[?]gCo. Speaker

Fijian Chief is [?]rst [?]gCo. Speaker

OR the first time in its history, the Fiji Legislative Council is have a Speaker; and Ratu Sir Lala tuna, KCMG, KBE, is to be the t to fill the office. n making the announcement re itly, the Governor said, “I am e that Honourable Members will come the creation of the office Speaker of the Legislative Coun it represents an important and tifying development of the status the council, and it is a tribute its sense of responsibility.

Outlining the functions of the laker, His Excellency said that ;n the office of Speaker is filled Speaker will normally preside r the Council. He will be in endent and will not take part the debates. His function will to ensure that the business of Council proceeds in an orderly mer, and that the rights of the nbers are upheld and that the nding Orders are observed. The rernor will retain his position as sident and, when he considers it .rable to do so, he will himself md the meetings of the Council will preside, exercising his ctions in the same manner as he 3 to-day. [eanwhile, it is intended that Lala Sukuna should go to Eng -1 in order, by attendance at the ise of Commons and by dis >ion with its officers, to gain her experience in Parliamentary )ced u r e. His appointment is ular in Fiji.