PICTURESQUE SCENES

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16375, 24 June 1927, Page 4

PICTURESQUE SCENES

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. DISTINGUISHED ATTENDANCE. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The second session of the twentysecond Parliament of New- Zealand was opened by his Excellency the GovernorGeneral, 'Sir Charles Fergusson, yesterday afternoon. As His Excellency, accompanied by Lady Alice Fergusson and his suite, left, Government House, a Royal Salute of 19 guns was fired from the battery at Point Jerningbam. Despite the dull, threatening weather there was a large crowd assembled in the. Parliamentary grounds, and as Their Excellencies arrived in front of Parliament House the National Anthem was played by the Wellington Battalion Band, and a Royal Salute was given by a guard of honor constituting two officers and 100 men from the central depot of the New Zealand Corps of Signallers under Capf. VV. G. Ashbridge and Lieutenant G. VY, Watts. In contrast with the drabness of the conditions outside, the scene in the Legislative Council was full of life and color. Long before 2.30 o'clock the floor of the chamber was occupied by practically the whole strength of the Council, while the galleries were tilled to overflowing. Among those occupying seats in the main gallery were the Mayor of Wellington and Mrs. Troup, with consular representatives of various countries and the British Trade Commissioner ani prominent citizens. On the floor of the Chamber were Mrs. Coates and the wives of other Cabinet Ministers, Miss Skerretf. sister of the Chief Justice, and Mrs. Swabey, wife of the Commodore of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy. Promptly at 2.30 o'clock Lady Fergusson, attended by members of the Regal suite, was escorted into (he Chamber by (bo Clerk of Parliament, and presented tu the Speaker, Sir Walter Carncross, who conducted her to a seat on the left of (he Speaker's chair. The Speaker then presented verv handsome bouquets to Lady Fergusson and to Mrs. Coates. Just after 2.30 o'clock the GovernorGeneral entered the Chamber with a military suite, including the G.0.C., General Young, his A.D.Cs., and members of headquarters staff. His Excellency took the Speaker's chair and Black Rod was dispatched to summon the members of the Lower House to hear the speech from the throne read. They arrived, headed by the Speaker, Sir Charles Statham, who was attended by the Clerk of the House and the Sergeant-at-Arms. The Prime Minister and Ministers followed, and after them camo members, who seated themselves without regard to party affiliations. Sir Francis Bell, leader of the Council, then handed a copy of the speech to the GovernorGeneral, who read it in a clear voice which was plainly audible in all parts of the Chamber. ' The reading occupied 16 minutes. The Vice-Regal party filed out, and the ceremonial opening of the session was over. HOUSE OP REPRESENTATIVES FORMAL BUSINESS ONLY The House met at 2.30 p.m., when the Speaker took the chair, most of the members being in their seats at the appointed hour. Five minutes later Black Rod appeared, and summoned the people's representatives to attend at the Legislative Council to hear the Governor's speech. On resuming at 2.n. r > p.m. the Prime Minister intimated that only formal business would be taken. Messrs T. M. Wilford (Hut.t), and T. I). Burnett (Temuka) were sworn in. Mr. .1. Mason (Napier) gave notice of his intention to move on Tuesday next the Address-in-Reply. Mr. P. Frasor (Wellington Central) gave notice of his intention to ask the Minister of Pensions whether he would this session introduce a scheme of general pensions which he had under consideration for so many years. Mr. M. J. Savage (Auckland West) gave notice of his intention to nsk the Government whether they would this session make provision for pensions for orphans. Leave of absence was granted to Mr. C. S. Macmillan (Tauranga) on account of illness, and to Sir Apirana Ngata on account of urgent public business. The Prime Minister moved the first reading of the Expiring Laws Amendment Bill, which was agreed to, and the House rose at 3.12 p.m. till 2.30 p.m. to-morrow. THE UPPER HOUSE The Legislative Council met at 3 p.m. for the despatch of business. A formal announcement was made of the appointment to the Council of Sir James Allen, who was sworn in and gave notice of his intention to move the Address-in-Reply on Tuesday next. Sir Francis Bell, leader of the Council, gave notice that ho would ask the Council to-morrow to pass motions of condolence with the relatives of the late Hons. Sir Jas. Carroll and D. H. Guthrie. The Council would meet on Tuesday, when the Address-in-Reply debate would bo commenced. The Council adjourned at 3.15 p.m.