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the standing orders, given by Doug Wheeler, the clerk assistant.   Wheeler was a tall, imposing figure, with an authoritative spiel.   When parliament was in session, he was one of the bewigged figures who sat at the table below the speakers chair, listening to the debates and keeping track of what went on.   A lifetime of this duty could be expected to try the most patient of men; but Wheeler, who was within a few years of retirement, showed no outward signs of strain.

        He enthusiastically outlined the way in which business was conducted in the Legislative Assembly, according to an accumulation of rules which had their origin in medieval England.   He listed the routine of business for a sitting day:   Petiitions, notice of motion, presentation of papers, questions, disposal of business, Motions and orders.

        We were told how legislation is introduced in the form of a bill; which is given a first reading , then a second reading , debated, examined clause by clause in the committee stage, read a third time, sent to the Council, returned (perhaps amended), sent to the Governor for royal assent, and finally proclaimed as an Act of Parliament.

        He defined what members of parliament could say in the chamber and when they could say it.   He alluded to the various devices which could be employed in debates by either side.   All this procedure was governed by past rulings and interpretations.   The clerks advised.

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