DOMINION. AMENITIES

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2842, 5 August 1916, Page 3

DOMINION. AMENITIES

— ♦ — : — A SPEAKER'S CHAIR FOR. CANADA. When the Canadian House of Parliament was burned down some time ago a newspaper suggested that it would 08 a graceful act on the part of New Zealand to present some article of furniture, such, for instance,. as a Speaker's chair, to the new building, which would have to be erected. This suggestion was referred to by Mr. A. S. Malcolm, secretary of the Parliamentary Association, when making a, statement by indulgence in the House yesterday afternoon. After explaining that the hope that a meeting of members might bo held before the session closed 'had been frustrated by the pressure of work, Mr. Malcolm said that the suggestion had been made in New Zealand that-tho- Parliament of New Zealand should "present a Speaker's chair for the new .building that was being erected for the Canadian-Par-liament. The Prime Minister had sent the suggestion on to him (Mr. Malcolm) with the desire that the- Empire Parliamentary Association should express an opinion on the matter, but as no meetins had been held, that was impossible. He had that morning, however, mentioned the matter to the Furnishing Committee of the House, and the idea was heartily approved by the members individually, although they , were not in a position to jreport upon it. They would, however, be delighted to see the Prime Minister adopt the suggestion made and move in the direction of complying with it.

The Prime Minister replied: "I shall be very, glad indeed to give effect to the suggestion that has been made. As a matter of fact I have been thinking this matter over ever since the fire took place. I may have the opportunity in the not far distant future of seeing the Prime Minister of Canada, and I, am thinking of suggesting to him that New Zealand would be pleased if they would allow us .to send iVkm some specimens of our very best stone, 6uck'as the'marblo being used'in our new'building, or some of our very best timber, for panelling some of their rooms, or the third suggestion of presenting them with a Speaker's chair. I think it is the proper thing to do, and I shalL be glad either to give effect to what has been proposed, 1 -or -to-the two ideas that I now offer on my own 'account." Mr. AVilford: Let them choose the design and we'll foot the bill. Mr. MasseyYes, certainly."