DEPUTATION TO THE DEPUTYSUPERINTENDENT.

Evening Star, Volume VII, Issue 1940, 24 July 1869, Page 2

DEPUTATION TO THE DEPUTYSUPERINTENDENT.

A deputation from the Committee of the Athemeum —consisting of Messrs Bathgate and Lakeman, accompanied by Mr D. Ross, architect—waited on Ids Honor the DeputySuperintendent this morning, to lay before him the p)lan selected for the building proposed to be erected on the - ctagou site. Mr Bathgate explained the drawm.-s, which he stilted had been selected from halfa dozen as being the mo t suitable for the purpose. The two shops would probably bring in a rental of L3UO a year. The entrance into the institution was by a corridor, and under the shops were cellars! One of the shops -would have four rooms attached to it, 11 by 134 feet each. In regard to the inter! r of the institution, one principle was laid down in its arr mgement, that each room should be independent of all the rest, so that there should be no thoroughfare iu passing from one to the other. There was a magazine room, then a ladies’ room—for. as ladies were the best frequenters of the library, it was thought desirable to give them accommodation, so that they migit have opportunity of taking a magazine and reading it. That room was 134 by 14 feet 9 inches. The library was 18 feet by 35, aud opened directly into ihe <en re ha 1 aud librarian’s place, which would have glass doors so that he could see every one who came and went. It was in ended to have movable partitions, either . series of arches to be thrown open or sliding doors ; but as that was a matter of fittings it had not been decided. By the means proposed, a room fitted fir conversaziones could he prepared, 34 feet by 35. The Committee were unanimous in the opinion that Mr Ross’s plans were the best submitted. In addition to those already described, there would be a couve-sation room, 18 feet by 14 feet 2 inches. Arrangements were also proposed fur thn-e class rooms which could be thrown into one, and thus provision was made for a lecture room. It was felt to be due to the Executive to submit the plans hi fore the Committee undertook further responsibility* as they wished to sho-v that the money would be laid out to the best advantage. On examining tiie elevation the DefutySuperintendent expressed his satisfaction, but asked Mr Ross on what grounds |-he architects of the city adopted the Corinthian column. He suggested that its light and elegant appearance consorted w 11 with the sunny skies and warm climate of Greece, but they scarcely agreed so well with a country visited by frost and snow. Mr Ross said, as a rule he did not often adopt the Corinthian column, but it was lighter and more grace ul than the other orders. It was rather expensive, but suited, in this instance, the general design of the build ng. For economy’s sake, the pillars would be cemented iu preference to making them of Oamaru stone. It was estimated that the covt of the building would be L 2.300. The Deputy-Superintendent expressed him*' If perfectly satisfied with the explanation given. Mr Reid, who came in during the time that Mr Bathgate was spe king, also expressed his satisfaction, and said that he i(id iot ttiink it nec ssary for the Executive 1 1 further examine the drawings, as the Committee had evidently given more time to th ir consideration than it was poasi le the Government could devote to them.

His Honor, at the request of the deputation, promised to write and express his approval ; and the deputation thanked him aud withdrew.