OPENING OF NEW SOUTH WALES PARLIAMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 102, 13 June 1900, Page 3

OPENING OF NEW SOUTH WALES PARLIAMENT.

MB. CHAMBERLAIN CONGRATULATES THE COLONIES. (FEB FBBSS ASSOCIATION.) (Received 12,11 p.m.) Sydney, June 12. Parliament was opened to-day by the ' Governor in person, with the usual ceremonies. The Speech was as forecasted, with the addition that an opportunity will be afforded to alter the franchise to adult suffrage. Sir J. Abbott regretfully resigned the Speakership. Owing to the state of his health, he expressed the opinion that he could not continue to give the House good service. A message from the Bight Hon. J. Chamberlain was read, conveying the grateful thanks of the Imperial Government for the generous assistance of JTew South Wales in the war. The colony's action had shown the world that the whole force ef the Empire was available and had produced a lasting effect. New South Wales and the other colonies had reason to be proud of the part taken by their troops and the success achieved.

THE COLONY'S FINANCE. (Received 12, 11.20 p.m.) Sydney, June 12. In the Assembly, the interim report of the Committee appointed to enquire into the finances of the colony was tabled. It deals with the four and a half years to June, 1899, during which cheHon.G.H. Reid's cash system was in operation, and shows that the period ended in a deficit of £1,049,000, including an inherited debit of £125,000. It condemns the system as misleading by not Bhowing the actual year's expenditure against the yew's revenue. (Received 13,1.15 a.m.) Sydney, June 12. In the Assembly, all parties paid a tribute to Sir J. Abbott's ten years' Speakership. The House adopted an address of sympathy to the Prince of Wales in connection with the recent attempt on uiti life. The debate on the Address-in-Reply was adjourned, on the motion of Mi. Reid, till to-morrow. Mr. Reid, on the motion to adjourn, referred to the peculiar action of the Finance Committee in presenting their report in the middle of an enquiry. In the course of a lengthy explanation of I figures and warm defence of himself, ue said he had been tried by tainted jurymen. The Committee had found 1 oat he had acted in uccordance with he policy directed by the House, and ben set to work to totally disregard *hat the House had directed. The Legiklntive Council adopted the Address-in-Reply. (Received 13, 1.45 a.m.) Sydney, June 12. Mr. Reid presided at a meeting of he Opposition, forty being present. Nothing definite was decided, bun the party will meet again to-morrow, when it is understood Mr. Reid will move a resolution in the House equivalent to a *ant of confidence motion.