SCOPE FOR ARCHITECTS

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20832, 16 June 1939, Page 8

SCOPE FOR ARCHITECTS

LACK OF OPPORTUNITY TOWN PLANNER’S REMARKS (By Telegraph.—Press Association) NEW PLYMOUTH, Thursday Complaints of the lack of opportunity for young New Zealand architects in their own country were made by Mr J. W. Mawson, Government town planning officer, when considering the projected civic centre at New Plymouth. “New Zealand is producing as good young architects as any other country, but they have the utmost difficulty in finding employment for their ability,” he said, in suggesting a competition for plans for the civic centre. Many New Zealanders abroad were proving their worth by winning such competitions. “I have given letters of introduction to many young men who have secured excellent positions within 24 hours of reaching England,” Mr Mawson added. NO UNEMPLOYMENT

IMPRESSION CORRECTED (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Friday The following statement was made 'by Mr Mawson, in reference to a Press Association report of the remarks made by him in New Plymouth. “The necessarily brief summary of my remarks unfortunately seems to have conveyed a 'misleading impression of what 1 actually said. As far as I am aware there are no unemployed architects in New Zealand at the present time. On ttie contrary I believe that the demand for architectural assistants far exceeds tlie supply. The point I was trying to make was that failing open competition among architects for tlie design of public buildings, young architects have very little opportunity of making known their knowledge and ability to the public. They are faced with the alternative of becoming hacks in the office of some established firm, or offering their services in England or some other country where, such competitions are held. 1 remarked incidentally that several brilliant young New Zealand architects have already made names and fortunes for themselves in England by winning such competitions.”