FEDERAL POLITICS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1798, 10 July 1913, Page 5

FEDERAL POLITICS.

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Melbourne, July 9. The new Federal Parliament was formally opened to-day by a Commission consisting of Sir Edmund : Barton (Chief justice of the Federal High Court), and Mr. Justice Isaacs, when members wero sworn in. There was a brilliant gathering. ■ Both Federal Parliamentary parties held preliminary meetings prior to tho opening of Parliament to-day. Arrangements were made to push Supply through'. Mr. Fisher (Leader of tho Opposition) lias undertaken that his party shall assist. Tho Government hns nominated Mr. W. E. Johnson (member for Lang, New South Wales) for the Speakership of tlio House of Representatives. THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH. RETURN OF THE MACE. Qjtec. July 10, 0.10 a.m.) Melbourne, July 9. Miss Isaacs attended her father at the opening of Parliament, boiug not only tho first woman who lias* acted as a Judge'B associate, but the first to accompany n Judge at tho opening ceremony of ewear-ing-in members. The Governor's Speeoli stated that, owing to Ministers having only recently assumed office, tho Government had not yet been able to mature its legislative proposals, and therefore asked for an adjournment after Supply had bceu granted.

Mr. Johnson, who was was elected to tho Speakership. Tho mace, which tho Fisher Government lemovcd, was restored to its place.

The Hon. T. Givens (Queensland) ;was cloctod President of tho Senate. A COUNTRY PARTY. FARMERS DISCUSS THE QUESTION. Sydney, July 9. Tho Farmers and Settlers' Association Conference devoted the whole of tho day to the discussion of the question of tlio establishment of a political party of their own. A decision was not reached.