NEW SESSION No Incidents At Parliament

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31989, 16 May 1969, Page 1

NEW SESSION No Incidents At Parliament

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 15. In fine but gusty conditions, the Governor-General (Sir Arthur Porritt) today opened the final session of the thirty-fifth New Zealand Parliament.

Unlike last year the proceedings went with-

out interruption. About 40 demonstrators against New Zealand and United States involvement in the Vietnam war stood outside the gates to Parliament for about 45 minutes holding their banners and placards, and moved into the grounds—they were quiet and orderly—five minutes before the Governor - General arrived. They moved off as soon as

Sir Arthur Porritt inspected the guard of honour of officers and 100 ratings from the H.M.N.Z.S. Taranaki and moved into the buildings. The Governor-General, Lady Porritt, and their entourage, arrived against a background of flags fluttering from the 30 flagpoles in front of the buildings, the roar of Canberra jets overhead, and a salute of 21 guns from distant Jerningham. A crowd of about 2000 watched proceedings from the lawns—a large percentage being school children. About 150 police were stationed round the buildings. The guard of honour was accompanied by the Navy band and the Wren corps of drums. Sir Arthur Porritt took 20 minutes to read the nine-page Speech from the Throne which had been presented to him by the Prime Minister.