OFFICIAL WIRELESS

Hokitika Guardian, 25 June 1928, Page 1

OFFICIAL WIRELESS

[Special to Press Assn, by Radio.] OLD WORLD CEREMONY. CAPTAIN FITZROY INSTALLED AS SPEAKER.

RUGBY, June 21. The new Speaker of the House of Commons entered upon His duties this afternoon, after a picturesque ceremony at which representatives of the House of Commons learned that his Majesty had entire confidence in the ability', diligence and efficiency' of their nominee, Captain Fitzroy, to fulfil his new duties.

To hoar this announcement . the members of the House of Commons were summoned to the House of Lords in the time-honoured fashion. The official known as, Black Rod, having knocked tlirico on the door ol the Chamber, was admitted and after standing temporarily' at the Bar and bowing, he advanced to the table. At his summons, tho Speaker-elect, accompanied by' the Sergeant-at-Arms and members of tho House, proceeded to the Upper House, where the Commission having been read, the King’s approval was signified by the Lord Chancellor, who is one of the Lords Commissioners.

On returning the Speaker reported the result to tho House of Commons, and in a brief speech renewed his assurance of his entire devotion to the service of the House.

Mr Dennis Herbert was, on the motion of tho Prime Minister, unanimously appointed to succeed Captain Fitaroy ay Deputy-Chairman of Committees.

CONDITIONS IN CHINA. RUGBY, June 21. The recent military and political developments in China were the subject of a statement by ‘ Sir Austen Chamberlain in reply to a question in the House of Commons. He said that rekin was taken over by Shansi troops on Juno 8, General Yen’s Chief-of-staff giving tho foreign representatives the fullest assurance as to tho maintenance of law and order. The position at Pekin remained uncertain as large numbers of Marshal Feng Yu-hsiang’s troops wore quartered immediately to tho south of the city, while on June 12, General Pai Chung-si, a member of the Ivwangai group, now controlling Hankow, arrived at tbe capital. The latest reports indicate that Marshal Feng’s troops are removing from the suburbs of Pekin, and are taking up a position some thirty' miles or so further south, but bis intentions remain

obscure. Tien-tsin was taken over by the Shansi General on Juno 12. There was some looting in the Chinese city' on the part of the out-going Northern troops, but order was speedily restored. ' Railway communication from Pekin was interrupted for some days but has now been re-opened. Dr Nang assumed office as Minister for Foreign Affairs at Nanking on June 14. Early in Juno Chinng Kai-shek resigned his posts of Commander-in-Chief of the. army and Chairman of the Military Council, but latest reports indicate that he may withdraw liis resignation. The Chinese Charge d’Affaircs in London lias announced that under instructions from Nanking lie will continue to represent China in this country.