PARLIAMENT OPENED BY THE DUKE.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 103, 10 May 1901, Page 2

PARLIAMENT OPENED BY THE DUKE.

A GREAT HISTORICAL CEREMONY. Received May 8, 6.45 p.m. Melbourne, May 0. The Usher of the Black Rod summoned tho representatives to attend the Senate. When they arrived, after some delay, two verses of the “Old Hundredth” were sung, after which Lord Hopetoun road prayers on behalf of the King, tho Puke and Duchess of Cornwall, tho people of the Commonwealth, and the Federal Parliament. I-Io then recited tho Lord’s Prayer, and pronounced tho Benediction.

RELIGIOUS DISSENSION. The reason it fell to Lord Hopetoun’s lot to carry out tho religious ceremony was owing to the heads of the leading denominations failing to agree amongst themselves as to whom of their numbers should povform tho duty. The GovernorGeneral elected to conduct the service himself to avoid friction.

THE DUKE’S SPEECH,

After tho reading of tho letters patent by the Clerk of Parliaments, tho Duko addressed both Houses.

IN MEMORIAM. Ho said that it was tho dosiro of his beloved, and deeply lamented grand-

mother to work for the important opening of this first Parliament, anil manifest her special interest in all that concerned the welfare of her Jeyal subjects in Australia, by granting hinKa special commission to open the first session. That’Jeonnnission - had been duly signed before tho sad event occurred which plunged tho Empiro into monrning. His Majesty tho King, his dour father, fully sharing her late Majesty’s wishes, decided to give cU'oet to them. LOYALTY OF COLONIALS, j Although His Majesty stated on tho

occasion of tho oponing of Iris first parliament that tho separation from his son at such a time would not bo otherwise than deeply painful to him, His Majesty had been pleased to consent to this separation, moved by his senso of tho loyalty and devotion which prompted tho generous aid afforded by all the colonies in tho South • African war, both in regard to its earliest stage, and by the splendid bravory of tho colonial troops. It also was Ilis Majesty's wish to acknowledge the readiness with which tho ships of tho Australasian squadron were placod at disposal for service in , China, and of the valuable assistance rendered there by the Naval Contingents of several colonies. THANKS FOU SYMPATHY.

Ilis Majesty further dosirod in this way to testify his heartfelt gratitude for the warm sympathy extended by ovory part of his dominions to himself and family in the irroparablo loss thoy sustained by the death of his beloved mother. POLITICAL UNION.

His Majesty had watched with the deepest interest the social and material progress made by his people in Australia. It had been with thankfulness and heartfelt. satisfaction that ho had noted the completion of that political union of which this Parliament was the embodiment. WISDOM AND PATRIOTISM.

Tho King was satisfied that the wisdom and patriotism which characterised tho exercise of the wide powers of self government hitherto enjoyed by tho colo- * nics would continue to bo displayed in the exercise of the still wider powers with which united Australia would be endowed. His Majesty felt assured that tho enjoyment of those powers would, if possible, enhance that loyalty and devotion to-tho Throne and Empire of. which tho peoplo of Australia had already given such signal proofs. EARNEST PRAYER. It was Ilis Majesty’s earnest prayer that the union so happily achieved might, under God’s blessing, prove tho instrument for still further promoting tho welfare and advancement of his subjects in Australia, and for tho strengthening of his Empire. CONCLUSION. “ Gentlemen of tho Senate and House,” concluded the Duko, “It affords' mo much pleasure to convoy to you this messago from the King. I now, in liis name, and on his behalf, declare the Parliament open.”

MESSAGE FROM THE KIHGA DECLARATION. Received 9.5 p.m., May 9. • Melbourne, May’ 9. His Excellency tho Governor-General informed the members of tho Senate and House that the Duko desired him to acquaint them that so soon as the Prosi-. dent and Speaker wore elected he and Lori Hopetoun would declare as to tho causes, of Parliament being called. CABLE FROM THE KING. The following cable was received from the King: “My thoughts are with y<?u on the day of this important ceremony. Most fervently do I wish Australia prosperity and happiness.” SWORN IN. The members of the Federal Parliament were then sworn in by tho GovornorGeneral. THE MUSICAL REJOICING. The orchestra play’ed “ The Hallelujah Chorus,” the National Anthem, and “Rule Britannia,” the great audience joining in the chorus of tho latter with inspiriting effect. GENERAL. The Royalties withdrew amidst a fanfare of trumpets. The battery of artillery at Carlton gardens fired a Royal salute when jgarliament was declared open. ■ The Duke was dressed in an Admiral’s; uniform. '

1 The Duchess wore black, with a white 1 sash of the Royal Victorian ordor. j FEDERAL PARLIAMENT. r 111 the afternoon, tho first sitting of tho i Federal Parliament was held at tho State ! Parliamentary Buildings, i Mr Holder was elected Speaker • unopposed. ; A contest took place for the Presidency. ; of the Senate, with the following result , Baker ... ... ... 21 Sargood ... ... ... 12 Zeal ... ... ... ... 3 Both, Houses adjourned till to-morrow for the Governor’s speech. DUKE’S REPLY TO THE KING. ‘ “ SPLENDID AND COMPLETE SUCCESS.” By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Rseeived May’ 10, 12.27 a.m.) Melbourne, May 9. -* At the conclusion of the opening ceremony the Duke replied as follows to the King’s cable : “ I have just read your message to the first Commonwealth Parliament, which I have just opened. I also read your kindl.y-worded telegram, which was received with immense enthusiasm by our loving subjects in Australia. The opening of the Parliament was splendid and a complete* success. Twelve thousand people filled the great hall.” OPINION OF THE TIMES, WATCHING WITH PRIDE AND HOPE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, May 9. Tho Times say’s that the opening of the Federal Parliament is one of the chief constitutional incidents of history, and that the development of the Commonwealth will be watched with pride and hope. It adds that autonomy and Imperialism in partnership are compatible and mutually helpful.