NEW CATHEDRAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23226, 21 December 1938, Page 14

NEW CATHEDRAL

DESIGNS INVITED DOMINION ARCHITECTS COST LIMIT £200,000 CLOSING NEXT NOVEMBER The conditions of the architectural competition for designs for the Cathedral of tho Holy Trinity, which it is proposed to erect at Parnell, have been completed by tho General Trust Board of tho Diocese of Auckland, and are available to intending competitors. The competition is open to all members of the New Zealand Institute of Architects, whether they are residing in the Dominion or overseas, and it is being advertised in the four centres and in London. Tho closing date in London is November lo of next your, and Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, Hon. D.C.L., Hon. LL.D. R.A., F.R.1.8.A., has accepted the position of assessor and will adjudicate upon, the designs and make the award. Origin of Scheme

Tho cathedral scheme is being carried out in furtherance of the will of Miss Mina Tait Horton, who died on May 3, 1935, and bequeathed the residue of her estate to. the building fund of tho cathedral. She provided that the design for the building should be competitive, that 'it should be accepted within seven years of her death, and that the building should be commenced within 10 years of her death. The trustees are to be satisfied that the building will be properly carried on to a completed state. The bequest in itself, while amounting to a very large sum, is not sufficient for the erection of tho first part of the cathedral, and the authorities are planning to raise an additional large sum. Their professional adviser is Mr. F. L. Moodie. Awards Provided The premiums offered to the successful competitors are £IOOO for the first, £4OO for the second, £2OO for the third and £IOO for the fourth. If the successful competitor is not a resident of New Zealand, he will require either to become, a .resident of Auckland for the term of his engagement or to engage at his own expense a competent approved architect residing here with power to act on his behalf. If by May 3, 1945, the promoters have not instructed the author of the accepted design to proceed with the whole of the work, he shall receive a further payment of 2 per cent of the amount of the estimated cost of such portion of the work as is not being proceeded with. The buildings are to be of recognised fire-resisting construction, and to conform to the requirements of the New Zealand Government, having special regard to the provisions relating to earthquake-resisting construction-. Use of Stone The promoters will not approve of the use of any New Zealand stone on the exterior of the buildings other than "blue" stone and/or Coromandel granite, but the cost of these materials will render their free use prohibitive. Should competitors desire to make use of any stone for exterior dressing it will require to be imported. The estimated cost of the completed building is not to exceed £200,000, and the intention is to expend on the first portion a sum not exceeding £75,000. The board states that it is desirous of erecting on this outstanding site a cathedral that shall be a landmark and an inspiration. To this end it suggests a design in the spirit, but not slavishly imitative, of the great cathedrals of England and Europe, related to our own time, but definitely not ultra-modern, relying for its effect rather' on mass and simplicity of line than on elaboration and ornament. Seating Capacity The cathedral is to seat a minimum of 1250, with provision in emergency for 1500. It is to have three chapels, a Lady Chapel to seat 125; a Missionary Chapel as a memorial to early missionaries, to seat 60; and a chapel dedicated to youth, to seat 60. Five vestries are planned, and a bell tower to carry eight bells. ' • : ■ Further accommodation is to be obtained by dismantling and re-erecting such portion of the present St. Mary's Cathedral Church as may be required for providing seating accommodation for at least 750, exclusive of chapels and choir. The chancel of the present St. Mary's Church is to be re-erected to form a chapel as nearly as possible in its present form, and retaining existing windows. The correct orientation of the cathedral is not made mandatory.