NEW CARPET FOR HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Chronicle (Levin), 16 January 1948, Page 5

NEW CARPET FOR HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

WELLINGTON, Jan. 15. The fapubar red carpet which has been on th.e floor of the cliamber of the House of 'Representatives ever since .1919, is. being replnced by more than 450i yarda of Axiuinster carpet imported from England. Newr under-felt is also Heiug laid but no details o,f the costs of the renovatious were disclosed by Government officials today, Two workmen have removed all 80 desks and benches from the ehamber and have st.ripp.ed o.fC all the old carpet. They are now engaged in laying the underfelt and the new covering will be avail able in ample time for the opening of the next session towards the end of . June. It is understood tliat the GoVernpient atteinpted to, buv new carpet from England seyeral years ago but negotialions were halted because oi the War. The old carpet lasted amazingly • well and some of it is- stvU so good that it will be used in other places in Parliainent Buildings. Rowever, tlie con- . tinual Mramping by members, meseengers and public wronght inevitable havoc over its 29-year life aud it was becomi.ug pathetieally threadbare iu -pateh.es. Tli,es new ca.rpet was bought fruur a pvominent English lirm and; is ' exactjy "the same iu co,lour. and pattern as its predecessor-, The.present ehamber has been in use since 1919 and the carpet has never been replacfed,