made. With the bringing into use of what may be termed ike refractory soils ur -v, -'0.. ..uiw c-^u \*>ar*b production of aynoultaia] ojuimod.tu't, has been on an expanding scale. Efforts arc boing made to open up ne-w markets for Now Zealand pituhu-p, and to givo hotter facilities for the transit and marketing oi our paoduclions. With the increasing diversity of rural activities, tlio possibilities ot tne aKrxc-u.tural resources of tho Dominion ato steadily expanding. . . Country life: M\ adwers arc uoaotmo- themselves to making country liio more attractive, aud to this cud an extended parcels post, incroa*.xL facilities for telephonic comnumioation, and a daily rural mail deli* cry are being provided, thus bringing souk;, of'■the advantages of city life within the reach ot th© 'country'dwellers.-■ • My Ministers have lately extended tho scope of meteorological reports. It is •recognised1 that this Department can bo made of further value, not only to tho seafaring community, but a*so to those engaged upon the land. My advisers, recognising tho desirability of .affording every facility for transit to. workers living away from the - -congested areas of tho larger cities, and residing in their homes under more healthy conditions, have arranged for more rapid and regular suburban, railway -services at low fares. Education: The' question of making higher education more accessible to young men and women of moderate m-sans has been under the consideration'of my advisors.;-; By tho extension of the .system of bursaries, increasedfacilities, hayo1 boon, provided by the Government for tho&a who have proved '. thorn selves worthy to recoivo free univers.ty education. Mr.' Speaker and gentlemen of the House of Representatives : — Railway Service: The estimates have been framed with every regard to economy, consistent with efiiciejicy. My Ministers have- d-;n ot;xl considerable attention to tho conditione of employment of msMnboro of the railway service, and as a re suit of careful investigation proposal w.ll bo submitted in the direction of further improving tho position of the first and second divisions of the service.

Fruit Industry: In view of the fact $hat it has been successfully dejmonstrat. Ed that our fruit- can be landed in an excellent condition on the London market and that there is also a demand for it in South America, Parliament will bo ■ asked to vote a sum of money for tho purpose- of taking up, and .the planting of areas of gum country, and sub-divid-ing puch lam! into areas sufficient to provide liosn-ss and fruit farms for those desiring to follow that industry. These farms can, if desired, _ba disposed of under the occupation with right of purt'ir.re teiniw.

Cilfftvjms Tariff: My advisers recognise that the time has arrived for come revision of the Customs tariff, in order to Vcfiuce the &n*>y on the man/ articles in daily uso. pT.c^sslonjj, will I'? K^o in the rail-Svu-y passenger fares for oKikli'Ott \ij> t& five years of ago, Xliey will travel free,, and from,five to 14- years at rates. This, my Ministers feel sure, will ho appreciated by. heads of families. A! revision of tho railway freight rates, I with a view to reduction on certain articles, is also contemplated. Amendments will be introduced relating to the incidence of the Land and Income- Tax. Tho system of graduating the land tax will bo altered bo that the lands of low value wil receive an abate-

ment. The system of graduating tho income tax also "will bo amended on similar lines to provide for the loss of revenue that would ensue from these amendments. The rate of the graduated tax on higher valued estates will bo increased. There will also ho a slight

increase in the higher rates of income

tax. Tho graduated land tax will be adjusted and made more uniform, the rate being increased from the point of £30,000. unimproved value upwards. The main purposo of the new graduated land tax wi*.l be to compel sub-division

in order to ensure closer settlement of these lands.

Earned and Unearned Incomes: Legislation will be introduced to distinguish for taxation purposes between earned and unearned incomes, bo that earned incomes shall bear a smaller burden of

taxation than those which' are unearn-

cd. Increased exemption in the land tax will be allowed to widows and others in straitened circumstances. A concession will also be made to parents who have to Gupport'families. Workers' Dwellings : The.,..workers' dwellings scheme has met with .a--vie,ry large - degree of. popularity throughout the whole of the Dominion, and it is

proposed to ask your authority for an increase in the sum that has hitherto been set apart for the purchase of land, and tii© erection of buildings for work■ers' dwellings. It is the desire of my advisers to afford every worker an opX>ortunity of living in a home which he may call his own;. Fruit Lands : From practical experience it has been shown that land hith-

erto considered unproductive is admirably adapted for fruit-growing. It is. therefore proposed to set aside areas of what has hithertq been regarded as poor .land for disposal on easy terms for

fruit growing under, co-operative associations in small holdings, and in order to enable these farms in the early

stages to be profitably worked reasonable financial assistance will bo afforded those taking up such, areas.. Assistance to Local Bodies: My advisers recognise tho great importance of tlie local bodies being adjusted to •carry on the work of colonisation and ■settlement, and whilst recognising that the fluctuations cf the money market may from time to time compel care in the raising of money for tho purpose stated, are of the opinion that the Dominion should stea-'lil}' pursue that ix>licy of assisting the outer districts by

advancing money to tho local bodies for long periods, and at low rates of interest, preference being given to loans that are intended to provide access to the back blocks. Apsista-no in.iv also b© given to other local authorities fcj, the State.gtiarant'joi;^ ti<e..r Kwinti. The £4^,<m£<jun: 1 am.gratified to be able to ailfiQH.iice that .the. financial -position of th;> Do:run.io.vi still continues satisfactory. Full information a-p.'to recant loan transactions will be" j)lacerl before yon iip;;u iho receipt 01 ui.tam: from the Home Country. Light-Railways: The need for better facilities for transport in numy dairy- ' ing and other districts is ■ becoming abundantly apparent with the;increased wroductivencss of those districts, traffic boing too heavy for the maintenance of a<iequato road facilities by local bodies. It is proposed to meet this difficulty by an. energetic prosecution of light railway branch lines, which- would serve as fe&ders to the main arterial lines and to ports. These would be a s^at aid to r.ottlemoTit, and a profitable investment for the State. A measure will bo introduced to authorise and prosecute these lines of railway, and you will bo asked for authority for this work. My. advisors realise fully the great importance of roads and bridges an a means of pormaLontly and effectively settling outlying districts, and consider that the financial operations of thp Dominion must bo primarily directed .to these ends. ' The. development of our railway system from the seaboard must be steadily pursued in order that our producers may not be unduly handicapped by heavy land freights. Retiring Allowances to Legislator*: Xiast yoar a number of highly respected members of Parliament, were compelled by advancing years anil failing nealLh

to retiro from public life. With a view .to meeting ci&e& such as these^ a measure providing lor establishing retiring allowances for men who have served longthy periods in Parliament will be submitted to jou. lion, gentknu-on of the Legislative Council, and gcvntlemon of tho House oi Reproseivtutn os: — Industrial Matters : Our manufacturers and mci chants, as well as the workeis ol our country aio to b\> congratulated. There has been no lack of employment, while our industries, with lew exceptions, havo been in full operation, and trades are enjoying steady-and assured business. l^Jtctb have como before my advisers winch show that trusts and combines are operating to some extent in this Dominion, and as oxistiug legislation may prove insufficient to suppress the evil, a Bill extending the present law will bo introduced. The Arbr r tration Act has, in the past, secured important and valuable results, and it is hoped that the future will witness a continuance of its benefits. Measures will be introduced providing for certain amendments in the Act. _. Accommodation for Workers: It is proposed this session to introduce measures providing for the better accommodation of flax mill workers, shearers, aud sawmillefs. It is proposed to amend the Valuation of. Land Act so as to provide a more' equitable ascessment of "improvements," and' "unimproved values." Cablo and Wireless Services: The question of a State-owned cable across tho Atlantic continues to receive attention. Failing assistance from the Imperial Government, it is proposed toopen up negotiations with the object of having a cable laid by the three remaining partner countries in the Pacific. The erection of wireless stations ia making reasonable progress. My advisers are fully alive to the importance of this method of communication as a means of saving life and property, and it is hoped that before lon : <; the seas surounding the Dominion wi.i be ranged for a considerable distance from the shore.

Australia and New Zealand : Negotiations have- been commenced between the Commonwealth and 'Now Zealand with a view to considering proposals in regard to reciprocal tariffs in connection with certain products and articles. This, it is believed, will lead to the -advantage of both countries. Rest Homos: My Ministers hava "under consideration a schome for tho establishment of rest homos, where psrGons who ar© suffering from temporary mental aberration may bo dealt with instead of being placed in ordinary mental hospitals, and it is also intended to establish boards of advice to assist the medical superintendents m considering whether _ liberty should be, granted to tho&s inmates, who are en tho borderland of recovery. At the same time it is proposed to develop tho central institution at Tolifinmi, on th.o North Island Main Trunk lino,' and to extend tho ox'sting institutions in the lar«-o centre;. v,t>o:i pert;,, att^nt and mod-

cn\ lines. Public Hoaltll !-one of the. toOst important factors in the national .dew&p"mimt is the safeguarding of-tho public health. Every encouragement is, therefore, now being given to the various hospital boards to equip the base hospitals with the latest developments in science. It is a.so gratifying to know that th.3 public .are recognising the value of the hospital system, and both voluntary contributions and payments by patients have steadily increased. You will be pleased to know that a regular supply of qualified nurses is being drawn from both the ordinary and maternity hospitals of the Dominion. It is proposed to extend the present popular system of trained nurses to the wives and families of workers, and to those who cannot otherwise avail themjveives of such services. The advantage of the public hospital system in also providing nurses for out districts is being steadily and increasingly felt, and mv Minis'tcrs liope that in the course of time, by following out the policy that hitherto has been f.o successfully initiated, settlers in the remoter parts of tho Dominion will receive many benefits in tho way of medical attention, nursing, hosoitnls, etc.. that were for many years regarded as the exclusive privilege of dwellers in the cities. It is hoped also at an early date to extend tho maternity hospitals to' four other centre a. t.vo in the North Island, and two in the South.

. Electoral Reform: Tho Legislative AmoM-;yc>it -Bill will be submitted for your consideration, providing an .alteration inj+fos IT*e.thod of electing members of the HouseiTjty, introducing preferential. 'oting as oT^iibstitute for the system o£ second ballots. ;. • <jV . My advisers consider thei; 'time-'jtias arrived for arranging tho business <$ Parliament so that it can he done during reasonable hours, and more Expedition given' to proposals. fj Local Government Bill: A Local $ovornmont Bill was introduced last; session, and circulated during the recess to local bodies throughout the Dominion. Subsequently a conference of delegates from the local authorities was, held in Wellington. As a result of their deliberations an amended. Bill will ha .submitted this ; session, which it is. hoped will effectually deal /with; fins difficult and-importantproblem. •" : Defence Act Amendment: It.is proposed to amend the Defence Act in the direction of substituting military detention in camp or barracks in lieu of imprisonment in ca-se of (failure or refi.isa.rto parade, or for siniilar breaches, of the Act. Tliis is the practice in Australia. Other miscellaneous alterations to the Act are proposed. Crown and Native Lands: To further facilitate tho settlement of surplus Native land, my advisers consider it to l»e necossarv to make amendments in tlie Native Land Act, 1909. The functions of the Maori Land Boards require to he extended to giv^ the presiding officers th/-> powers of the Commissioners of the Native Land Court. This will ho done by allowing these officers to dn.°l with questions of. succession, and will facilitate the working of the Native Land Court, -whilst judges will ho able continuously to curry on the larger hpher-r* oi: work. ,\ivh .?.-:•• partitions.and c-i;iT)ijl?tiou of title?, .to cim ternary Jands. Prevision .-will nlro i--v made for strengthening, the sir?! , r f the Native ■Land Courts,and, 'if necessary, additional' judge*} will bo appointed. Steps .will also be taken to ensure more expeditious methods.'of dealing with "papatupu," or ctistpmary lands, and a number of other amendments will be made in tho Act. Oar© will -bs taken to prevent speculation in Native lands, a.nd ■every, possible facility will be given in tho direction of assisting bona fide settloment, mi order that areas reserved :for the use;and occupation, of Maori owners shall bo- effectively occupied by them. Special provision will be made under proper safeguards to assist them financially, and also for ■ advice • and inistriictio.n in modern 'methods of farm-%S-J'■}:■ ': .; ' ■■.-■■■ :• ■'.. '; .-•

It is the intention of mv nd vipers to restrict the trafficking in Crow n leases that prevails in some parts of the- Dominion, and to insure that Cunvn lands are selected and occupied by boon fide settlers. It is also their intention to introduce legislation to proven I speculating in Crown lands, mid piomc-te closer settlement by all piactical moans.

Aggregation of Lands: It h nropo-sed to introduce important n.m<^'"lmentn nroviding for the limitation of "rcr of land that may bo disposed of by will or settlement. Every landowner v. ill bo permitted to dispose of a fair v>l">---po-rtion of his estate by such eligi'folo rWices as ho may select, but it is folt that the time has arrived when the largo estates, capable of cub-division and settlement into smaller holding?-,

v ,1 " • should not continue in the possession of individual owners. Provision for preventing undue-< aggregation of estates and restoring the compulsory acquirement clauses by arbitration in the .Land for Settlement Act will be submitted.

Legislation "will also be introduced providing ior the limitation ot areas of Jand that in future, may be hold and occupied by any one company, person, or family. In tho e/eut ot the ownerb <>1 largo estates not sub-dividing their land, power may be taken by tho State to resume possession. Land so resumed .shall be disposed of under tho Land for Settlement Act, with piovision that tho defoiicd'payment system be added. Bureau of Information: In the opinion o t my advisers the time has arrived when there should Be established a central bureau of information, which will ■gather-particulars of all Crown and Native land open for settlement, or ■about to be opened for settlement, and also collect information regarding private properties tliat may be for sale or for leas© in different parts of the Dominion. The bureau would be in touch with laud agents throughout the country, and could supply all the particulars of land and their values, thus affording valuable aid to those .interested. If a bureau of this description were established they would first of all placo those in search of land in possession of many important facts, and they could at onto proceed to that locality which contained tho class of land they were seeking. Legislation will be submitted accordingly- . . Agricultural Colleges: In view of the great importance 'of agriculture, my Ministers propose to make provision for tho .establishment of agricultural colleges and additional experimental farms and also for further introduction of dairy stock from abroad. Legislation will bo submitted in the direction of assisting workers in different centres to acquire cottage farms from the State sufficiently near their,usual work to enable them profitably to employ their spr.ro time in fruit growing, dairying', and market gardening. ■ Railway Reform : Having regard to the great influence the railways of the Dominion exorcise on the general progress and settlement of the country, and on the development of its natural resources and commerce, my advisers aro of opinion that the time has arrived when it is desirable and expedient to modernise the management of -the great State enterprise, and the successful management of an undertaking of such magnitude depends upon the employment of an expert who, as well as being thoroughly familiar with ikp ntiU isation of railways as a means of stimu*. luting land settlement, is also closely acquainted with and. experience^ ill modern railway management in practice in other countries. As the age-limit of the present general manager of the Railway Department and other responsible, officials is approaching, it is. proposed to -re-organise the management, and take steps to invite from abroad applications from gentlemen: qualified to fill the position of general manager. Legislation will be required to give effeeVtO th^se proftosuls/and an' amendment to the Government Railways Act will be submitted accordingly. This will make provision for the payment to the general manager of an adequate salary, which it is hoped will induce first class railway officials to compete for the -position. Safety at Sea': My adyis-ars recognise the necessity for securing the greater safety of those who travel by the sea, and tho better protection of those engaged in loading _ and; discharging steamers. In this direction a Bill will be submitted for your consideration.

National Insurance: The first year's operations of the National Provident Fund led'my-'advisors to consider the desirableness of enlarging tho scope of this measure by special insurance. Tho.. system will be extended to enable loeaK bodies to secure superannuation and other'benefits of the Act for their.;tm- v ployees, and employers .generally '(fill bo granted facilities to* assist their employees in taking advantage of the fund. Efforts of Friendly Societies in "providing for their members and families will bo encouraged, and it is intended to. introduce legislation to en-s able a subvention to be paid by tho State to Friendly Societies yUJwJn*' terms that will, encourage flrg". '■dperatioiis -of these beneficent organisations. , Mining Legislation ;'The report of the Royal Lommission ~ on Mining, which was laid before" last session, has been considered,•■ and Bills embodying •recommendations made are being prepared and will be. duly laid before you. Old Age Pension Amendment: Legislatiorwdealing with o!d age pensions-will bo submitted, fixing the a-ge for women at 60' years. A Bill will bo introduced amending the police force in certain directions, and remedying omissions'in- the original Act of 1886.

Education: Recognising the important bearing that the health of children has not only on the efficiency of the.instruction given in the schools, but ?,h,o on the future development of the rtce, my advisers have resolved to initiate a system of medical inspection of school children. ■.

. In oi'der to promote further educational, progress, proposals to amend.tlie* Education Act will be submitted. My advisers hope to make further extensions in the direction of a free University sp that the children of the Dominion will be able, by reason of intellectual ability alone, to climb without cost to themselves or to their parents from the lowest to the highest rung of tho educational ladder. A proposal'will be 'submitted in the direction of demilitarising junior cadets and ensuring more attention being paid to physical ihstruction'of boys and girls attending primary schools. The ideal of personal development is a .sound mind in a sound body, and all possible mears of securing this ideal .^-foduld be taken in the interests of the rising generation and of the State.

Law"of Copyright: The desirableness of uniformity of the law of copyright was agreed to at the last Imperial Conference, and an Act with this end in view as, well as a consolidation and a" simplification of the law on the subject of copyright,-ivas recently passed by the Home' Government. A Bill on the lines of. this measure wiil be introduced during this session. ■ - _ . It is proposed to make certain amend.ments in the Justices.of'the Peace Act, and in the Magistrate's Courts Act, for tho purpose of simplifying the procedure rin connection with'appeals to the Supreme Court. My advisers recognise the necessity of improving the law dealing with companies,.. 'and legislation on tlie subject will be introduced.; ; ' ; '.Other. Measures.: Measures will also ''be introduced providing for the sale^of seed control, farmers' co-operative banks, amendments to land laws, Agricultural and Pastoral -Societies Act, Noxious Weeds Act, and other meas r urcs. In commending these matters to your attention I assure you of my heartfelt wish to aid your efforts to further the interests of the country, and I pray that your labours'may, with.'-thp' blessing1 of God, promote the happiness i and welfare of New-Zealand: ?;':

The Governor then retired