N.Z. ARCHITECTS

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 February 1937, Page 5

N.Z. ARCHITECTS

APPEAL FOR OPPORTUNITY (PEB PRESS ASSOCIATION.] AUCKLAND, February 16. Complaint against the reported action of the Auckland Hospital Board when embarking on an extensive building scheme in finding it necessary to go outside the Dominion for architectural services was received from the New Zealand Institute of Architects at a meeting of the board. The complaint was supported by a letter from the Director-General of Health, Dr. M. H. Watt. “We are ponvinced that our members are capable of giving all the necessary service and urge the appointment of an architect resident in the Dominion who as a taxpayer contributes to the upkeep of the hospital.” the letter said. Advice was received from Dr. Watt that the institute had communicated with the Minister for Health, the Hon. P. Fraser, emphasising the desirability of using the services of local architects. “I am directed by the Minister to say that generally lie is in accord with tlie views expressed by the institute that architects established in the Dominion should be retained for hospifal building,” Dr. Watt said. “New Zealand architects, many of whom have overseas training and experience, arc undoubtedly quite capable of undertaking hospital planning if work of this nature is forthcoming.” In the discussion which followed board members said that while opportunity had been taken to consult a visiting architectural expert it was not lint ended to employ an outside architect.