PARLIAMENT

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 126, 23 February 1944, Page 4

PARLIAMENT

Opening By Commission MEMBERS OF HOUSE ' SWORN-IN

Election Of New Speaker

The formal opening of the new Parliament, the swearing-iu of members of the House of Representatives, and the election of a new Speaker of the House took place yesterday afternoon, the whole -proceedings occupying exactly one hour. In accordance with custom, the opening was carried out in the Legislative Council Chamber by Commission consisting of six members of the Council.

After the Chief Commissioner, Air. Fagan, Speaker of the Legislative Council, had read the Commission’s authority, he commanded the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, Captain D. I. C. Bryan, to summon members of the House of Representatives to the Legislative Council Chamber. Headed by the Prime Alinister, Air. Fraser, and the Leader of the Opposition, Air. Holland, the members tiled into the Chamber and heard the Commission read. . . .... On the completion of the formalities the Speaker of the Council requested the members of the House to return to tneir own chamber to be sworn in, and to elect a Speaker, who would be required, to attend at Government House today tor tne Governor-General’s approval. When members had taken their sea -J the Clerk of the House, Air. T. D.. H Hall, stated that he had received notification from the Clerk of Writs of their election. He proceeded with the swear-ing-in, calling on members alphabetically in groups of four. Seven members were sworn by .affirmation and the others took the oath on the Bible. As men. bers completed this ceremony they signed the official register. Six members were absent, namely, the Alinister to Washington, Air. Nash; Brigadier Hargest (Opposition, Avarua), who is at present overseas; Air. Polson (Opposition, Stratford) ; Air. Ra tana (Government, Western Maori) ; Air Bodkin (Opposition, Central Otago); and Air. Roy (Opposition, Clutha). The House then proceeded to’ appoini a Speaker in place of the former occupant of that office, Air. Barnard, who lost his seat at the general election. Ou the Government chief whip, Air. Richards (Roskill) rising in his seat to speak, the Clerk, who was in charge ot the House in the absence of a Speaker, pointed at the member, who thereupon proceeded to nominate Air. Schramm (Auckland East) for the Speakership, his election being unanimous. Seating of Opposition.

Considerable public interest was shown in the proceedings in the House, and when the members assembled there were practically no vacant seats in the galleries. Thp fact that there were 23 nev. members, all but three of whom were making their first appearance in the House, stimulated interest. The retirement after the last Parliament of a number of the long-service members of the Opposition and the vacancy caused by the death of the Rt. Hon. J. G Coates created several vacancies in the front benches. Speculation was keen as to which of the experienced back-benchers would be promoted, and this curiosity was satisfied when members entered the chamber. Alessrs. Doidge (Tauranga), Holyoake (Pahiatua), aiid Goosman (Waikato), and Brigadier Hargest (Awariia) were allocated front-bench seats. Air. Mausey (Franklin) has moved from the centre bench to a front cross-bench which he will share with Mr. Murdoch (Mars den). The former members of the Opposition who occupied back benches in the last House have been moved forward and their places are now occupied by new members. The increased strength of’ the Opposition necessitates occupancy of alt but five of the adjoining cross-benches, these accommodating the overflow of the Government members and the Independent member, Air. Atmore (Nelson).. The ceremonial opening of Parliament with the Speech from the Throne by the Governor-General, Sir Cyril Newall will be held today.