POLITICAL NOTES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2626, 7 October 1909, Page 5

POLITICAL NOTES.

THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH.

A FORECAST

(Special to “Times.”) WELLINGTON, Oct. 6

The usual formalities will be observed at the opening of ParliamenO to-mor-row. Owing to the limited accommodation, the public will only see the outside show. The Governor’s Speech will probably be long, and doubtless the principal reference will be to the recent Defence Conference. Parliament will be asked to ratify the proposals re naval defence as outlined by the Premier. Land defence will also be referred to in the Speech. In reference to new legislation, it is understood that the Land Settlement. Finance, and National Annuities Bills of last session will be catalogued. The former provides that associations o: five or more men, without land or means of getting it, may acquire a limited area of freehold, the State guaranteeing the lender of tlie purchase money any deficiency which might arise under this security. Reference will be made to tlie proposed consolidation of native land legislation and the necessity for a vigorous Native land settlement policy. Especial interest centres in the tenure that will be proposed. Legislation relating to succession duties, about which Dr. Findlay hasi spoken recently with marked emphasis, the question of amending the bankruptcy and companies laws, prison reform and harbor control may all be expected to have a place in the Speech. Other prospective legislation includes amendments of the Friendly Societies Act (among them being provisions for improving the financial soundness of societies and for giving more extensive powers of investment), a measure to provide for the completion and equipment of railway lines in various parts of the Dominion where the people have expressed their readiness to undertake such responsibilities) in return for the work done. Improvements in the Hospital and Charitable Institutions Act, removal of the doubt which arose as ot tbe payment of teachers’ salaries under the Act of last year, proposals for the preserving of Crown forests, alterations in the Workers’ Compensation for Accidents Act (notably as to the examination for the disease of pneumoconipiosis, of which so much was heard in the mining trouble), and in the Municipal Corporations, Destitute Persons, Habitual Drunkards, and Police Acts will also be dealt with. After the formal business, and a motion of sympathy in connection with the death of the late Mr. Remington, the House will adjourn till the following, day or Monday. Mr. Smith, the newly-elected member for Rangitikei, will move the Addressi n-Replv.