THE OPENING

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 282, 23 July 1932, Page 5

THE OPENING

(Press Assn.—

IMPRESSIVE CEREMONIAL

i -By Telegraph— Copyright)

OTTAWA, Friday. The conference was opened on a perfect sunny morning. The session lasted 2 h hours. At the opening ceremony the proceedings were marked by impressive cenemonial. Lord Bessborough was accompanied by an escort of dragoon guardsmen in full dress uniform. In welcoming the delegates on behalf of Canada the Governor-General said the conference might well be the most momentous gathering ever held within the British Empire. A distinguished gallery looked down j on the memorable scene in the House i of Commons when Lord Besshoroxtgh | the Governor,-General, a tall civilian ; figure, entered the chamber to open I the confeiience. The Australians were plaeed on the j right of the Speaker's chair below j the Canadians, Mr. S. M. Bruce had ! his colleagu", Mr. Gullet on one side ^ and Mr. Weir (a Canadian) on the j other. j The New Zealanders were placed I on the left, next to the British dele- ! gation. Mr. Coates sat next to Sir | John Gilmour and Mr. Downie Stew- ! art next to Mr. S. O'Kelly (Free : State) who was the cynosure of all j eyes when he rose with the oth'ers | when the conference passed the re- | solution of loyalty to the throne. The conference despatched a loyal resolution to His Majesty and received a reply before the adjournment. | Lord Bessborough addressing delegates said: "You meet to-day as the chosen trustees of the Empire, knowing your deliberations will materially affiect the welfare of millions. Recent far-reaching events have left unchanged the spirit uniting the Empire and the common ideals which brought you to Ottawa." Chairman Elected Mi\ R. B. Bennett (Canada) was elected permanent chairman of the conference and in a preliminary speech, outlined Canada's aims. Mr. Baldwin (Britain), Mr. Bruce (Australia), Mr. Coates (New Zealand), Mr. Havenga (South Africa), Mr O'Kelly (Free State), and Sir A. T. Chatterjee (India) followed giving a preliminary survey of their hopes and plans all indicating an 'earnest desire for sincere efforts to achieve substantial results. Th'ere was no microphone near Mr Bruce when he rose to address the conference and he waited a full minute with perfect composure until a microphone was brought. He spoke for twelve minutes and said it was unthinkable the conference should fail. He received an ovation on concluding. Messrs Bruce and Coates attracted general interest by their fine bearing and immaculate attire. Mr. O'Kelly spolce with a broad accent for five minutes, and was well received. The - conference was in camera in the afternoon to decide upon the p'lans of procedure.