PARLIAMENTARY LIBRARY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 8, 11 January 1899, Page 5

PARLIAMENTARY LIBRARY.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, this day,

Work is being '-pushed on at Pafliainentary Buildirigs, but it is nbt; anticipated the library will be fit fd receive the books next session. Although, the structure is now reduced to two storeys, the ceiling ujfper is composed of iron girders and made fireproof, with a .view td its use as a floor-in the event of another; storey being added at a future date. It was originally intended. *to cover the flooring with Mintbn tiles, but wood on concrete will now be used in consequence of the reduction of the vote. A novel feature of the building is the use of terra-cotta blocks for the interior of the walls and the under part of the floors. It is believed this is the first example in New Zealand, though it is common in America. The blocks are light, porous,'and hollow. They are useful for ventilation, and are fireproof, They are made here at a very reasonable cost. The iron pillars supporting the floors will also be covered with terra-cotta. Everything possible has been done to make the edifice fireproof. It is even suggested to use glass Shelving "in the library section, but this is not finally decided. The old library will probably be used as rooms for members whose private apartments were in the portion pulled down.. .-". • :.,.. ,' "" .:A