PARLIAMENT.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1357, 7 February 1912, Page 5

PARLIAMENT.

SESSION OPENS NEXT WEEK. THE NO-CONFIDENCE MOTION. What should prove a notable session in tho history of the New Zealand Parliament is to open on Thursday week next, February 15. Tho principal item of Wsiness will bo the consideration of a motion of want of confidence in the present Government, which it is expected will be moved by' Mr. Massey, as leader of the party which defeated tho Government at the poll?. Some idea of tho procedure likely to bo followed when Parliament meets may bo gained from the proceedings in 1891, when tho Atkinson Ministry was defeated.- Ihe new "Parliament was opened by Commission on January 23, 1891. The Chief Com T missioner (lion, Sir F. Wliittnker) announced to the members of both Houses, when they had assembled in the Legislative Council Chamber, that the Governor would in person "doclaro to them tho purposes of calling tho Parliament together it 2.30 p.m. on January 27. Members were requested to proceed immediately to elect a Speaker. , The Clerk read a message from the Governor calling Sir Hnrry Atkinson to the Council and a commission appointing him as Speaker of the Council. In the House, on the same afternoon, a test division was taken on the election of the Speaker. Mr. Saunders, nn pendent, proposed that Mr. W. llolleston should be appointed, and Mr. Seddon moved, as nn amendment, that the House ehoiild elect Major Steward. The amendment was carried by 36 votes to 2!). Mr. Mitchelson announced forthwith that the Prime Minister had sent in his resignation, and that Ministers diil.V occupied their seats until their successors had been appointed. Mr.- liallanee then announced that the Governor bad asked him to form an Administration. Both Houses adjourned until January 27, on H'hieh date tho Governor's Speech was read, and the new Ministry was announced. The session lasted until January 30, 1891.. Parliament was prorogued upon the following day, and met again, for the transaction of business, on June 11, 1891. At Parliament, House signs of the approaching session are already visible. A sort of "spring-cleaning" of the rooms and corridors is in full swing, and preparations are being made to augment the staffs. It is not intended, however/ to bring the staffs up to the strengths they attain during an ordinary session. Only as many orderlies and messengers will be omployed as are absolutely necessary, and, as far as possible, the older men resident in Wellington are being selected for duty. No committee clerks ate to bo employed for the short session, fis it is not anticipated that any coirtrhittee work will be done.