PARLIAMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 406, 4 July 1908, Page 4

PARLIAMENT.

Wkujnoton, Thursday. After the usual formal business, Sir J. G. Ward explained what was being done concerning the new Parliamentary Buildings, The Government had sketch plans made for a new building on the old site, and for one on the Government House site. There was not sufficient time to erect temporary buildings on the old site, and as the buildings in Wellington were unsuitable, he was confident that the Government had done the best under the circumstances. To complete the building on Government House site would cost £IBO,000, but for half that sum, and using the present buildings, they could make satisfactory arrangements for at least 6 or 8 years. After that, however, the wooden buildings in which they were at present sitting, would be exhausted, either by dry rot or wood borer. For buildings on the old site, the cost would be ,£115,000. If they sold the site where the Government offices stood they could obtain ,£260,000, but he was opposed to their sale, as they never know what would be the requirements of the Government in the future. The cost of the new Government House would be ,£25,000, but this could be covered by the sale of Ministerial residences in the city for £3 2 >79°- He intended to ask that a Select Committee of both Houses consider the whole question. To erect the half building mentioned, would take 18 months, and the complete building two and a half years. He thought the Government and the City Council in conference might agree to close a portion of Sydney Street, and this would give an undivided block from Hill Street to Bowen Street. As to a site for Government House, they must guard against inflated values. The Prime Minister explained that he had no feeling in the matter, and only wanted to do what was best, while looking also to the future.

The Marriages Validation Act was read a second time pro forma, and referred to the Statutes Revision Committee. The House then adjourned until 2.30 to-morrow.