SYDNEY GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 317, 2 June 1911, Page 5

SYDNEY GOVERNMENT HOUSE

TO BE TURNED TO DIFFERENT ACCOUNT. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Received 1, 11.5 p.m. Sydney, June 1. The State Government, at the end of the present term, expiring in a month, have decided to resume possession of Government House in Sydney, which for the past ten years has been let to the Federal Government as a residence for the Governor-General. One of the reasons for the step is that the magnificent buildings and grounds are used for only a short period each year, but the chief factor is the necessity for finding room for many thousands of books belonging to the public libraries which at present are compelled to be stowed away in such a manner as to be inaccessible to readers.

It is proposed to transform the ViceRegal residence into a national museum of natural history, arts, etc., while the grounds will be converted into public gardens. It is also proposed, when the Mitchell library building is completed, to demolish the present public library and Government printing office, and erect large buildings for the public departments.

The decision to resume Government House will come as a surprise to the Federal Government, as it means making other provision for housing the Go-vernor-General whilst in Sydney. Mr. Hughes (Acting-Federal Premier) confers with the Government to-morrow on the matter.