A FORMAL ACCOUNT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3452, 17 February 1912, Page 7

A FORMAL ACCOUNT.

MR. MASSEY GIVES NOTICE. HOW THE SPEECH WAS READ. [per press ASSOCIATION. 3 WELLINGTON, Feb. 16. The practical opening of Parliament took place at 2.30 p.m, to-day, when the Governor delivered the Speech l from the Throne to members of both branches of the Legislature in the Council Chambers. liis Excellency was attended by his ai l 3 de camp and was accompanied by the Commander of the Forces (MajorGeneral Godley), and staff officers. His Excellency was saluted by a guard of honor as he arrived in the Parliamentary grounds, and immediately proceeded to the Council Chamber, which was -thronged in every available space with eager spectators anxious to know" the contents of the Speech. As soon as the members of the House, headed by the Speaker (Sir Arthur Guinness) were marslialled on the floor of the Council Chamber, His Excellency read in clear tones the Speech l placed in his hands by Hon. Mr. McGowan (Leader of the Council). The reading occupied nearly 25 minutes, and was a surprise to many who expected only a brief mention of the causes which'had necessitated the early assembly of the Houses. After the Speech members of the House returned to their own Chamber, and later the Council met, and the Hon. Mr Callan, having given notice to move the Address-in-Reply, it‘adjourned until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday.