OPENING OF THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4306, 9 February 1882, Page 3

OPENING OF THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

[Heuteb's Telegbams.] LONDON, Feb. 7. [An outline of the subjoined cablegram appeared in our second edition of yeßterday.] The members of both Houses met today, when the new session of Parliament was opened by Royal Commission. The Queen's speech was read by the Lord Chancellor. The following is a summary:. — The approaching marriage of Prince Leopold with the Princess Helen of Waldeck is formally announced. The relations of Great Britain with foreign Powers are stated to continue cordial and harmonious. Reference is made to the cession of Thessaly by Turkey to Greece having been honourably executed. Her Majesty will übo her influence to maintain the status quo in Egypt, in a spirit favourable to good government and the prudent development of the institutions of the country. The restoration of peace beyond the north- west frontier, the internally plentiful seasons which have been experienced, and the increase of revenue, had enabled the resumption of public works in India. Confidence is expressed that- the Transvaal Convention will work favourably, though hostilities have been, resumed in Basutoland, and affairs in that country are still unsettled. Negotiations with France, in regard to the Commercial Treaty, will be continued at an early date. The commerce of the country iB improving, the mildness of the season is favourable to farming, and the prospects of trade generally are hopeful. The state of affairs in Ireland has improved, and crime is diminishing. The special powers provided for the suppression of disorder in Ireland have been largely employed. The Speech makes no allusion to the question of reform of Parliamentary procedure, but concludes by announcing a Bill for changes in the Bankruptcy, Patent, Corrupt Practices, and County Government Laws ; for the reform of the Municipality of London, and the existing criminal code, and for other objects.