TECHNICAL COLLEGE BOARD TO OBTAIN SERVICES OF ARCHITECT

Wanganui Chronicle, 20 October 1949, Page 7

TECHNICAL COLLEGE BOARD TO OBTAIN SERVICES OF ARCHITECT

That the board authorise the principal to open negotiations with an architect or architects to ascertain the cost of preparing a ground plan for a new college building, on tne understanding tnat the sole committal is the fee for the ground plan, was a resolution carried at last night’s meeting of the Wanganui Technical College Board of Managers. Another resolution was carried which stated that the board make application to the Minister of Education to place at the disposal of the board for architectural purposes a consulting architect from the Ministry of Works Department. These resolutions were carried after members had stressed the urgency lor the preparation of suitable plans for a new college building. Members heard a report on the recent deputation to Wellington concerning the new building. The report was framed by the deputy-chair-man of the board, L'T G. P. Williamson, who was acco. i .anied by the chairman, Mr N. Rein, and the principal. Mr J. Dash. “The motion of the board concerning the development scheme proposed by the department was conveyed to the acting Director of Education, Mr McMurtrie, who was attended by the department’s chief architect, Mr Widdicombe, and others,” stated Mr Williamson. “We conveyed the board’s motion stressing that the department’s plan was uneconomical of space and still meant wide dispersal. We emphasised the point that what the board wanted was a complete lay-out for a modern, well-equipped college on the St. Hill Street-Nelson Street block, eveil if the work was done in stages. We wanted nothing haphazard. We asked that, because of the heavy pressure of work on Mr Widdicombe, approval be given to employ an architect. “Mr McMurtrie’s attitude was sympathetic, for the department realised the necessity for adequate accctnmodation. Regarding an outside architect, approval could not be given. “Mr Widdicombe said that he could not see how all the necessary buildings could be placed on one block. However, their scheme appeared to them to be the most feasible, unless we could suggest something better. We were asked whether the board was willing to sacrifice the playing field for buildings. We said yes, if n.ecessary, but thought it was not necessary. We asked if there was any objection to two-storey blocks. Mr Widdicombe replied: ‘None—-three-storey if you like.’ “The nett result of the meeting was simply that the department’s architect seems convinced that his scheme is suitable, but he is willing to be convinced otherwise, providing we can show the department a properly drawn plan. That is our dimculty, because we cannot get a scant to employ an outside architect. “The only concrete suggestion the members of the deputation can make is that the board authorises the principal to open negotiations with an architect or architects to ascertain the cost of preparing a ground plan, on the undertaking that the sole committal is the fee for the ground plan.

“If the board agrees to this suggestion the next problem is how to find ways and means to pay this fee. However, that is a matter for consideration when the cost is known.’’ Mr Williamson said to engage an architect or architects would give the board a chance of obtaining action, and speedy action. The board would be under no obligation as it would only get an idea as to what the costs would be to draw a plan. He again mentioned that the department would not give a grant for the engaging of an outside architect. The architects will be asked to report before the next board meeting. Earlier in the meeting Mr J. C. Batt said the board had to settle the architect problem as the board was hindered by the Idck of a consulting architect. He proposed that the Minister of Education be contacted. This was agreed to. Mr W. G. Price also said that the board must obtain a regular architect.