Proposal For Completion Of Parliament Buildings

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27670, 28 May 1955, Page 8

Proposal For Completion Of Parliament Buildings

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, May 27. A proposal for the completion of Parliament Buildings will be placed before the Cabinet soon. The move is to be made by a group of Ministers who are concerned at the steady deterioration of the buildings. Those responsible for the move do not expect that an early start can be made with the extensive work involved, but they are seeking Cabinet sanction, so that definite steps can be taken to prepare for the start of construction at the first opportunity. What the Ministers have in mind is not to finish the building in accordance with its present design: but a new block is envisaged to replace the old wooden building at . the southern end of the grounds. This would harmonise as far as possible with the existing half-completed block, which would be “rounded off.”

The Ministers will seek approval in principle of a plan to build a modern block befitting the dignity' of the nation’s capital. There have been indications recently from sections of the Government and Opposition parties that an annual sum might be set aside for a fund to complete Parliament Buildings, but this proposal has apparently been dropped. Two major factors Jiave contributed to the latest move. The old wooden

building, originally the home of the Governor, was completed in 1871. It needs constant repairs, and is obviously at the end of its economic life. Almost two years ago, the Prime Minister (Mr Holland) expressed the opinion that the completion of the buildings could not be delayed for much longer. “One of the contributing factors to the present unsatisfactory condition of Parliament Buildings, which have not inappropriately been referred to as a ‘collection of dogboxes,’ is that successive Governments shrank from spending money for their own comfort when there seemed to be so many more pressing needs such as housing, schools, hospitals, and sb on,” he said. The old Parliament Buildings were destroyed by fire nearly 50 years ago. In March, 1912, the foundation stone was laid for the erection of the present or first half of the building, and that was not occupied until October. 1918. Since. then, a temporary storey has been erected on ton of the stone block, and .a number of buildings have been constructed behind it.

Probably two years or more will elapse before plans for the completion of the building can be prepared, after a firm Cabinet decision. In addition to the actual construction work, the grounds and approaches will have to be redesigned.