The Star. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1887. THE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5913, 27 April 1887, Page 2

The Star. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1887. THE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

Thk much anticipated final session of the present Parliament has been opened muck in the usual way, but not with a lourisk of trumpets literal or figurative. Wellington, sightseers regretted the absence ©£ martial music ; opposing politicians inwardly lament the absence from the Governor's speech of high-flown promisee of legislation incapable of fulfilment. Tbm speech is, indeed, an uncommonly good one. It contains a redundancy of words perhaps, but its promises are cautiously fewv There may be seen in it a recognition of the fact that in the minds of many atenbex* there is one absorbing idea. They have looming large before them the General Election, and the; are individually awriona to know how the Redistribution question may affect them. The country members, to judge by the pre-sessional speeches, seem to be peculiarly touchy on this matter, and pre- disposed to pugnacity. Ifc seems, however, to be the intention of the Ministry to deal fairly and evex liberally with the country constituencies,, so that when the measure comes on foe oonßideration it will probably be found that the anticipated objections have n« exist ence. Still, there will be discussion, plenty of it. Members feel themselvesbound to talk a good deal to their constituents through the convenient medium of Hansard, and "such an opportunity may not occur again." The straight goinjj into business determined upon by the Government will the more quickly bring to the front that other big question of th* day, Retrenchment, as embodied in the financial proposals. That the situation i» one of pressing necessity is universally conceded. That the pressure should prepare the way for the reception of a judicious rearrangement is of course clear. The time is ripe for firm proposals and a firm indication of the policy determined upon; and if this requi- | site quality is manifested the duration <of the session will be shortened. There is requited a continuance, in this assembled -Parliament, of the decisive leading- which in Imperial matters has secured a recognition of the special claims of New Zealand for special Naval Defence. The point thus gained, it is very properly claimed, must tend greatly to the commercial advantage of Now Zealand ; and we trust that the House will duly appreciate the position. What the House may be asked to do in reference to another I Imperial matter, by way of contribution to the Imperial Institute, we are not told. We have expressed the opinion that the principal contribution from this Colony to the Institute funds should be a national one; and some more direct intimation o£ the intention of the Government was. reasonably looked for. Broadly Bpeaking, Representation and Finance are the two subjects touched upon in the Speech which, are to be regarded as big or burning questions. There are other matters in plenty, but they do not assume any such prominence j they may be discussed — and dropped, if that course is found convenient; in which case they will form convenient subject pegs in forthcoming canvassing tours. On the whole, the speech is reasonably full of subject matter, affording a fairly clearindication of the Ministerial programme, and commendably avoiding " high-falutin '*" : talk of what has been or may be accomplished by any special set of specially < gifted politicians. By a message received this afternoon, it will be seen that the Representation Bill is to be introduced by the Premier to-morrow.