THE TOWN HALL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 722, 15 September 1870, Page 2

THE TOWN HALL.

The following letters have appeared in our morning contemporaries: — Sib, — The Town Hall Committee having published the reports furnished them by Messrs Bray and Wright and by ourselves, these documents now become public property, and we feel called upon to make the following remarks on some points in which there appears to be a discrepancy between the two reports, and which we deem it only right should be made public. We do not for a moment intend to say anything as to the opinions contained in either report, but rather point out what we think may have led to a good deal of unnecessary differences between us: —

On going to the Town Hall on the Ist instant, we were met by Mr VV. Wilson and Mr Farr, to both of whom we immediately applied for the original working drawings and specification for the building. These, we were informed, were not procurable, and on pressing Mr Farr for them, he stated that we should have " to go to Mr FitzGerald's head for them," as the original drawings were bo much altered and cut about by Mr FitzGerald that they would be of no use te us if they were forthcoming; and, further, that he had "no drawings to produce." We then wrote an interim report (of which we enclose a copy), pointing out most clearly that the absence of these drawings above referred to, compelled us to postpone our examination nnd report till we were able to find the builder, in our opinion, the next best authority. It appears now, however, that the drawings have been found, and submitted to Messrs Bray and Wri ht. Why not to us, we are at a loss ti understand. All he eridencj given to as by the

builder was taken in writing, and as nearlj as could be expected, agrees with our own observations afterwards, and we see no reason to doubt any of the statements made by him. Your obedient servants, EDWARD RICHARDSON, ALEXANDER LEAN.

(Enclosure.) Copy of Interim Report, dated Ist September, 1870. In accordance with the instructions received from Mr W. Wilson this afternoon, we have made a cursory examination of the new Town Hall. > There are decided evidences of the effect produced by last night's earthquake on the defects, the probable results of weakness in - the original construction. In the absence of detailed information, and working drawings, we are compelled to defer giving a report on the safety of the Town Hall till we have received the evidence of the builder employed, and further made a more searching investigation as to its original construction. Edward Richardson, Alexander Lean.

Sir,-— I cannot permit the article in your issue of to-day to pass unnoticed, especially as it calls in question the competency of the several gentlemen that have been employed in making the Burvey upon the above-named building, inasmuch as you suggest that it is the duty of the City Councillors to " employ a competent surveyor to examine the building from foundation to roof." " That they should uncover enough of the foundation to satisfy the public upon that point," and be« cause it is the expressed opinion of two of the surveyors that the girders are improperly fixed, " that one of them should be lifted." I cannot say these suggestions are impractical, but I may infer that it is highly improbable owing to the cost of such an operation, and as both these essential parts of the edifice have withstood the severe tests spoken of in the report for more than six years, why should -tHey ? ; I wish, Sir, for the sake of the gentlemen | themselves, that I could endorse your state- - merit " that both parties entered upon their task without prejudice, and with an evident desire to conduct the investigation with fairness and accuracy." This I doubt, and I think it is very evident to the public that the first report shews great want of care and research by the absence of any practical surrey or depth of inquiry. Plans and specifications were always ready for inspection, and I was fully prepared and perfectly willing to give evidence in the case, and I am confident that I possess a clearer knowledge of the construction of the building than any one else, but Sir I was not asked one question, . with this exception, "had I the working drawings of the front?" to which I answered , in the negative. These gentlemen have therefore based their report upon the verbal evidence of an unfortunate contractor who became a bankrupt be- . fore he had finished, and besides this, was seriously ill, and confined to his home for some time during the progress of the works consequently knew but little of its construotion. In reference to the girders, it is stated that " they never were securely fixed." How is it Sir that they have proved to be so secure, that with one exception they have not moved, not so much as to crack the piaster, although subject to the several shocks spoken of in the report. In conclusion, I deem I have advanced sufficient to prove the fallacy of the first report, and tne inconsistencies of your remarks. Your obedient servant, S. C. FARR.