POOR AUCKLAND!

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLV, Issue XLV, 18 August 1910, Page 3

POOR AUCKLAND!

AUCKLAND GOVERNMENT HOUiSE. MR. GLOVER AND THE MINISTER. (By Telegraph.) (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, This Day. "Shame!'' - chorused members of the House. "Absolutely correct; it is a shame," declared Mr A. E. Glover. It is almost needless to explain the member for Auckland Central was referring to tlv3 ultimatum of the Minister for Public Works concerning the furniture of Auckland •Government Hou-e. "It is not intended to return this furniture to Auckland.'' continued' Mr Glover, amidst a chorus of "Oh's!" The petition that he had presented to the House that afternoon on the subject, he added, was signed by ] G,OOO Auckland citizens, and was the largest petition tlrat had been presented for some time. Mr Glover went on to dwell upon the historic associations connected with Auckland's Government House, and to the fact that Auckland was to be made a Naval depot for the China Station, and the Admiral would not have the residence at his disposal. Ho lioped the Minister would do Iris best t>j leturn the furniture.

Mr Jtiiriings: Or replace it with no v.* ir. mil urc. Mr G'over wevl on to ooint out tha: s. nit i>f :h° I'nr 11 it.».• e had been purchased by 'tire citizens of Auckland for the Duke of Edinburgh, ai?d he siigge.ted that the Minister .sli-ould .«c-ml this to the relatives of the late Duke in Britain. At present it was stored in a stable at the new vieeegal quarters in Wollingtno. "I have lad mv eyes about since T have been ■town here," continued Mr Glover. "I have been to the new Governor's residence, and it i< very fine; but 1 have seen that furniture in the stables. It is an injustice to the people of Auckland." (Laughter and ai)plau.=e).

MINISTER'S REPLV. The matter was subsequently briefly referred to by the Minister of -Public Works, who remarked that what was wanted would entail an expenditure of £40,000 or £50,000. and it was for the llouse to decide whether thi< should be undertaken nr not. The present house was, as the lion, member had stated, built in 1555. That was 55 years ago. If a second (Jovernment House was to Jje maintained the present building would ha ye to be burned, or nulled down or destroyed, a s it was in a -fafo of decay, and hardly fit to repair. 'Consequent !v\ it was no use keeping I he furniture there. The member for .Auckland Central at tli'is stage came hurriedly into the fhamber. and, catching the Minister's last remarks, exclaimed, "Oh, Tommy rot!'' (Laughter). Hon. yj r McKenzie: I don't think Parliament should be turned into a lb ear garden. Mr Speaker: T must ask the lion. gentleman to withdraw that remark. Mr Glover: I. have great pleasure. 'The Minister cone Jim led |,v sliding that the furniture had "been stored in Wellington; hut this iioin was.small to Ihe grc;i| or expeildil ore nf re rbui.lding a new Government House at Auckland.