TEMPORARY PROVISION TO BE MADE.

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

TEMPORARY PROVISION TO BE MADE.

DURATION OF~NEXT SESSION. WELLINGTON, December 16. Cabinet held a long meeting to-day to discuss the situation which has arisen in .consequence of the destruction of Parliament Buildings by fire. The-Prime. Minister stated that the .next session of Parliament would be held in temporary premises to be provided at the site of the old building. Details of the scheme had not yet been decided on, but arrangements will be completed by the time the session is to commence. " We will go about the whole matter of rebuilding very carefully," Sir Joseph continued. " There will be no attempt to provide a palatial structure, but without in any way being extravagant it will be necessary to rebuild in a substantial manner. I think the matter one of sufficient ' importance, to consult Parliament about when next we meet. There is no occasion to call members together at^ this stage. Under any circumstances, if it were decided to rebuild the building, the work could not be completed in under 18 months. The necessary appropriations would also require to be made. We can easily provide temporary premises where accommodation will be of a reasonable kind.". Asked if the session would be a short one, Sir Joseph said it would not have been so long as the last even if the building had not been destroyed. His impression was that Parliament would sit for abont the usual time in the case of a session preceding the general election.