HOME POLITICS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CI, Issue 15503, 13 November 1914, Page 7

HOME POLITICS.

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. THE KING'S SPEECH. Press Association—By Tel.—Copyright. LONDON, Nov. 11. Many of the usual features! were absent at the opening of Parliament. Khaki-clad troops, including Territorials, Colonials and Indians, lined the route. The State coach was not used. The King's speech was devoted exclusively to the war, particularly to Turkey's participation. It stated, that Britain had striven to preserve a friendly neutrality despite Turkey's repeated provocation, but bad counsels jand alien influences had driven Turkey ;into a policy of wanton aggression. The speech paid tribute to the Army and the Navy, also to the loyalty of Britain's. Mussulman subjects and con j eluded as follows: '' The whole Empire is determined to secure at whatever Sacrifice the 'triumph of our town arms, ahd the vindication -of out 4 cause." THE FINANCIAL POSITION. AND OTHER MATTERS. LONDON, Novi Hi Mr Bonar Law isaid:—"We have Season to be ptfohd of Our financial position. Economic pressure hjs already affected Geriftany and tOie Germans Are already realising that they .must be beaten." Some explanation, added Mr Bonar Law, was necessary why Mr Winston Churchill and not Viscount Kitchener went to Antwerp in connection with what was a military operation ; also why the Germans wtere able to concentrate a superior force in the Pacific. He thought the Press was muzaled 4 more than was necessary and suggested that a small coihmitte© should consider a hew scheme of sbldiers' pensions. In reply, Mr Asquith said that the longer the War lasted the more would the Empire'sl great reserves of strength show themseZves and maintain the position uhtii Complete . victory Wds achieved. Ih regard to the Censorship they must act ih conjunction with the Allies. The subject was one of military consideration. The responsibility of the Antwerp expedition lay with the Government as a whole. They had witnessed the solidarity of all parties m the Kingd&m and received such sympathy and support as were unparalleled in history,. from all quarters of the gfobfe. The British troops ih conjunction with their gallant Allies, had frustrated and defeated Germany's first design. The Government intended to ask for a considerable vote, also for more men. The war might last a long time, but it was dtmbted Whetlher it Would last as long as people had originally predicted.