GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Kumara Times, Issue 868, 12 July 1879, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. [NEW ZEALAND PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington, July 11. The fourth session of the sixth Parliament was opened to-day. The two Houses met in their respective Chambers at 2 o'clock. In the Council, Sir Wm. Fitzherbert handed the clerk his commission as Speaker, and took the chair. A commission appointing Sir Wm. Fitzherbert, Hon. Colonel Whit, more, Hon. Major Richmond, C. 8., and Hon. Sir F. D. Ball, Commissioners to open Parliament, was then read, and the House of Representatives having been first summoned to attend, Sir Wm. Fitzherbert informed both Houses that his Excellency would, on Tuesday, declare to them his reasons for callin» them together ; and the House of Representafivea were then sent back to their Chamber with instructions to elect a Speaker. The Clerk of the House occupied his chair, and, under a special commission, swore J. Shanks, Matnura, M.H.H.; Mr Jackson, llutt, and Mr D. Goldie, Auckland. Major Campbell then rend a letter from Sir W m . Fi'zherl.ert announcing his resignation, and thanking 'the House for past support. The Premier (Sir George Grey) proposed Mr O'Rorke as Speaker. Major

Atkinson seconded. Mr O'Rorke was unanimously elected. Mr Wlmaker said—Mr Speaker, I rise for the purpose of coiigrrtiilating yon on the occasion of your takiug the Speaker's chair. We have set together in this House for many years, but. we have seldom if ever sat on the same side of the House. I don't speak well of you hecaase we are friends, but bscause I feel that you are a man of merit. I have now been member of this House for about 25 years, and consequently have had a great deal of experience of characters of the Shaker, but I have never known anybody who has impressed me as being a more impartial .man than youi-setf (applause.) After what has already been said it if unnecessary for me to speak at greater lengthy but I will express the hope with you that when you retire £»m the position of Speaker of this House you will he held in the name high estimation air you are at present. I congratulate you most sincerlv on your taking the Speakership. (Applause). It was then moved that this House do now adjourn till the usual honr on Tuesday rext.

The House then adjourned. The Legislative Uomicil also adjourned to Tuesday.