GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2155, 27 January 1891, Page 3

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. The first session of the eleventh Parliament of New Zealand was opened by Commission to-day. Sir Frederick Whitaker, the Hon. Mr Stevens, and the Hon. Mr Baillie were the Commissioners. Sixteen councillors were present and 64 members of the House of Representatives. THE SPEAKERSHIP. After the formal proceedings were over, Sir Harry Atkinson, who had sent in his resignation an hour or two before, and had been sworn in before the Governor, was introduced by Sir Frederick Whitaker and took fhe Speaker’s chair, NEW COUNCILLORS. The Speaker announced the appointments to the Legislative Council, and swore in Messrs Ormond and C. J. Johnston. He made no speech, and none was made by Councillors.

HOU3B OF REPRESENTATIVES.

SWEARING IN MEMBERS;

The first business was the swearing in of members, who took the oath by batches of four to the number of 68. Messrs Allen, Goldie, Buekland, T. McKenzie, and Atkinson being absentees. ELECTION OF SPEAKER, The Clerk announced that the House would now proceed to the election of a Speaker. Mr Saunders proposed and Mr Thomson (Bruce) seconded, that the Hon, W. Rolleston be speaker. Mr Sedden proposed, and Mr O’Conor seconded, Mr W. J. Steward

The candidates having given brief addresses, the Clerk put the question that Mr Rolleston be elected speaker. The division resulted: Ayes, 29; noes, 86. Major Steward was then elected without a division.

His proposer and seconder escorted Major Steward to the Speaker’s chair which he ascended, and briefly returned thanks. RESIGNATION OP THE MINISTRY. Mr Mitchelson announced that the Premier had tendered his resignation of himself and his Government to His Excellency the Governor. Ministers were now occupying the Treasury benches only till their successors were appointed, ME BALLANCB SENT FOR. Mr Ballauce congratulated Major Steward and went on to announce that His Excellency had asked him to form an administration, and he (Mr Ballance) had accepted the task. He had not yet had time to consult his friends, but ho expected to be in a position to make an announcement to the House by Tuesday. ADJOURNMENT. Mr Mitchelson moved the adjournment of the House till Tuesday at 2 p.m. Mr Hamlin congratulated the Speaker heartily, and said that he would freely have his assistance should he desire it.

Ihe adjournment was agreed to, and the House rose at 4 p.m.