THE RIGHTS OF PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 8 December 1928, Page 8

THE RIGHTS OF PARLIAMENT

CLAIMED FROM KING

AN INTERESTING CEREMONY

NY ELLINGTON, eceinber 5

One of the formalities of a new Parliament was carried out this morning when the Speaker, having been reappointed by the House of "Representatives. was escorted by his proposer and seconder and a number of other members to Government House, for the purpose of securing the approval of their choice by the King’s representative.

Heroin is a survival of a,n ancient, practice which can he traced hack to the contests between King and Parliament for independence, the actual phrases used to-day being reminiscent of this controversy. AYhen Sir Charles Stnlham was submitted for the approval of his Excellency, the latter signified his agreement with ■ the choice of the House. NAHiecoupon Mr Speaker was required, to declare: “Thanking your Excellency for your approbation of tin* choice made by the House of Roorccentafives of me to be their Speaker. T have now, on behalf of the House of Representatives of New Zealand, to lav claim to all their privileges, and especially to freedom of speech in definite and to free access to your Enrol lon cy whenever occasion may require it. and that the most favourable construction may he put on all theii proceedings.” Sir Charles Fergusson, as his Ma ; - oslv’s representative, gave the reassuring answer: “I on behalf ol the King, confirm all the rights and privileges of the House of Represent la fives to the same extent as they have been giAllied hitherto. I also assure you that the House of Representatives will a,lwa\s have ready access to me, and that I will at .times place the most favourable construction upon their prneeed-

IllffS Probably members when they assemble, d this afternoon allowed all these assurances to pass without nnu-h th.om.dit of their significance, hut Sir Charles Statham, as custodian of the liberties of Parliament, was careful to repeat them from the chair and to have them put on record.