FAMILY ATMOSPHERE AT OPENING OF NEW HOUSE OF COMMONS

Wanganui Chronicle, 2 November 1950, Page 5

FAMILY ATMOSPHERE AT OPENING OF NEW HOUSE OF COMMONS

Commonwealth Of Nations Members At A Memorable Ceremony

LONDON, Oct. 26 (By Airmail). —It is not often that great ceremonial occasions have a family atmosphere about them, but this description can, without undue exaggeration, be given to the opening of the new Chamber of the House of Commons.

For one thing the word “family” was used several times in the speeches. Mr. Speaker mentioned it first when commenting that strangers were not normally allowed in the galleries of the Chamber during the prayers which precede the daily business of the House. He described them as “family prayers,” and observed that it was fitting that on this occasion they should be witnessed by all members of the family of the Commonwealth of Nations. The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee) referred to the family of the Commonwealth and later, in the ancient Westminster Hall built by William Rufus at the end of the 11th century, the King also used a similar phrase. Both sections, as thy may be called, of the ceremony maintained this atmosphere of the family. Prankishness In the Commons there were mild outbursts of what Mr. Beverley Baxter has described as “fifth form prankishness” among members as they waited for the moment when Mr. Speaker would arrive. This was manifested in merriment at the sight of highly-polished “toppers” on the heads of one or two immaculate Conservatives and at the blushes of Lady Megan Lloyd George as she squeezed, with feminine determination, to her place on the green leather bench where she appeared to be sitting on an honourable member’s knee, and was greeted with cries of “Order!” There was also a touch of the benign grandfather about Mr. Churchill when he referred to his “past,” in a gem of a speech, which gave a pleasing and acceptable touch of humour and emphasised the intimate and conversational atmosphere which the Commons likes to simulate in Westminster Hall. This atmosphere of family was heightened by the presence of the First Family of the Commonwealth, wearing for so formal an occasion what, might be called “informal” dress, morning coats and neat costumes. Behind her son and daughter-in-law, Queen Mary walked with Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret on either side, and took one of her grand-daughter’s by the arm as she walked down the steps from the Thrones. “Mrs. Mops” Then there was the cluster—if that is the correct collective noun—of "chars," the "Mrs. Mops" of Whitehall, neatly clad in long green overalls. They worked steadily with brushes and sweepers removing every speck of dust from the carpets at the entrance to the hall in the hour of waiting before Their Majesties arrived. If this occasion was a great moment for the Lords and Commons these unflustered workers also had their share in tile proceedings, for when all were seated, the Lords and Commons, the visiting Speakers and officials, and when some 18 minutes were still due to elapse before the entry of the Royal Family, there arose a loud squeaking. Mice? No! The oil-thirsty sweepers were now being pushed energetically the long length of the aisle down the centre of the hall. Without a blush or sign of embarrassmen.t the charladies attacked their task, to the accompaniment of what “The Times” in reporting the approval of both Houses, of Parliament, designates as "cheers." And finally, still remembering the family atmosphere, there was surely the savoury and appetising aroma of luncheon pervading the ancient hall from invisible kitchens . First Speeches There were many moments to be remembered by all who had the good fortune to hear the first speeches in the new chamber, and then to witness the scene in Westminster Hall. One was the reading of prayers in the Commons with all members and strangers in the many galleries turned away from the floor of the House, with their faees to the walls. It is