A GENERAL VIEW.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 68, 29 June 1910, Page 8

A GENERAL VIEW.

XEW& AND NOTES. (By Telegraph.—From Our Parliamentary Correspondent) Wellington, Last Night. Pourmg rain outside, a faithful few sightseers within, and an innovation. The latter took effect at 2.30, damping the spirits of the few who had «S them dned in time for the opening. Tb* innovation was due to the new law passed after the accession of Edward VII. , by which legislators are required, c* the demise of a sovereign, to sweat allegiance to the successor. The effect was found to be that, it was a case of 'no oath, no Parliament." There was nothing, therefore, to open until the members of both Houses had opened their mouths with the oath of allegiance. This was done expeditiously, m some cases mechanically. For exI ample, one batch, reading the old form ; presented them for greater despatch of the business, were held to swear feato to His Gracious Majesty Edward VH. IKectmcation followed, of coursejaad the swearing got through, i At 3.30 the Governor came ia U> the Council Chamber in the usual maimer. His uniform was the subject of much curiosity, and there was varied comment over his cocked hat with white and ,red plumes, dark blue suit, with a coat much like the uniform of an admiral of the King's Navy, with epaulettes, facings, marks, and stripes in silver. The knowing ones set it down as a Yeomanry uniform. The more knowing ones said it was a county official dress. It transpired, on the authority of those who really did know, that it is a uniform especially designed by the late King for all Viceroys and Governors of oversea dominions, and ,that at present there are only two in existence—this one, and that worn by the Governor-General of India. The Speech was read easily, without a trace of nervousness, and then the Houses settled to business. The mournful formalities over on a melancholy occasion, at six o'clock the Governor held a levee in the Council Chamber. It was a .brilliant one that surpasses by much all such functions of the past twenty years. Never hare 1 sees the levee folk so cordial or so smart. Word had got out that the Governor Kkes people to be smart and' in the regal order. Hence the number of men in the old levee regulation of evening dress. . -i In the lobbies the main subject of gossip was non-political. The EoWOT House had not got passes for the private entry to the levee, and the tffr was full of thirst for the blood of somebody who had blundered. Soon It Became quiet, for members got the coveted privilege 1 . Members are well pleased with the* Governor's Speech.

•The proceedings in the Upper House; assumed a more cheerful note when the members proceeded to congratulate the Speaker on Ms recently-received knighthood. Sir Charles Bowen was, as usual, most modest in his reply, and very much affected by. the kind references made to his mpny virtues. In the Lower House the proceeding!! were out of the ordinary, owing to the references to our late -King, and also to King George. Sir Joseph Ward put on record once more New Zealand's deep loyalty to the Crown, and Mr. Massey made a most excellent And dignified speech. Thereafter references were niflde to the legislators who have died since Parliament last met. As there is notfring of a surprising nature in the Governor's Speech, there is practically no comment on it in Ohe i lobbies, and members will not begin to tali until the Imprest Supply Bill comes down, probably on Thursday. Mr. Ell is likely to'be made senior an(T Mr. Maedonald junior Government whip. Mr. Hardy will continue to act' f»r the Opposition. The attendance in the Lower House to-day, both of members and stranger*,was considerably below the average.