§ The Fourth Session of the Twenty-eighth Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, appointed to meet 16th February, 1909, in the ninth year in the reign of King Edward VII., was opened by His Majesty in person.
§ The SPEAKER (Right Hon. James William Lowther) took the chair at Two of the clock.
§ The Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod (Admiral Sir H. F. Stephenson) was announced.
§ Addressing Mr. Speaker, Black Rod said:—The King commands this Honourable House to attend immediately at the House of Peers, to hear His Majesty's gracious Speech read.
§ Mr. SPEAKER, accompanied by the Prime Minister (Right Hon. H. H Asquith), Right Hon. A. J. Balfour (Leader of the Opposition), and other Members went to the House of Lords.
§ On their return the sitting of the House was suspended until Four of the clock.
§ When the House resumed MR. SPEAKER informed the House that he had issued during the Recess a warrant for a New Writ for Warwickshire (North), in the room of Sir Philip Albert Muntz, Bart., deceased.