OPENING DATE OF PARLIAMENT

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26120, 24 May 1950, Page 6

OPENING DATE OF PARLIAMENT

June 27 Chosen FORMAL DRESS TO BE WORN From Our Own Reporter WELLINGTON, May 23. Parliament will, open on Tuesday, June 27. This was announced by tne Prime Minister (Mr Holland) axter a ' meeting of the Cabinet to-night. The first major speech of the session will be made by the new member for Palmerston North (Mr W. B. Tennent), who will move the Address-in-Reply debate. The seconder will be another newcomer to Parliament, Mr T. L. Hayman, Oamaru. Mr Holland indicated to-night that his Government would revert to the wearing of formal dress. This would mean morning dress for the formal opening and full evening dress for speakers in important debates. This practice was abandoned soon after the Labour Government took office. The first person outside the Cabinet to be told the date of the opening of the session was the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Fraser), whom Mr Holland advised by telephone. As this will be the first session of the new Parliament, the opening on June 27 will be by commission from the Legislative Council. That afternoon new members will be sworn in. The new Speaker, Mr M. H. Oram. M-anawatu, will be elected and sworn in. The customary ceremonial open- ! ing by the Governor-General (Sir Bernard Freyberg) and the reading of the Speech from the Throne will be held on June 28. This will leave Thursday and Fridav. June 29 and June 30. for the paying of tributes to legislators who have died since the end of the last session and the passing of the first Imprest Supply Bill. After completing business on June 30 the House will adjourn until the night of Tuesday. July 4, when Messrs Tennent and Hayman will be the only speakers. From then on the session will be in full swing.