PARLIAMENT HOUSE FIRE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2063, 14 December 1907, Page 3

PARLIAMENT HOUSE FIRE.

FURTHER MESS AG Hi OF SYMPATHY. Press Association. WELLINGTON, Dec. 13. Tho corridors of tho Government Buildings were lit up all night, and artillery men on guard, two boll touts 'being erected in the grounds. A detachment of 15 men will mount guard till further orders. It is rumored these precautions hive been taken in consequence of an anonymous letter, threatening to burn tho (buildings down. One idea suggested is that tho criminal finger-print records kept there may be the cause. About 14 years ago a similar incident happened, about which much reticence xvns observed. DUNEDIN, Dec. 13. The Premier lias received from the Governor the following message from the King, through the Secretary of State :—“I am commanded 'by lus (Majesty the King to express the sincere regret with which lie has heard of tho destruction iliy fire of the Parliamentary (Buildings of tlio (Dominion of New Zealand.” 11ATRICULATIOX EXAMINATIONS. WELLINGTON, Dec. 13. lii consequence of the destruction ;l,y I lie lire at Parliamentary Buildings of the papers of candidates engaged in the matriculation and scholarship examinations, it has been decided to hold another examination on January 20th and 21st- next. The Wellington candidates who sat for matriculation are tho only ones mho will receive fresh papers, hut the scholarship candidates all over the Dominion xvill have to sit on the dates mentioned and go over their wort, again. ANNOUNCEMENT BY' THE PRIME MINISTER. GOVERNMENT HOUSE SITE SUGGESTED. DUNEDIN, Dec. 13. During a speech at the (Harbor Board excursion to-day the Prime Minister made an important announcement in connection with the recent destruction of the Parliamentary buildings. .He said one of tlio troubles the Government had to face was tho providing of proper housing for .present and future representatives* of the people of the Dominion. The matter was one that probably Parliament would have to ho consulted upon, on (material points at any rate. He thought it would he well to make a change of site, subject to the opinion of His Excellency, mlio had ever been most courteous and ready in meeting the wishes of the Government and country. Flo (Sii Joseph) (believed that the Governor would he favorable in this matter to :nv proposal made by the Prime (Minister and his colleagues._ ‘Fie believed most careful consideration would remit in the'conclusion that-they should irail themselves of tlie large area <>' 'anti on which .Government House bands. Ft m as, an area more suited or Parliamentary buildings than for government Flousc. .It seemed to aim tho time mas opportune to build ometliing that would be for all time • credit to' the Dominion and to its people.