New Zealand Parliament.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume III, Issue 171, 4 July 1901, Page 3

New Zealand Parliament.

Wellington. July 2. • Barliament, which was opened yesterday by commission, assembled this afternoon to hear the delivery of the Governor’s speech. Despite the wet and cold weather, there was a largo gathering of the public in the neighbourhood of Parliament Buildings to witness the miniature military display, while both floor and galleries of the Legislative Council Chamber, where the principal Ceremony took place, were crowded. The College Rifles lined the approach to the buildings, a large detachment of Blue Jackets from the warships in port forming the guard of honour for Hie Excellency, while the Hetetaunga Mounted Rifles provided the escort. Countess Ranfurly, accompanied by Lady Constance Knox and Lady Aileen Knox-, with the Hons. Hill-Tre’vor and Butler, arrived shortly before 2.30. They were accommodated with seats on the left of Sir H. Miller, Speaker of the Legislative Council, who presented her Ladyship with a beautiful bouquet. Sir H. Miller also handed Mrs Seddon a lovely bouquet. On the right were grouped the foreign consuls in uniforih and several naval officers.

'The Governor, attired in full uniform-, arrived shortly after 2.30, attended by Colonel Penton, Major Owen, and Captains .Alexander, Osborne and Hughes, and took his seat in the Speaker’s chair. After the usual pause while the members of the Lower House were being summoned, his Excellency proceeded to read his speech, which was above the average in length, and occupied twenty-seven minutes in delivery. At its conclusion Lord Ranfurly and the Government House party left the chamber to the accompaniment of a salute fired by the land battery and the warships. Both Houses then proceeded, to ordinary business.