THE PROPOSED TOWN HALL

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1511, 14 February 1901, Page 50

THE PROPOSED TOWN HALL

DESIGN APPROVED OF.

FIRST PRIZE TO MR CHARLES-

WORTH.

The report of Messrs A. R. Lawson and ii. 8- Rounthwaite, the judges appointed to examine the designs for the proposed toAvn hall and municipal buildings, AA*as read at last AA'eek’s meeting of the City Council. The report was as folloAvs :

“Gentlemen, —We have given careful consideration to the thirteen sets of designs submitted in* competition for the erection of this building. The selection has proved to be a matter of some difficulty, but after giving a whole week to the work, and much thought and inquiry, Ave ha\ T e come to the conclusion that the designs Avhieh conform most nearly to the requirements of the Council are as un“l. That under the motto, ‘CommonAvealth/ .. “2. That under the motto, Comme-il-

* “3. That under the motto, ‘Design with beautv. Build with truth.’ “In each of these designs, however, there are points which it would be advisable to modify in carrying out the building. We also desire to mention favourably the design under motto ‘Mokoia.’ This design and the arrangement of plans are in many respects excellent, but far in excess of the requirements stipulated, and the bu,ildmg is, moreoA r er, shoivn to be four clear stories in height. We further wish to add that it appears to be eindent the allotted sum Avill not permit of the elevations being faced in stone, and this, we ,k, is eminently desirable for a building of this important character. “We are, etc., “A. R. LAWSON. “R. S. ROUNTHWAITE.”

On the papers being opened it was found that the first prize had been allotted to Mr J. Charles worth, of Wellington : the second prize to Mr Win. Crichton, of Wellington ; and the third prize to Mr T'. Hurst- Seager, A.R.1.8.A., of Dunedin. Councillor Tolburst moved, '‘That the report be adopted.” Councillor Barber seconded this motion, remarking that the Council must abide by the decision of the experts. Councillor Luke thought it was unfair that the judges should have called m the assistance of a builder to adjudicate upon the ulans, and thus practically become umpire in the matter. If the Engineer would sav that- the accepted plan could be erected for the amount stipulated, be would, be satisfied. Councillor McGill said if the building could not be erected for the sum stipulated, the plan should not. he accepted.

The Mayor said the conditions had . been handed to the judges, and in mak-H ing their recommendations it must 'ie assumed that they had complied wffiwU" these conditions. It did not foiloiv that the adoption of the report meant that the building designed Avould be erected ; that matter for after consideration. The motion Avas carried. The design “Mokoia'’ mentioned in the report is bv Messrs T. Turnbull and Son. ~ -