PARLIAMENT JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

Hokitika Guardian, 25 June 1920, Page 2

PARLIAMENT

JOTTINGS FROM THE LOBBY

THE OPENING. (Our Parliamentary Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, June 24. To-day’s proceedings in Parliament were almost entirely formal. The Governor’s Commission, calling the session, was read in the Legislative Council and then the members of the House of Representatives, went to their own Chamber. 'The members took the oath of allegiance and proceeded to the election of a Speaker. Four of the Labour members, Messrs Bartram, Fraser, Howard, and McCombs chose to make aii affirmation, instead of taking the oath in the usual way.

Sir Frederick Lang, was , re-elected without opposition on the motion of Mr Hunter (Waipawa) seconded by Mr Isitt (Christchurch north). The Prime Minister and the leader of the opposition cbngjratulated the iSpeaker and then the House adjourned until tomorrow afternoon, when the Governor General will read his speech. A CHANGED HOUSE.

The appearance of the House has changed considerably since last session. The Reform Party is a solid .phalanx on the Speaker’s right and contains many new faces. It overflows into the left eross benches, where the enlarged Labour Party makes quite a formidable showing. Two of the Labor members, Messrs McCombs and Sullivan have moved into the front, benches. It is the first time their party has appeared in such a, position. • The reduced Liberal opposition - on the Speaker’s left, lacks several of its members, including Messrs Myers and Wilford.

Mr Statham (Dunedin Central) who was elected originally as a Reformer and substantially announced himself an Independent, has taken a seat on the hack Opposition benches. HEAT, BUSINESS ON TUESDAY. The Governor . will read [his speech to-morrow aftcrtioon, and the real business of the session will begin on Tuesday, when an Imprest Supply Bill will he introduced.'

The Labour group has re-elected Dir Holland, as its chairman.