PARLIAMENT'S HOME.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIV, Issue 149, 20 December 1907, Page 7

PARLIAMENT'S HOME.

THE SPEAKER'S VIEWS. The opinion is hold by the Hon. A. R. Guinness, Speaker of tho Uouse of Representatives, who has jusb returned from tho. North, that Cabinet should arrange that the next sitting of Parliament bo held in Government House, provided, of course, that the Governor gave- consent to such a plan, and was furnished with another residence for a time in some other part of the city. Speaking to a Post representative today, Mr. Guinness said he favoured the rebuilding of Parliament House on the old site, but he fa 4 lod to tee how accommodation could bo provided there in sufficient time for next year's work. His idea is that thp business of Parliament could be carried on in Government lloiiso with comparatively little inconvenience until new legislative halls have been erected. Ho pointed out that the ballroom could bo utilised for tho sittings of the Lower House. The dining-room, in his opinion, could accommodate the members oi' £he Legislative Council, while Ministers, committees, and staff could find quarters in other pyrts of the building. Mr. Guinness went on to express the belief that Government would bo able to lease one of the largo residences within the city boundaries for tho use of His Excellency until a new Parliament House had been built. The hon. gentleman lost personal effects in Parliament House tire valued at between .970 aud £80. The work of clearing away the debris from the fire is proceeding briskly. The ashes, charred timber, and other material are being placed in the harbour for reclamation purposes.