PARLIAMENT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21295, 23 September 1932, Page 11

PARLIAMENT

THE NEW SESSION I | CEREMONIAL AT OPENING | i LORD BLEDISLOE'S PART | AN IMPRESSIVE SCENE j PERFECT SPRING DAY [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL PEPORTER'] WELLINGTON, Thursday Perfect spring weather, marking Wellington's first fine day for a week, prevailed this afternoon for the opening of the second session of the 24th Parliament. The inauguration of a session provides New Zealand's closest approximation to old-world' pageantry, and to-day's ceremonial has seldom been excelled for perfection of- setting. Large crowds had gathered in Parliament grounds by the time the first roar of guns from Point Jerningham proclaimed the departure of the Vice-Regal party from Government ,House. .Punctually at 2.30 p.m. the Vice-Regal car arrived, preceded by two mounted policemen. Lord Bledisloe wore the uniform of a Privy Councillor and the Lady Bledisloe, making her first public appearance since her recent indisposition, presented a charming picture in a dress of green, which was happily in keeping with the prevailing spirit of 6pring. Scene on Lower Steps One of the most impressive and colourful scenes occurred as His Excellency, standing on the lower steps of Parliament Buildings and accompanied by the Lady Bledisloe and his two aides-de-camp, came to the salute as the band began the playing of the National Anthem. Escorted by Sir Cecil Day, the Lady Bledisloe then mounted the red-carpeted steps, being received at the main door by the Clerk of Parliaments, Mr. E. W. Kane, by whom sha was conducted to a, seat on .the left of the dais in the Legislative Council Chamber. Meanwhile, His Excellency inspected the guard of honour provided by the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. On entering Parliament Buildings, His Excellency was received by the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod, Mr. A. T. Bothamley, and the naval and military staffs forming into procession, the party proceeded with stately tread to the Legislative Council Chamber, the galleries of which were crowded. \ Speech Takes 11 Minutes Owing to the death at Dunedin this morning of the mother of Sir Charles -Statham, /.the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the members of the House of Representatives filed into the Chamber led by the deputy-Speaker, Mir, S". G. Smith, who was attended by Lieuten-ant-Colonel S. G. Sandle, who was recently appointed , Sergeant-at-Arms. The Speech from the Throne was rather shorter than usual and its delivery occupied only about 11 minutes. Short sittings of both Houses were held subsequently and later the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, and Mrs.-. Forbes tendered an At Home in the social room of Parliament Buildings. ABSENCE OF SPEAKER "DEPUTY FILLS VACANCY PROCEDURE AT OPENING [BY TELEGRAPH —-SPECIAL REPORTER ] ' V WELLINGTON, Thursday For the' first time since he was appointed Speaker, over 10 years ago, Sir Charles Statham. was absent from the Chair when the House of Representatives met to-dav. Shortly before noon he received a telegram intimating the death oi his mother, and he left for Dunedin by - ferry steamer this evening. He hopes toreturn on Tuesday morning , The absence of the Speaker caused the routine for the initiation of the sitting to be altered considerably. When the House met to-day, the clerk, Mr. T. D. H Hall, intimated that the Speaker was unavoidably absent. Thereupon the deputy-Speaker, Mr. S. G. Smith, left his seat and took the Chair, after which prayers wfere recited and the sitting continued as usual. While the Speaker is absent there can be no ceremonial entry, preceded by the Sergeant-at-Arms. Thus, when the House meets again to-morrow, a further intimation will be given by the clerk that the Speaker is absent His deputy will then Uke the Chair and the mace will be placed on the table. * It so /happened that Lieutenant-Oolonei S. G. Sandte began his duties as Sgrgeant-at-Arms to-day, and- owing to the Speaker's absence, he had to adapt hjmself to a varied set of circumstances which, on past experience, might not- occur agaio for many years. LABOUR PARTY CAUCUS MATTERS OF POLICY COALITION MEETING TO-DAY [BT ' TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Thursday Policy questions which will call for consideration * during the session were discussed at the caucus of the Labour Party to-day There were only two absentees, Mr. W. .T. Jordan, who is indisposed, and Mr. W. E. Parry, who has b.een delayed in Auckland owing to Mrs. Parry s illness. Both will arrive in Wellington for luesdav's sitting. ' . ~ Appreciation was expressed of the services of the late Mr. Oliver Mason, a veteran member of the party, who died recently in Auckland. A resolution was passed congratulating the Christjchurch City Council, winch has a Labour majority on its administration, especially Concerning the maintenance wage, standards and conditions of cmplTheeca qC us of the Coalition Party will '• bo held to-morrow. FAMILIAR PETITION BLIND INSTITUTE REFORMS [r,v TELEGRAPH—SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON. Thursday A familiar petition was submitted Parliament to-day by * r. ..j? 0 £ (Government —Waitemata) netiMr. Morton Aldis, of Airland- TheptO, ton seeks, various reforms i . • tution of the Jubilee Blind, including the giving of f e P tion to inmates on the board govermng the institution.