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THE ARCHITECTURE OF NELSON, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE.
It must be obvious, even to the most casual and thoughtless observer, that of late years a desire to introduce an element of more correct architectural pretension than had hitherto been the case, into the construction of the various buildings in this city, both public and private, -which the rapid increase in our population has rendered an imperative necessity, has been very generally recognisable. It will be neither uninteresting nor unprofitable to examine what has thus been done, and ascertain how far these attempts have proved successful. Every error discovered is a step in advance. Every known failure shews us what we ought not to do again; and we thus learn some principle to guide us in the future. This is the more important, as new edifices are rapidly increasing in number in our city. The desire for buildings of a superior character is a most cheering sign, for the history of architecture is, in every instance, the history of national progress. In new colonies but little attention is paid to the architecture of fine art, the object being merely to inclose and cover a certain space with such materials as are most readily attainable, and to do this with the least possible expenditure of labour. Present utility is the chief consideration. As society advances, that natural perception of the beautiful
(which is one of God's beneficent gifts to man), begins to manifest itself, and the desire arises to adorn, more or less, the various edifices which the multiplied wants of civilized life demand : this leads to the use, not only of superior and more durable materials, but also of better construction, as it is soon perceived that the expenditure of time and thought on that which is perishable, is futile and unprofitable; and then follows the demand for taste. Whenever a people acquire sufficient knowledge to employ and remunerate talented architects, decorative architecture succeeds to mere building.
Architecture has been defined as " The art of the beautiful in building." Its aims may be classed under three heads, fitness, stability, and beauty; no building can be rightly termed architectural, which does not aim professedly at all these three objects.
To explain these terms familiarly, a true architectural building should firstly exhibit fitness, it should be so planned and arranged as to be suitable to its intended purposes, and this includes character or expression : it should appear what it is ; there should be no danger of mistaking a church or chapel for a theatre, a palace for a prison, — a bank for an hotel, and vice versa.
The materials should be the best attainable, and put together in the strongest manner, bo as to secure stability. We must here observe, en passant, that the very general use of timber construction in this province, is intended, not as a violation, but as an adherence to this rule ; the apprehension of danger from earthquakes having hitherto almost precluded the use of brick, and stone.
Lastly — beauty is essential in architecture, but this does not consist in mere ornament. Untasteful ornament is always positively ugly. The beauty of a building consists in its harmony of due proportions, both as a whole, and as to its respective parts or details. Beauty cannot be defined by rule, it varies according to circumstances, and is specially connected with both the preceding requirements. The respective widths and heights of openings, the due contrast between vertical and horizontal lines, the forms and sizes of mouldings, the distribution of ornament (if any), and the chiaro-oscuro, call for the exercise of a taste and discrimination, only acquired by study and practice ; but this harmony, when produced, is obvious to the most uncultivated mind, although only duly appreciated by the man of taste. It will, therefore, readily be admitted that the claims of architecture to the respect of mankind are of a peculiar character. It is a science and has to satisfy the material and social wants of man, but it is also an art — "a fine art" — and exercises the noblest faculties of the mind. Schlegel observes, " A taste for architecture seems to form the basis of every other artistic taste ; " this is true, for men are more frequently within the sphere of its influence, and it has links in its associations that unite it to every other art.
The best way, therefore, to awaken the dormant faculties, and educate the aesthetic perceptions of a people, is to encourage the erection of truly architectural buildings. The effect of an ill-arranged and badly-ven-tilated dwelling on the health of the inmates, and the connection between an overcrowded house, and immorality, are not difficult to understand. The intimate connection which exists between the good and the beautiful is not so obvious, but is none the less certain. The effect produced on national character by the contemplation of works of art — fine pictures, exalted statuary, or noble buildings — is very great; much greater than is generally supposed. Having already stated what the principles of criticism in architecture are, we will proceed to apply them practically by a critical examination of the chief buildings in the City of Nelson. We will commence with ecclesiastical architecture — that of our churches and chapels. Nay, we can hardly speak of the former in the plural number, for, alas ! we have but one church in Nelson, which is at all worthy of the title, and that entirely constructed of wood. It is not only a Pabish Chubch, but also a Cathedbal. It has a very pleasing effect, both externally and internally, and is strictly correct in details (except the vile barge boards of porches which were added a few years ago) . The recent addition southward, although giving rather a disproportionate length to the nave, yet contributes much to a cathedrallike effect. The style is that commonly known as Gothic, of the early English period, and of the very simplest character. Although this building exhibits fitness and beauty, it is Badly defective in the grand quality of stability (the more especially because it is a church), and only gives the idea of a temporary erection. It must be remarked that the nave and chancel are respectively South and North of the tower, instead of West and East, as is usual in churches.
The Old Wesleyan Chapel, which is now being pulled down, will soon be a thing of the past, and as such we may speak of it, since it has long been disused for its original purpose. It had a substantial and most characteristic appearance, having brick walls, and circular-headed windows ; nothing sham about it, except that it appeared more substantial than it really was. Its style of architecture was certainly quite English, and well known by the soubriquet of " Methodist Chapel style," which style, old-fashioned as it is, calls up recollections of the venerable John Wesley, and therefore must excite pleasant sensations to many of his followers.
The New Wesleyan Chapel, in HardyBtreet, is one of the most substantial-looking buildings in Nelson. The massive piers are of course only casings, but (as we noticed when in progress of erection) they inclose strong and skilfully-braced supports for the main timbers of the roof. The style is Italian, very plain, but very effective, and its proportions are good. Yet it is a sham. It has the constructive effect of stone-work, with arched onenings, although its real construction is of timber, covered with horizontal grooved-and-tongued boarding ; and, if it were properly painted and sanded, it would
at first glance deceive even a practised eye. But we shall see, as we proceed, that there are not many buildings in Nelson which do not exhibit false pretences. If truthfulness is (as many think) to be included in the term fitness, this building must have the black mark, although otherwise it would perhaps pass muster. We will now walk to the Pbesbytebian Chubch, or Scotch Kibe, in Nile-street, which may be substantially constructed, and may be convenient for its purposes, but the style is that contemptuously termed " Carpenters' Gothic;" and it certainly exhibits no beauty either in general effect or in details. This also is a timber building, boarded.
The Baptist Chapel, in Bridge-street, will next attract our attention. The brick walling of the original portion gave it a substantial appearance, and, had it been completed as at first intended, it would not have looked amiss, although rather heathenish, being a kind of Greco-Egyptian style ; but the additions made at each end have destroyed every vestige of exterior fitness and proportion, and it is now one of the ugliest buildings in Nelson. A stranger would be puzzled to decide whether it is a chapel or a Chartist hall.
The new or Union Baptist Chapel, in Hardy-street, is a plain wooden building, of no pretence, but it has character, looking like what it is, and is in good proportion.
There is a small Chapel in the Haven-road, known as Bethel Chapel, unconnected we believe with any special denomination ; it is' a slight building, but is characteristic and quite conventicle-like.
The Roman Catholic Chubch, in Manuka-street, is a very pretty and tasteful erection, in the plainest early English style ; with well proportioned buttresses ; but snam again : the construction is of timber and lath and plaster. The architect must not, however, be blamed for the materials, and the design is very creditable, but is not yet completed, it being apparently intended to make additions westward at some future period.
Having thus given " the Church " its due predominance we will next examine the buildings of the State.
The Nelson people are specially proud of their Government buildings, which, indeed, have a most imposing appearance. The general effect, towers and all, has evidently been copied from Aston Hall near Birmingham (the " Bracebridge Hall " of Washington Irving, if we mistake not), which is a building of quite a domestic character, in the Elizabethan style ; but, on a nearer approach to our modern hall, the professional eye discovers that there is not a single true detail of that style; so it is evident enough that the designer knew nothing of architecture. It is, however, just the kind of building to please the public, and if they consider it beautiful, of what consequence is the different opinion of the man of taste ? Considered as the design of an unprofessional man, it is highly creditable. The construction is said to be excellent, all the apartments are spacious, it is well arranged, and we believe that not only all the official gentlemen who occupy the building, but also all persons who have business to transact with them, are perfectly satisfied with its commodiousness. The central apartment, or Provincial Hall, is the largest room in Nelson, and one of the most convenient to the public, as it answers the purposes of a Music Hall, Assembly room, Lecture room, and Council chamber, as well as that of Town Hall. We must not venture on any criticism of the interior of the building. Greek, Roman and Gothic details being indiscriminately used throughout.
The buildings southward, forming a Court House &c, were additional to the original design, and are out of all proportion, in fact an absolute disfigurement. The whole of these buildings, like the Wesleyan Chapel, exaibit sham again, and yet, in this instance, without the possibility of deception. The construction is the. colonial one — timber and boarding ; the exterior general surfaces are painted and sanded to imitate dark stone ; the dressings to windows, quoins, parapets &c, being intended to imitate freestone, are coloured lighter ; the distant effect is very good, but, unfortunately, the architect was ignorant not only of construction in stone, but also of the use and application of the details he has imitated. He has simply " stuck on " the window dressings and quoins, without taking the trouble to make them range at all with the horizontal lines of the boarding. It is dangerous for people to meddle with what they do not understand. When true taste is somewhat more diffused, the people of Nelson will be as much ashamed of their Government Buildings (architecturally considered) as now they are vain.
Eastward of the Government Buildings, and in Bridge-street also, is the Boys' Public School-boom. The original building — a non-descript in style, but suitable to its purpose — is of brick, and has a substantial appearance ; the addition in wood is quite out of character, and spoils the whole.
Southward of the Government Buildings, and in Hardy-street, are the Public Schools for Gibls and Infants, combined in one building. The style is intended to be Old English, and the general effect is pleasing ; the buildings are in good proportion, and, the boarding being vertical, there is no sham construction, but the porch, ventilating turret, barge-boards, and, in fact, all details, manifest again that the designer, although he might be a good carpenter, was no architect.
Not far to the westward of the last-named buildings, and nearly opposite the Wesleyan Chapel, is the Litebaby Institute, much in the same style as the Government Buildings, intended to be in the Tudor style, but it exhibits more of " Carpenters' Gothic :" still great credit must be given to the designer for the good and general effect of the exterior, and the veryconvenientarrangement of the interior. There is more sham in this building than in any of the preceding, for horizontal lines have been cut in the boarding to the small angle turrets, to imitate the joints of stone work, yet, with the same carelessness as with the Government Buildings,
these false joints do not range with the general lines of boarding. There is another Public School-eoom, near the Salt Water bridge, but this, as well as the Market Buildings adjoining, is unworthy of architectural mention. The Old Chuech School Koom, adjoining the Parsouage (now the Bishop' School), was, before the addition of the Diocesan room, the most truly architectural edifice in Nelson : it is well and substantially built, with brick walls, and, as it appeared formerly, with a bay window at the south-end, was really quite picturesque, and an excellent example of the old English style. It is quite spoilt now, so we muat say no more about it. We will now pass under review the various public buildings erected by private associations. The Liteeaet Institute has already been described.
The next public building of importance is the Masonic Hall, in Trafalgar street, which is a large and very convenient apartment, and, when erected, was quite equal to the requirements of the public, it being used for all the purposes to which the Provincial Hall is now applied. It has long been in a state of disuse, and the exterior is becoming delapidated for want of paint. It has a front of great pretension, but is utterly unworthy of notice architecturally. The Odd Fellows' Hall, in Waimeastreet, is a very useful building, answering alike for church and theatrical purposes, but it is as ugly as it could possibly be made, having about the same effect on the visual nerves of the man of taste, as the braying of a certain animal has on the delicate ears of the musician.
The Temtebance Hall, and the Hall of the Young Men's Cheistian Association, adjoin each other in Bridge-street, and are both neat buildings, of no pretence, and of no style, but very suitable to their respective purposes.
TheNELsoN Club House, in Hardy-street, is a building of more pretension than taste, and of no particular style, nevertheless, it adds much to the general effect of the street, being so much more lofty than the ordinary buildings, and the balcony with the iron railing to one pair windows, is something out of the common way, and looks well.
Hotels and Taveens would come next in order, but we have none possessing any architectural character. The Trafalgar Hotel is the most imposing in outward appearance, but is quite plain.
The buildings we should next think of looking at, as partly of a public character, are the Banks, but these are all at present comparatively temporary buildings. One however is in progress of erection, in Hardy-street, for the "Union Bank of Australia ; this will indeed be the most noteworthy edifice in the town, and the most creditable, being the first step in the right direction, the first instance of a lofty construction in solid substantial brickwork ; nevertheless this building also exhibits sham, for the exterior of the main building, or bank office, is coated with cement to imitate stone, all the dressings are of course in cement also, and the cornices are of wood painted to imitate stone. It might have been the handsomest building in Nelson (being lofty and well proportioned), but the architect has not troubled himself to consider what would be the effect of his design— in all probability he never inspected the site. No advantage is taken of having two flanks exposed to view, they are mere dead walls, except that the cornice is continued all round. It is an error in this climate to construct a loygia nearly facing the south, and on which, therefore, the sun only glances in early morning, as it gives the building a gloomy appearance, and in winter looks chilly also. It is not in good taste to give the exterior effect of two stories, to a fine lofty building of only one story. The style is that which is most appropriate for all mercantile buildings, namely Italian ; but the details have not been well studied, the quoins are much too heavy, more adapted to a prison than a bank ; the dressings to one pair windows are coarse, and the cornices of the same extend far too much laterally. The cornice and roof of the main building, or bank office, are the redeeming point (although seriously damaged by the illdesigned chimney-shaft on the west side) , and are certainly the most beautiful in Nelson. The dwelling house adjoining appears to no advantage, and does not at all improve the effect of the main building. We understand that the interior arrangements are very complete, and the work is certainly well executed. We hope the other banks will soon follow this example, and erect such substantial and ornamental buildings, as will elevate the character of our street architecture.
The Mebchants' Stoees, have, hitherto, been mere shed buildings, but good examples have been set recently by two firms of our " Merchant Princes." Who can tell but that in time to come we may have buildings of which London and Liverpool, Florence and Venice would be proud? "Well well ! there is nothing to boast of yet, only a right begining, but the oak springs from an acorn.
The warehouse of Messrs. Morrison Sclanders and Co., in Hardy-street, is a very substantial building, of timber quartering, boarded. The exterior is painted and sanded, not to imitate stone, but to preserve the work from atmospheric influences (at least so the architect says) . It is a plain unpretending building, its mere proportions giving it a pleasing effect from every point of view, as it is detached, with a bold main cornice all round. The few and simple ornaments to quoins, door, and windows, give the character cf the Florentine Italian style.
The new warehouse, in Bridge-street, in progress of erection for Messrs. N. Edwards and Co., is, from its mere size, one of the most imposing edifices in the town. Its proportions also are such as to please the eye at a glance, giving what is technically called " good general effect." It is very strongly built, of timber covered externally with corrugated iron sheeting, and is the first building in Nelson thus constructed with any regard to architectural appearance. The style of this building is also Florentine Italian, of a bolder character than the last building de^
scribed ; all the details are very plain, bold and simple.
Neither of these buildings cornea fairly under Architectural criticisms, fitness and stability being the only requirements — the beauty (if any) has been thrown in gratis. The warehouse of Messrs. N. Edwards and Co., does special credit to the architect and builder, inasmuch as we understand it to be a skilful adaptation of material provided for a totally different design, intended to have been erected on the site of Messrs. N. Edwards and Cos., present warehouse in Tra-falgar-street.
Northward of Messrs. N.Edwards and Cos. new warehouse, a very important edifice is being erected — the Post Office (the present PostOfficein Hardy-street must be considered only as a temporary affair, having been converted out of an old dwelling house) . The new building will, as we hear, be of more architectural pretension than any other in Nelson, as it will be a peripteral columnar edifice of the regular Tuscan order, very plain of course, and, alas ! all of wood again. We must wait until it is finished before criticising. As to the site chosen, the diminutive size of a building of such importance, the low level of floor, &c, &c, these have all been arranged by the Government officials. The building will certainly be more magnificent than the only other edifice belonging to the General Government — the Custom House, at the Port, which is of no style, but probably answers all present requirements.
There are several very effective buildings in Trafalgar and Bridge streets, such as the Bonding Stores, on the north side of Bridgestreet, at the west end, and Mr. Harley's new shops adjoining the Trafalgar Hotel. In Trafalgar-street Mrs. Bird's, Messrs. Baker's, Drew's, Black's, Usher's, and Hodgson's, as well as the Examiner Office and Trafalgar Hotel, are noticeable as being good twostorey buildings.
There are also several two-storey buildings in Trafalgar-street, and although none of these possess any architectural character (except Mr. Hodgson's, which is very good, and in what may be termed the Grecian style), they add very much to the dignity of the place, merely from their height as compared with the " old identity " one-storey erections (for even where there are upper rooms in the old buildings they are only in the roof). Some, however, of these latter have recently had imposing shop fronts put up, for instance, Messrs. Paul's in Bridge-street, and some have been rebuilt more loftily, and with good bold shop fronts, but still only of one storey. As before observed, there is no particular style in any of these, and, in most cases, the mouldings are out of all proportions. Carpenters in general make use of Grecian mouldings even where the projections and proportions of cornices are of a Roman character, so that nearly all their details are the very reverse of good taste. It must, however, be allowed that almost every new building is an improvement to the general effect of our streets, and there is an evident advance in taste. Tet, be it remembered, that all these buildings are of timber only, some lathed and plastered, but mostly boarded. A fire might clear all away in one night, and leave only a mass of blackened embers. Mr. Harley's buildings are, we believe, the only instance in which brick party, or division, walls are used.
There is yet one more public building which we have not before alluded to, as it is " out of town," but now we will have a look at that also. Nelson College is situated in a most favourable position, on the slope of a hill on the north-east of the Waimea-road, about a mile from the centre of the town, and, when viewed from a distance, is certainly quite deceptive. It has the effect of an old English edifice, of real red brick walls, with freestone dressings, in the style of the beginning of the seventeenth century, commonly called "Elizabethan," but more properly "Jacobean," as it was during the reign of James I. that it arrived at its best period. The first glance, therefore, at this building with its terraced platform, and its various details of parapets and pinnacles, its bay and oriel windows, will call up a host of old English associations in the mind of the architect (whether professional or amateur), who is acquainted with the Halls of Creive, Wollaton, Bramshill, and Longleat. A nearer approach will not quite undeceive him ; not until pretty close will he discover that, after all, the building is only of wood, painted and sanded ; yet, it must be confessed, there is no attempt to imitate brick and stone ; no false marks anywhere to represent jointing ; nevertheless, perhaps the " sham " here is the more unpardonable, on account of the cheat not being apparent until close enough to ascertain the omission of jointing. The architect has been much blamed for such atrocity, but he has evidently not imitated colour, as there is no sham construction. The building owes much to its fine commanding position ; the details are exceedingly plain, but perfectly correct, and very effective. It is most substantially constructed as a timber edifice ; and, if the real materials had been employed, it would, more than any other building in Nelson, have combined the three great requisites, of fitness, stability, and beauty, After all, it is too small for a College ; but, if the Governors had expended the amount needed for a proper edifice, say, £20,000 or £30,000, how they would have been attacked and abused !
We have now, lastly, only to speak of private dwelling houses, and not much need be said. In Nelson, and its immediate neighbourhood, there are none of any real architectural character, but very many which are exceedingly pretty in general effect. They are mostly gabled, and have verandahs ; and a verandah, however simple it may be, always looks well. The attempt to imitate the Old English style iB very prevalent, and is, in most cases, abortive — except in the instances of Mr. Edwards's house in Brook-street, and the Parsonage, which are very good in their way. The only instances, I am aware of, where a different style has been attempted, are Mr. AntilFs house, in Collingwoodstreet, which has somewhat of an Italian , character, and Mri Stanton's residence, also
in Collingwood-sfcreet, which ia quite in the Modern Italian Villa style. Of these private dwellings, if their owners are pleased, that is enough. In most cases they are too far from the public road for their details to bo distinguishable, and, as before observed, the general effect of gables and verandahs to cottages, surrounded more or less with trees and shrubs, is, in our sunny clime, invariably satisfactory.
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Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXXIII, Issue 77, 28 June 1864, Page 2
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4,407THE ARCHITECTURE OF NELSON, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE. Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXXIII, Issue 77, 28 June 1864, Page 2
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THE ARCHITECTURE OF NELSON, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE. Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXXIII, Issue 77, 28 June 1864, Page 2
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No known copyright (New Zealand)
To the best of the National Library of New Zealand’s knowledge, under New Zealand law, there is no copyright in this item in New Zealand.
You can copy this item, share it, and post it on a blog or website. It can be modified, remixed and built upon. It can be used commercially. If reproducing this item, it is helpful to include the source.
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