MR. GUINNESS ELECTED SPEAKER.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12531, 28 June 1906, Page 8

MR. GUINNESS ELECTED SPEAKER.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION* TEUXJ3AU.) WELLINGTON, June 27. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 p.m.. when Parliament was opuncd by Commission in the way usual in the case of a new Parliament. The members of the House of Representatives assembled at 2.30 p.m.. and proceeded, on the invitation of the Commissioners, to the Legislative Council Chamber to hear the Commission rend authorising the opening of Parliament. ' 'Upon the return of tho ''Commoners" to the Lower Chamber, they were sworn in by the Clerk of the House, and tho House then went on to the election ot the Speaker. Mr F. LA'vV'IJY (Pjirncll) said he was thankful that it had fallen to his lot to move the re-ch-ction ot Mr A. H. GiiMincss, who had won golden opinions from all side.-, and h;sd distinguished himself by his iiffability to all. and especially by the care, and attention he bud invariably paid to the younger members. .Mr I). BUDDO (Kaiapoi) seconded the motion, detailing the many services performed by Mr Guinness, and expressing the hope that the House v> on Id come to an unanimous decision.

This the House did at once. Mr Guinness being yieclarcd elected Speaker. Mr GUINNESS, in returning thanks for his election to the high office of Speaker, declared his endeavour to be always vigilant and just to all. ever without fear, favour, or friendship: to maintain always tho high traditions of the House, and to hold tho balance evenly between parties. He reminded the House that without the. support of its members, the Speaker was necerinarilv powerless, and he concluded by submitting himself to the judgment of the House. On taking the Chair, Mr Speaker again thanked the House for his election, rind repeated the pledttes he had given on the floor of the Chamber. The Hon. W. HALIi-JONIuS heartily congratulated Mr Speaker. He sketched briefly his political career, and assured him of the continued confidence of the House. Mr W. F. MASSEY, Leader of the Opposition. followed in the wnw strain, ndding thr-.t Mr Speaker under all possible circumstances could depend on the. support of members of both side?; of tho House in his endeavours to uphold the dignity of Parlia-

nient. Mr SPEAKER briefly thanked tho Premier and tho Leader of the Opposition, and tho House adjourned at 3.20 p.m.