Parliament's Meeting Place

Southland Times, Issue 12012, 17 December 1907, Page 2

Parliament's Meeting Place

TEMPORARY BUILDING. Per United Press Association. WELLINGTON, Doc. 16. ; Cabinet held a long meeting to-day | to discuss (he situation which has arisen in consequence of the destruction of Parliament Buildings by fire- ■ The Premier stated l that next session Parliament would be held in temporary premises to be provided at the site of the old building. Details of the scheme have not yet been decided on. Arrangements will be completed by the time the session commences. “ We will go about the' whole matter of rebuilding very carefully,’’ Sir Joseph continued. “There will bo no attempt to provide a palatial structure. Without in any way being extravagant it will ho necessary to rebuild in a substantial manner. I think the matter one of sufficient importance to consult Parliament about, when next wo meet. There is no occasion to call members together at this stage. Under any circumstances, if it were decided to rebuild the building, work could not he completed under eighteen months and the necessary appropriation would roam re to ho made. We can easily provide temporary premises where iho accommodation will fie of a reasonable kind.’’ I Asked if the session would be a

short one, Sir Joseph said that it would not Iravo been as long ns last session even if the building bad not been destroyed. His impression was that Parliament would sit for about the usual lime in the case of a session preceding a general election.