The Nelson Evening Mail. THUESDAY, JUNE 3, 1869. OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume IV, Issue 128, 3 June 1869, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. THUESDAY, JUNE 3, 1869. OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

The General Assembly of New Zealand was formally opened on Tues lay last at 2 o'clock by Commission, his Excellency tha Governor being unable to attend in person. There was a large attendance of ladies iv the body of the Council Chamber; tho galleries were also well filled. As his Excellency did not open the Parliament in person on this occasion, there was an absence of display outside. EEGISLATIYIi COUNCIL. The Speaker took the chair at 2 o'clock. The Hou Major Richardson aud tlie Hon. Major Eichmond, members of the Commission, then sent for the Lower House. The Hon. Dr. Pollen was aiso on the Cominisssion, but was not present, being detained in Auckland ou important business. On the arrival of- ihe members of the Lower House, the Hon. the Speaker read the speech. The members of the Lower House then withdrew, and, after some formal business the Council adjourned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The members assembled at 2 o'clock, when the Speaker, Sir David JUonro, took the chair and read prayers; the Ministry were represented by the Hons. E. W. Stafford, W. Fitzherbert, J. Hall, J. C. Richmond, and Colonel Haultain; about 40 members were present. At a quarter past 2 a message was received from the Upper House, stating that the Commission authorised by his Excellency the Governor, required the attention of the Lower House. On their return, some correspondence was read, stating what vacancies and new elections had occurred during the recess. The following members took the oaths and their seats: — Nathaniel Edwards, Thomas Birch, E. Stafford, R. J, Creighton, H. Farnall, T. Rich, and John Munro. The following bill was brought in ancl read a first time, being brought in by the Hou. K W. Stafford — tho Public Payments Bill. A number of papers were laid ou tbe table by command of his Excellency. The Speaker theu stated that he had attended the Legislative Council by command of the Commission appointed by his Excellency, where a speech had been delivered, of which, for greater accuracy, he had obtained a copy. The Speaker then read the speech. Mr. Edwards gave notica that he would move a respectful reply to the address. The Hon. E. W. Stafford rose to express, on behalf of his Excellency, the regret he felt at being unable to open Parliament in person. His Excellency hud intended to do so, but almost at the last moment a message was received in Auckland inviting tho attendance of his Excellency at a meeting of the King party in the Waikato. Dr. Pollen was absent from the same cause. The House then adjourned.