Parliament Opens

Evening Star, Issue 19786, 9 February 1928, Page 11

Parliament Opens

■ The Ritual of Centuries Glamor and Beauty \ A Brilliant Spectacle

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, February V. To-day’s spectacle at the House ot ■' Lords on the opening of parliament i 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, tvoro seated on the floor of tho Chamber. while bejewelled and gorgeously gowned peeresses were arrayed at the sides. The bishops were ranged in a row, and diplomats sat tier on tier in their space, and lawyers m their great wigs were, grouped around the Woolsack. The most magnificent piece of stage management in the world was here to be seen. _ Rays of light, from the great chandeliers picked out the 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 tho 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. On tho very stroke of midday the King, wearing his massive crown and Royal robes, and surrounded by the great officers of the State, slowly entered the Chamber. The lights hashed up, and the Chamber was flooded with unrivalled magnificence, everybody standing. The King bowed slowly, took his seat on tho Throne, and said: “My lords, pray be seated." The pages of honor draped the train like a red cascade over the steps, and pomp was at its height. There was no hurry or bustle, everything being in place, and in silence tho brilliant gathering sat awaiting the arrival of the faithful Commons at Black Rod’s summons. When they had filed in and taken their places the speech was handed to His Majesty, who, sitting, read it in a clear voice, which echoed through the Chamber. IK 38. HOUSE OF LORDS A DDRESS-]N-REP.LY DERAIL. ENDED AT SINGLE SITTING. LONDON, February 7. The House of Lords ended the debate on tho Address-in-Roply at a single sitting, tho address being moved by the Duke of Montrose and seconded by Baron Cranworth. The latter described the extension of votes to young women as wise and statesmanlike. Viscount Haldane attributed the cryptic nature of tho King’s speech to the approach of the General Election. He, Viscount Fitzalan, and Viscount Younger condemned the omission of any reference to the reform of the House of Lords. Earl Beauchamp demanded that the Franchise Bill should include electoral reform to prevent a repetition of minority Governments like the present. He was disappointed that the Government had taken up the position of being a drag upon the activities of the League of Nations. The Marquess of Salisbury, replying, said that the Government favored arbitration to the utmost length to which it could carry the dominions’ and British Governments’ support. The Government would keep its pledge, and , deal with the reform of tho Lords in the present Parliament. SMALL AMOUNT OF BUSINESS PRIME MINISTER’S EXPLANATION LONDON, February 7. Referring in the House of Commons to the Franchise Bill, Mr Baldwin emphasised tho point that newlyenfranchised persons would he enabled to vote at the next General Election. Regarding the small amount of business outlined, ho said that the Government had decided to wind up tho session in July, and begin a new session in October or November. It would be impossible to deal with controversial matter like tho Factory Hill before August. Mr Baldwin read a letter from Sir John Simon to the Viceroy of India proposing a joint free conference consisting of seven British commissioners and a corresponding body of representalives chosen by the Indian Legislatures. Tho letter pointed out that the conference, besides giving recognition of equal status, prodives an opportunity for a free exchange of views. The letter emphasises that tho commission is in no sense an instrument of either the British or the Indian Governments, hut an independent and unfettered body approaching Indian legislators as colleagues. The commission is neither an executive nor a legislative body; it is only authorised to report and make recommendations. It was hoped to include in the report a faithful account of tho opinions and aspirations of the Indians. If preferred, the Indian Joint Committee’s report could bo annexed to that of the commission, and both presented to His Majesty and published simultaneously. The Laborites tabled an amondthent to the Address-in-Reply, expressing regret that there was no mention ot measures to grapple with the pressing urgency of unemployment, especially in the coni and other basin industries, and its menacing effects in many areas where industrial enterprise is being crippled and local government is breaking down. Several members of all parties welcomed the scheme of credits for farmers. Mr G, D. Hardie (Labor) complained thgt the reservists from China, were not being reinstated in employment. The House adjourned. The Laborites tabled an amendment to Mr Baldwin’s motion for n memorial to Earl Haig, demanding that a. Select Committee should consider the most fitting form of the memorial, in view of Earl Haig’s known concern for exservicemen and their widows and dependents.—A. and N.Z. and Sydney ‘Sun’ Cable. FASCISM IN ITALY GRAND COUNCIL MEET. INCORPORATION DECIDED ON. ROME, February 7. /The -Fascist Grand Council, with Signor Mussolini presiding, adopted a resolution that the time had come when it should be legally incorporated among the constitutional bodies of the State,