Brilliant Scene at Opening of Parliament

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7269, 23 September 1933, Page 2

Brilliant Scene at Opening of Parliament

Tho galleries of the Legislative Council and oven the corridors outside were packed with interested spectators for tho official opening of Parliament on Thursday, the scene being one of especial brilliance. Lady Biedisloo was led in by Mr. E. W. Kano, C.M.G., Clerk of Parliaments, and attended by Sir Cecil Day, C.M.G., C.8.E., official secretary. As she reachod the Speaker’s chair she was presented by Sir Walter Carncross, Speaker of the Council, with a beautiful bouquet of cyclamen, tied with xibbo-n to match her dress. Her Excellency wore a graceful frock of opal green chiffon, with long full skirt flared with godets of fine lace of the same shade. Caped elbow-length sleeves also had inset godets of lace, caught with a cluster of pink flowers. Her close-fitting hat of the same soft green was also finished with a side cluster of pink flowers. Among the Labour members was the first New Zealand woman M.P., Mrs. E. R. McCombs, who caused a perceptible stir as she came unobtrusively iu, and took her seat in the front bench, as though it had been tho most natural proceeding in the world. She wore a simple brown tweed suit with creme satin blouse, and her hair was dressed in a plaited coronet. Among those to the left of the Speaker were:— Mrs. G. W. Porbes, who was presented with a bouquet of red roses by Sir Walter Carncros3. She wore a becoming dress of black, leaf patterned lace made with a jacket on which was pinned a Ted velvet rose, and a wide black hat.

Mrs. J. G. Coates, whose long brown coat was worn over a fawn dross. Her hat was brown straw and fawn felt, with touches of orange and blue. Mrs. J. G. Cobbe wore a black tailored suit with fine whito stripo, white ermine fur, and a black and whito hat. Mrs. E. A. Ransom’s dress was of black wool georgette, with creme lace v«ss, and black hat. Mrs. J. A. Nash w*s also present.