COMMUNITY DEBT TO ARCHITECTS

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27794, 20 October 1955, Page 7

COMMUNITY DEBT TO ARCHITECTS

TRIBUTE BY DEPUTYMAYOR GOLDEN JUBILEE DINNER OF INSTITUTE “We see their memorials around us.” said the Deputy- Mayor of Christchurch (Mr George Manning), paying tribute to the early architects of Canterbury, when he nroposed the toast of the New Zealand Institute of Architects at the gold.n jubilee dinner held by the Canterbury branch of the institute in the United Service Hotel last evening. “Christchurch and Canterbury marvel at what was achieved in their earliest days by tb**se architects and their /influence w... remain We pay tribute to their work,” Mr Manning said. Visitors revelled in the Provincial Council Chamber and other fine buildings. George Bernard Shaw had told him and the then Mayor (Mr D. G Sullivan) that the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament was one of the flnest he had seen anywhere, said Mr Manning It was remarkable that Canterbury had enough architects to form an association as early as 1872, but they must have realised that in the unity of common interest the capacity of the individual was enlarged. The New Zealand Institute of Architects had not come into being till 1905, but that was typical of the steadv development. At first only fees and conditions of contract were fixed. In 1913 an Act of Parliament gave protection to the profession. In 1925 a chair of architecture was established at Auckland University College.

“Architects can be encouraged to give their best only i r - the right environment,” Mr Manning said. “Appreciation of goed design must exist in the community Architects in this province today ar® helping us in town planning, they work hand in hand with our local bodies, and from them we draw inspiration for civic decorations for such great occasions as the Royal visit. They ven help in locating—and here I t—sitate—our future town hall. We are grateful ” Mr V. R. J Hean. chairman Oi the branch re ponded to the toast, expressing pleasure tiiat there were present as guests u ers of the Ministry of Works, the City Council Chamber of Commerce. Caw Society. Medical Associa i -.ccountdnt ’ Society S rveyors’ institute. Institution of Engii.ers. and Builders' Association He expressed thanks for the co-operation all had given Member had come from as far away as Nelson and Tip aru Others present included Mr B. J. Ager, one of the earliest members in Canterbury: Mr John Collins a grandson of -I. Collins, who commenced praat in 1865 and the third generation in the rrofession: and Mr r. A. J Hart, a ‘ oundatioi member of the in titute. . . , The Beautifying -associ. tion had been active for many years m Chn tchurch. Mr grid. He remembered its first project -n the removal of osier willows and aying out of the Avon s banks between Victoria and Colombo streets. Although the city parks and reserves department had taken over much of the work, the association remained active, and both had close liaison with the institute. There were haracters among the early architects. Mr Hart said one held tenders'ever □ kettle to ensure that his price was Another left his top hat in a prominent position and. if it was not suitably filled on his return from an inspection, some part of a building was bound to be condemned. .. Mr G. D. Griffiths oronosed the toast of kindred societies with the response by Mr R. A. Witbrock, president of the Chamber of Commerce.