KING AND PARLIAMENT

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 33, 9 February 1928, Page 9

KING AND PARLIAMENT

EITUAL OF OPENING SYMBOLIC SCENES (United Press Association.—Copyright.) LONDON, 7th February. To-day's spectacle at the House of Lords on the opening of Parliament was the same as it has been for centuries. The actors, both great and small, change, but the ritual is unchanging. The peers, in scarlet and ermine, were seated on the floor of the Chamber, while the bejewelled and gorgeouslygowned peeresses were arrayed at the sides, the bishops were ranged in a row, and the'diplomats sat tier on tier in their space. The lawyers, in great wigs, wore grouped around the Woolsack. The most significant piece of " stage management in the world was here to be seen. Rays of light from the great chandeliers picked out dazzling coronets and ropes of pearls worn by the peeresses, then suddenly, without warning, the lights were extinguished, and a lovelier, dimmer radiance fell over all through the stained glass windows, while the entire assemblage, awaited the King. Five minutes elapsed, the Chamber being filled with subdued conversation/ then the lights, at half power, glowed softly like golden oranges. HIS MAJESTY ENTERS. On the very stroke of midday the King, wearing the massive Crown and Royal robes, and surrounded by the great officers of State, slowly entered the Chamber. The lights flashed up and the Chamber was flooded with unrivalled magnificence, everybody standing. The King bowed slowly, took hii seat on the Throne, and said, "My Lords, pray be seated." The pages of honour draped his train, like a red cascade, over tho steps, and pomp and majesty was at its height. There was no hurry or bustle, everything in place, and in silence the brilliant gathering sat awaiting the arrival of the faithful Commons at Black Rod's summons. When the Commons had filed in and taken their places, the Speech wat handed to His Majesty, who, sitting, read it in a clear voice which echoed through the Chamber.