PARLIAMENTARY.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 930, 1 July 1903, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Per Press Association^

WELLINGTON, last night. In the Legislative Council, the At-torney-General gave notice to move that the election of Speaker take place on 9th July. The Attorney-General referred In terms of deep regret to the losses sustained by the Council in the deaths of Sir George Whitmore, Dr. Grace, Hon. Mr Morris, and lion. Mr Swan.sop. Later.—On the Legislative Council resuming this evening, the Imprest Supply Bill was passed through all its stages without discussion.

(OUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

£Per Press Association), WELLINGTON, last night, In the House, notice was given of the introduction of a large number of Bills. Mr Rutherford gave notice to move the Address-in-Reply next day. The Imprest Supply Bill was introduced by Governor’s Message and the Opposition raised a strong protest against Parliament being called together only at the last moment, when the House was hurriedly driven to vole supply. In reply to this protest, Mr Seddon and Sir Joseph Ward said there was no necessity to debate Imprest Supply Bills. The practice of challenging Imprest Supply had only grown up recently. Eventually the Bill passed all its stages. On the motion of Air Seddon, a resolution was carried placing on record the high sense of the House of the distinguished services rendered to the colony, by, the late Air Rolleston,. Sir George Whitmore, Dr. Grace, Hon. Mr Alorris, and Hon. Mr Swanson. The House rose at 6.30.

.TI-IE .GOVERNOR’S SPEECH Per Press Association.

WELLINGTON, yesterday This afeernoon Ilis Excellency the Governor delivered his Speech. Alter referring to the Coronation, and the resolutions at the Premier’s Conference, rfis Excellency continued as. follows It will he known to lion, members that the coastwise laws of other nations have proved.* inimical to commerce and the shipping of this colony and to the trade of the United Kingdom. My advisers are of opinion that the time should not be far distant when our laws should be 'brought into line in this respect with those nations whose laws are prejudicial to New Zealand and the Mother Country. The Empire girdling British-owned Pacific cable is completed, and the almost lightninglike rapidity w>th which messages have been despatched and received establishes its efficiency. With proper energy, and due regard being paid to obtaining .business on the part of the Board, the estimated revenue should be realised. The proposal of the Australian Commonwealth Government to grant by agreement concessions favorable to the Eastern Telegraph Extension Co. my Ministers consider regrettable and fear that the result will prove inimical financially to the Pacific cable. The Judicial Committee of the English Privy' Council, in delivering judgment in the Porirua case, cast aspersions on the New Zealand Courts, to which a formal protest and complete refutation was made by the Chief Justice and other judges. It is sincerely hoped, . in the interests of justice and the highest Courts of the Empire that the unmerited and uncalled-for departure of the Judicial Committee may. never occur again. My Ministers are of opinion that an amendment in the constitution of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council is imperative, and that unless a satisfactory change is made, confidence in that great central tribunal of the Empire will within the colonies bo shaken. ,1 am pleased to inform you that the greatest good feeling exists with the Maori race, that Mahuta Tawhiao Potatau te Wherowhero has been called to the Legislative Council and appointed a member of the Executive Council. The estrangement of several of the Maori tribes, which has too long existed, is now closed, and Mahuta’s influence will be of value to the colony, especially in the early settlement of the lands of the Rohepotae. The Maori lands and sanitary cotincils are working satisfactorily, and evidence is daily being given that the Maoris have complete knowledge of what is necessary to educate, improve, and preserve their race. Whilst being pleased with the great- and increased productiveness of the colony, which close settlement has materially assisted, mv advisers consider that settlement can ve largely augmented, provided adequate means are available to road Crown lands, this class of road construction to be permanent seeing that the expenditure on such roans is out of borrowed money. 1 have to congratulate you on the very satisfactory development of the agricultural and pastoral industries, and on the land settlement system generally Several defects in. tho Land fop Settlement Act require to be rectified, and the law providing tor rhe ae nuiring of land for workmen s homes is practically a dead letter and requires amendment. , T he-large crease and the amount of capital in vested as well as the increased number of persons employed in manufacturing pursuits, warrant my say ing that satisfactory progress habeen made, and the outlook >s . P 7 cheering. The largely-increased output of gold and coal also proves that tile industry is in a flourishing condition. The excess ol arrivals over departures gave the colony a large increase iu population last year The low birth-rate in some urban parts of the colony is, however, a "sreri* ? mg dass of the United Kingdom were to come here instead of swelling the population of alien countries it S would be to their advantage and to the benefit of the colony. 1 After mentioning the change m the Ministry the Speech, proceeds .—The estimates have been carefully eonsvdered and consistent with providing for kn efficient service, strict regard lor economy has been observed. With ap increased population, extension, of Continued on pngs 4.