OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4473, 21 July 1875, Page 2

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

The fifth and final session of the fifth Parliament of the colony of New Zealand was opened yesterday, with all the usual ceremonies, by his Excellency the Governor, the Marquis of Normanby. The day was beautifully fine, the weather presenting a marked contrast to that which had prevailed for the few previous days. From an early hour it was apparent that an event of more than ordinary importance was to take place. Bunting floated in the breeze in all directions throughout the town, and part of the shipping in harbor, including the man-of-war Dido, was dressed from top to stern, whilst the streets were thronged with numbers of strangers from all parts, not to mention the troops of Maoris, specially got up for the occasion in their fanciful costumes. The Wellington Volunteer Artillery and the City Rifles mustered strongly at the drillshed in Willis-street, under the command of Captain Pearce and Captain Crowe, at half-past one o'clock, headed by their respective bands, and marched along Willisstreet and Lambton-quay towards the Parliament Houses. The Artillery, with then - guns, took up a position on the reclaimed land, whilst the Rifles proceeded on to the Legislative Council Chamber, and formed a a guard of honor at the entrance. At the Government Buildings a large concourse had assembled, and the Council Chamber was quickly filled, and the elegant toilettes of the ladies rendered the scene exceedingly brilliant. Nearly all the members were present in their seats before two o'clock, at which hour the first gun of the salute announced that his Excellency had left Government House. Shortly afterwards the doors of the Legislative Council were thrown open, and his Excellency, who wore the gorgeous uniform of the Civil Service, accompanied ,by his private secretary, a couple of aides-de-camp, and Captain Chapman, commander of H.M.S.S. Dido, entered the hall, and was received by the Speaker, and conducted to the dais. The members of the House of Representatives, preceded by the Sergeant-at-arms, bearing the mace, and headed by the Speaker (Sir E. Dillon Bell), were speedily in attendance, and his Excellency then read the speech. This done, the viceregal party retired and drove away, the band performing the National Anthem. The members of the House of Representatives then retired to their own chamber, and routine business in both Houses was proceeded with.