LEGISLATORS' LUXURY.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 141, 15 June 1923, Page 4

LEGISLATORS' LUXURY.

—■ ■ -• THOUSANDS SPENT ON CARPETS. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. Having just emerged from a period of extreme economy, and with the Finance Minister still instructing departmental heads to observe rigid care in expenditure, the Government is likely to receive severe criticism for lavishing several thousands on luxurious carpets for the new Parliamentary BuildingUntil this session small carpets and cocoanut matting had been provided in the long corridors and extensive lounge lobby, but to the amazement of members returning after the short session, when economy was the official watchword, they found every corridor carpeted with exceedingly high quality coverings. As there are twelve of these wide corridors, the total amount of carpeting required runs well over a thousand yards. Tn addition a magnificent carpet has been placed in the. lounge lobby which experts estimate is worth nearly £1000, although it is suggested in extenuation that the real price to the Government was about £700, at which it is a bargain. The unfortunate part of this bargain is that the expensive carpet surrounds two billiard tables, where experience shows that ncbing but hard coverings will stand the heavy treating, while two large open fireplaces in mc lobby are not provided with any protection against possible damage to the carpet through sparks. Private secretaries, as well as Ministers, share in the luxury, their rooms having fine carpets. 30ft long by 14ft wide, of first-class quality. What these cost may lie gauged by housewives, who know what a small carpet can be bought for £20. Quite impartial in its extravagance, the Government has furnished the Labour members with a delightful floor covering which, however much they appreciate, they are strongly impelled to criticise as unwarranted txtravagance. Mr. Masters, member from i-tratford, is taking the first opportunity ot ascertaining exactly what is involved in this display of luxury. He is moving for a return showing the total cost "f the carpets laid down since the short session of February, the amount (if the micccssful tender, and the names of tiic firms who tendered for the supply ot carpets, with their quotations, also to ascertain the amount received for the carpets previously in use in the new Parliament Buildings.