IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5487, 12 February 1896, Page 1

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

BIJSINESS OP THE NEXT SESSION. THE SPEECH EBOM THE THEONE. ' [SphoiAli to Press Association.] LONDON, Feb. 11. According to a forecast, tbe Speech from tbe Throne will state tbat relations with tbe Powers are of a pacific and friendly nature, and! reference will be made to tbe settlement of tbe Pamir and Siam matters. Eecent events in tbe Transvaal, are recited, and a full inquiry^ is promised;: iNo indication of the policy of ; the : Government is disclpsed. The pip-" deration displayed by President y^'KrugSr ib prais.^ and it is <_ipected that a satisfactory agreement will be awanged. Guarded allusion to tbe Venezuelan boundary question? . is made, though there is no mention of the suggested arbitration, but ; tbe prospect of a peaceful solution is increasing. A hope is expressed tbat the oft-promised reforms in Armenia will be fulfilled, , and the success of tbe Britisb. operations in Chitral and Asbantee are referred to witb praise. Touching reference is made to tbe death of Prince Henry of Battenberg and to tbe consolation derived by the sympathy expressed by all portions of the Empire. The Bills promised are those dealing with voluntary schools, relief of farmers, employers' liability, Irish land regulation /paupers and aliens, light railways to assist farmers, creation of Boards of, , Agriculture in Ireland, public health in Scotland, water supply in London and arbitration in trade disputes, also amendments of the. Companies Act aud that dealing with law evidence. Provision for a large increase of the navy also is promised.