SCHEME OF EXTENSION

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 284, 29 August 1942, Page 3

SCHEME OF EXTENSION

Additions At Parliament House Additional accommodation for the Prime Minister and his department is to be built on the roof of Parliament House. The Acting-Prime Minister, Mr. Sullivan, said yesterday that the great expansion of New Zealand’s war effort both in operational and administrative matters had taxed oflice accommodation in Parliament. House far beyond its capacity fur normal times, and in jiarticulnr (his had been the case in connexion with the Prime Minister’s JJepartinenl.. "Every expedient,” said Mr. Sullivan, "has been resorted to and many improvisations made in order to cope with Hie problem. The results, however, have not been satisfactory, although the staff has cheerfully worked hard, despite lhe over-, crowded and generally unfavourable conditions.

“After careful consideration the Government has decided to call a hall to alterations and makeshifts which are more expensive than effective, and to provide on the main roof of the principal building additional accommodation to meet the full requirements of the department.

“The scheme of extension comprises subdivisions of existing work and new additions in wood on the east, north, and west wings. The construction will consist of light material, yet giving strength to the new .superstructure. Both in form and colour the external treatment of the extensions will harmonize with the main permanent building. "I need scarcely emphasize that a vital feature of administrative and staff work in war conditions is its secret and confidential nature. For instance; meetings of both the War Administration and Cabinet should be held in a place which affords the greatest degree of security; and the same condition applies to the major part of the activities of the departmental staff. The new arrangements will meet this requirement and will release accommodation in various parts of Parliament House which is urgently needed for other purposes. Another great advantage will be the bringing together of all branches of the department, thus securing a greater degree of economical and efficient work.