The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, JULY 1, 1903. THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 930, 1 July 1903, Page 2

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, JULY 1, 1903. THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH.

The usual formal Speech from the Throne—otherwise from Mr Seddon—was given in Parliament yesterday 'afternoon. The Speech contained • practically nothing that could be considered new, and was mainly remarkable for the caution exercised in ■avoiding subjects on which the people would like the earliest and fullest information. A mass of proposed legislation was referred to—quite enough, if properly considered, to keep Parliament in session until well into next harvesting season ; but the important question of what is proposed in regard to the licensing laws and also concerning preference to unionists, are relegated to the 1 background so far as the Governor’s instructions or advice has been given voice to. The probability is lhai ; the Government arc not eager to tackle either subject, but they were both set forth so prominently in platform speeches that it is no doubt intended to give the House an opportunity for debate and the public are entitled to the details as soon as possible. If the subjects arc to be brought on, with the serious intention of making alterations in the law this session, then it is only fair to all parties that they should be brought on in good time, and not left to be hurriedly rushed through in the dying hours of the session. Of course a great deal of reliance can never be placed on the Speech in calculating on the chances oT measures shadowed forth, but usually a fair indication can be obtained as to the enactments ' the Government is desirous of pushing through. The hint as to single constituencies probably means more than appears on the face of things. So far the usual scandal has not been evolved to allow for an interminable waste of time, and were it. not that experience is so much opposed to that belief, there .vould /be every prospect of a most useful session tlxis year. We are afraid tlijat

the desire to figure prominently in Hansard will interfere .greatly, with •the progress oi solid work.