1.—15.

Sess. 11.—1891. NEW ZEALAND.

JOINT PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS ELECTRIC LIGHTING COMMITTEE (REPORT OF THE).

Brought up 14th August, 1891, and ordered to be printed.

EEPOET. Youe Committee to whom the question of lighting the Parliament Buildings with electricity was referred have the honour to report that they have carefully considered the whole question, and have ascertained the following facts : — 1. That the Parliament Buildings are at present lighted partly by gas and partly by electricity, the corridors, Committee-rooms, and portions of the library being lighted chiefly by gas. 2. That the present cost of lighting the Buildings appears to be as follows: —■ £ s. For gas, taking the mean of two years' sessions ... 165 0 per month. For electric light (including interest on capital, £130 per annum) ... ... ... ••• 95 12 „ Total per month £260 12 3. That the estimated cost of lighting the Buildings entirely by electricity, as shown by a return made by the Superintendent of the Telegraph Department appended hereto, would be as follows: — First outlay for an installation of 600 lamps, lighting any part of the Buildings, as per plan herewith, would not exceed £4,800; running cost, including interest on the above at 5 per cent., and an allowance for depreciation of 2| per cent., would amount to a total of £211 ss. per month, showing a saving of £49 7s. per month. Considering that the large amount of gas consumed vitiates the atmosphere, especially in the upper portions of the building, to an extent injurious to the health of members and others who during the session have to spend a large portion of their time in the Buildings, and that the adoption of the electric system would supply better light, your Committee is of opinion that the proposed mode of lighting by electricity only should be recommended to Parliament. EOBEET PHAEAZYN, 14th August, 1891. Chairman.

APPENDIX. ESTIMATED COST OF LIGHTING PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS. Si B) _ Wellington, 10th July, 1891. At a meeting of the Electric Lighting Committee held this day, it was proposed that you should be asked to be present at its next sitting, to be held at an early date, to give the Committee some information on the following matters : — (a.) Present cost of lighting the buildings by gas : (b.) Present cost of lighting the buildings by electricity : ■ (c.) Estimated cost of lighting the whole buildings by electricity, distinguishing interest and depreciation, and new machinery required, from the cost of running the light when installed: (d.) Whether you can suggest a better situation for the machinery, the present position being objectionable. I have, &c, W. A. Watees, Dr. Lemon, Superintendent of Telegraphs. Clerk to Committee.