A NEW SESSION OF THE BAHAMAS HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY - ONE OF THE OLDEST ELECTED LEGISLATURES IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERES WAS OPENED ON DECEMBER 6, 1962. GENERAL ELECTIONS ARE HELD ONCE EVERY 7 YEARS SO THAT THE OPENING OF A NEW HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY IS AN INFREQUENT EVENT. OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WAS SIR ROBERT STAPLEDON, GOVERNOR OF THE BAHAMAS.

HE WILL BE OFFICIAL HOST TO PRESIDENT KENNEDY AND THE BRITISH PRIME MINISTER MR. MACMILLAN WHEN THEY MEET IN THE BAHAMAS.

FILM SHOW CROWD SHOTS; NEW MEMBERS ENTERING HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY BUILDING; SIR ROLAND SYMONETTE (LEFT ) AND HIS SON, ROBERT SYMONETTE, NOW SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY; ARRIVAL OF POLICE BAND AND GUARD OF HONOUR; COMMISSIONER OF POLICE TALKING WITH CHIEF JUSTICE SIR RALPH CAMPBELL (RIGHT); THE GOVERNOR ARRIVING TO OPEN THE HOUSE AND INSPECT GUARD OF HONOUR; THE SPEAKER LEADING THE NEW MEMBERS INTO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL; THE GOVERNOR AND PARTY LEAVING LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL; GOVERNOR BEING SALUTED BY POLICE; GOVERNOR LEAVING; POLICE MARCHING.