Opening of Parliament.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 4423, 12 June 1909, Page 2

Opening of Parliament.

PROCEEDINGS IN THE HOUSE.. VARIOUS MATTERS DISCUSSED. THE TIMBER COMMISSION. Wellington, June 10. Shortly before 3.30 p.m., the hour at which the Governor was to formally open Parliament, a crowd gathered outside Parliament Buildmgs to watch the approacli of His Excellency-, escorted by the usual guard of honour. Interest was somewhat lessened by the faofc that no invitations were issued to Consuls aud others who usually grace the opening ceremony. This was due to the limited spaee in the new Council Chamber. There is only one small gallery mainly devoted to the Press, and in this a few ladies found accommodation, while the lady members of His Excellency’s household and a few others found seating accommodation on the floor of the Chamber.

As the Governor approached the usual salute was fired. His Excellency entered the Courcil Chamber precisely at 3.30, accompanied by the officers of his staff apd two officers from H.M.s. Challenger, and having sent for the members of the Hoqse to attend in the Council Chamber, read his speech. The whole proceedings were over within fifteen minutes from the arrival of the Governor.

Subsequently the Council met for formal business. The Hons. James McGtowan and C. H. Mills, newly appointed members, and the Hons. J. Holmes aud J. Marshall were re appointed and sworn in. The Attorney*General made a brief reference to the death of the Hon Heke, and a motion of condolence to the son was passed. The Couneil adjourned until 10.30 the following morning.

POSTPONING PARLIAMENT.

A WELLINGTON PROTEST. meetingTj iTcitiz ENS. Wellington', June 10. A meeting of protest against the jnstponcment of Parliament is to be held at the Town Hall on Tuesday evening. The Mayer will preside, and ail the Wellington Ci'.y members of Parliament will speak. The meeting is the outcome of a gathering of a number of commercial and professional men held yesterday. The proceedings then were of a private nature, but if is reported that there was a unanimous opinion expressed that the postponement of the business uf the country until September or October next in order to allow the Prime Minister to go to London was altogether an undesirable thing to do. It was resolved to put the matter before the citizens, hence the meeting. Mr W. F. Massey, when approached by the promoters, favoured the idea of the meetjng, T(Ve meeting yesterday agreed that the proceedings should be of the nature of a citizens’ protest, and not associated with the Opposition party. As such there was a posibilitv, however, of Mr Massey beiug one of the speakers.