PARLIAMENT HOUSE.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14758, 30 August 1913, Page 4

PARLIAMENT HOUSE.

A CRY FOR VENTILATION.

(SPECIAL TO "THE PRBSS.")

WELLINGTON, August 29

"This building is altogether top unhealthy ; it is too small, aud there is not sufficient ventilation," said Mr Witty this afternoon m .discussing,.when in Committee of Supply,, tho vote for the House of Representatives. Ho recommended that the ' Government should proceed with the erection of the new chamber before the complete building was proceeded with. The Hon. F. M. B. Fisher replied that this suggestion had been made, and would be brought before Cabinet. So iar the quantities for the new building had been taken out, and were being checked. He considered that they should be out of that chamber in time for the next session of larliament. Mr Witty: That is all we want. Mr Fisher: Well. I think I can assure you that everything possible will be done to achieve that. Mr Hindmarsh humorously complained that members would not. stand fresh air. Last year he had asked that the windows should be open, but when that was done he would see some old bald-headed gentleman immediately begin to rub his head and complain of the draught. Members were altogether too much like old women. (Laughter). He thought that in view of the crowded state of the room and the restricted ventilation, the public should be excluded altogether, and the chamber confined- to the members and th<- Press for business purposes. Mr Hin<ftnareh commented on the faot that consumptive patients slept in tne open air all night, and hosnitals always had their windows open, but th° members were so delicate or old fash'oned that they refused to have a s ; r>cle window open. He.did think something should be done in this matter.