IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PARLIAMENT HOUSES.

Evening Star, Issue 3690, 20 July 1875, Page 2

IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PARLIAMENT HOUSES.

The ‘.NewZealand Times’ gives the following account ef the improvement and alterations recently made to the Parliament Houses ; Daring tho past few weeks carpenters have been busy in the Parliament id ouses making extensive alterations and improvements for the comfort and convenience of members during the ensuing session. In the Legislative Council Chamber the alterations have been trifling, and do not call for more than a mere passing notice; but in the Representatives’ Chamber much has been done. Lt has been altogether remodelled, so far as the arrangements for members are concerned, Tho two side doore at the western end leading to the library, refresh-ment-room, and similar apartments, have been taken out, and in lieu of them a pair of large folding doors have been p’aoed iu the centre of the wall, and directly opposite the Speaker's chri-. From this door a passage between the seats leads to (be floor of the house, in which passage will be placed when occasion requires, the bar of tit house. Instead of all seats being on the same level as heretofore, they are now placed upon permanent raised platforms, giving four rows of seats on either side. Thus the two front rows are a step above the floor, and the other two rows each a step above the other, so that the fourth row is three steps from the floor of the house. The house is divided in the middle by a passage running north and south, and the seats on the western side form what may be termed the Minis'erial and Opposition corners, To the oast of the passage is placed the table of the house, the Ministers’ table, and the Government and Opposition benches. These latter are raised similarly to tho seats ou the western side, but run longitudinally, instead of being placed semicirculariy as those on the western side are. The whole of the members’ seats are now, and are designed to match the Speaker s canopy, having spiral or twisted legs, the upholstery being of the very best description. They are all covered with maroon morocco skins, expressly imported by the Government for the purpose. Small tables of Gothic design, similar to those in use iu the Legislative Council Chamber, are provided for each seat, fitted with drawer* and Chubb’s patent locks, so that each member will have his private drawer. The Ministers’ table and the table of the House are also new, of Gothic design, having cloth covers glued within margin, and, like the members’ seats and tables, are of heart of kauri pine, French-polished, The most striking feature in the whole work is the highly ornamental canopy of Gothic design, within which the Speaker's chair is to be placed. This has coupled spiral or twisted pillars on side, supporting a cuspod and perforated arch in front, and a plain arch at the back of tbe chair. The caps are foliated, and a foliatid band to match extends round tha canopy, with a springing to the plaiu arch, in which will bo placed the Royal Arms. On either side of tno chair proper (an ordinary easy ohair, in harmony with the members’ seats), are shelves for worts of reference, and in freut a desk corresponding with the architecture of the canopy. The structure is exceedingly elegant, and a fine specimen of the ski'l of Mr W. H. Clayton, the Colonial architect, from whoso drawing it has been built. Between the memuers’ seats plenty of space has been left, so that gentleman may enter their places, or move from one spot to another without inconveniencing other members. Under past arrangements, members, when a division has been called, have had to pass cither to the right or to the left part of the house, according to the side on which they vote, but two division lobbies have been constructed, and both ayes and noes will go forth from the chamber into their respective lobbies. Tho chamber is heated as before, the warm air being admitted through cast-iron air gratings round the rise of the first platform. The whole of the work has been carried out under contract by Mr Duff, of Lambton Quay, the Colonial Architect supervising, and it is thoroughly well done, tho canopy especial .y exhibiting a finish rarely met with in Colonial furmLure.