odd wake-up call -- and traditional Parliamentary wit was allowed to break the solemnity of Parliament's 375th birthday.

The biggest laugh of the day was provoked by Opposition Progressive Labour Party leader Mr. Frederick Wade as he departed from his prepared text.

And the butt of his humour was the normally mild-mannered Senate President the Hon. Albert Jackson who had just made a tub-thumping plea for an end to partisan politics.

"I almost forgot that we were not here to have a debate this morning,'' chided Mr. Wade.

"Otherwise I might have argued we should abolish the Senate.' As the laughter ebbed, Speaker of the House, the Hon. Ernest DeCouto, leaned forward in his chair and asked Mr. Wade: "Are you withdrawing your remark?'' The most laughs of the day, however, stemmed from two former House of Commons heavyweights -- Governor Lord Waddington, and ex-Speaker Lord Weatherill, who demonstrated their skill at serving up just the right amount of wit for such an occasion.

Lord Waddington, former Home Secretary, quickly got into his stride, by offering some Parliamentary balm to those politicians yesterday who were not on the list of speakers.

"It's much better for people to wonder why you don't speak than why you do.'' Lord Waddington later jousted with Lord Weatherill, pointing out they had a fair few things in common -- such as trying their hand as Government Whips, keeping unruly party colleagues in line.

"He and I share one or two secrets. We know, for instance, where some of the bodies are buried,'' he said.

"He was an excellent Speaker who upheld the rights of members of the House and the presumptions of the executive.'' Turning to Mr. DeCouto, Lord Waddington said quietly: "I know Mr. Speaker you do likewise.'' In the humour stakes, Lord Weatherill, or so it appeared, was determined not to be outdone by his old Tory ally.

MPs, for instance, were given a timely reminder of how Parliamentary life had changed -- on both sides of the Atlantic -- down the years.

Lord Weatherill recalled a time in Britain when politicians, Speakers in particular, had a lot more to lose than their seats, if they caused offence.

"As you may know Mr. Speaker of our mutual predecessors, eight lost their heads, and two in one day!''