THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 13928, 11 June 1909, Page 2

THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH.

j As wns to 1)0 expert od, the Governors Spm h at tho opening of Parliament yo.stenlay w<is brief and absolutely colourless. With the question of Ike Premier attending the Delenee Conference and the consequent adjournment of Pailiament uniil his letuin already practically disposed of — foi both Houses have already informally agreed upon those points — there is nothing in the speech to give rise to debate. The circumstances leading up to the offei of a Dreadnought to the Imperial Government and to the calling together of the proposed conference of representatives of the self-gov-erning dominions are stated with studied avoidance of anything calculated to excite controversy, while the desirability of IVew Zealand being represented at the conference by the Premier is affirmed so tactfully as to disarm criticism. There is thus no apparent reason why the Addross-in-J}eply should not be disposed of in the briefest and most formal manner that decency permits. Beyond that there is nothing for Parliament to do now except to pass Supplies and authorise the raising of such a loan as is necessary to provide for. carrying on public works. This will, of course, give members an opportunity to ventilate all manner of grievances if they, wish, but no useful purpose will be served just now by doing that, for the House, having decided that Sir Joseph Ward shall proceed to London and that an adjournment shall be made until his return, will be in no frame of mind to calmly and dispassionately discuss matters of policy or administration. Indeed, anything in the nature of obstruction to the early adjournment of the House is likely to do more harm than good to the cause of the obstructers. The wiser course seems to be to grant the necessary authorities and reserve criticism until the House mett.s a gam in October.