OPENING OF THE ASSEMBLY.

Auckland Star, Volume I, Issue 138, 18 June 1870, Page 2

OPENING OF THE ASSEMBLY.

The fifth and last session of the fourth Parliament of New Zealand was duly opened by his Excellency Sir George Ferguson Bowen, G.C.M.G., at two o'clock to-day. Shortly before that hour the members of the Wellington Volunteer Artillery, No. 1. Company W.R.V., and the Veteran Volunteers fell in on the rec aimed land, and soon afterwards a large detachment from the A.C., under Sergeant-Major Revell, marched down from Mount Cook Barracks, and joined the parade. Lieut.-Colonel Reader then took command, and the Artillery Battery having fallen out so as to fire a salute, the remainder of the force, headed by the Artillery band, maeched up to the Government Buildings, where line was formed ready for the due reception of his Excellency. In the meantime the ladies began to assemble in the Legislative Council Chamber, which has been decorated in a very tasteful manner since last session. Every available seat was soon filled, and standing room even was at a premium before the first gun of the artillery salute gave notice that his Excellency had left his residence. Accompanied by Captain Pitt, R.A., Private Secretary and A.D.C., and Captain Smith, A.D.C., his Excellency drove up to the door of the buildings and dismounted, the band playing the National Anthem, and the Volunteers and Constabulary presenting arms. His Excellency at one proceeded to the Legislative Council Chamber, and having taken his seat Captain Pitt was sent to summon the members of the House of Representatives. That House had in the meantime assembled, and the clerk having informed the members of the absence of the Speaker, Sir D. Monro, Mr. Carleton (Chairman of Committees) took the chair. On receiving the summons to attend his Excellency, Mr. Carleton, preceded by the Sergeant-at-Arms, accompanied by the Hon. the Premier, the Hon. the PostmasterGeneral, and the Hon. the Native Minister, and followed by the Clerk and the members of the House, proceeded to the Legislative Council Chamber, where the Premier placed in his Excellency's hand a copy of the speech, which his Excellency then read.