OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4870, 3 July 1901, Page 3

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. The following speech was delivered by ( hie Excellency the Governor to the mem- j bera of both Houses of the Legislature , at the adjourned opening of the second ■ session of the fourteenth Parliament of New Zealand yesterday :—: — Hon. Gentlemen of the Legislative , Council and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, It is to me a great pleasure to meet you again in Parliament assembled. Since the last session of Parliament an event of a strikingly sad character has overtaken the nation in the death of her late graoions Majesty Queen Victoria, who passed away on the 23rd day of January last. On her demise be* coming, known one great, throb of grief went forth throughout the civilised world. It was our late sovereign's constant desire to promote the best interests of her people t maintain their liberties and improve their oondition. Her greatness and good works will live for ever, and her reign has added glories to onr Empire. In the death of our late good Qneen Victoria the world has Buffered an irreparable loss. She was beloved and revered by her snbjects and her memory will ever be endeared in their hearts, and well rr.ay it fervently be said that her grave was watered by a nation's tears. Messages of sincore sympathy and condolence were forwarded by me to his gracious Majesty the King and the Royal Family, to which the following reply was recoived from tl>e Secretary of State for the Colonies : — " His Majesty the King and the Royal Family command me to express their sincere gratitude, in which his Majesty's Government joins, (or the sympathy of New Zealand in the lamented death of her Majesty Queen Victoria." On the death of his beloved mother, the late good Queen Victoria, his Majesty assumed the throne as King Edward VIL, and the people of this colony most loyally acclaimed the reign of the new King, and his assumption of the throne was with fitting ceremony proclaimed at the threshold of our Parliamentary buildings and in almost every city, borough and county throughout the colony similar functions took place, and the people with one voice exclaimed *' Long live the King." The most pleasurable event since the founding of the colony was the recent visit of their Royal Highnesses, the Dnke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, and the enthusiastic and loyal reception given them by the people of this colony will, I feel assured, ever be remembered with pleasure. The addresses presented oame spontaneously from a free and devoted people and breathed loyalty to his Majesty and his throne and Royal Person. > The enthusiastic welcome and receptions given to their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, were, in all parts of the colony visited, heartfelt, sincere and universal. The demonstration by the people of the native race at Rotorua was a magnificent, unique and historical gathering, and it is questionable if ever again there will be another snch gathering of the noble Maori race. The following passages taken from his Royal Highness' farewell message, in a letter conveyed to me on the eve of their Royal Highnesses departure, places on record the pleaBare experienced and the impression formed during their visit ;-='* Dunedin, 27th June, 1001.— Dear Lord Ranfarly, On the eve of onr departure I am anxious to tell the people of New Zealand how happy we have been in their beautiful land, with what regrets we leave it and what lasting feelings of gratitude we carry away for the local enthusiasm, cordiality and kind-hearted-ness so universally accorded to us throughout onr stay, . . , . . 1 was especially glad to meet face to face the native people, to have witnessed their vast and interesting gathering at Rotorua and to have had personally friendly intercourse with their leading chiefs and

representatives. It was gratifying to bear their assurances of loyalty to the King, their expressions of sorrow for their deeply-loved Queen and to experience their enthusiasm andwarmness of heart towards ourselves. lam glad to think that this anoient and chivalrous race is living in peace and prosperity and sharing with their Pakeha brothers the duties and responsibilities of good citizens. , . . • . Though, nnfortunately, our stay I has, .from force of circumstances, been a short one, I trust that the experience and knowledge of the conntry which I have gained and my personal | intercourse with its people may in some measure tend to sustain and enhance the existing feeling of sympathy and interest between the Mother Country and New Zealand, and thus draw still closer those ties of affection and brotherhood by which we are so happily united. Heartily wishing that the steady growth and prosperity of the country may ever continue, believe me, dear Lord Ranfurly, very sincerely yours George." With the dawn of the new centnry the birth of the Commonwealth of Australia was celebrated. New Zealand was officially represented by the Right Hon. the Premier and the Hon. the Native Minister. The Commonwealth Parliament was opened by his Royal Highness the Duke of Cornwall and York on the 9th May, and was a most imposing ceremony. The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, and the Hon. the Minister of Education officially represented this colony.

It will be pleasing to all well-wishers of the colony and the inhabitants of the Cook and other Islands to know that by letters patent, dated the 13th day of May, 1901, his Majesty has approved of the extension of the boundaries of the colony so as to include the Islands mentioned in the resolutions passed last session by both branches of the Legislature and by proclamation issued by me and read in the presence of their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York on their arrival at Auckland. The boundaries have been so extended as from 1 lth day of June, 1901.

As you are aware, representative troops of the Imperial and Indian armies were present at the inaugural Australian Commonwealth celebrations and subsequently arrived in our colony, and it was with sincere pleasure I noted the hearty reception extended x to them by the people oL New Zealand. The hospitality shown them was very much appreciated by the officers and men. The officers in command on leaving expressed their appreciation of the hospitality and kindness shown them.

I am pleased to inform you that the United States warship Brooklyn, under the commaad of Rear Admiral Remey, visited bew Zealand, and after a short stay at Auckland came on to Wellington. The Rear Admiral and his officers and men were accorded a very hearty welcome and will, I feel snre, carry away with them a kindly remembrance of their visit to this colony. I regret to say that the war in South Africa still continues. The successes, however, that have attended the vigorous efforts by Lord Kitchener afford every reason to anticipate that ere long the war will come to a olose.

The First, Second and Third Contingents have returned to the colony. The Fourth and Fifth are on their way home and on the 29 Jh ult. their safe arrival at Albany was reported. The Sixth and Seventh Contingents were sent to relieve the contingents returned and returning, and the colony has now in South Africa about 1000 officers and men and they are fully maintaining the high reputation for bravery, energy and gallant bearing earned by the New Zealand troops that preceded them.

It is a pleasure to me to announce that the commencement of the construction of the Pacific cable is now an accomplished fact. The contract has been signed, a board of advice has been formed and the work of laying the cable is progressing, and this Imperial work, advantageous alike to the colonies and the Mother Country, will, it is expected, be completed well within the next two years, I regret to say that some friction has arisen owing to the Government of New South Wales, one of the contracting parties, having granted concessions to the Eastern Extension Telegraph Co. which are deemed inimical to the Pacific cable scheme. The others of the contracting parties were approached with the same object in view bafc steadily refused to b,e any parties to doing anything whiph would militate against tpe success of the Pacific pable. This pourse will, I feel Bnre, be appreciated- It is the first time that the Imperial authorities and Canada have, with the Australian colo? nies and New Zealand, jointly undertaken a work of Imperial and colonial importance and nothing should be done which alters the situation until after consultation and with the concurrence of all the contracting parties. I regret to state tbab the bubonic plague still continues in some of the other colonies. It is pleasing, however, to know that New Zealand is free therefrom. The Health Act of last session is working well and every precaution is taken to ensure the health of the inhabitants of our colony and to prevent the dreaded plague reaching our shores. In connection with health matters I am pleased to note that the Native race, under the powers given by the Maori Councils Act of last session, are using every precaution and are improving the sanitary condition of their kaingas. One of the Native race, who is duly qualified, has been appointed a health officer, and I have every reason to believe that the health of our brethren, the Native race, will be improved and that the death rate will be reduced.

During the recesß royal commissions have been appointed to inquire into and report on matters affecting the coal mines of the colony, the disposal of mining debris into certain rivers, the midland railway, federation with the Commonwealth of Australia, and the feasability o>* otherwise of a colonial scale of salaries for the teachers of New Zealand.

On the Ist of January last the penny postage scheme oame into force in this colony, and has given universal satisfaction. lam happy to say it is a pronounced success, and it is more than probable that within two years, as a result of the increased business, the re* tnrn will equal that preceding the reduction. Ministers regret that up to the present several of the Australian colonies have not seen their way to adopt the system and are surcharging our letters. I sincerely hope the time is not far distant when the penny post will be adopted by the Australian Commonwealth and be nniversal within the British Empire, Many foreign nations that have not adopted the penny postage scheme within their own countries have most willingly consented to admit our letters at the penny rate. On the 31st of Maach last the people of this colony were enumerated. The returns disclose a substantial increase as compared with the censns of 1886 and a considerable increase compared with the census of 1891. The increase on the whole is not unsatisfactory yet, in a young country like this, so favorably circumstanced, there is room for improvement, especially in respect to the natnral increase. The falling off in the birthrate gives ground for reflection andanxiety. The most pleasing feature in the late enumerating of the people is that there is a marked increase in the number,of those of the Maori race, and the outlook in this respect is cheering in the extreme, whioh is exceptional with regard to aboriginals- when surrounded by and brought into olose contact with other races, their customs and environONOLtit . -■■-- ■■--

The. system' of advances of cheap money to settlers continues popular and is working very satisfactorily, and during the last few months when there was a tendency to increase the rates of interest the cheap money soheme of the oolony proved a great boon not only to settlers, but to all requiring to borrow. My Ministers have under consideration an amendment of the Advances, to, Settlers Act to meet the cases of lessees on education endowments who olaim to have advances made on their improvements in excess of the amounts mentioned in their leases npon which the educational authorities have agreed to pay compensation. Fair progress has during the year been made in the purchase of lands for close settlement. The earth hunger continues, and to meet the demand the acquirement of lands suitable and required will be vigorously proceeded with. The law in respect to acquiring lands within boroughs for workmen's homes has proved to be defective. Owners on being notified to place their land under offer have immediately transferred portions to relatives so as to bring the area within the limit allowed to be retained, thus defeating the object of the Legislature. Mb Speaker and Gentlemen of the

House as Representatives,

The Estimates of the year with a due regard to economy and the requirements of the colony will in the ordinary course be placed before you. Until the war in South Africa is at an end a normal condition in respect to defence expenditure is impossible. Owing to the large demand caused by unusual conditions in the, English money markets it was not deemed advisable to follow the usual course of raising the money required under the Aid to Public Works Act, in London , My Ministers deemed it desirable to raise the half-million loan locally and the experiment has proved entirely satisfactory. The amount asked for was almost doubly subscribed. A pleasing feature was the large number of small amounts that were offered, and offers of £5,000 and under were allotted in full. There was no commission, or payment for underwriting, the only expense being thst of advertising. An important departure and one which my advisers anticipate will be followed in other colonies was that of the interest being made payable in New Zealand, Australia or London.

The traffic and revenue on our railways, I am glad to say, still continues to increase and an increased expenditure of necessity follows. With the arrival of the extra locomotives and rolling stock now on hand and ordered the requirements of the railways will be fairly met, and at no distant date, both as regards locomotives and rolling stock, my Ministers hope to have the same constructed within the colony. Another matter demanding attention is that some provision should be made whereby railway servants who, through age or infirmities or by meeting with accidents, may, when retired, receive some superannuation or other allowance to retire. Some of the older servants under existing conditions are not, my Ministers think, fittingly rewarded for faithful services rendered. This lack of consideration not only applies to the railway but to other public servants and to continue the present anomalous position is undesirable. Some civil servants retiring are entitled to pensions, others are entitled to a month's salary for every year's service, and others are granted an amount equal to one month's salary, but exceeding in the whole a sum equal to one year's salary. Very many whose pay does not enable them to save, be they ever so thrifty, are, as matters now stand, cast adrift without receiving anything. The classification of the whole of the State departments and the adoption of a superannuation scheme and fund, to which all State servants contribute, are matterß worthy of grave consideration.

As regards the progress made in the construction of the main trunk lines of railway during the recess, and the vigorous prosecution of these works, there is a matter of considerable importance in connection with several of these lines of railway — namely, that lands suitable for close settlement are increased in value as the work of construction proceeds. My Ministers consider that if these lands were acquired by the State under the Lands for Settlement Act, say within five years from date, the now esiefcing- value of these lapels should b,e the basis upon which the pripe paid by the State should be determined. ilQff. GfINTJiEMEN OF THE LEGISLATIVE CopNqi ' aijj> Gentlemen op the Ho#SE Op REPRESENTATIVES,

The mail arrangements between this colony, Australia and the Mother Country and elsewhere is not at all on a satisfactory footing and commercial arrangements are not sufficiently promoted under existing conditions. My advisers consider that existing barriers should, in fairness to the colony, be removed so that reasonable facilities should obtain for trade and commercial reciprocity.

The necessity for the extension of the commerce of the colony and for the granting of facilities for the transmission of our products to other markets still continues. With the object of improving matters offers were called for from steamship owners willing to carry onr products at given freights and at regular intervals between New Zealand and South Africa. The offers received were unsatisfactory and no further action was taken pending the meeting of Parliament and authority being given to have complete arrangements made to meet this pressing necessity. Proposals respecting this question will be submitted to you in dne course.

In respect to the Cook group and other Islands now within the extended boundaries of the colony, my Ministers are of opinion that no sudden change should be made in the laws affecting the same and that for the present the ordinances passed by the Cook Islands Parliament should be legalised and continue applicable until other provisions are made. Colonel Gudgeon has been asked to act as representative for the colony in respect to the management and control of the Cook and other Islands.

Recent developments in other countries and in our own colony in the formation of trusts or combinations with a I view of fixing abnormal rates for the I purchase and sale of produces within the colony are worthy of mention, and my advisers are of opinion that the Legislature should, if the evil continues and grows, pass, as a precautionary mea-' sure, a law making it illegal for persons, corporations, or combines to enter into contracts or agreements fixing at an abnormal price at which foodstuffs or coal within the colony should be sold. My Ministers desire to bring under your no tice the increased prices pay eble for coal for State requirements. As a way of meeting this difficulty and to insure a supply of coal for Government purposes at reasonable rates, it is essential that a State coal mine be established. The great and growing demand for coal and the inadequacy of the supply from the coal mines on the West Coast of the Middle Island also renders a State coal mine advisable.

The Referendum Bill, the Mortgages of Land Bill, and Bills amending and consolidating several laws relating to labor, working hours in factories and workshops, and regulating the working hours of bank clerics and clerks engaged in mercantile houses and other measures affecting sacial matters will in due course be submitted.

A measure, having for its object an increase in salaries of members of .Parliament, will be submitted for your favorable consideration and early attention*

The conflagrations that have taken place in the colony since last session and the loss of life and property caused thereby call for immediate consideration, and with a view of bettering the conditions of the colony in this respect my advisers will bring before you remedial measures with the object of plaoing fire brigades, fire alliances and water supply in a better oondition and also of bringing under the control of the police the means of escape from fire in the case of persons living in hotels or lodging houses ; and in respect to the large hotels making it necessary to have efficient night watchmen employed, whose whole and sole duty it will be to patrol the buildings and give the alarm in case of fire. Ths Legislature having last session consolidated and amended the munioipal laws of tbe oolony, it is neoessary to complete and give effect to laws relating to iooal self-govern-ment. With this objeot, the County Counoils Bill will be introduced at an early period, and, I hope, passed into law.

A Bill amending the Chinese Immigration Act is necessary, more particularly as affecting those of the race that come to the oolony as members of ships' crews. A measure extending the power of the In-spector-general of Hospitals, and providing for the registration of hospital nurses, will be bronght under your consideration.

On Ihe visit of their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Tork it was found that the laws existing did not empower the local authorities to incur the necessary expenditure to meet the pleaiurable occasion. A Bill will therefore be introduced indemnifying and making legal the expenditure of local authorities lor the purpose. A measure will be introduced giving extended powers in re&peot of land affected by proclamation of riverß in which dredging obtains.

The mining and companies' laws also require amending in the direction of ensuring that the directors of companies shall be liable to be proceeded against for payment of oalls and that calls of other shareholders shall be invalid nnlees the calls of directors have been paid or steps taken for recovery thereof. And also in the case of gold mineß, as in that of coal mines, a small royalty may be charged for the purpose of assisting the sick and benevolent fund of the miners engaged in said mines.

I am pleased to inform you that the oonstitution of the Councils and Boards, under Maori Councils Aot and Maori Lands Administration Act, has been proceeded with, and with the exception of one part the oolony has been subdivided into distriots. The outlook is very promising and there is a reasonable expectation of the waste lands owned by those of the Native race being thrown open ere long for settlement. The roading and settlement of the people on the lands of tbe colony is of paramount importance. My Ministers are giving this matter every attention. Proposals furthering this object will be placed before you. The energy of our sturdy settlers has in no small degree contributed to the largely-in-creased exports of last year, which formed a record, and the trade returns warrant me believing that our prosperity is based on a solid foundation, which I hope will be lasting and for tbe good of the people. I trust that the several matters brought under your notice may receive your oareful attention and earnest consideration, and pray that with the blessing of the Almighty God the results of your labors may be for the good of the Empire and to the lasting benefit Of the people of this fair colony.