Our 49th Competition For Band Rotunda

Progress, Volume XII, Issue 5, 1 January 1917, Page 853

Our 49th Competition For Band Rotunda

This competition brought five drawings, viz.:— “Lute,” by Richard Ostcn, with Messrs Anscombe and Smith of Invercargill; “Cornet,” by R. A. Patterson, C/o. Government Architect’s Office, Wellington; “Baksheesh,” by Harold L. White, C/o. City Engineer’s Office, Auckland; “Melody,” by Henry C, Critchficld, with Messrs Anscombe and Smith of

Invercargill; “Stone,” by Nigel Wallnutt, with Messrs E. Mahoney and Son of Auckland.

Mr, Leslie Coombs, A.R.1.8.A., of Dunedin who kindly set this subject reports as follows:

“Baksheesh,” (placed Ist) —This is the most original and best thought-out conception submitted in the competition. The design, however, is much more suitable for fcrro-concrctc than for masonry construction, and the four supports would be apparently inadequate, to carry the superstructure.

“Lute”— design is very good, but is spoilt by inferior draughtsmanship. Coupling the columns makes the fault of wide intcrcolumniation less apparent than it otherwise would be.

“Cornet” Another good design, but lacking in vigour and originality. A perfectly Hat ceiling level with the bottom of the architrave would be preferable to the sound-catching coffers shown.

“Stone”—The entablature and base to the dome is much too heavy. The scheme as a whole is commendably simple and restrained, but practically cverv feature has minor faults.

“Melody”—The object of stating in the conditions that the designs were to be inked in and shaded with diluted Indian ink was to produce a uniform set of drawings which could be easily compared. “Melody” in making his drawings with reddish brown ink (perhaps it is “Red Indian” ink) distinctly violates the conditions, and, accordingly, must be corrected. The design has original features which, if well carried out. would be effective. LESLIE D. COOMBS.