Opening Of PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 5 December 1928, Page 5

Opening Of PARLIAMENT

SIR C. STATHAM RE-ELECTED SPEAKER..

(Bv Telegraph—Press Association)

WELLINGTON, December 4

Tlk“ first session of the Twenty-Third Parliament was opened this afternoon by a Commission from His Excellency the Government. This was read in the Legislative Council by Sir AValtei Carncross, Sir E. D. Hell, Sir H. Rhodes, Sir W. Hall-Jones. .Members then returned to the House where they were sworn in by the Clerk. Sir George Hunter (Wnipawa) then moved, and .Mr .McPherson (Oamaru) seconded, that Sir Charles Statham be elected Speaker. This was supported by Mr P. Eraser on behalf of the Labour Party and there being no other nominations, Sir Charles Statham was unanimously re-elected. He was thereupon warmly congratulated by the Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, and Mr 11. E. Holland. After •Sir C. Statham had briefly returned thanks for his election to the high office for the third time, the Prime Minister moved the adjournment ol the House (ill 2.30 to-morrow. LA HOUR. LEADERS. WELLINGTON, December 4. At a caucus of the Labour Party today, Mr H. E. Holland (Buller) was re-elected Parliamentary Leader and Mr S avage Deputy-Leader. GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S SPEECH.

(Per Favour of Government)

WELLINGTON, Doc. 5

The Hon. the Governor-General (Sir Charles Fergusson) delivered the following snoeoli this afternoon, to the assembled Members of Parliament. Hon. Gentlemen of the Legislative Council and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: —The illness of the King has created, and still causes grave anxiety in every part of the Empire. I nm confident that you will join with me in an earnest hope that His Majesty may he speedily restored to complete health and strength. In accordance with the advice of mj Ministers that an immediate opportunliament of the Dominion to express approval or otherwise of their administration. I have convened your first session to be held at the earliest possible date, after the return of the writs. It is not proposed to submit legislative measures for your consideration during vour present session. Air Sneaker, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:—As Supply has been already granted for the period expiring on the 30tli. June next, you will not be called upon during your present session to consider legislation in relation to finanoe. You will be furnished with information relating to the finances of the Dominion for the first seven months of this financial year. Honourable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: —I earnestly trust that under Divine Providence, the happiness and well-being of the people of this Dominion may be advanced’ by the result of your deliberations. .■