OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1574, 28 April 1887, Page 2

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

Parliament was opened at 2 p.m. last Tuesday. THE governor’s SPBEOM, The Governor’s Speech was very long, and we are obliged to condense it. It expressed regret at the death of the 1 late Mr James Macandrew, sod referred to the Queen’s Jubilee, detailing what had been done in reference to establishing an Imperial Institute, and that it would be for-Parliament to say what more ought to be done to express their loyalty to Her Most Gracious Majesty. With regard to the conference now sitting in London, it said that the most gratifying announcement that could be made in reference to this subject was that the firmness of the Ministers'in urging the claims of Sew Zealand to be regarded to some extent as a distinct naval station had been crowned with success, New Zealand (subject . to their approval of the proposed arrangements) is henceforth to ha the beadquarters of a portion of a fleet, with an establishment of two vessels of war. Such a recognition of her maritime position cannot fail to be of service to New Zealand commercially, and Ministers desired to express their sense of the generosity with which,all the other colonies supported the proposal, The defences of the principal ports were a,

credit to tin' colony. The colony of < Victoria w«e about to celebrate tbe Australian centenary by holding an International Exhibition, am) they would be asked to consider whether Now Zealand shall be represented on such an important occasion. The work of settlement had made great progress, and they would be pleased to" learn that large numbers of families bad been attached to tbe soil during the past year under the various schemes of land settlement that are provided for in tbe. Land Act. When the large areas that have been recently acquired from native owners on the, route of the North Island Main Trunk Railway bad been made available for occupation by the construction of the line there would no doubt be a- further extension of settlement in the interior of the island. The difficulties in the past of arranging with tbe Natives were daily being lessened, and the recent adjudication by the Native Land Court on some millions of acres proved that the Maoris were awakening to the advantages to be ; derived from a profitable occupation of their lands, The Representation Bill would be brought before them. Its purpose would bo to deal with the subject that after every census the representation of the colony would he selfadjusting. The reform of the Legislative Council had been frequently before Parliament; A Bill on the subject would.be brought before them. Tbe Loans to Local Bodies Act, and tbe Government Loans to Local Bodies Act, which had been passed by Parliament last year, had given general satisfaction throughout, the colony. Some amendment* in those Acts would be submitted. Ministers believed that otie of the main aids to the progress of the colony w»s the production of agricultural settlements. Much bad already been done in this direction. It would be for them to consider whether exceptional legislation was not desirable to establish small farm settlements where there were no Crown lands available. Ministers believed that, together with agricultural and pastoral settlement, it is "t ilie utmost importance that other industries should be encouraged. They would do invited to consider how this object could best be accomplished. Tbs good feeling that was being exhibited by tbe Maoris towards Government had been evinced in a marked manner by the gonemns offer to the colony, of the Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngaruahoe Mountains hy tbe NgahuwharCnga tribe, who desired that A large area 6f land should,be set aside as a; National 1 Park. They would be pleased to legislate on the subject, in order that effect might be given to tbe wishes of the Maoris. It was hoped that new methods might be applied which would turn to account tbe valuable mineral resources of the gol (fielda that now were left unproductive. Thq question as to tbe assistance that can* be properly devoted to such a purpose would no doubt receive theii close . attention. They would be yiskad to consider Bills providing for amendments in the electoral laws, the Government Insurance Act, the criminal law, the guardianship of infants, and for tbe constitution of Railway Boards of Advice.. , ? When the Speech was concluded both Houses applied themselves to brief, formal business. - - On resuming, Messrs Bracken, Jones, Fraser, Monk, and Honi Taipua’(jail new members) took the oath and their seats. Sir George Grey gave notice to move for leave to introduce a Bill to authorise the; purchase or other acquisition :of private land for Settlement. The Premier introduced the Banks and Bapkcfs Act Amendment Bill. In reply to Mr Bryce, the Premier aajd the House would meet on tbe following day, and that it was the intention of Government to go straight on with the business. The House rose at 2,50 p.m,