Lord Somers' speech at the open ing of the State's Parliament showed him to a very aptly chosen representative of our Sovereign, King George. His simplicity of delivery, fand sincerity of speaking tones carry mich conviction and win eondence, Reference was made to the disastrous fires of last summer, and the loss of life occurring within their midst, More in a strict busi-sess vein, the need for economy in Public services, and the provision for preventative measures in organization—rather to be an ideal, {han the need for rectifying of effects later on. The development of the 'State's railway systems, forestry, and effective health tolley, "were given in a resume {mhich' gained" much from the simplicity of Lord Somers' oratory, and well modulated voice.
The Addvess-in-Reply, though not long as usual, was somewhat tedious in contrast, The Victorian State representatives have not been particularly notable of late, except Jor a certain apathy in passing bills, and a tendency to non fundamental debates which has not Jhastened the passage of them. Already the Upper House is complaining of nothing to do, on account of the dilatory movement of the Lower House.
Senators of Commonwealth Rei The time had come for the retirement of those members of the Senate Chamber who either we-e defeated at the last Federal elections, or were not presented to the electors for choice." Ex-Senator Sir Victor Wilson was of the former, and Ex-Senator Drake Brockman, who had not returned from Geneva in time to present himself for selec tion, was of the latter. Both were men of proven worth, while Labour's able henchman, Senator Gardiner, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Chamber had also to retire owing to failure to gain the confidence of the people—Senator Givens, of Queensland, who has for years ' occupied the' Presidential Chair did not seek re-election by his old colleagues. Sir Victor Wilson's Ministerial posi Minister of Markets and Migration, has been taken over by the Hon. Mr. Patterson, and Sir Victor was the guest at a function held in his honour which he promised his friends, that he would make an early re-appearance in the Chamber.
Sir Victor Wilson's determination to succeed in everything he undertakes had earned for him the nickname of a "live wire," though to legion, he was called Vie."
Prime Minister leaves in September to attend the Imperial Conference in London, and the Attorney-General is to lead the delegation to the League of Nations Conference at Geneva, It is realized that strong representation will be required by Australia at the forthcoming conference owing to the probable raising of certain domestic Qquestions—vital to Australia—amongst which foremost of all is the population question. 'That we, as a country, are entitled to govern the purely intornel questions vital to our interests all nations will admit; But, it is going above human nature' to expect the various, countries of the world to witness vacant spaces, into which they would be only too willing to part of their surplus populi being unused.
'What these other countries donot realize is, that the Auetralian has reclaimed' immense tracts of coun-tay and turned it to a profitable use, and, having done this, he considers himself fully entitled' to reap the benefits accruing therefrom. The man who will aseist in creative parts of the work is always' welcome, but, the man who is willing take safely over the helm in becalmed waters, at ease and in comfort, is nog required. We already have been building up within our midst, a class of people who can without an difficulty whatsoever sail the calm waters of prosperity, made possible by the determined fights with stormy sea of their fathers and grandfathers,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.