PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURES,

7

When a dissolution takes place, a proclamation is issued i
dissolving the Assembly. This is followed by a second pro- solution,
clamation announcing that orders have been given for issuing
writs for holding a new election and directing the writs to
bear a certain date, and to be returnable on a certain date,
and fixing the day on which nominations are to be held.
A further proclamation directs the legislature to meet on
a given day.

3. The opening of the Legislature.
The method of opening a provincial legislature is similar English
to that followed at the opening of the Imperial Parliament. Dee
The proceedings in Quebec for instance at the opening of the
new parliament in 1882 were as follows:
On the first day of the meeting appointed for the despatch Swearing
of business pursuant to the Proclamation of the Lieutenant- members,
Governor, the Commissioners appointed to administer the oath
of allegiance to the members—usually the clerk and the clerk’s
assistant—attended at the table of the House at the hour of ten
in the morning, and proceeded to swear in members who subscribed
 the roll containing the oath. At three o'clock in the
afternoon the members who had taken the oath assembled
and took their seats in the House and awaited a message
from the Lieutenant-Governor.
On receiving a message through the Usher of the Black
Rod to the effect that “ His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor
desires the immediate attendance of the members of this
Hon. Assembly in the Legislative Council Chamber” the
members proceeded to the Council Chamber. The Clerk of
the Legislative Council then addressed them as follows:
“ Honourable Gentlemen and Gentlemen of the Legislative
Assembly.

+ All the Provincial Assemblies have a standing order to the effect that
in unprovided cases the rules, usages and forms of the Imperial House of
Commons as in force at the time shall be followed.