THE BATTLE EVE.

Northern Advocate, 17 February 1912, Page 5

THE BATTLE EVE.

ADDRESS-IN-REPLY

OPPOSLTION AMENDMENT

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Feb. 17. The practical opening of Parliament took place at 2.30 p.m. yesterday, when j the Governor delivered his Speech to the members of both branches of the legislature in the Council Chambers. His Excellency was attendee', by his aide-de-camp and accompanied by the Commandant of the Forces and Staff He was saluted by a guard as he arrived *in Parliament and immediately proceeded Council Chamber, which was tttrtfged in every available space with eager spectators, anxious to know the contents of the Speech. The whole ceremony was one of unttsual interest. As soon as the members of the House, headed by the Speaker, Sir A. Guinness, were mar 6halled on the floor of the Council Chamber, his Excellency read in clear tones the Speech placed in his hands by Hon. J. McGowan, leader of the Council. The reading occupied nearly 25 minutes, and was a surprise to many who expected only a brief mention of tile causes which had necessitated the early assembly of the Legislature. After the Speech the members of the House returned to their own Chamber, and later the Council met, and Hon. J. B. Callan. having given notice to move the Address in-Reply, the Council adjourned till 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday.