TE KUITI DEBATING SOCIETY.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 470, 1 June 1912, Page 5

TE KUITI DEBATING SOCIETY.

OPENING OF THE SESSION. The opening of Parliament by the Te Kuiti Debating Society duly took place on Thursday night. As was announced in last issue, a Reform Party Government, under the leadership of Mr E. Martin, took office and brought down a Governor's speech. The opening ceremony was conducted on constitutional lines, there being a large number of spectators, including many ladies, in the gallery. The House assembled at half-past seven at the Municipal Chambers the Ministerial benches being occupied by Messrs Martin, Somerville, Lusk, Sharpies, Turner and Wall, while opposite the leaders of the Opposition, Mr Schoies, was supported by Messfs Moorhouse, Ellison, Walsh, Hoffman and Steel. The cross benches were occupied by the Socialistic members Messrs Howarth and J. B. Young. The entrance of the Governor was made with the usual display. He read the speech in a firm voice. The Speaker, Major Lusk, then took the chair, and tae business of the first session commenced. The Address-in-Reply was moved by Mr Trinnear and seconded by Mr Somerville.

A no-confidence motion on the financial policy of the Government was moved by the Opposition leader and was hotly debated until ten o'clock. Notwithstanding the support accorded the Oppusition by the Socialistic members the division was won by the Government, and the first Ministry still retains office.