AN OFFER REFUSED. OHRISTCHURCH, December 14.

Otago Witness, Issue 2805, 18 December 1907, Page 33

AN OFFER REFUSED. OHRISTCHURCH, December 14.

A meeting of citizens was held to-day, in j response to a circular issued by the Mayor, to consider a proposal to place before the Prime Minister the advisableneas. oi holding

next session of-Parliament in Ohrlstohureb, j in view of the destruction of Parliament Buildings. The Mayor, who presided, said there were many difficulties, but he thought Christchurch could supply the needful accommodation if it could not be found in Wellington. The Canterbury Hall and -annexes would be suitable, and the Provincial Council Buildings were also available. The proposal was supported by the- Hon. C. Louisson, M.L.0., Messrs Grey, M.P., G. W: Russell, Tanner, M.P., and the Hon. W. F. Wigram, MJL.C., Mr Gapes, and others. A resolution was carried—"Thais the Mayor, on behalf of this meeting, wait on the Prime Minister and inform him that there is a strong wish on the part of the people .of Christchurch that next session be held- in this city, and if the Government consider it, we are prepared to submit a definite offer in regard to buildings." The Mayor handed Sir Joseph Ward a copy of the resolution this afternoon, and the Prime Minister explained at once that it would be impossible to accede to such a proposal. Parliament could not eit away from tho Government departments and the Government printing office, and he had no doubt that suitable arrangements could be made in Wellington.