PARLIAMENT OPENS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 215, 10 September 1937, Page 8

PARLIAMENT OPENS

CUSTOMARY PAGEANT LOYALTY TO NEW KING PRIME MINISTER’S MOTION MEMORIES OF CORONATION [ Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, Sept. 9.’ The second session of the 25th. Parliament of the Dominion was opened this afternoon, with the customary ceremony, by His Excellency the Governor-General, Lord Galway, who in his Speech from the Throne, in addition to reviewing past events of legislative interest, outlined some of the measures to be dealt with in the new session.

The House of Representatives and the Legislative Council met at 2.30 and, owing to the necessity for members taking a fresh Oath of Allegiance to King George VI., the Speaker of the Lower House did not take the chair until a quorum of twenty members had been sworn in, when the Mace was placed upon the table in the Lower House and Mr W. E. Barnard took his seat at 2.55 p.m. The Lower House adjourned to enable members to attend the Legislative Council for the reading of the Speech from the Throne.

Lord Galway, accompanied by Major A. F. Purvis, Military Secretary, and Lieutenant Sir Standish O’Grady Roche, left Government House punctually at 3 o’clock, a salute of 19 guns being fired from Point Jerningham as the Vice-Regal car passed through Government House gates. Shortly after the last gun sounded, the Governor’s car entered Parliament grounds and when His Excellency alighted before the steps of Parliament buildings he was received by three officers commanding the Naval, Military and Air Forces, RearAdmiral the Hon. Drummond, MajorGeneral Duigan, and Group-Captain R. A. Cochrane. His Excellency then proceeded to inspect the Guard of Honour supplied by the Royal NewZealand Artillery, commanded by Capt. C. J. Duff and Lieut. B. Wicksteed.

Lord Galway then entered the Legislative Council Chamber, accompanied by the commanders of the three branches of the defence forces and other officers and read the Speech from the Throne to the assembled members of both Houses. The reading of the Speech occupied eighteen minutes. The galleries were crowded for the occasion, while a crowd of several hundred watched His Excellency’s arrival at Parliament Buildings from vantage points in Parliament grounds. On Ihe conclusion of the reading of the Speech from the Throne at 2.43 p.m. the Legislative Council adjourned and members of the Lower House proceeded to their places in that Chamber where Mr J. Thorn (Thames) gave notice to move an Address-in-Reply. A message was then read 1o the House by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) from Ex-King Edward, thanking it for the loyal message of congratulation on the occasion of his accession to the Throne, passed last session. Mr Savage formally moved that the message be entered in the Journals of the House. Next, Mr Savage sought the approval of the House for Cabinet’s action in acquiescing to the Abdication of King Edward and the accession of King George VI. to the Throne. These formal motions, as well as the Gov-ernor-General's message conveying the proclamation of King George s accession to the Throne, were approved without comment and, on Mr Savage’s motion will be placed in the Journals of the House.

Mr Savage then moved that the following loyal motion be sent to His

Majesty, King George VI.: “We, your most dutiful and loyal subjects, in the Legislative Council and the House of Representatives of New Zealand in Parliament assembled, respectfully beg to submit to Your Majesty congratulations on your accession to the Throne and on your Coronation, and to assure Your Majesty of our loyal attachment to your person and we would pray for Your Majesty the glory of a reign to be distinguished by peace, prosperity and a general advancement in social and the economic conditions of your subjects.”

Mr Savage stated that he had the privilege of attending the Coronation and added that if .one spent years trying to describe the exhibition of loyalty and affection on that occasion, one could not properly express them. He had had an opportunity of meeting Their Majesties on tnat occasion and had a feeling that he was just with friends. He never felt more at home than when he met the King. “I repeat that it was a privilege to be there to represent New Zealand and to see for oneself the great affection displayed by the peoples of al! parts of the world, not only of the Empire, but the peoples of all countries,” he said. The motion was seconded by Mr Adam Hamilton, Leader of the Opposition, who expressed the unbounded loyalty and goodwill to Their Majesties of members on his side of the House. King George had already shown himself to be a ruler of exceptional ability and had endeared himself to his people,” Mr Hamilton said. He wished the King and Queen a happy and fruitful reign. The motion was carried unanimous-

ly. The Prime Minister then moved that the House adjourn until 2.30 p.m. to-morrow. On the motion for the adjournment, Mr Hamilton asked the Prime Minister to give some indication of the business which would occupy the House during the next few days. Mr Savage replied that to-morrow the House would take the usual motions of condolence for legislators who had passed away and on the conclusion of dealing with these the House would adjourn till Tuesday at 2.31 p m when it would consider the imprest Supply Bill. The Address-in-Reply Debate would begin at 7.3 U on Wednesday night, when the speeches of the mover and seconder would be taken, while on Thursday the speech of the Leader of the Opposition in the Address-in-Reply debate and whoever liked to follow, would be taken. “I think that will be sufficient .or the time being," added Mr Savage, amidst general laughter and the House adjourned at 4 p.m. until 2.30 to-morro’V.

ADDRESS FROM THRONE GOVERNOR’S REVIEW OUTLINE OF LEGISLATION MANY NEW BILLS [Ter Press Association. ] WELLINGTON, Sept. 9. The Governor-General's speech was as follows: Honourable Gentlemen of lhe Legislative Council and members of the House of Representatives.— The accession and Coronation of His Majesty King George VI. have been welcomed in this Dominion with universal approbation and with warm attachment to the Throne and to the persons of their present Majesties. My Prime Minister was privileged to represent New Zealand at the Coronation ceremony in London, and the popular enthusiasm so unmistakably displayed throughout His Majesty’s Dominions has, in the opinion of my advisers, provided conclusive proof of the value of the Throne to the British Commonwealth of Nations.

During this year my Ministers invited the public to contribute toward a fund for the provision of a Dominion memorial to his late Majesty King George V. in the form of children’s health camps. It is gratifying, indeed, to record the magnificent response that all sections of the community and of both races made to this appeal. Legislative proposals for the administration of this fund will be placed before you during the present session.

The Dominion was represented at the recent Imperial Conference by my Prime Minister, my Minister of Finance, and the High Commis.*ioner for New Zealand in London. A report of the proceedings will be laid before you at an early date, and an opportunity will be afforded for a full discussion of the work of the conference.

Foreign affairs was one of the principal subjects discussed at the Imperial Conference and my Government, as a result of this discussion, desire to reaffirm their attachment to the principles of the Covenant of the League of Nations, and their conviction that a collective system for the maintenance of the peace of the world is the only rational and effective means of achieving that end and of facilitating that general disarmament which they so ardently desire.

A further subject which received close consideration at the Imperial Conference was defence, and my Prime Minister warmly appreciates and acknowledges the value of the information that was placed at his disposal at that time and the advice and assistance that in response to every request was so freely and generously made available by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. The necessary steps have been taken for the more efficient co-ordination and administration of all branches of the defence services of the Dominion, and legislative measures to that end will be placed before you during this session.

New’ Zealand was represented at the recent International Labour Conference by my Minister of Labour, who also took the opportunity of his visit to study industrial legislation and conditions in Europe and America. It is lhe intention of my Government to lay before you proposals for the ratification of a number of conventions already adopted by the International Labour Conference. The substantial material progress which this Dominion has made since I last addressed you is most encouraging. The value of the exports for the season ended June 30 last reached the highest figure ever recorded, and the internal trade of the Dominion has also been very buoyant, largely due, in the opinion of my advisers, to the increased purchasing power in the hands of the consuming public, brought about by my Government’s legislation to raise the standards of living. The satisfactory, prices obtained for our products overseas, the reduction in local unemployment, and the general increase in national income stand out in striking and welcome relief after the unhappy years of depression. All sections’ of the community have enjoyed a much greater degree of prosperity, and my Ministers are confident that these happy conditions will be maintained and improved, while the number of persons unemployed has shown a very substantial reduction. The problem of promoting employment and relieving distress, one of the major questions that has faced all countries since the depression, nevertheless continues to receive the closest attention of my Ministers. A properly planned and vigorous public works policy, including river protection works and embracing every class of national work necessary for the development and prosperity of the Dominion, was commenced without delay. Considerably more men have been given full-time employment on public works and in secondary industries than in any previous year. It is proposed to provide facilities for the training of youths and men, including farm workers, by introducing courses of vocational instruction.

During the recess my advisers have initiated inquiries into the fruit and vegetable industry, the fishing industry, the tobacco industry, and the necessary measures are being taken for the knowledge so obtained to be applied in the best interests of the community. • . The facilities provided by the Primary Products Marketing Department have been extended by the organisation of the internal marketing of primary products. When my Government assumed office there was a marked shortage of houses, and the problem of housing the people of the Dominion has occasioned my advisers much concern. To meet this urgent need, a Department of Housing Construction has been established under the control of a Parliamentary Under-Secre-tary. The first contracts for State houses were signed in March of tlm year. Good progress has since been made, and the work is being rapidlyaccelerated.

My Government has attached great importance to the co-ordination of transport services and also to the principle of safety on the roads. A considerable reduction in fatalities has already been achieved as a result of the measures they have taken, and it is their intention to propose legislative amendments TO further this ob-

Mr Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives—

During the recess my Minister of Finance, Customs, and Marketing ha.> visited Great Britain for the purpose of discussing with His Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom th? question of trade between Great Britain and New Zealand, And negotiations for a trade agreement having as its objective a mutual expansion of trade are still proceeding. My Minister took advantage of his visit abroad to discuss with His Majesty’s Government in Canada and also with the Governments of a number of foreign countries the trade relationships between them and cnis Dominion, it is expected that these discuss-ans will in a number of cases lead to the conclusion at an early date of trade arrangements which would provide increased opportunity for the disposal of this Dominion’s primary products. In other cases the possibilities of arranging trade agreements to the benefit of the Dominion arc to be further investigated.

The public accounts for the financial year ended March 31 last resulted in a surplus of £472,000, and the Dominion has proved able to provide for the whole of its financial requirements without recourse to overseas markets. Steps were taken, however, to convert to the extent ot £4,000,000 the 6 per cent, stock totalling £5,870,000 issued in London in 1921, the balance required to redeem this issue being provided from New Zealand. This conversion loan, issued at 30s per cent, discount and bearing interest at 3 per cent, per annum, has resulted in a substantial saving in interest charges.

A scheme for invalidity pensions and for an increase in the rates of existing pensions both civil and military. inaugurated as a result of legislation passed during last session, has proved of great benefit, and proposals will be placed before you having for their object the extension of the system to cover certain classes of invalids not at present provided for. A t the same time, it is my Ministers’ intention to introduce a comprehensive measure establishing a system of national superannuation and health insurance, the benefits of which will be reflected in every household.

Honourable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council and members of the House of Representatives—

The welfare and advancement of the Maori people have received the fullest attention of my Government during the past year, and vigorous methods have been pursued in promoting the development and settlement of their lands and in improving their living and housing conditions. It is the intention of my Government to continue to accelerate these measures for promoting the health, prosperity, and happiness of the Maori race.

My Ministers have in preparation a comprehensive scheme improving by sport and physical training the health and fitness of the people generally, and the arrangements for the supply of milk to children in schools, which were successfully inaugurated early this year in the principal cities, and which now reach about one-third of the school population are being extended to other centres. At the same time facilities for the training of school dental nurses have been enlarged, and my Ministers hope to be in a position very shortly rapidly to increase the number of school dental clinics.

Preliminary consideration has been given to the reorganisation of the education system. The views of educational authorities, associations of teachers, and other bodies interested in education have been obtained, and the recent New Education Fellowship Conference provided an opportunity for obtaining much helpful information from distinguished educationists Visiting New Zealand. It is proposed to introduce legislation amending the Education Act, 1914.

Realising the importance of forestry as a means of creating a valuable national asset and at the same time of providing employment, my Ministers have under consideration a long-term programme of indigenous forest improvement (having due regard to the necessity of providing for the better preservation of native bush), in addition to the establishment of further exotic plantations. My Minister of Agriculture is giving full consideration to measures necessary for the improvement of the farming industry and the protection of stock. During the recess, my Minister of Justice and Attorney-General has considered the matter of law reform with a view to correcting anomalies in the law and ensuring that it should be adequate to meet the needs of justice in the light of modern conditions. With this objective, a representative Law Revision Committee, has been constituted.

My advisers propose to lay before you amendments to the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, 1925, providing for an extension of the definition of “industry.” You will also be asked to extend for a further period the operation of the Fair Rents Act, 1936. A Bill will be introduced for your consideration setting up a Standards Institute in the lines adopted in Great Britain and other countries, with the object of cooperating with industry and commerce in the establishment of commodity standards where this would be helpful. Bills will also be submitted for your consideration amending the Coal Mines Act, 1925, the Mining Act, 1926, the Stone Quarries Act, 1910, the Municipal Corporations Act, 1933, as well as measures concerning the duration of Parliament, an alteration in the day of the celebration of His Majesty’s Birthday, the centennial of New Zealand in 1940, an adjustment of the law relating to damage by motor vehicles, and for facilitating the search for petroleum in the Dominion. A Bill providing for local government reform will also be introduced. I earnestly trust that your deliberations on these subjects may be guided by Divine Providence for the welfare and prosperity of the people of this Dominion. GOVERNMENT’S POLICY STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS [ Per Prers Association.] WELLINGTON, Sept. 9. The Minister in Charge ot Aviation indicated to-day that the Government had set up a committee to report on the proposal to establish a municipal airport at Auckland. The Government's attitude on the question of broadcast talks, debates,

and discussion was defined in a statement by the Right Hon. M. J. Savage. It must be understood that the broadcasting authorities were responsible for all broadcast transmissions, and could not delegate this responsibility to any organisation. It had been decided that in only very special cases will talks be broadcast as emanating from particular organisations. Althougn one-sided propaganda will not be permitted, it is intended to arrange debates and discussions on matters deemed to have sufficient interest and community value. Any talks broadcast must be considered on their merits in relation to programme value. The Internal Affairs Minister said to-day that if the local bodies could devise a better system of improvement than that provided in the Amalgamation Schemes Bill, it was their duty to make the contribution ind not merely reply in a negative form. It had been suggested that a Royal Commission should be set up, but the Bill itself provided for a Commission of Inquiry, and gave it complete power to deal with its findings.