A new era starts today

Press, 26 July 1984, Page 1

A new era starts today

PA Wellington The National Government yesterday carried out its final full day in office as preparations continued for the swearing-in of the new Labour Ministry today. The fourth Labour Government, headed by Mr Lange, is expected to be sworn in at a ceremony in the ballroom of Government House this afternoon. For the outgoing Prime Minister, Sir Robert Muldoon, final public engagements included delivering a eulogy at a memorial service for the late Minister of Customs, Mr Allen, and the commissioning of an injection moulding machine in Christchurch. . Mr Lange, also the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, spent some time yesterday meeting Foreign Affairs officials. The swearing-in of the

new Cabinet depends on declarations being made of the official votes from the election, expected to be available by this afternoon. Just after 2 p.m. Sir Robert is expected to go to Government House with the letters of resignation of his Government. The Governor-General, Sir David Beattie, will then 1 be given a list of the members of Parliament to be appointed to the Executive Council and their Ministerial posts. The new Cabinet will then be greeted at Parliament with a Maori challenge and welcome. Members of Parliament have been packing and inspecting new offices during the last few days with the changeover due to be completed at the week-end. The new Labour Cabinet will hold a formal session on Monday morning.