HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Northern Advocate, 16 February 1912, Page 4

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

In the House the members were sworn in, the only absentee being Mr Wilford, member for Hutt. The election of the Speaker was then proceeded with. Mr Hanan, in moving that the Hon. member for Grey (Sir A. Guinness) be elected Speaker, referred to the fact that Sir Arthur had been a member since 1884, and had been Speaker of three Parliaments. Mr Hanan also made eulogistic reference to the manner in which Parliament had been conducted under the speakership of Sir Arthur.

Mr Myers seconded the motion, associating himself with the sentiments expressed by the mover, and he was sure that Sir A. Guinness' presence in the chair would prevent all such regrettable scenes as had occurred in some of the Australian Parliaments.

Sir J. G. Ward congratulated the House upon its choice of a Speaker. He referred lo Sir A. Guinness , long experience as a Parliamentarian and his qualification for the position. He was very glad to find the nomination received with extreme cordiality on. the Opposition side of the House. He was pleased to see that the Speaker had the good-will of every member of the House.

Mr Massey congratulated the Speaker re his election. In his desire to make the New Zealand Parliament a model Parliament the Speaker would have the assistance of every member of the House. He hoped that his term would be a particularly pleasing one, and that he would rule the proceedings of the House with the same tact, purpose and dignity as in previous years. ** Mr Isitt announced that he would speak on behalf of the Independent members. (Laughter.) He offered his congratulations to the Speaker on his re-election.

Sir Arthur Guinness tendered his sincere thanks for the honor conferred upon him—the highest honor in the gift of the House. He was fully aware of the responsibilities of the office, and would, to the best of his ability, preserve the dignity of the House. He would also endeavor strictly to observe clue courtesy to all members, without regard to friendships, personal or political.

Sir J. G. Ward moved the adjournment of the House at 3.30 till 9 30 today.