VISITING ARCHITECT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20217, 30 March 1929, Page 12

VISITING ARCHITECT.

CITY'S BUILDINGS PRAISfJO. TREATMENT OF TOURIJTS; I raise for Auckland's buildings was expressed by Mr. S. R. Maisev, a prominent Sydney architect, who left by the Maunganui on Ihursday, after spending several weeks in New Zealand. Mr. Maisey said he was particularly struck with the size of the four cities". When it was considered that the population of New Zealand as a whole was about the same as that of Sydnev alone, it was agreeably surprising to a stranger to find so much progress. Auckland in particular had claimed his attention, chiefly because of the fine type of building to be seen on every hand. It was apparent that American styles in architecture had found their way into the country, although attractive adaptations were made, with the result that many pleasing effects were obtained. In the city itself the Dilworth Building stood out as a fine type of structure, of which any city in the world might well be proud. Its proportions were excellent, and the design had been carried out with wonderful effect for such a prominent corner in the heart of the business area.

Classical architecture had a memorable example in the great pile of the War Memorial Museum, Mr. Maisey said, and this building had held his attention more than anything else in the city. It would bfkr comparison with anything of its kind m the world, and it was a source of no little wonder to a visitor that a city of the size of Auckland should have such a crowning glory. The memory of the museum was one that many visitors would take awav with them. For the effectiveness of its design and outlay, the winter garden in the Domain was also one of the most attractive spots in the cities of New Zealand. Mr. Maisey said ho was struck with the great courtesy everywhere to bo found ir; the Dominion. To one who had travelled the world it was a pleasant experience to go through n country in which everyone from hotel porters to business people were ready and anxious to help a stranger. It did not require a substantial " tip " to encourage a porter, or anyonq else with whom the tourist came in contact, to bo agreeable and helpful. In certain countries one (pent a great deal of money in consideration of every favour or service. The average tourist did not begrudge tipping, but in New Zealand the visitor realised that it was done not to encourage service which might otherwise be given grudgingly, but to acknowledge work cheerfully done. " Auckland itself was tho biggest surprise of the tour to me,'' Mr. Maisey said. "I did not expect to find a city of sucli size and prosperity. More than any other city in New Zealand it is like Sydney. There is the sime jollity among the crowd on the wharf to see the Maunganui away as one would find in Sydney. In the South this is not so marked. Aucklandera apparently live a happy life among themselves. There is not the constraint one meets elsewhere."