POLITICS AND BAD AIR.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 14159, 27 September 1911, Page 4

POLITICS AND BAD AIR.

COMPLAINTS OF MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE.

(SPECXAI TO "THE PKESS.") WELLINGTON, September 26. Members of Parliament devoted half an hour this afternoon in airing their opinions regarding tho inferior arrangements for the ventilation of tho Lower Chamber. The member for Timaru led tho way with a strong objection to being slowly poisoned by the vitiated atmosphere in which members were required to 6it until all hours of the night. He asked the Primo Minister to take remedial measures without delay. Sir Joseph Ward replied that the conditions of which Mr Craigie complained woro due principally to the overcrowding of the galleries a,nd of tho floor of the House by visitors. He believed that much relief could bo afforded if the issue of rickets of admission was strictly limited. Mr Massey said that the amount of illness among members had been greater and more serious than in previous years, and he believed this condition was principally due to the bad ventilation of the Chamber.

Mr Forbes suggested that much of the heat of the debates was due to the. noxious effect of the air which members had to breathe.

Sir Joseph Ward suggested that a fixed number of tickets should be issued, and that members should draw for their shares.

Mr Arnold: What about the Gaming Act?

Mr Myers complained that the ladies on the floor of the House carried on conversations to the disturbance of members within hearing. He admitted that the ladies' remarks were often more interesting than the speeches of members. (Voices: "Oh, oh.") Mr Wilford: I suggest that public notice should be gives, that ladies admitted to the Chamber will not be allowed to speak from the time they enter until tbey leave. I believe we should then have plenty of room. Mr Witty: What a. tie! Members decided that the Standing Orders Committee should investigate the many aspects of the question, and report to the Bouse.