PARLIAMENT OPENS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 936, 9 February 1917, Page 3

PARLIAMENT OPENS.

A QUIET CEREMONY. KHAKI THE PREVAILING TONE. AN IMPERIAL GUARD. Bij Cable.—Press Association.- — Copyright. A., and N.Z. Cable Association and Renter. LONDON, February 7. The ceremonies connected with the opening of Parliament were robbed of some of the spectacular effect owing to the intense cold. There were fifteen degrees of frost. There were fewer pedestrians along the route, and an absence of the customary magnificence. There was a general tone of khaki, which was worn even by the Guard of Honour. Almost the only contrast of colour in the procession was the escort of the Royal Horse Guards. The King and Queen were loudly acclaimed both going to Westminster and on the return journey.

Instead of the historic Royal gilt carriage their Majesties rode in a landau drawn by six bays. There were only four carriages in the procession.

For the first time in history the outer Empire found a place of honour in the Crown's highest constitutional act. Its representatives rallied round the Sovereign, and the mounted Imperial escort, which immediately followed their Majesties' personal guard, consisted of four British officers, four officers of the Indian Army, four officers from each of the principal oversea Dominions, viz., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, four officers from Newfoundland, and four from the British West Indies. The crowd quickly recognised the men from overseas, and cheered with enthusiasm the yarious uniforms. Major T. Dawson commanded the New Zealanders.

This Imperial guard, composed of perfect horsemen, big, muscular, sunburnt soldiers, made a fine show, and was the most prominent feature of the procession. Another Empire note was struck within Westminster Palace. As the Royal procession swept from the robing room to the House of Lords, it passed the Royal gallery, which 400 wounded soldiers from overseas, by the King's special direction had been permitted, with their nurses and attendants, to occupy. Before the arrival of the Royal cortege the Lord Chamberlain conveyed the King's appreciation of the gallant services of the wounded men themselves and their comrades, and hoped that they would make a speedy recovery and have a safe return to their glorious and great countries. When the procession passed the Royal gallery the King warmly returned the men's salute. The Chamber was densely crowded, but had never before been so dull-looking. Khaki and black were the predominating colours. The diplomats wore morning dress and no uniforms, a departure from the usual precedent. Sir Thomas Mackenzie, New Zealand High Commissioner had a place in the Peeresses' gallery with Mrs and Miss Massey, and Lady Ward. The other High Commissioners sat in the Diplomats' gallery. A new welcome feature was the admission of one newspaper representative from each Dominion, and also from neutral countries to the Press gallery.