ARCHITECTS BILL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20618, 17 July 1930, Page 14

ARCHITECTS BILL.

Sir,—l read with interest that tho New Zealand Institute of Architects is endeavouring to pet a bill passed through Parliament to prevent architects in Nev Zealand, other than members of the in fit-it ute, from calling themselves architects and practising as such. Surely this is a most un-British measure to endeavour ft? impose 011 men who, although outside the institute, have spent tho best part, oI their lives in practice as architects? Some years ago the necessary qualifications foi admission to the institute were tho fact of having served full apprenticeship with a qualified architect and been seven years oi- moro in practice as an architect, and I venturo to assume that a largo number of the present members of the institute gained admission on these qualifications and that should they be required to pass tho examinations now set by th<» institute they might find it difficult, and perhaps impossible, to qualify. Why then ask others in tho profession to pass difficult examinations to put them on the same footing as those who were admitted to tho institute without it ? If these original qualifications were still adopted for membership, say, till the end of next year, it would no doubt bring a large influx of members to tho institute, and would not compel architects who are at present in practice to study specially for the necessary examinations or be deprived of their means of livelihood. It seems to mo that the New Zealand Institute of Architects is endeavouring to get Parliament to pass a bill which is not, to my knowledge, law in any other country, and which I think would entail hardship to many efficient architects in New Zealaud. T£e Square.