MUNICIPAL COTTAGES.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18163, 27 April 1921, Page 10

MUNICIPAL COTTAGES.

(To the Editor). Sir,—The attention of the public has been drawn to the housing question by an article appear.ng in your issue of the 22nd inst. commenting upon the alleged success attending the erection of some municipal cottages at Springvale. A very special point is made of the fact that a saving has been effected by eliminating the fees (and of course the services) of architects and contractors. Further credit is claimed by showing what these cottages have cost, but as the sizes of the cottages are not quoted the public is unable to judge if the cost is reasonable or otherwise. It is a fallacy, and one which needs immediate correction, to suppose that because architects and contractors are not employed the cost of their necessary services is entirely saved. These services have to be rendered, if not by architects and contractors in public practice, then by employees of the municipality. The direct cost may (or may not) be slightly less but the work has to be done to produce the cottage and it is an open question if it is as economically done as is claimed. The elimination of persons (architects) skilled in design and kindred subjects, and other persons (contractors) trained in the management of building projects is not an economical proceeding and the work that they do has to be done by someone, if any results are to be obtained, and so its cost is not saved but is concealed or included in other costs which, if shown separately, would at once make it clear to the public that an uneconomical course had ben followed. There is another aspect of the case to be considered, and it is this—is it wise or economical to employ a borough enginer upon duties for which he has not been specially trained to the neglect or postponement of his proper functions. I have not yet had the pleasure of inspecting the cottages in questions, and so am unable to offer my opinion as to whether the result justifies the course adopted.—l am. etc., W. BEAUCHAMP PLATTS, Secretary of the Institute.