PARLIAMENT HOUSE.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 454, 12 March 1909, Page 7

PARLIAMENT HOUSE.

INTERNAL REARRANGEMENTS.

PREPARING FOR.NEXT SESSION.

Thov.Primo Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) and the Other members of the Cabinot went over the . Parliament Buildings yesterday in order 'to consider what alterations should bo made to enable- the work of Parliament during' tho sossion to "be carried on with greater convenience than was .tho case last year. : As a result of tho 'inspection, it is intended to-have tho interior" of the Houso of Representatives considerably altered. It will be enlarged by taking in the room occupied last .session by the Legislative Council, ami much of this additional space will bo taken up by galleries for ladies, LogisTK- olmo,llors > aild th o general public, inis will mean largely-increased accommodation for spectators of tho proceedings of the House. Tho Speaker's chair will be removed to the middle of the side opposite tlio principal doors, and the benches and desks of the members will be ranged in curves on either hand. The press and Hansard reporters will he placed in slightly elevated galleries over the present site of tho Speakers chair. The largo room occupied lost sossion by tho Speaker of tho Legislative Council will bo -assigned to tho members of the Press Gallery. Bellamy's will also bo rearranged. Tho large apartment which was divided into dining-room and refresh-, ment-bar will be devoted entirely to the former purpose, and tho refreshment department will bo located just behind it. in the adjacent ;wing of the building. The work will be done by the Public Works Department, and will bo commenced at an early date; so as' to be ready for the opening of Parliament. AVork is now actively proceeding on the erection of the new temporary Legislative Council Chamber. •' •' •