DESIGNS FOR PARLIAMENT HOUSE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1173, 7 July 1911, Page 4

DESIGNS FOR PARLIAMENT HOUSE.

A PROTEST. (By Tclcgraph-Prese Association.) Christchurch, July C. A mceti.ig of tho Christchurch branch of tho New Zealand Institute oi Archii tects was held to-day to oonsidcr tho action of the Government in extending tho time ior sending iu designs for Parliament Buildings. It was unanimously resolved to send tho lollowing letter ot protest to tho Minister, expressing the hope that the original dato would Uo adhered to:— "It having been reported in the press of July G that tho Government have extended tho time for sending in designs for Parliament House, this association desires to enter its protest against any violation of tho conditions under which tho architects havo been asked to compete., In these conditions July 81 is tho date fixed for sending in designs. Before commencing the preparations of designs our association, at their interview with the Minister for Public Works in the l>e-giunin;,'of-April, asked him to fix 1 a later dale.- Ills answer was that, it was impossible to do- so. He said' tho date fixed gave plenty of time and the designs must be sent in by July 31. Wo are therefore of opinion that the dato fixed by the Minister at that time should be adhered to. It is stated that many architects have engaged extra draughtsmen to help them in preparation of designs. They havo been engaged with a view of getting tho plans finished by the date fixed by tho conditions. The services of theso extra draughtsmen would be dispensed with in time to allow the knowledge they have gained under one architect being available for another. The injustice of this is apparent."