THE PARLIAMENTARY BLOCK.

Auckland Star, Volume XL, Issue 55, 5 March 1909, Page 3

THE PARLIAMENTARY BLOCK.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

WEIxLTNGTON, this day.

If the statement of the "Post" is to he believed .there is not much likelihood of the ereetiou of the new Government House on the Mount View site being commenced for some time. The residence at present occupied by his Excellency at Palmerston North has been leased by the Government for the remainder of his Excellency's term of office. Clearing operations on an extensive scale will have to be carried out before the new Central Mental Hospital buildings can be erected at Kihikihi, and no large amount of work there can be done for several months. The erection of a- temporary Legislative Council building at a cost of some £3000 is also regarded as proof, says the "Post," that tbe Government does not contemplate making a serious start with the erection of the block of buildings for Parliamentary purposes _ which will permanently take the place of the building burnt down at the end of 1907. It seems to be generally considered that the present quarters can be rendered sufficiently convenient to last for some time to come, and the country can find better avenues for the expenditure of the many thousands of pounds which | would be entailed by the erection of the proposed building, the plans for which came before a Select Committee during last session. j