Parliamentary Union.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4878, 22 August 1884, Page 2

Parliamentary Union.

The first meeting of this body in its complete form was held last evening in theShortland Public Hall, and drew a large number of members, as well as a good attendance of spectators;

Mr Speight acted as chairman of the meeting held to finally arracgq all preliminaries to the auspicious opening, and to his exertions and experience is due the smoothness attending the inauguration of the Union. •■',-'"- .*'- - .

The number, of members of the House was.fixed upon as 52, aiid some little time was devoted to allocating ccnstitnencies. So soon as this was done the Speaker, Mr Speight,.took his seat, and the Governor's Speech— which was comprehensive and reai} by the Commissioners, * Messrs Harrisbn^ and Poulgrain. The Premier then announced •<the names of the Ministry, so far as portfolios had been filled, and Mr Hall moved the Address-in-JKeply. Mr T. Wood seconded it, and Mr Farrell, from the Opposition benches, moved an amendment on it; this was seconded by Mr Harrisou. A number of Opposition and Government supporters respectively addressed . the House, and the debate was adjournedi on the motion of Mr Thompson, till Wednesday evening next. It was decided that the meetings of the Union should be held in alternate weeks on Wednesday and Thursday; in the week.in which the Borough.Council meeting takes place#the; Union will assemble on Wednesday, and in other weeks Thursday is the night of meeting. Notices of importance were received from several members of intention to introduce measures and ask questions, and shortly after the appointed hour for closing proceedings the House adjourned until Wednesday next.