PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1049, 26 May 1882, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.

Wellington, May It).

Never before was the occasion of a New Zealand Governor to the Home of Pailiament for the purpose ot delivering the speech from the Throne attended with such a display of pomp and circumstance as that witnessed to-day on the occasion of the visit of Sir A. Gordon, The people had evidently anticipated something of the kind for at two o’clock, the hour appointed for the reception of His Excellency at Parliament buildings, the grounds were thronged with spectators, while tho Chamber ot Legislative Council, where the Speech was to be delivered, was crammed to overflowing, ladies being accommodated with’seats, not only on the floor of the Chamber hut even in the galleries usually devoted to'the Hansard reporters and the representatives of the Press. Shortly before thej hour named Sir A. Gordon left Government House in an open horonehe drawn by four spanking greys, being accompanied by his aidede-camp and his son, a lad of a about nine or years of age. His Excellency was attired in his Windsor uniform, and was decorated with the Order of St. Michael and St.|George, and hanging from his shoulders was a long flowing mantle composed of bine satin, lined inside with scarlet. His son was attired as a page, the hoy wearing a Knickerbocker suit of rich blue velvet, necktie to match. The weather was fortunately very fine indeed. As the Gove nor and his attendants drew up in front of the CouncilChambers he came into full view of the hundreds of people who had assembled to enjoy the spectacle. Hcie he Was received by a body of the Wellington Guards w hose imposing uniform added brilliancy to to the scene, and by several detachments of the local battery of artillery, who fired a salute, while the band struck up the National Anthem. At the principal entrance the gubernatorial party were met by Sir W. Fitzherhert, by whom His Excellency was conducted to the “ throne.” The picture that now presented itself was one long to be remembered. Cap in hand, Sir Sir Arthur marched with solemn step across the floor of the Council, followed at a few yards distance by the page-boy referred to, who held his father’s mantle from the floor, while a retinue, comprising the aide-de-camp, the clerk of the Council, and the various foreign consuls residing m the city, weretreading on each other’s toes in their eagerness to push the procession along as rapidly as possible. Sir Arthur, however, was in no hurry to reach the “ throne ” Ho advanced with kingly tread at a funeral pace, and when he arrived at the spot where the dozen Legislative Councillors present were huddled together lie bowed almost to the ground on either side with a most gracious air, the ceremonious salutation being duly returned by the Councillors, who seemed undecided in what light to regard the affa : r. At length, how'ever, Sir Arthur reached the somewdiat ugly and dilapidated chair that does duty for a throne, and, seating himself, proceeded to read the much looked-forward-toSpeech, the “faithful Commons ” having been summoned to bis presence in the meantime. In coming to that portion of his Speech which alluded I to the action taken in connection with Native affairs on the West Coast, Sir Arthur’s voice was lowered and his words were mea- ! sured, a slight pause occurring every now i and again. This the audience accepted for i a sign that his recollection of these occur- 1 rences was not altogether of a pleasing character. His Excellency left the Chamber with the same ceremony as that with which he entered it, and then everyone began to whisper about the gorgeous scene that had been witnessed. Wellington, May 23. Things are now getting into going order in the political world. The Government decided at tho last moment to day to nominate Mr Hurst for the Chairmanship, arranging with Mr Hamlin accordingly, and the necessary notice was therefore given for Thursday, when it is supposed that an amendment on the Government motion will ho made to change the word Thomson for Hurst. The debate on the Address has been very flat so far. Mr Peacock showed that he is an excellent speaker, and Mr Rntherfo-d seconded in a few sensible sentences, not however, quite so well delivered as Mr Peacock’s though his matter was quite as good. Both showed that tbev will make two of the most, valued and respected class of members. Mr Rutheiford ev. ked some amusement when ho said he looked on the selection of the mover and seconder as an intimation that Government intended to do justice to all districts Mr Montgomery took the position of leader of the Opposition by rising immediately after the seconder. There was nothing striking m his speeeh, and Major Atkinson, who rose to reply to him as leader of tho Deposition, rather chaffed him on his position and on the alleged strength of his party. Mr Montgomery was loudly cheered on rising. Neither he nor tho Treasurer kent up more than a few moments. Mr I)e Eatonr sailed in and spoke well, and made a vigorous attack on the Government, blaming th'-in for their neglect of the goldfields. Mr Holmes did not create, a very goo I impression by ids manner, which was rather suggestive of Mr tSeddon and Mr Bees. Sir George Grey began well, hut did not keep np. soon getting hack into the old groove. The debate has been extremely flat so far, and from present appearances it will continue so and will not be of very long duration.

With reference to the Opposition canons yesterday the Times to-day says :—“ The opinion of the meeting appeared to he divided as to the value to he attached to Sir G. Grey’s promise, hut the general opinion was that under the leadership proposed the party would he strong enough to oust the Government should a favourable opportunity present itself for action. The policy would not he to attack the Government at once, but to quietly worry the Ministry until what the Deposition consider the proper time for a division on a party question has arrived. It is estimated hy the Opposition that they can command 48 votes and that when the seats that have been declared vacant are filled they will have a couple more. ” Both Houses have agreed not to meet tomorrow, and the holiday will ho availed of hy both sides to get them in trim as much as may he possible. It was noticeable that during the discussion upon the appointment •of Sessional Committees when Major Atkinson said he had consulted the' leaders of the Opposition upon their constitution Mr Montgomery rose and admitted that he had been consulted .

Among other papers laid on the table aie those on the leasing of the Otago rims, hut the purport of all of them has already been published.