THE HON. H. D. BELL WARMLY WELCOMED.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14404, 11 July 1912, Page 8

THE HON. H. D. BELL WARMLY WELCOMED.

(SPECIAL TO '•-__• PRKSS.") WELLINGTON, July 10. A very hearty reception was given to the Hon. H. _♦. Bell, X.C, when ho assumed the leadership of tho Legislative Council this afternoon. Tho "Speaker (the lion.. Sir Charles Bowen) was absent, and the Hon. T. Thompson was appointed to take the chair for the day. The Hon. O. Samuel sat in the Leader's chair, nnd presented; several papers, while the Hon. H. D. Bell occupied a seat at tho right of tho chair. The Hon. W. C. F. Carneross was ro--elected Chairman of Committees. Tho Hon. 0. Samuel heartily congratulated Mr Carneross on his re-elec-tion, and said that ho only regretted that Mr Carneross was unable to be present that day owing to unavoidable circumstances. Tho Hon. O. Samuel referred to the carrying of the vote of no-confidence in the Government, and announced the .constitution of the new Ministry. He announced tho appointment of Mr H. D. Bell to the Council. Mr Bell was then sworn in. The Hon. O. Samuel then offered his congratulations to Mr Bell on taking his seat as Leader of the -Council. Tho appointment of the hon. gentleman was of the most satisfactory ; nature to all. (Hear, hear.) It would conduce to tho dignity and tho mflu*ence of tho Council. Speaking as a -member of tho Bar. he said tho hon. "gentleman's appointment could only bo .received with gratitude. His admirable conduct as 1/eader of the Bar had won for him golden opinions. He was ■ certain that under Mr Bell's leadership the legislation of the future would conduce to tho benefit of the whole community.

The Hon. C. H. Mills said ho was proud to know that Mr Bell was to be their leader.

Tho Hon. G. Jones said that the country had been undergoing a revolutionary change in Government. • Liberal Governments had done so much in the last twenty years for the people that they got tired of tho benefits conferred on them. (Laughter.) Ho promised Mr Bell that he would place no vexa-

tious opposition against the reforms they wero. promised. It mattered not to him who governed the country so long as it was well governed. The Hon. R. A. Longhnan. in adding a word of congratulation, said ho hoped that Mr Bell would have been given the portfolio oi Attorney-General. Several other members of the Council added hearty congratulations, which were received in excellent spirit. Tho Hon. Mr Bell replied in a br.ief speech, in which he heartily acknowledged the warmth of the greeting extended him, particularly in view of the fact that he was the only man who had been appointed to the Council since tho Liberal Government came into office in 1891, who had been associated with the other side in politics.