ARCHITECTS AND BUILDING BY-LAWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVII, Issue 3329, 11 January 1898, Page 3

ARCHITECTS AND BUILDING BY-LAWS.

Two questions under the City Council’s building by-law came before the Public Works Committee at its meeting 'last night, Mr Q. P. Skerrotfc attended with reference to alterations recently made to the Western Hotel, in Willis street. He admitted that in carrying out the alterations infractions of the building by-law had taken place; hut these had occurred without Mr Lahman’s knowledge. - The architect and the contractor had each been fined, and Mr Lahman was now being proceeded against also. He Wftg the lessee of the hotpl. Mr H. Cjilmec was the proprietor, but he {mew dotting of the alterations. Mr Lahifiau was willing to find one surety for the carrying out or an uudertak:ng tfiat brick partitions. would he erected in place of urdofien cues within 13 months. He would have to he fined, but he asked that he be not required to at onoe carry out the alterations necessary to comply with the by-law. Councillor Devine said that an architect was to some extent- an officer of the Council. It was apparent in this case that the architect misled the Council’s engineer and endeavoured to defeat the by-law. The Mayor said that if proprietors were to be allowed to shelter themselves behind architects it would be a serious thing. Councilor Lingard said the laymen trusted to architects. Tie was in favour of the licensing nf r. hit;-c‘ and intended to table a motion on the subject.

Councillor Fraser thought it was a question of brickwork versus woodwork. If a fire took place during the next 12 mouths the Council would be blamed.

Councillor McGill said that if tbs by-law

was to bo any g-jf.d at ail it snould be auhered to somewhat. Councillor Lindsay said the nrcnwoc.s were looked upon as professional men, and per. oris who employed them put a good deal of confidence in them. The Council ought to sit upon architects »*no did not comply with the building by-law. The Mayor said the Council did not recognise architects, but the persons who were building. It was decided to recommend that Mr Skerrett’s request be acceded to, on the condition that a substantial surety be provided. , , r Mr G. G. Schwartz attended with reference to a proposed building in Molesworth street, to consist of two shops and dwellings. The City Engineer had refused a permit on the ground that the plan showed openings in the party wall. Mr Schwartz contended that no evasion ot the by-law was intended, but the committee decided to recommend the Council not to approve of Iho plan.