THURSDAY, JUNE 10.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIII, Issue 140, 11 June 1909, Page 5

THURSDAY, JUNE 10.

THE OPENING CEREMONY,

[press association.]

WELLINGTON, June 10. Shortly before 3.30, the.hour at which the Governor was formally to open Parliament, a crowd gathered outside Parliament Buiklinp-s to watch the approach of his Excellency, escorted by the usual guard of honour. Interest was somewhat lessened by the ' fact that no invitations were issued ; to Consuls and others who usually \ grace the opening ceremony. This . was due to the limited space in the new Council Chamber. There is only one small gallery, mainly devoted to the press, and in this a few ladies found accommodation, while the lady members of his Excellency's household and a few others were found seating accommodation on the floor of the Chamber. As the Governor approached the usual salute was fired. His Excellency entered the Council Chamber precisely at 3.30, accompanied by the officers of his staff and two officers from H.M.S. Challenger, and, having sent for the Members of the House to attend in the Council Chamber, he read his speech. The whole proceedings were over within 15 minutes from the arrival of the Governor. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Subsequently the Council met for formal business. The Hon. Messrs Jas. McGowan and C. H. Mills, newlyappointed Members, and the Hon. Messrs J. Holmes and J. Marshall, reappointed Members, were sworn in. , CONDOLENCE. 1 The ATTORNEY-GENERAL made brief reference to the death of Mr Hone Helce, M.P., and a motion- of condolence to his son was passed. The Council adjourned until 10.30 the following morning. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House met at 3.30 p.m. A number of petitions were presented, asking the Government to take steps to procure suitable young women for domestic service. ADDRESS-IN-REPLY. Mr FORBES (Kurunui) gave notice of motion to move the plyPUBLIC SERVICE ACT. Mr HERDMAN (Wellington North) gave notice of the introduction, of a Bill amending 'the Public Service Act. CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES. Sir Joseph WARD gave notice of a motion for next sitting day that Mr Wilford bo appointed Chairman _of Committees, and that the Standing Orders be suspended to allow Government business to be given precedence on Wednesdays and Saturdays. TIMBER COMMISSION. Sir Joseph WARD also gave notice to move that the Commission on the timber industry be granted permission to sit during the sitting of the House. Mr MASSEY asked whether there was. any. probability of the Commission's being ab^e to report during the present session. Sir Joseph WARD replied in the negative. The SPEAKER put Sir Joseph Ward's motion that members of the Commission on the timber industry who are Members of the House' be granted permission to sit during the present session. The motion was agreed to on the voices. LOST BALLOT PAPERS. Referring to the report of the Judges in the Dunedin North election petition, Mr' James ALLEN said that steps should be taken by the Government to prevent the loss of ballot papers. Sir Joseph WARD replied that in the case referred to the officers had taken every step to sheet home the offence, but without success. He Would be glad to take further steps in the direction indicated. EXPIRY LAWS CONTINUANCE. 'j.ne Expiry Laws Continuance Bill was read a first time, on the motion of the Prime Minister. THE LATE HONE HEKE. The, House passed a resolution of regret at the death of Mr Hone Heke, and that the condolence of the House be sent to his relatives. Sir Joseph WARD paid a high tribute to the departed TMember, who was highly respected by all Members. Mr MASSEY endorsed the Prime Minister's eulogy, and referred to the good work d«ne by Mr Heke for the native race. Mr PARATA outlined Mr Heke's public career and its aims. Mr HEME TE RANGIHIROA also eulogised the late Member. ADJOURNMENT. Sir Joseph WARD moved adjournment di the House till 10.30 tomorrow morning. I Mr MASSEY "asked at what hour it was proposed to adjourn to-morrow. Sir Joseph WARD replied that the Government would submit proposalsto the House. It was not intended to ask the House to sit later at night than 11. The House rose at 5.10 p.m.