A GREAT ARCHITECT.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 50, 28 February 1923, Page 4

A GREAT ARCHITECT.

The cable message we published the other day stating that London was holding a "Wren Week" in connection with the bicentenary of the great architect. does les3 than justice to Wren's fame and the interest in "his work. In America, so it is reported, architects in every important city will honour his memory. We have not heard of any celebrations in Australasia, where, judging by the standard of architecture, they are most needed. Wren's position among the roll of famous Englishmen is peculiar. He is the '<nly English architect whose name is known to everybody with any pretensions to education. Generally speaking, indeed, architecture in this respect is unkind to its geniuses. The names of writers and artists are far better known than the names of architects, ancient or modern. "Few indeed are the cathedrals of which it is known who was the architect or *he designer," writes an English bishop. "No artist or foreman is there whose name, is associated with them. The monks who achieved the erection of the cathedral were content to live and die unknown; and unknown, but unhonoured, they rest to-day." Wren, however, worked under conditions that made it certain that his fame would live. He was primarily a mathematician, with interests in astronomy (in which subject he was a professor), chemistry, anatomy and philosophy, but he had given much attention to architecture before he was engaged in 1663 to make a survey of St. Paul's Cathedral. Well may Evelyn have spoken of him as "that rare and early prodigy of universal science." He did more in architecture than design St. Paul's and many other buildings that attest his genius: he drew designs for the entire re-building of the metropolis after the Great Fire, including wide and commodious streets and squares, and magnificent quays. Most unfortunately few of his recommendations were adopted. and London has paid heavily for the blunder. That is the tragedy of bad architecture and bad town-planning; they are so difficult to correct. A poor picture can be put away, and a poor book need not be read, but second or third rate architecture cannot be avoided. It is there for all men to see and endure for years and years. Like all really great men, Wren is an inspiration to succeeding generations, but the production of genius seems to be a matter beyond the control of man. Architecture is much more a formal study than it ever was before, but can this age show buildings equal in jrlory to the best of the Middle Ages? The" inspiration that moulded men then seems unwillin - to return. All this, however, is no argument against the encouragement of the study of architecture among architects and laymen. Wren's bi-centenary, indeed, is a positive spur to enthusiasm for what is, at least so far as the public is concerned, the most neglected of the great arts.

This morning the N"avua brought 16,000 cases of bananas in addition to some thousands of bunches. The, fruit appeared to be in good condition.

>ir Maynard Hedstrom who arrived from tbe north this morning, had good sport at the Bay of Islands, his bag included one sword fish, _?oib, and another 31-Mb, a Mako shark 4151h. and a kin_ fish In each kind he had the good fortune to land the heavies* fish taken at the Bay so tar during 'he present season. ~r .Maynard leaves for Wellington tht_ i Wednesday i evening.

At a meeting of the Waihi Hospital Board last evening it was resolved to install a new X-ray plant at a total cost of £27i\ It was also resolved to urge compulsory detention tubercular cases in the curablp stage of the disease, that greater attention be paid to ensuring a milk supply free from germs of tuberculosis, and that phthisis and pulmonary cases be admitted to the Government Sanatoria without further charge on Hospital Boards.

Yesterday afternoon the funeral of Albert John Walker, a member of the band of the 14th Reinforcements, took place with military honours, the burial being at Waikumete Cemetery. The deceased, a son of .Mrs. B. Walker, of Devonport. was 40 rears of age, and had been in hospital practically since his return from the war, where he sustained serious wounds. At one time he was amateur bantam champion boxer of Canterbury and later resided in Wellington.

Australia's prohibitive duty on Fiji bananas is apparently not working out to her benefit. According to statements made by Fiji residents who arrived by the Xavua to-day. great hopes are being centred by growers on getting the marker, at Vancouver, «hither a trial shipment was recently sent. In reply to an inquiry one man expressed the opinion that this would not affect the New Zealand trade, as ample quantities are grown. "A lot have bpen planted out lately: in fact, more than for years past, in the hope that the henelits of the Vancouver market will be realised.'' he concluded.

The Mount Roskill Road Board is much exercised over the excessive speed of motor cars along the Mount Albert Road. When the subject was discussed last nipht one member said that some cars travelled at 70 miles an hour from the Veterans' Home to the Royal Oak. In fact, motorists were using the road as a training ground, very much to its detriment. It was resolved to place the matter in the hands of the board's solicitors with instructions to take the most drastic action possible to abate the nuisance.

The town district of ElWslie is progressing steadily, a lot of building having taken place recently. The Town Board has in contemplation raising loans for a roading scheme, also for the erer-ion of a block of buildings with shops, offices for the staff, and a. suitable hall. At the present time, Ellerslie Parish Hall is the only building in the district in which gatherings can be held, and it is felt by the Board that the time has arrived when a forward movement, should be inaugurated. Plans for the proposed block of buildings have been submitted to the Board, and are now under consideration. '

A monster stingray was captured by a party of natives in the Bower-town e«tuarv on Wednesday afternoon says the "Bbv of Plenty Times." It had apparent'lv come up with the incoming tide, and'was first seen in the vicinity of the ford cro??ing. The natives secured a couple of spears from Mr. F. Harley, and, after an exciting chase, succeeded in driving one of the weapons into its back. After the second spear had been brought into requisition the natives succeeded in getting the stingTay ashore opposite the residence of Mr. Harlev. It measured over five feet across', and five feet six inches in length from its nose to the root of the tail. The tail itself extended another four or five feet. About Christmas a similarly sized stingray w-as captured in the estuary.

A young blood met a lady friend in town" the other day (says the Timaru "Herald"). He, a gallant, requested the lady's company at afternoon tea. He had. by the way. just come in from the farm, and was arrayed in hi 3 smartest apparel. The lady agreed. They had tea. Then came the usual parade to the cash desk. Customers seated near the desk saw the young chap blush, then recover his normal colour. He blushed again and dived into every pocket. But no change was forthcoming. He began to explain to the girl at the desk. He had changed his clothes; forgotten his purse, etc. But she cut him off with, "Same old game, eh? You're the third one this week." What was he to do? A brain wave smote him. He produced a few letters, handed them to the de3k lady to keep in bond until he should arrive next day and pay up.

In welcoming Ttte delegates to the Xew Zealand Federated Builders and Contractors' Conference, at Dunedin the Deputy-Mayor (Mr. W. Begg) referred to the house shortage question (states the "Star). It was quite evident, he said, that there were not nearly sufficient houses in any part of the Dominion to satisfy the wants of the population. Over a dozen houses had been built by the Government in Dunedin, but only two were occupied. That showed that there was something wrong with the scheme. The houses were either of the wrong class, too expensive, or too far away from the city. He hoped the conference would be able to adopt 6ome scheme whereby houses with all home comforts would be constructed at a reasonable price. The house shortage was a Dominion matter, and if the conference would devise some scheme the people of this country would greatly appreciate its efforts. There was also a shortage of tradesmen, which wa3 largely due to the lack of apprentices. These were not encouraged owing to the restrictions placed on the employers. The country was crying out for houses and tradesmen, and was not able to supply the demand. "If you can do anything in these matters at this conference.'' concluded Mr. Begg, "you will be conferring a great boon not only on the people of Otago, but in all parts of Xew Zealand.

At the Temuka Police Court yesterday, the South Canterbury Acclimatisation Society prosecuted two farmers, L. J. Grant and C. Heweson. on charges of stroke-hauling. The charge against Heweson was dismissed throug-h lack of corroborative evidence, while Grant was convicted and fined £5 on one information and ordered to pay costs on another. The defendant Grant was detected by Ranger Main, but had no fish in his possession.

According to a resident of Fiji, who arrived at Auckland by the Navua today, Fiji has been experiencing during the past month, the hottest weather for fifteen vear3.

Messrs. W. P. Carter and Co., Eketahuna, have been successful in negotiating the Tararua Electric Pou'er Board Loan of £50,000.

The opinion that the proposed destructor on the selected site will not be detrimental to health, if used with ordinary care, was expressed by Dr. T J. Hughes, the medical officer, at a meeting of the Mount Roskill Board last evening. It was decided to consider the matter closed so far as the Board was concerned. At a meeting of the Wellington r hamber of Commerce yesterday the following r°=olution was passed: 'That, in consequence of merchants havin™ order«d their supplies ror the balanc of the year, this chamber urges upon the Government the desirability of postponing the lifting of the emh-:-.o on German soods until January I. 1024.''

The Navua. which arrived at Auckland to-day from Suva, is reported to havp had a very good trip in the run down through the Island group. "We were very lucky in running our of the hurricane, which caught the Niagara, Waihora. and other vessels.'' said the captain, in the course of conversation v. ith a "Star" reporter. "We were very close to it,'' he concluded.

The members of the Public Service Appeal Board, Messrs. Peter Barr i chairman i, F. W. Flanagan, H. <-'. Hulme and <*'. R. Andrews will arrive in Auckland to-morrow morning. The board experts to be sitting in Auckland for four or five days. Mr. F. W. Millar, general secretary of the New Zealand Public Service Association, who is advocate for the appellants, is accompany, ing the board.

Mr. .r. Rankin's residence in Mako Mako Road, Levin, had a narrow escape from destruction on Friday evening (says the "Chronicle" i. One of the frequent flashes of lightning experienced during the storm struck the kitchen chimney, shattering the steel plate over the range and breaking a piece out of the stove. The bolt then crossed the kitchen, penetrating the dado on the farther wall. Mr. Rankin was absent from home at the time, so it is fortunate the building did not take fire.

The body of a native named Hekiheki Wi Keepa, with the neck broken and other injuries, was found at the bottom of one of the steep cliffs at Mot it i island, near Tauranga. The deceased was a member of the Patuwai tribe and was about 55 years of age. He was well known at Motiti Island, where he had resided for many years, carrying on the occupation of a farmer. He was a married man with seven children, the youngest being six years old.

A new dairying company is being formed in Te Aroha. An excellent site for the erection of a factory has been secured, and it is intended to manufacture butter. If the present arrangements remain unaltered the factory will be ready to commence operations at the opening of the next dairying season.

The annual picnic of the inmates of *he Auckland Institute for tbe blind is to be held to-morrow at Takapuna beach. The holidaymakers will leave Auckland by the 9.30 a.m. steamer. A programme of sports has been arranged to make the outing a thoroughly enjoyable one.

A butcher named Alexander Littlejohn, a single man, aged 36, in tlm employ of Hellaby's, fell through a glass roof of the verandah of Sanford's Buildings shortly before eight o'clock this morninsr. He was taken to the hospital by Sergt. CorVell, suffering from severe body bruises, and! after treatment was allowed to proceed to his home at 27, Hepburn St.

Mr. X. L. Brown, of the Union Co. staff at. Suva, who arrived in Auckland to-day by the Navua, says that shipping has been very slack there for some time past, hut conditions are rapidly improving. The new direct line of vessels, without, subsidy, from London, has now started.

A wirele?" apparatus has been installed at the Waitaki Boys' High School, says a. Press Association telegram from Oamam. The outfit is a four valve sot. being a duplicate of sets in satisfactory operation at Cambridge and Oxford Universities.

A meeting for the purpose of forming a Grey Lynn branch of the LiberalLabour Federation will be held in the Methodist Hall, Great North Road, tonight at 8 o'clock.

By a in a camp in which horsefeed, harness, etc., were stored, Mr. J. J. Lane, contractor for public works at Mareretu, sustained loss amounting to £120. He recently lost a valuable horse worth £75, which was drowned in a creek. Albert Edgar Sanders, a clerk in the Savings Bank, aged 28, was sentenced yesterday to a year's reformative detention for the theft of £20 from the Savings Bank at Dunedin on August 28.