GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Press, Volume XXXII, Issue 4416, 25 September 1879, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

[Press Special Wire.]

WjsxurßasAT, Sbptzmbbs 24.

Tha saw Parliament assembled at two

• o'clock, when nearly all the members, except > those from Hawke's Bay, were in attendance. ' The Clerk of the House read the" Gazette" notification, and the Clerk of the Upper House intimated that the Legislative Council - desired the attendance of members of the Lower House in the Chamber of the • CoundL

~ Sir W.Kt-herbert, Hon. Major Richmond, sod San. Colonel Whitmore were invested

with powers under his Excellency's Commis4&xm to open the proceedings of the new Parfeanent, and the Commission was read by the • JSerk (Mr liurster Goring). The Sfxaess (Sir W. FUsherbert) then intimated that his Excellency would deliver bis opening speech on tbe following day at : 2.30 p-in., and that in the meantime it would "be the duty of tbe Lower House to proceed to the election of their 8 peaker. members of tbe House of Representa* "tires then returned to the House, where the eounoiision was read, and they were severally sworn in by the Clerk (Major Campbell). nscttos o; sreAKss. SlrGjo. Gsey moved—« That Mr GyM. * O'Borke take the chair as Speaker of the House." fie mi he had dons so whoa the House last assembled, and then stated the

- Qualifications r "which he possessed for the office. On that occasion the proposal was seconded by the leader of the Opposition; » and they all knew how he had conducted the »procsedmgs. The announcement was received with .sheers, - Mr J. Hali, seconded the proposition, and in doing so paid a high compliment to tb.6 fairness and ability ef Mr O'Borke in the discharge of the duties devolving upon him =at Speaker of that House since his appointment on a former occasion.

Mr O'BoiKE, addressing the Clerk of the House, said it would ill become him to say he all the qualities which had been -attributed to him, but he would say that he would endeavor to hold tbe scales evenly balanced on all occ_sions, and endeavor to merit tbe confidence they had again reposed is him in re electing him as their Speaker. The Speaker then took the chair amid ap« plause. Mr Rsadsb Wood and Major AxznrsoH rose to congratulate the Speaker on bis elec'Htm, and Mr O'Borke acknowledged the compliment. The House then adjourned until two o'clock On Thursday.