OLD LANDMARK TO GO

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 194, 15 May 1944, Page 4

OLD LANDMARK TO GO

Tower On Parliament House

An old landmark of Wellington will disappear with the removal of the tower on the wooden section of Parliament Buildings, overlooking Bowen Street. This tower, which is now considered unsafe, is in two sections, the lower portion containing two rooms which have been used by various members. Scaffolding is now being erected to enable the superstructure of the tower to lie* taken down. The wooden block of Parliament Buildings was originally Government House. In December, 1907, fire destroyed all but the library wing of the old Parliament Buildings, and Government House on the adjoining site was utilized for the meetings of Parliament till the new building was erected. Since Hie erection of the new building the old wooden building has continued to be used. It houses <i number of Ministerial offices, also the members' and dining and tea rooms, as well as the liiq social hall, where many important functions have been beta. The rear part of the old buildings which housed Bellnmy's has now been removed and new additions are la be built in its place. Good progress is licing made with this work. ’