Registered at the G.P.O. as a Newspaper.

(?□

□ c

Walter Macfarlane & Co.ALL DESCRIPTIONS OF CAST

IRONWORKCast Iron Gutters Rainwater Goods S O I L P I P E S(Coated and Glass Enamelled)

CASTIron Pipe Fittings

PARKER, WOOD & CO., LIMITED,Corner of ELOFF and M AR K ET STREETS, JO H A N N E SB U R G .For the Transvaal:

Plumbers’ Supplies, Baths, Basins, C.I. Pipes, Earthenware Pipes, Urinals,- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - W.C.’s, Cisterns, Steel C eilin gs.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Parker, Wood & Co., Ltd., Hardware Merchants, Johannesburg. t° l

IL ii il--------------

BOX 110 0 . EPH O N E 2 51 3 .

□ □

THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. October, 1911.

10 1

Structural Steelwork

New Carriage Shops, S.A.R. Durban : Three Bays, each 400 feet long, 48 feet span, supplied and erected by us complete.

STEEL FRAME BUILDINGS, HEADGEARS, TANKS, BRIDGES, STEEL ROOFS, FACTORIES, etc., etc., MACFARLANE’S CASTINGS, WITHERS’ ---------------------SAFES, etc., COLLAPSABLE GATES. ---------

------------- D esign s an d E stim a te s u pon a p p lic a t io n .-------------

Gilbert Hamer & Co.LIMITED.

NATIONAL STEEL & IRON W ORKSDURBAN. Telephone 872.

Telegrams : “ Girders.”P.O. Box 301 .AND AT

425, CONSOLIDATED BUILDING, JOHANNESBURG.P.O. Box 1653. Telephone 2386. Telegrams: “ Steelwork.”

_ l l [ill ~~ll — ill 1 rill 1 [■■

October, 1911. t h e Af r i c a n Ar c h i t e c t .

Established 1880

J . R

Established 1880

Tiles, Mosaic, Marble and

Terra Cotta Merchants.JOHANNESBURG :

17, Rand Provident Bigs., Fox St.Telegraphic Address: “ KLIN K ER."

Telephone No. 2767.P.O. Box 2090.

CAPE T O W N :

77, 79 & 81, Hout Street.Telegraphic Address: “ KLINKER.”

Telephone No. 409.P.O. Box 1219.

Manufacturers of

ROOF AND PAVING TILES, IRRIGATION PIPES AND AGRICULTURAL TILES, FLOWER POTS AND GARDEN EDGING.

Tile Works and Potteries: - - H EID ELBER G , C.C.

The Largest Stock of Decorative Marbles, Suitable for Columns, Pilasters,Wall Dadoes, Floors, Shop Fronts, Counter Tops, Steps and Risers.

SPECIAL TO ARCHITECTS.

PE C IA LLY prepared and coloured designs will be posted to Architects of an effective decorative treatment in vitreous Hand-made Tiles

____ ar>d Mosaics. This manufacture is harder than Marble or Tilesall the colours being equally hard ; it is therefore more durable than Marble, or Tiles. Being a vitreous material, it is non-absorbent, damp-resisting, and is in no way affected by climatic conditions, fumes and acids. This material being homogeneous the colours are therefore permanent, a good foothold is obtained under all conditions and is therefore suitable for bathrooms, public buildings and engine rooms. These vitreous Tiles, besides the advantages mentioned, can be used on both walls and floors, possessing a slightly malted surface which renders them far more effective for decorative" treatment than the highly glazed and mechanically correct Tiles. As the blues, green and peacock tints are the same price as the white, it is possible to carry out a rich colour scheme in this material at prices comparing favourably with any tiles on the market.

A list of buildings can be supplied where these Tiles have been used to the entire satisfaction of the Architects.

3C DC

THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. October, 1911.

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Electric Joinery Works,Makers of High-Class Joinery and Furniture, in Colonial, Imported, or any other Wood. SPECIALITIES: Purpose made Doors, Windows, Mouldings : : Shopfronts and other Fittings to any Architect’s Design : : All Branches of the Building Trade Contracted for.................................

Works and Offices:

271, Queen Street, PRETORIA(Corner Queen and Proes Street)

Proprietor: F. CORBISHLEY.

3* J A P O L I N P A I N TFor INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR.

3^3*

$5

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We won’t introduce this beautiful Enamel Paint with the poor old saying “ There is nothing better than Japolin,” etc., but we may and dare say after six years’ experience: “ USE JAPOLIN at the firstopportunity you get.” We guarantee it brings you with an outlay of a few extra shillings Satisfied Customers

Write for the JAPOLIN GUIDE. Stock, or Manufacturer’s Colour Book with a JAPOLIN Colour-Finder-They are always handy on your desk.THE JAPOLIN ENAMEL and PAINT Co.,

3*&

P.O. Box 190.235, Pretorius Street, PRETORIA.

terter

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Telephone 367 >!g

T e l e p h o n e 4 6 3 .

W. N O T T I N G H A M ,B u i l d e r a n d c o n t r a c t o r ,

P.O. BOX 2 6 8 .P R E T O R I A .

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Robt. Forbes------------- & CO.----------- —

Builders and Contractors, M anufacturers of Church Office and School Furniture

J O I N E R Y A S P E C I A L I T Y .

C O N T R A C T O R S T O T H E W 1 T W A T E R S - R A N D S C H O O L B O A R D .

Works and Offices:

3*3*3*»tm

Corner Phillips & Fox Sts.

JOHANNESBURG.> ^

P. O. Box 5188. Telephone 2307.

£g3i<S*<#krVVT7~2Xivvr3*S*J . L. Schoeler

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8, HARRISON STREET,^Near Main Street)

J OHANNES B UR G.Complete Acetylene Gas Installations. The Most Reliable System for Churches, Hotels, Residences, etc. Hundreds of Plants erected, and Success attained everywhere. . . .CALCIUM CARBIDE BURNERS AND ALL ACCESSORIES.Estimates for Complete Plants Free.. . -. Advice Given.

J. L. SCHOELER,Member British Acetylene Association.

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P.O. Box 2045. Telephone 2707.

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P.O. Box 63. Telegrams: “ Pedler.” Te'ephone 383.

Pedler & Clapham,Builders’ and Commercial Brokers,

12, BUREAU LANE, PRETORIA.Lysaght’ s Iron,

Allen Waok & Co., Timber Merchants, Delagoa Bay.

TIMBER, HARDWARE, PAINT, OIL, GLASS, IRON, etc.

October, i gn . THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. in.

“ The African Architect” Advertisers.The number indicates the page in this issue on which the Advertisement will be found ; where a (------ ) dash appears

it denotes that Advertisement does not appear in this issue.

Adams & Co . M. J...Page

.. ••• xiiiAinsworth, Herbert ... viiiBaerecke & Kleudgen xiiiBain, W illiam & Co., Ltd ... ...coverBarker, Hugh xxiBarlow, Thos. & Sons ixBegg. George xvBerold, B ... ... xviiiBlackhurst & Co. ... .. ... viBradbury, S. W Co. ••• xixBrick and Potteries Co. *• ••• xviiBrown, S. C. xxiBurnett, W m . M. ... xivCampbell, O’Brien & Co. ... ••• xxvCasse, H. E. XVChicken’s ••• ••• xviiClark, W . J. ............................. xivChester, Arthur xxiClark & Sons, Thom as XVCorbishley, F iiConnel. R ... ••• xviiConsolidated Rand Brick Pottery & Lim e

Co., Ltd. ............................. ivCor' ans, J. L ixCotts, W illiam & Co. (Durban) iiiCummings, W alter xixDey, W . R. ... xiDouglas, Son & Pugh xiiDouglas, Thom as ... XV

E lectric Joinery W orks XEvans & Bendell ... ... xxvFurman, L ... XVForbes, Robert ii

General Assurance Corporation. Ltd. Gilbert Hamer & Co., Ltd. (Macfarlane’s Giovanetti, C. W . ...Gregg, Robfc.Gwilliam, FredHaine, W ilfred H ancock, J. C. & Co.Hannam & Co., L td. (Em bello)Hansford & Hansford Harcus, John Henderson & Gordon Henwood, Son, Soutter & Co Hingle,_GeorgeHirsch,“ Loubser & C (Johannesburg). Hoheisen & Co., Ltd.Japolin Enamel & Paint Co., The — Jenkins & Co.Johnson, A. G.Johnstone, W. F. ...Lawrence, John M. & Co. ...Macdonald & Thorpe M cKillop, J. R.Mantell, Bros.M illar’s WTest Australian Hardwood Co. M itchell, Cotts & Co. (Capetown).••• Moodie & Drennan...Mo.ien lial. Adolph & Co. (Port E lizabeth Mosenthal & Co. (East London), agents fo

Pabco Special Surface Roofing Natal Stone W orks Neucliatel Asplialte Co. o f S.A., The Nottingham, W . ...Parrack, W . J.

Page

XX1L1xxi

xxiiivi

xixxxii

xviiixviii

X Xxiiii

xxiv xxixxvxxvxvii

ixiv

xxv

PagePedler & C lapliam ... ... ... ... nPentland Blue H ydraulic L im e ... ... xixPrem ier Gate, Fence & Seed Co., L td ., The xviPrentice & M ack ie... .. ... ... xvPretoria Brass and H on Foundry .. xxvPretoria Portland Cement... .. ... xiPretoria Transport & Sand Co. ... ... ixRainey, H — ... ... ... ... XvRiach, Frank J. H ... ... ... ... xvReid & Knuckey ... ... ... ... xviiRoberts & Co. ... ... ... ... xxiiiScliauham H, & Gratus ... ... ... xiiiSchoeler, J. L . ... ... ... ... iiScliroeder, W in., L td. ... ... ... xviiScott, R. & Co. (E lastic Oil Paint, “ Rem e­

dium ” )--. ... ... ... ... iiiSienna Paint Co., The ... ... ... xxShim well Bros. ... ... ... ... iiiTransvaal Monumental W orks, The ?... xviiTrevenen, A. ... ... ... ... xixTylor, J. & Sons ... ... ... ... ixUnion Granolithic & Asplialte Go., The ... xxiii Union Joinery W orks (Durban) ... ... xviiUnited Asbestos Agency, Ltd. ... ... xxvUnited Engineering Co., Ltd. ... ... ivYereeniging Brick & Tile Co., L td., The ... xxiW ade & Dorman, Ltd ... ... ... viiiW arden & H otchkiss ... ... ... xviW ells Bros. ... ... ... ...coverW ilson & Son, J. ... ... ... ... xW right & Sons, John ... ... ... xiiiW oollacott, G. ... ... ... ... ix

r TO THE ARCHITECT & ENGINEER A BEAUTIFUL ROOF ------

Pabco surface RoofingA most successful combination of Asbestos and thoroughly tested-------------- Pabco Roofing.--------------Durable, Portable & Fire Resister.

Laid by our Experts ! Guaranteed Right! Covering Composition free with each Roll,White, Terra Cotta or Green.--------Freeparticulars and samples from

Wm. COTTS & Co., Box 80, Durban.HIRSCH, LOUBSER & Co., Ltd., Box 1191,

Johannesburg.MITCHELL, COTTS & Co., Box 31, Cape

Town.ADOLPH MOSENTHAL & Co., Port

I ElizabethMOSENTHAL & Co., East London.

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R E M E D I U ME L A S T I C - O I L - P A I N T

The Remedy for RUST. Any Colour. Non- Poisonous, Durable, Cheap. Only HALF the usual quantity required. Equally effective

on IRON, STEEL, W O O D or STONE.Will not CRACK or BLEACH.

Patentees : FENNER & ALDER, London.

Agents: R. SCOTT & Co.,34, ST. GEORGE’S STREET, DURBAN

--------- Telephone 274 ---------

Cycles, Motors, Arms and — Ammunition -Baby Carriages, Fishing Tackle, etc.

REPAIRS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION------ -------

I

t ___t; SHIM W ELL BROS.,

♦

436, West Street, 237, Church Street, Victoria Street, Warden Street,

■ - DURBAN. Telephone 214.PIETERMARITZBURG. Tel. 260.

DUNDEE.HARRISMITH.

IV. THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. October, 1911.

Structural SteelworkOF EV ER Y DESCRIPTION CONSTRUCTED LO CALLY, OR IMPORTED, AS REQUIRED

Large Stocks of Steel Joints, Channels,Angles, Tees, Plates, Bars, etc., etc.

Designs Prepared. Quantities Taken Out. Estimates Given at Shortest Notice

United Engineering Co., Limited,TOWN OFFICES : GENERAL MINING AND FINANCE BUILDINGS, MARSHALL SQUARE,

Local Works: Doornfontein. J O H A N N E S B U R G . Established 1888.Telegrams: “ A R M A T U R E ." P.O. Box 1802. 'Phones 3484, 3485.

BR ICK S: Glazed, Downdraught and Ordinary............

FIRE CLAY GOODS: unequalled in quality.

PIPES : Sewerage, etc. and all Fittings . . . . .

TILES : Wall and Floor Tiles of every description.

LIME : Best Blue Hydraulic.

Manufactured by

Consolidated Rand Brick, Pottery and Lime Co.,—----------------- L im ite d -------------------------

W orks: ................... OlifantsfonteinOffices: 47, Cullinan Bigs., Johannesburg

Telegraphic Address: “ I N D U S T R Y ”

P.O. Box 609, Johannesburg.

The Cathedral, Berlin.

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October,

1911.

TH

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A

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HIT

ECT

.

V I. THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT, October, 1911,

CONTENTS:

EDITORIAL COMMENTS.An Unconscious Insult Pre-War Contract Town Planning Johannesburg Deficiencies ...The Town Hall A Lost Opportunity Pretoria Church Square Art GalleryJohannesburg Theatres Office of the Association ...Draft Union Act ...Boksburg Town Hall

DESIGN FOR COTTAGE.Our Prize Competition, No. 2 Report of the Assessors

LEADING ARTICLES.Mr. Kendall's Straight Talk Architectural Competitions ...Design for Cottage

C. W . METHVEN, F.R.I.B.A,, (PORTRAIT).Sketch of Career ...

P a g e .

97979798 98 98 98 989899 99 99

9999

101101101

102

ITALIAN RENAISSANCE ARCHITECTURE.Its Lessons for South Africa Lecture by J. D. Robertson, L.R.I.B.A.

CORRESPONDENCE.Society of ArchitectsRoofing Felt Electric Clocks

RE-MEASUREMENTS v. VARIATIONS.Special Article by N. T. Cowin, Pretoria

ARCHITECTURAL COMPETITIONS.Paper Read before the Cape Institute of

Architects by F. K. Kendall, A. R. I.B. A.

DEFINITE SPECIFICATIONS.Asphalte ...

OUR PRIZE COMPETITION-No. 2.F. F. Hayward, Winner (Portrait)Design

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE.Lecture by W. Lucas, F.R.G.S,

IN OTHER LANDS.

“ THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT” COMPETITION.Subject for No. 3 ...

P a g e .

103103

108108108

109

112

115

115100

116

118

118

SPECIALISTS we are

Sanitary Appliances : | ± .Hospital Fittings.

Sew age D is p o sa l:Distr.butor, etc., etc.

Special uilding Lines: caTko^Coffimn,7 Guutering, etc. B u ild e rs ’ Ironmongers.

HARTMAN’S ANTI-CORROSIVE PAINT. P.W.D. SPECIAL LINES.

J.S.HANCOCK&Co.Cor. MAIN & LOVEDAY STREETS,

P.O. Box 1920. Telegrams Specialists” ’Phone 2444

JOHANNESBURG.

STEEL

WALL

SAFES

For building into walls in either exposed or hidden positions, for the secure keeping of jewels, papers, etc. Combination Lock. A n attractive feature in a house --------------------- or apartment building.---------------------Made in three s iz e s : £ 4 15 0, £ 5 5 0, £ 5 15 0.

BLACKHURST & CO.P.O. Box 375. Telegrams: ‘‘ Ironsides." Telephone 251.

Importing Ironmongers,PRESIDENT STREET, cor. LOVEDAY STREET,

J O H A N N E S B U R G .AGEN1S FOR MILLER-MONITOR R^INGES.

October, 1911. THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. V ll.

Institutes of African Architeds.

JVssoriation of Cransbaal(IN C O R P O R A T E D U N D E R T H E A R C H IT E C T S ' P R IV A T E A C T , 1 9 0 9 '.

T H E COUNCIL, 191I :

Presibent: R- H o w d en , a . r . v . i . a . , m . s . a .

Oire-prrsibrnts: H. B a k e r , f . r . i . b . a . , W. H. S t u c k e , a . r . i . b . a .

Jltcntbers of Council: J. F. B ea r d w o o d , m . s . a . , J. N. C o r m a c k , P. E a g l e , V. A F r a u n d o r f e r A. W. H o s k in g s , a .r . i . b . a ., D. L L e w i s , m . s . a ., W. R e i d , f . r . i .b . a ., H. S. V e a l e , E. H. W a u g h , m . s . a .

Registrar: C e c il A l d e r , l i c . r . i . b . a .

Practice Committer: J- F. B ea r d w o o d , P. E a g l e , A. W. H o sk in g s (Convener), D. I. L e w i s ,

W. R e i d , H. G. V e a l e .

(glutcation anb feamination Council: P. E a g l e , W. R e i d , E. H. W au gh (Convener).

publishing anb JCiferature Committee: J- F. B ea rd w o o d (Convener), J. N. C o r m a c k , V. F r a u n d o r f e r ,M. J. H a r r i s , J. M. S olomon , E. H. W a u g h .

South

fentsbaal Institute of rdjitects.presibent:. H. G. V eale.

JJirc-prcsibents : A. W. H o s k in g s , a . r . i .b .a . ; R. H o w d en , a . r .v . i . a ., m. s .a .

Council: J- F. B ea r d w o o d , m . s .a . ; G. A. H. D ic k s o n , f . r . i . b .a . ; M , J. H a r r i s , m . s . a . ; W. R e i d , f . r . i . b . a .

F. V. S t o k e s , f . s . i . ; P. E. T r e e b y ; E. J. W e l l m a n , m . s . a .

Hon. treasurer: D. M. S i n c l a i r .

^ e cretarg : C. A l d e r .

Jiatal Institute of rtbiterts.p r e s ib e n t : C. W. M e t h v e n .

H ir e - p r e s ib e n t : J- D. A n d e r s o n .

Hon. jforreiarg anb treasurer: W. C. E. R o b a r t s .Council: F . J. I n g , M. H o lm es , T ho m as R e a d , J. J. H . L u b k e , G. T . H u r s t , S. C. H udson

®Ijt Capo Institute of ^djiterts.Presibent: A r t h u r H. R e i d .

Hire-presibent: J ohn P a r k e r .Council: A d am so n . A l e x . F o r s y t h , F. K. K e n d a l l , J. M o r r i s , F. R E S l a d d in ,

C. H. S m it h .

viii. THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. October, igi i .

Concrete Reinforcement.Ct, The American Steel and Wire Co.’s Triangular Mesh Reinforcementis guaranteed as to tensional strength. It is a perfect form of Reinforcement, fulfilling all technical requirements, beside being one of the most economical in use.

BRICK REINFORCEMENTCt, Reinforced Brickwork is the best mode of construction. Cracked Walls

= obviated, and weight carrying capacity considerably increased. —=

C O N G O R O O F I N G A N D W A T E R P R O O F I N G F O R F L A T R O O F S , F O U N D A T I O N S , Etc., Etc.

SOLE A G E N T :

HERBERT AINSWORTH,Corner House, JO H A N N ESBU RG .

Telephone No. 356. P.O. Box 1553. Telegrams: AlNSCO.

Telephone No. 423. Telegrams: “ Jousts.”

WADE & DORMAN, LtdConstructional Engineers and Iron Merchants, South African Ironworks,

DURBAN.

LARGEST STOCK IN SOUTH AFRICA OF BRITISH STEEL JOISTS, CHANNELS, ANGLES, TEES, PLATES, &c.GIRDERS, STANCHIONS, IRON ROOF WORK AND IRON BUILDINGS ----------------- MADE UP PROMPTLY FROM STOCK MATERIALS. --------------------

And at J O H A N N E S B U R G , Tel. Address:P.O. Box 2997. N a t i o n a l M u t u a l Bui l di ngs . “ Joists.”

EDITORIAL COMMENTS.An Unconscious Insult.

Advertisements from many of the Dutch Church building committees inviting designs for places of worship are frequently nothing short of an insult to the profession, though, it must be admitted, an unconscious slight. One recently appearing in the Johannesburg papers asked for designs for a church to seat 800, no premiums were offered, nor, in fact, did they bind themselves to give any prize, added to which, even if they did accept one of the designs, they did not engage themselves to employ the author to carry it out. Competitors had, however, not only to furnish plans, but detailed specifications and estimates as well. It would be interesting to learn how many architects responded to this generous invitation.Pre-War Contract.

Fortunately, advertisements of this kind have become much rarer than they were formerly. A glaring example of the injury inflicted by these irresponsible church building committees occurred before the war. Mr. Street Wilson, the well-known Durban architect, prepared plans for a somewhat elaborate church for a village in the Transvaal. Mr. Wilson’s work ceased on the acceptance of his plans, and the building committee set about obtaining tenders and carrying out the various other details incidental to the erection of the church. The com­mittee consisted of half-a-dozen well-to-do farmers, presided over by the clergyman of the parish. As the farmers only came into the village three or four times a year, the duty of supervising the work was entrusted to the pastor, who, during the progress of the contract, practically remodelled Mr. Wilson’s design, making extensive additions. The unfortunate con­tractor does not appear to have at any time doubted the bona tides of the chairman’s orders, which were faithfully carried out. At the infrequent meetings of the building committee congratulations were showered

upon him by the members at the zealous manner he was carrying out the work, and the awkward question as to who was responsible for the extensive and costly alterations never seems to have been broached; the committee merely smiled and patted him approvingly on the back. The trouble only came to a head at th final meeting, when the building was completed and handed over, when it was discovered that the original contract of .£10,000 had been increased by no less a sum than £7,000. The genuineness of his claims was not disputed, but the committee simply repudiated all liability with regard to their chairman's orders, both verbal and in writing. The contractor, who was entirely ruined by their action, sought redress in the Supreme Court of the Transvaal, but was nonsuited, the judges upholding the position adopted by the committee. Thus it was that the church of this small up-country village, which has always been the pride of the countryside and a constant source of amaze­ment to visitors, came into being.

The shabby treatment meeted out to their con­tractor by the abovementioned building committee is on a par with the unfair conditions which members of these village committees wish to impose upon archi­tects whenever church buildings are contemplated. In the past they have been written to and the unjust nature of their requests exposed, and it must be confessed with a certain amount of success, for these advertisements are far more infrequent than formerly.

Town Planning.

That the general public are taking more interest m matters pertaining to architecture is plainly evidenced by the greater space devoted by the local dailies to lectures on architecture and its allied arts delivered by Mr. Herbert Baker and Mr. Lucas. In a recent issue of the “ Transvaal Leader” there is ati “ f,re“ ely thoughtful and interesting article entitled

the City Beautiful,” in which the writer deplores the deadly monotony of the rectangular planning of South African towns and villages, which, he declares,

98 THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. October, 1911 .

is not conducive either to beauty or convenience ; and it must be admitted that he brings forward weighty arguments to bear out his contention. The lay-out of Johannesburg is especially bad, for, with the exception of Commissioner Street, there is not one' thoroughfare of generous width. In the original survey of the town the size of the blocks was double what they now are—that is to say, from Rissik Street to Eloff Street there was no intermediate road. It was then discovered, however, that wayfarers would have to make an inordinate journey if desirous of going from, say, a point in Pritchard Street to a shop in the centre of a block in President Street ; and it was therefore decided to cut the blocks in half by the insertion of another street. As it would have entailed far too great an expense to resurvey the town, it was decided to simply cut out the width of one stand in each block and turn it into a street, thus every alternate street is only fifty feet wide. For example, Rissik Street is seventy-five feet wide ; Joubert Street, fifty fe e t; Eloff Street, seventy-five feet ; and so on. The narrowness of our streets will always prove a bar to the architectural beauty of Johannesburg, for however well designed a building may be, and we possess a large number possessing this qualification, their beauty is marred by their unhappy setting.Johannesburg’s Deficiencies.

Unfortunately, even up to recent times, we have been singularly lax in the preservation of the few squares we possessed, and the present appearance of those spaces formerly known as Government Square and Marshall Square are an absolute eyesore. They were allowed to fall into the hands of speculators, and the result is that they are now partly covered with buildings and partly with secondhand timber yards. Unlike the Market Square, they were both well proportioned, and in the hands of a skilful landscape gardener they could have been turned into beauty spots and would have enormously enhanced the value of property in the vicinity, besides adding to the dignity of the city.

The Town Hall.We are much afraid that the setting 01 framework,

so to speak, will greatly detract from the general effect of Messrs. Hawke and McKinlay’s magnificent Town Hall. Its beauty will pass unheeded on account of the narrowness of the streets abutting, and by reason of the traffic continually surging round them, wayfarers will have little or no time to spare even to cast a passing glance at it.A Lost Opportunity.

A magnificent opportunity was lost when, instead of reserving Von Brandis Square for one magnificent building placed in the centre, it was cut up and structures of a totally dissimilar style of architecture dotted over its surface. There is now only one open space in Johannesburg, the Union Ground, and that is being severely left alone. It could, however, easily be turned into an attractive pleasuance instead of, as at present, a wind-swept stretch of dusty soil.

Pretoria Church Square.The metamorphosis that is taking place in the

Church Square at Pretoria is being watched with vast

interest by all who have the welfare of our cities at heart, for it is the first experiment in South Africa on an extensive scale of the beautifying of a city by means of landscape gardening. Church Square is an ideal site for an experiment of this kind, sloping gently from south to north, and with an abundance of water within a few feet of the surface. On this site Mr. Rees Poole will have a marvellous opportunity of demonstrating the value of landscape gardening as an adjunct to architecture. But its chief value will be in educating the masses as to what can be done in turning waste places into oases of beauty, for even if they are unable to appreciate it merely for its sheer beauty, they will find that it enhances the value of their property, and they will thus be prepared to expend money in this direction. Lourengo Marques is not generally looked upon as a model township, but there can be no question that the manner in which the Portuguese have treated the several small squares dotted about the town is a revelation to the visitor. There is hardly a building in the port which can lay claim to the slightest architectural beauty, and it is only the dainty way with which these tiny piazzas are treated that redeems the place from absolute banality. With better soil and a more generous expenditure of money, the scheme for transforming the Pretoria Church Square will be looked upon in future years as the most brilliant idea yet evolved by the Municipality of that town for investing the metropolis with a central square worthy of its great importance. Even now, after a lapse of considerably more than two hundred years, “ The Avenue ” is still looked upon as the chief glory of Capetown, and when one realises what an immense benefit has been conferred on posterity by the expenditure of the very small sum represented by the planting of a few hundred oak trees, one wonders all the more that the municipalities, public bodies, and wealthy inhabitants of this town are so remiss in their obligations to future generations. Milner Park, which is practically in the heart of the town, is to all intents and purposes a howling wilderness, when, at the expenditure of a few thousand pounds, it could be made equally as attractive as Joubert Park.Art Gallery.

The foundation stone of the Art Gallery to be erected in Joubert Park will be laid by the Mayor on the n th of this month. The building is to be erected on the most southern boundary of the park, facing Hancock Street, in the centre of the park, east and west. The complete designs are expected to arrive shortly from Mr. Lutyens, when tenders will be immediately called for the work. The first portion is to cost £20,000, which will comprise the main central block, and the four wings are to be erected later.Johannesburg Theatres.

It is singular that, during all the years of its existence, Johannesburg cannot point to a single theatre which either in design or approach can even be termed passable, for they are either sandwiched between other buildings or, like the Standard, situated in a small court with an approach through narrow arches. The Orpheum, at present rising at the corner of Kerk and Joubert Streets, should in the matter of approach and ventilation be a long way in advance

October, i gu . THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. 99of any place of entertainment on the Rand, but the sum to be expended on its construction will hardly enable the architect, Mr. Alan Monsbrough, to give us an ornate building.Office of the Association.

We take this opportunity of again reminding the members of the Association of the existence of an office in which are provided the several architectural journals and papers of interest to the profession by way of introducing the students of the profession to the room. We have much pleasure in announcing that this month the designs sent in for the competition No. I, viz,, the cover competition, and designs for competition No. 2, viz., four-roomed house, will be exhibited on the walls of this room, viz., No. 36, South African Mutual Buildings, Commissioner and Harrison Streets, Johannesburg.

Draft Union Act.

We regret to still announce that the draft Act is not sufficiently advanced to lay before the members of the Association, but it is felt that it is only due to the several Provinces interested that each Province should have a full opportunity of making its views known and expressing its approval or otherwise on the several points in dispute before asking the Transvaal members to express their opinion. Corre­spondence is now taking place which it is hoped will lead to a settlement by which the draft Act will then be in a sufficiently complete state to call a meeting of the whole Association to discuss it, when it is hoped all members will endeavour to be present and assist in forwarding this Bill through the Union Parliament.Boksburg Town Hall.

J he conditions of the competition for the new Municipal Buildings, Boksburg, will be issued this month. We understand the President of the Associa­tion of Transvaal Architects has been approached to appoint an assessor for this work, and further that the assessor shall draft and be responsible for the conditions of conipetition. We heartily congratulate both the Municipal Council of Boksburg and the architects of South Africa on this extremely satis­factory arrangement, and we feel sure that’ neither party will regret having come to this arrangement. We only regret that all promoters of competitions do not avail themselves of such well-established appoint­ments, and we would recommend to such, particularly the country towns wheje so many Dutch Reformed churches are being built, the adoption of some such course. There is no reason why, in competition, both the promoters and competitors should not be satisfied with the result, and we submit that the course adopted above is the one most likely to lead to such pleasing results.

THE FEDERAL CAPITAL, AUSTRALIA

A deputation from the R.I.B.A. recently waited upon Captain Collins (representing Sir George Reid), and drew attention to certain irregularities in the above competition. It is anticipated that the High Commissioner will be successful in obtaining more satisfactory conditions by his representations to the Australian Government.

DESIGN FOR COTTAGECompetition No. 2.

REPORT OF THE ASSESSORS.

In considering the designs submitted for the above competition, we submit, for the benefit of the com­petitors, the following points which we are of opinion should have been considered by them ; and we would advise each competitor to apply these points to his design and so ascertain the reason of his failure and prevent such mistakes occurring in his future work.

Interesting Work

In a stand so narrow as fifty feet, it is impossible to obtain a perfect plan, and for this reason the competition is all the more interesting.

The stand is given as facing east, so naturally the principal rooms all face this aspect, not only because it is the front of the house, but also because this aspect is a desirable one. Of course, all the rooms cannot face this direction. In this particular case the designer will have to choose between two evils, viz., whether to face the rooms of lesser importance towards the west, which is a most undesirable aspect, or to face them north, in which case the windows will be close up against his boundary. He must choose the former alternative I he pantry should face south.

The Suggestions

The private part of the house should be isolated from the public, and any visitor should be able to be m, or to pass to or from the stoep, hall, dining and drawing-rooms without seeing a door or window of a bedroom or bathroom. The servant should be able to attend to entrance door and public part of houseWi!th?',lt u aV1? ? t0 paSS through any room, and also should be able to approach private part of house without being seen m the public part of same. Occupants of house should be able to go to yard without passing through any room.

Chimneys should be as few as possible, and the kitchen chimney should not be against a wall of living room, and never against pantry. Ingle neuks should be separately lighted.

“ ' “ “ “ “ S wan aimeffect be aimed at.

Windows, when under stoeps, should be increased accordingly.

In our opinion design No. 9 meets with the above conditions more than any of the other designs submitted, and we consider, on the whole, this design is far and away the best, and though lacking in certain features that might be considered desirable such as larger front stoep, sitting-room in place of front bedroom these could be easily applied without osmg any of the advantages which this plan

possesses.-W e are, etc., R o b e r t H o w d e n , A.R.V.I.A., M.S.A. ; W. H. St u c k e , F . R I B A Assessors. ’

“ eC, h e Jlfrican jlrchiteil Competition 2O

f o H o g s a . ~1r O U n D A T I O H 3 TO BE. OF STOFAC.OUTEE WALLS TO BE 3 BEICKWQBK. ATLD IHHEB WALLS TO BE 3‘ A nD + iL AS S tio w n . WALLS EXTEerlALLY TO BE FIHISHED in PLASTED , LEFT WITH A POLISH SUOFACE AMD DtSTETTPEDED WHITE. CHIMHEYS TO BE BUILT WITH A BRTTEE* ALL WIHDOWS EXCEPT BATS TO BE STOCK SITES. DOOCS TODinmq toon at® MTcntn FACinG halltomtwo pakelsowpe FBAMED DOOES.OTHEO D00C5 TO BE STOCK SIZES.COLUMNS TO FOOHT STOEP TO BE CAST ConCEETC 6- EOOF OVED TO BE COBCOETE . ALL inTEOKAL WOODWOCK TO O ininO BOOM AnD HALL TO BETBEATED WITH CABBOLIHEUK.CUBICAL COMTE N T S => 41 * 3 «'x ig - 2 gO A 4 CUBIC FT = £ .7 0 0 g> 6 °P E P FOOT CUBE .A D D £ 5 0 FOB EXTEA WOEK in BAYS, FEOHTSrafP S ' RECESSED FICE PLACE - TOTAL COST X 7 5 0 .

The Prize Design for Cottage submitted by Mr. F. Hayward, Johannesburg. See page 115.

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October, i gn . THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT.

O

The African Archited ^O R G A N OF TH E A SSO C IATIO N OF

T R A N S V A A L A RC H ITE CTS.

OCTOBER, 1911.“ THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT”

is published monthly. Price Is. per copy. Annual subscription 10s. 6d._, payable in advance to “ T h e A f r ic a n A r c h it e c t , ” P.O. Box 4651, Johannesburg-. Telephone No. 2767.

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SPECIAL ARTICLES on general subjects of interest to the architectural profession, and photographs, are cordially invited from our readers. Where payment is expected this should be distinctly stated. Special care will be taken of MS., but the Editor will in no case guarantee its return.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.—The columns of “ The African Architect” are open at all times for expression of the opinions of our readers, but the Editor disclaims responsibility for the views of correspondents. All letters must be signed with the name of the correspondent, not necessarily for publication, but in evidence of bona fide, and addressed “ E d i t o r , ‘ The African Architect,’ Box 4651, Johannesburg.”

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MR. KENDALL’S STRAIGHT TALK.The paper read by Mr. F. K. Kendall before the

Cape Institute of Architects on “ Competitions,” and which we reproduce in this issue, is one that we trust will be studied carefully by all our readers. Such an important subject, vitally affecting the profession of architects, should only have the effect of arousing serious discussion amongst the members of the various Institutes. There can be but one earnest desire, which will be to arrive at the formation of a definite scheme to improve existing conditions of good competitions and to stamp out entirely the undesirable type. The columns of “ The African Architect ” are open for a full and thorough ventilation of the whole subject, and we trust the matter so clearly and forcibly put by Mr. Kendall will be strenuously debated.

ARCHITECTURAL COMPETITIONS.The most important competition looming in the

near future is that for the new Town Hall at Boksburg, on which the Municipality propose to expend the sum of ^25,000. There is hardly a town hall in any of the smaller centres of the Transvaal which can even be described as satisfactory. This is largely due to the extravagant demands for accommodation required by the councillors and the limited supply of money

earmarked for the purpose. The first essential of the architect is to provide the accommodation asked for ; and when this is satisfied, he invariably finds that there is practically little or nothing left to enable him to give satisfactory elevations. From the examples of town halls to be found in Potchefstroom, Germiston, and Krugersdorp it would appear that the architects have determined that they would secure one elevation with at least some pretensions to architectural beauty, for in all of the above cited examples in the three remaining elevations the stark salience of the unrelieved brick walls is an offence to the eye. With the larger amount of money voted by the Boksburg Municipality, a better result should be obtained, provided always they do not impose upon the competing architects conditions which will make it impossible for them to obtain a dignified building unless at a cost of utilising inferior material. Another competition which should induce a number of designs is that for the Pretoria Fire Station, on which the Municipal Council propose to expend no less a sum than £20,000. In a building of this description planning is the first consideration, design taking a very secondary position, and Mr. H. G. Veale, President of the Transvaal Society of Architects, who was responsible for the Johannesburg Fire Station, when asked to what style he would ascribe his design, aptly replied to the “ Fire Station style.” The Y.M.C.A. in Pretoria also propose to erect a building at a cost of some .£10,000, for which, most probably, designs will be called for.

DESIGN EOR COTTAGE.We are most gratified with the result of our

competition inaugurated in last issue with the object of encouraging young students in the architectural profession. We are equally well pleased to present m another column the report of the assessors upon the eleven designs submitted. Their remarks, while naturally critical, are also instructive, and should prove of much benefit to competitors in the future. It is our desire to see these competitions continue to be a prominent feature of this journal, and if they stimulate and encourage an interest amongst archi­tectural students, one of our best aims will have been achieved. It is the young aspirant who must continue the work of his principal, and must carry to higher stages the architectural level of to-day. We have now pleasure in announcing that the winner of our competition for the best design for a cottage under the conditions set down in our September issue is “ No. 9 ,” who proves to be Mr. F. F. Hayward, P.O. Box 4492, Johannesburg, to whom we offer our congratulations. The design is produced in the columns of the present issue, and in studying it we commend students to read carefully the assessors’ report. We take the opportunity of thanking the assessors for the studious deliberation which they devoted to the eleven designs sent in ; their work was arduous because of the genuineness of the efforts of competitors and the good quality of work submitted. Our competition for this month, we feel sure, will exceed in interest the one just decided, and will produce to all concerned enhanced satisfaction. It is our intention to give a special prize at the end of twelve months to the most successful competitor fpr the year.

161

regarding Delagoa Bay, and many other marine works. As an architect he has erected many handsome buildings, and as an artist has exhibited in some of the leading galleries in England. His hobbies are painting and music. In Durban social circles he is a leading figure, and he is one of its most popular and respected citizens. To his great ability as an engineer Durban owes much, especially in

connection with its harbour works.

the eldest son of the late Dr. William Lambert Methven, R.N. The subject of our sketch was educated at the Royal Naval College, New Cross, and St. Andrew’s, Scotland. For eighteen years he was assistant Harbour Engineer at Greenock, and succeeded Mr. W. R. Kinniple as Engineer-in-Chief. He was appointed Engineer-in-Chief of the Natal Harbour Works in 1888 till 1895- Mr, Methven has

October, i y n . THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. 103

ITALIANRENAISSANCE ARCHITECTURE

A N D ITS L E SSO N S F O R S O U T H A F R IC A .LECTURE BY J. D. ROBERTSON , L .R .I.B .A .,

Delivered in connection with the Public W orks Department Course at the Normal College Hall, Pretoria, on September 12th.

In r

No period of architectural history can have a greater fascination for the student than that which I have chosen for our consideration. I will, therefore, offer you no apologies for my choice of a subject, but rather an explanation of why, out of all the vast material of the history of human effort in building, I should take you to this corner of the field.

Natural ComparisonMy reasons are two. One which has been before

you over much of late, and although its insistence may have become a little tiresome, its truth is none the less—it is the climatic one. We in South Africa share with the Italian those bounteous gifts of nature —a clear atmosphere, brilliant sunshine, and, at times, a heat that sends us flying to the cool recesses of our colonial homes. It has appeared to me that the great masters of the past, who built with these conditions ever present, must have a message for us in their work, a message which careful and patient study will reveal, and the application of which will enable us to produce work worthy of ranking with theirs.

Modern Characters of RenaissanceMy second reason is more complex, and will, I

hope, unfold itself as we proceed in our examination of the style. Briefly, it is the knowledge of the true organic and, if I may use the word, modern character of *he Renaissance work. It was a style that developed by taking into consideration—deep con­sideration—the requirements of the times. It was not, as some well-known authorities would have us believe, a mere revival of ancient classical forms, or even a clever adaptation of them ; but rather a seizing of them, and a moulding and bending of them to the requirements of a time of great progress, a time of increasing complexity in human needs, a time of awakening and inquiring intellects.

I would not have you think, however, that I am advocating a blind worship, or a slavish copyism, of these monuments of the past. Such a course would be fatal, for it would mean the leaving out of our calculation that most important of all factors, the individual expression. Much of the merit, much of the ultimate impression of any work of great art, depends upon the genius of the artist, and mere reproduction can never enshrine the true spirit of greatness. An understanding, however, of the conditions of production, the moods, and even the vanities, of the artist, will guide us in our efforts to produce; and, most of all, the knowledge of the tradition stretching behind that accumulation of experience handed on from worker to worker, ever

growing, ever increasing the basis and foundation of all new effort, that can only be got by a reverent study of the past, forgive me if I labour the point somewhat, for I feel that in some quarters there is a tendency to belittle tradition, to pour scorn on the past, to trample it under foot as a thing unworthy. Such an attitude is, I am convinced, wrong, for does it not seem strange that we should be endowed with memory if not to help us? What are our experiences but the remembrance of past events, that we may know what to hold and what to avoid in the future? If we can use with profit in our everyday life the tradition of the past, surely in our arts the same help should not be denied us.

Great Artistic Activity.The opening years of the fifteenth century saw in

Italy a period of great artistic activity. For centuries before the whole artistic output of Europe had been governed by principles and traditions which had risen and grown from the religious enthusiasm inspired partly by the Crusades and partly by that contact with the East which their pursuit had opened up. The ideals which this great Gothic period held out were becoming less real in their hold upon the craftsmen and designers of the time. There was a movement upon the face of the waters, an air of expectancy was abroad, more especially in Italv, where Gothic traditions had never been very strong, where the atmosphere of the Italian free cities was not conducive to that feudal respect for tradition which kept the northern peoples in the more ordinary line of development. The work of the Italian was less logically consecutive, and retained always some of the spirit of antique Rome. Nor could it be otherwise, surrounded as they were by the great works of all the Cassars, living in the country which was the seat in ancient times of the tremendous Imperial activities, and retaining in their national composition some ot' the qualities which made the Roman great.

It is, therefore, quite reasonable to suppose that sooner or later the mine of artistic wealth would be tapped and its treasures brought forth. For, after all, the history of art is full of such instances of revivals. Anderson, in his work on the Italian Renaissance architecture, points out that study would probably reveal the Ptolemaic era in Egypt as a revival of the Theban age in architecture as in other respects. The golden period of Augustus in Rome, and, in fuller measure, that of Hadrian, are largely Greek revivals ; while we—almost in the lifetime of some of us—remember the great Gothic revival in England.

104 THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. October, 1911 .

But a general air of expectancy is not enough to bring about a irevival. The experiment must be actually made, and its result canvassed and discussed, before the moveihent becomes a real thing. In short, the man must appear to whom was to fall the honour of taking the initial step.

iWonder of the World.To the powerful individuality of Filippo Brunelleschi

the Italians owe, in large measure, the first steps which made th|ir architecture the wonder of the world. His want of success in the well-known competition for the baptistery doors at Florence seems to have turned his thoughts in the direction of architecture, for almost at once, accompanied by his friend and youthful admirer Donatello, he set out for Rome. This journey was a momentous one for the art of architecture in Italy, for while at Rome Brunelleschi devoted his ability to a study and an examination of the ancient classical work there an original and somewhat extraordinary proceeding for a student in those days. His researches, however, were made with a purpose.

The great cathedral at Florence had been building for a hundred and twelve years, under the supervision of several succeeding architects, and the problem of roofing the large octagonal space and the apses was becoming a matter of serious consideration. To Brunelleschi the solution of this problem was the opportunity he required to convince the wqrld of his powers, and on his return from his second visit to Rome he did his best to persuade and convince the council in direction of his ability to solve the problem. And, in spite of almost insuperable difficulties and delays (which led the conceited Florentines to say that “ the heavens were jealous of their dome, which bade fair to rival the beauty of the blue ethereal vault itself ” ), its construction was successfully accomplished; and, although the crowning lantern was not completed till fifteen years after Brunelleschi’ s death, he left models and all instructions for its finishing, and to him is all the honour of its complete 'achievement.

Gothic PrinciplesThe dome is constructed upon Gothic principles,

in that the work is done by eight main ribs and sixteen lighter ones, between which the vaults were built. In this its building can claim little effect upon the actual revival of the classic styles ; but being the greatest work of Brunelleschi s life, and showing, as it does, the value of the study of Roman methods (for the great dome of the Pantheon at Rome must have inspired its conception), we cannot altogether pass over its influence.

It was, however, in the smaller works of the master, which proceeded contemporaneously with the great project, that the glimmering of the new style first appeared. The Sepulchral Chapel of the Pazzi at Florence, began about 1420, is probably the first ecclesiastical building in the Renaissance style. In plan it is quite simple, consisting of a rectangular domed chamber, with a square sanctuary, from which open two smaller rooms. The portico, forming also the cloister passage, stands in front. But in con­structive features it is unique. Instead of the usual rib-vaulted cloister, the loggia is roofed with wagon vaults, having a Byzantine dome on pendentives in

the centre, made possible by the centre arch being the same width as the cloister. The external treat­ment is new. To cover the vaults ip front, and carried upon Corinthian columns of Roman design, is a blank storey delicately treated in stucco to give lightness to its appearance. The detail of the whole front is later Roman in character, but is used in a way the Roman never thought of. The ivhqje character of the work is so different from anyiother of the period that it must attract our attention and lead uis to enquire into its origin and meaning. Here, then, we see the first result of the master’s Roman researches.

Example of Simplicity.A much more characteristic example of his work

is to be seen in the Abbey Church of the Badia di Fiesole. The church is wagon-vaulted, with a simple dome at the crossing. Its keynote is absolute simplicity. There are no unnecessary features, and the freedom and breadth of the treatment show the master hand. Note particularly the tall proportions of the pilasters to avoid heaviness in their angle view.

His touch in domestic work was no less sure. Take as one example the Pazzi Palace, now known as the Quaratesi, at Florence also. Here we see true architectural expression ; a regard for the fitness in the use of material. The stronger and coarser carries, as it should always do, the lighter and weaker. The whole of the ground storey is rough hewn stone, and gives support both apparently and literally to the plaster-covered brick above. The use of classic forms is not so apparent here ; but the whole building emphasises the fact that the new style was not merely a revival in this respect, but a living expression of the needs of the times, and a true functional develop­ment in architecture.

Progress of RenaisssanceWe have now some idea of the circumstances that

surround the first appearance of the Renaissance style in Italy, and will proceed to trace its progress further. Brunelleschi very soon gathered round him a group of architects imbued with his spirit. Among those who seem to have grasped the full significance of the change was Michelozzi, the architect of the Medici Palace.

Cosmo de Medici, the most powerful citizen of Florence, and k great patron of artists, seems to have

, realised the importance of fostering this new spirit. He called upon Brunelleschi to design for him a palace, and determined to build. Brunelleschi’s model was submitted to him in due course, but was rejected as too grand, and the commission was entrusted to Michelozzi. Those of you who are acquainted with the wonderful Gothic palaces of Venice will realise at once how different in character was the typical example of Florentine work. Its chief characteristics are its massive and fortresslike appearance ; the far- reaching projection of the great cornice, which is so magnificent a feature of all the Florentine palazzi; the bold and irregular projection of the rusticated blocks on the ground floor ; the modified relief of the first floor, and the plainer surface of the top storey. It was erected in 1430, the first of its kind, and the type of all the palaces that follow. Again we realise the organic character of the architecture. The deadly feuds between the leading families of the town required that the retainers of each, and the

October, i gn . THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT.

heads themselves, should have a place of refuge. This will account for its great strength. The large size in which stone was quarried sets the scale, and the strong sunlight demands the protection of the upper windows by the great cornice.

But although these palazzi do not show direct Roman influence, their architects being content to use Roman technique only, the succeeding generation were to advance a step further.

To Leon Battista Alberti the Florentines owe much direction. Of noble family, good education, and with conspicuous literary gifts, he threw himself with enthusiasm into the work. He was the first who approached the subject from a scholar’s point of view —perhaps with a trace of pedantry. His book, in Latin, was a serious contribution to the progress of the art. His Palazzo Rucellai is quite distinct in feeling from the work of Michelozzi,_ and shows at once the Latin bent. The points of difference are very apparent. There is more refinement and restraint. Pilasters are used for the first time carrying intermediate entablatures, which, however, are cleverly subordinated to the cornice. Its depth and projection are reduced, while the spacing of the bays is varied over the doorways, which relieves the monotony a more regular arrangement would have. Altogether, it shows us another aspect of the work, and is very interesting from that point of view.

The lecturer proceeded to deal with the effect of the revival upon the architecture of other towns in Italy. Continuing, he said : “ All roads lead toRome,” and before long the call to the Florentine artists to bring their skill to the larger environment was too insistent to be disobeyed.

Renaissance in all its Beauty

We are now approaching a period in Italian Renaissance architecture which may be described as its culmination when it flowered in all its full beauty. There was a discarding of the scaffolding, as it were, a tearing down of the hoardings, a revelation of the completed whole. From the beginning to the middle of the sixteenth century the style matured and manifested itself completely, and, as one would naturally expect, Rome, the Imperial city, was the arena for its display.

Here Bramante found scope for his powers, and proceeded to erect palaces and churches. His classicism developed on lines which led him to reject all elements of design foreign to classic taste. It is interesting to note some of the principles Bramante observed in setting out his work. In the cloister of Santa Maria della Pace we get a very favourite motif of Bramante’s early work : the simple arrangement of two spaces over one, the centre column of the upper tier loading the crown of the arch below. In the Pallazo Giraud we get another arrangement, that of pilasters in couples over one another. This is not a new combination, being used often in Roman triumphal arches-; but its continuous treatment in a long facade is a novelty.

The entire freedom from Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic elements, and the development of the use of the dome and colonnade, were now becoming the leading features in the hands of those who followed Bramante. It has been said that in Brunelleschi’s hands the architecture of the Renaissance had a

Tuscan, or provincial character, while in the hands of Alberti it became more Roman ; and it may fairly be claimed that if Bramante went further and rendered it national or peninsula, Perruzi, San Micheli, and ultimately Palladio, made it European.

Sangallo, Raffaello, Peruzzi, Michel Angelo, San Micheli, Sansovino, and last, but not least, Palladio, are the names of the men who carried on the work the origin of which we have been examining, and to them we owe the perfection of beauty, the wealth of detail, the greater development of its culmination.

Sangallo, the younger, was with Peruzzi, assistant and draughtsman to Bramante, while the latter was architect to St. Peter’s. His chief work was the great Farnese Palace at Rome, built for Allesandro Farnese. It is a huge building, nearly one hundred feet high, and has many points of difference from the Florentine palaces. Firstly, the fortress-like character has disappeared. Rome had no factious Guelphs and Ghibellines to create disorder and strife in her streets ; less of those family feuds which required her palaces to be built like places of refuge. Pilasters are not used as wall decoration, but the orders are confined to the windows, an early Florentine touch. Effect has been obtained by a splendid monotony, broken only by the very restrained doorway and the curved shields over the centre first floor window. The great cornice, projected from the first, was added by Michel Angelo, whose hand can also be seen in the design for the top storey windows.

It is a somewhat remarkable fact that the style has not produced one large building in which is embodied its salient and distinctive features. The Italian Renaissance has no Parthenon in which we can see crystallized for all time the very essence of its life. Perhaps this may be explained by its more complicated nature and the greater multiplicity of its parts. Unlike the Greek work, it contains a mixture of constructional features, arcuated and trabeated forms being used indiscriminately ; while often the very size of its works, and the time taken in their building, prevented the possibility of their being uninfluenced by changes of fashion, and the results of further research and experience. In the smaller works, however, such disadvantages did not arise, and we get purer examples of the style. Take the Palazzo Massimi, by Perruzzi, a contemporary architect of very remarkable gifts and attainments. It had one frontage to the street, curved on plan, and the portico is obtained by recessing behind this line. Beyond this a vestibule leads to the cortile. In detail there are proofs of decided Greek influence ; trabeated construction predominates, and although arch and vault are used, their presence is not insisted upon. But the examination of this building should interest us considerably, for it is the solution of a problem which we modern architects are called upon to solve to-day. All modern conditions were here : a confined site, a fixed and definite frontage line, and a client with, certain imperious demands which had to be satisfied ! Mayhap, too, the architect had building by-laws to conform to, which fettered and chafed him, much as those with which we are familiar do to us !

Verona’s HonourTo Verona belongs the honour of providing a

birthplace for, and sheltering in his tender years, the

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io6 THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. October, i gn .

next master-builder of the Renaissance, Michele San Micheli. Sent to Rome at the age of sixteen, his zeal and keen observation soon distinguished him from others, and brought him notice and work which helped to develop his powers. The unsettled state of Italy at this time made attention to the fortifications of the Papal States a necessity, and Pope Clement VII. appointed Antonio San Gallo and San Micheli as overseers of the military buildings. This appointment was the turning point in his career, for the conditions of military architecture so impressed him that his work was ever after influenced by his connection with forts and bastions. A love of bigness and an extreme simplicity characterise his work.

The Porta Stuppa or del Palio shows what can be done in architecture with no aids but good proportion and the simplest materials. Here we see every decoration that could be suppressed—base, astragal, archivolt—are given up. The column is taller than classic proportion allows, but that has been done to counteract the horizontally which the rusticated courses give. Quite different is his larger work at Venice, the Palazzo Grimani, carried out and finished by others, after his death. This building gained the admiration of Ruskin ; but its crowded composition and want of simplicity detract from.its artistic merit.

Central Figure of Renaissance

We must now consider the work of one who was the very personification and central figure. of the Renaissance art, Michel Angelo Buonarroti, the great, versatile, picturesque .hero of the time. At an early age he showed marked ability in his artistic studies, and very soon outstripped his masters in their own fields. Painting, sculpture, architecture, all opened up before him, and in each he left records that would have made a name for three men. But his name in architecture will always be associated with the completion of the great church of St. Peter’s at Rome. To recount the history of the building of this, the largest work of the Renaissance, is not. possible this evening. Suffice to say that each successive architect after Bramante set himself to study, anew the problem, producing a plan in accordance with his conclusions. Raffaello, the elder Sangallo, Peruzzi, and Sangallo the younger all influenced the work.

Michel Angelo very considerably simplified the whole scheme, doing away with many of the features of Peruzzi’s and Sangallo’s work ; but it is still an open questiorj. as to whether he really improved matters in this respect. His craze for the colossal in all his work is characteristic. He built the great apses and the enormous pilasters.

The internal effect of St. Peter’s is not so over­whelming as one would expect from its altogether prodigious dimensions. The vague outline “ dim and grey and huge, stretching into an interminable perspective, and over-arched by a dome like the cloudy firmament,” which the mind has created for itself out of description and thought, disappears before the real structure. But more familiarity with it brings back the great cloudy conception, its beauties and wonderful conceits, its hugeness and grandeur, its marvellous and majestic detail, all restore the image, till, in the words of Hawthorne, again “ after looking many times with long intervals between, you discover that the cathedral has gradually extended itself over

the whole compass of your idea ; it covers all the site of your visionary temple, and has room for its cloudy pinnacles beneath the dome.”

Michel Angelo

Now, great though the work of Michel Angelo was, his influence on the progress of architecture towards the end of his career has much which lays it open to serious criticism. Before his time the architects of Italy kept before them an artistic ideal based on the proper use of features in their constructional and functional capacities. Their buildings derived their distinctive character from the due observance of all the conditions present. If windows were not required, windows were not put in. They were not afraid of plain wall surface, and their work gains in artistic merit largely from the frank acceptance of ordinary limitations. Michel Angelo seemed later to take another point of view. His work has all the appear­ance of a scenic display, architectural features are used without any reference to their proper functions, columns do not carry weights, false windows are introduced for mere effect, and he seems to have had a horror of plain wall surface, crowding the fagades of his buildings with wholly unnecessary features, and losing thereby the restful feeling which is so refreshing in typical Italian Renaissance buildings.

Again, his love for the colossal, much like our English Vanbrugh, led him to use his features on an exaggerated scale, losing thereby much of beauty and refinement.

This attitude of mind so freely expressed by a man of his commanding genius and reputation was bound to impress itself upon those who followed, and they, with the conviction that so strong a personality could not err, copied his faults with untiring energy, producing work from which the genius of the Renaissance had wholly departed, and bringing discredit upon the whole style..

Having referred to other great masters of the Renaissance art, the lecturer proceeded : —

Study of Ancient Forms

Looking back over the whole field we have so rapidly, and, I am afraid, very superficially surveyed, we can get some idea of the spirit which animated the designers. We have seen how their work has evolved, its'progress being the result of the study of ancient forms, together with the acceptance of local conditions. Material, historical events, social life, climate, and individual genius have all contributed to the result, and our examination of it has found it in most cases to be good.

What then are the lessons it has to teach us? How are we to profit by our knowledge of this past phase? These are vital questions, and it is worth our while attempting to answer them.

The Lessons for South Africa

I think that it will be admitted, in the first instance, that the architectural character of the buildings of South Africa, with some few exceptions, show little merit. The general impression given to the keen observer, or even to one who is not keen, is that of incoherence. There is no line of development, no approximation to any known - standard of taste, no distinctive character that marks it out as' a special possession of this land. It has nothing of beauty,^

October, 1911. THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. 107

nothing of vital interest, to attract or uplift those who live in its shadow. If we were to make an investigation of the underlying motives of its production, we would find that they were of quite another nature to those that animated the style of Italy.

Instead of taking into consideration the special conditions which rule here, the observance of which, with proper skill, would enable us to make all our buildings works of art, we are animated at the outset by the spirit of commercialism, the love of vulgar gain, and, what is even worse, the love of ostentation and display.

A Spirit of Greatness LostWe do not ask ourselves before we commence a

project : “ Will it add to the general well-being? ” Is it the very best that can be produced?” No, we say rather: “ How cheaply can we get this thing done? Will it impress our neighbours and make them think more of us? Will it benefit us materially?” Both nationally and individually we have lost the spirit of greatness in all our work, and this loss is reflected in the shoddy tin-roofed buildings and the meaningless stucco productions which masquerade under the guise of architecture to our eternal shame and undoing. It is the absence of a great ideal which makes our buildings a desecration, rather than a decoration, of this beautiful land. For it is a beautiful land, modelled on a gigantic scale. Nature has given of her best in abundance. The sombre mountains flushed at dawn with the rosy light of d a y ; the timbered valleys, green with the clustered foliage of many trees ; the vast veld, now purple, now brown in the sunlight. Are these not settings worthy of something better than we have given? All around us of beauty cries out at our neglect, and we must, we can if we will only begin, respond.

Hopeful OutlookI am not pessimistic, for already I see something

of good appearing in our work, there is a stirring among the dry bones, a hopeful outlook for the future. Think of the vast resources at our hand in the material for effort. Great stores of noble granite, enough for the walled cities of an empire, lie at our door. Marbles, the material of kings, rich in colour, beautiful in veining, are found in the country! Splendid timbers, glowing with imprisoned sunlight, come from the forests. All these things are an inspiration and should spur us on to effort, to production.

What is it then that we lack still? I would class our wants under two headings : Patronage for our arts and direction for our efforts.

You will remember that Lorenzo de Medici and, in fact, all the Medicis, by their patronage of the artists, by their public-spirited actions in apportioning large sums of money for buildings and works of art, did much to encourage progress, to make it possible. Without their help Florence, Italy, all civilisation, would have been the poorer. The wealth of Florence was in their hands, and to their everlasting honour they held it as a trust and used it for the general welfare. Who were the Medicis? Not kings, nor even princes ; but citizens, wealthy citizens, mediaeval millionaires, the prototype in some respects of the modern magnate. What we want, then, is a modern

Medici ; a man or men who will place their wealth, their influence, at the service of the arts, and by encouragement, by material help, forward the great cause. Is it too much to ask of those who owe their prosperity to the country that they should render back in this way her gifts to them? Some have begun. In the movement that gave us our collection of pictures, and which promises a home for them, we see the desire to serve. But more is wanted. Young artists of promise should be encouraged to materialise their ideas; older men should be given more scope. We require public buildings, opera houses for the advancement of musical art, better housing for our drama, and

Farnese Palace, Rome. The doorway by Sangallo and the great central window by Michel Angelo.

museums for the display of productions of the past. The field is large, the opportunity great, the honour beyond telling.

A Lead Wanted

I realise fully that our times have points of difference. Wealth is not so concentrated now as it was. More are able to spare from their store some­thing. for such objects. But example is a great producer, and we as people need a lead in generosity.

Of direction we all realise the want. Our country is isolated, far away from the centres of artistic activity of the past, and many of our students cannot come into actual contact with or be directly influenced by the works of great men. To them, in particular,

THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. October, i gn .10S

the need of direction is great. What we require is a school of architecture, presided over by a man of knowledge, a man in whose judgment we have confidence, a man of true artistic ability and mature attainments.

State Aid for Art

In a time when the welfare of our sheep and cattle is considered worthy of special legislation, is it too much to ask for State aid for art? I think not.

I would have our Government select such a man as we have described, free him from all cares—a good salary is a wonderful balm—and give him the oversight and direction of all the architectural students of our land.

Now a word in conclusion. If we would have a living South African architecture, vigorous, beautiful, true, we must keep before us the same ideals which animated the Italian masters : truth in construction, beauty in disposition, and reverence for tradition.

CORRESPONDENCE.Latte is for this section should he written on one side o f the paper only. The

writer may adopt an assumed name fo r purposes o f publication, but he must in all cases furnish his real name and address to the Editor.

SOCIETY OF ARCHITECTSSIR,—The negotiations between the R.I.B.A. and

this Society are in abeyance, and I am now advised that this is owing to the R.I.B.A. charter containing no provision for the absorption of a society like the Society of Architects, and it appears that some time must elapse before the necessary alteration is made to enable the decisions of both bodies to be con­summated. In the meantime, this Society has again resumed full work, and none of its activities are suspended either in relation to membership and examinations.—I am, etc.,

EDWARD H. WAUGH,Hon. Secretary for South Africa.

ROOFING FELT

SIR,—I have read and appreciated your paper since its first publication, and I think the queries raised by other readers will certainly serve a good purpose, and that architects, contractors, and princi­pals alike will greatly benefit thereby.

I specially desire to bring to your notice the fact that, as a supplier of roofing felts, I have noticed that it is sometimes required that the asphalte contractor should lay roofing felt on cement, concrete, or wooden boarding, and it is principally on this matter that I wish to write you.

As a contractor for laying roofing felt, I have found it often specified by architects and engineers that the first layer of felting be cemented down on to the concrete (or wooden boarding, as the case may be) with hot bitumen composition.

I would like to point out, from my own experience, that this method has often proved disastrous to the felting employed, and I think if architects only knew the result of such a procedure they would alter their specifications so that the first layer be laid on to the concrete or wood foundation quite loose.

My reason for this statement is that, as the built-up roofing (built up of so many layers of felt,

with bitumen between) is exposed to sun, wind, and rain, it takes an entirely different formation, in expansion and contraction, to the underlying founda­tion. I have had actual experience where the joints of felting, when the first layer has been stuck down, have invariably been pulled apart. Furthermore, I have also found that the felting has been pulled apart not only at the joints, but diagonally, thus fracturing the surface.

I feel, therfore, that if architects and engineers, when framing specifications, will bear the above facts in mind, they will consider inserting a stipulation that the roofing be allowed to expand and contract entirely by itself, and not be deterred from doing so by reason of its being cemented to the underlying founda­tion.—I am, etc.,

“ WATERTIGHT.”

ELECTRIC CLOCKSSIR,—We ask a little space to reply to the letter

signed “ Dial,” appearing in your issue of the 1st instant.

Your correspondent enlarges on the troubles of insufficient room being allowed by architects in clock towers for winding the clocks, access to the pulleys, lubrication, and weight shaft with the necessary drop.

Now, we only wish to point out that all these difficulties can be obviated by the use of electric impulse clocks, which need no large rooms in order to enable clock-winders to get at them, or long shafts to accommodate the pendulum, etc. Electric clocks, as probably most of your readers know, require no winding whatever from one year’s end to another, while the operating mechanism, which consists simply of a “ transmitter,” enclosed in a wooden glass-faced case,, about four feet by one foot, may be placed, along with the necessary dry or Leclanche cells, in a basement or cellar, or anywhere out of the way, the turret and other clocks which it is intended to operate being placed wherever they may be required.

Every dial in the building can be governed absolutely by the transmitter, thereby ensuring exactly the same time being registered by every clock face connected to it. No weekly winding is required, and no constant attention, such as adjusting the hands, regulating pendulums, repairing, cleaning, etc.

Another strong point in favour of electrical against mechanical clocks is that variation in the battery current does not affect the time-keeping ; when the current becomes weak, a warning bell is sounded, denoting that the cells require re-charging, thus ensuring the system against stopping through failing battery.

Further, a system of electric impulse clocks can be extended indefinitely, both as regards number and size of dials. Turret clocks of any size can be added, and existing turret clocks can have their pendulums so regulated by mechanism included in the circuit that they will keep absolute time with impulse clocks.

In view of the above facts, surely it is hardlv necessary for architects to bother their heads much about allowing plenty of room for winding, cleaning, and repairing clocks, when such winding, cleaning, and, to a very large extent, repairing, ! can be absolutely obviated-—We are, etc.,

JENKINS & CO.

October, 1911 , THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. 109

Re-measurement v. Variations.BY MR. N. T. COW IN, PRETORIA,

The following interesting paper was read by Mr. N. T. Cowm, 1 ransvaal Public Works Department, at the recent annual general meeting of the South Africa Institute of Quantity Surveyors held at the Imperial Hotel, Pretoria

When alterations are necessary in building contracts, the architect issues variation orders stipulating the deviation from the .contract, and these orders are dealt with by the quantity surveyor in the form of an “ add and omit” account.

As no contract is carried out without deviations from the original plans, and in the majority of cases these deviations are considerable, and a great deal of labour is entailed in adjusting them, it is a moot point whether the practice of preparing variation accounts is the best one in the interests of all parties, or whether the alternative, a re-measurement of the work while in progress, is not preferable.

Lump-sum Contracts

would be superseded entirely, but, obviously, much of it would be superfluous.

In the case of quantity contracts, the contractor’s risk from faulty measurements is nil, and the building owner is ostensibly equally safeguarded. It is seldom, however, that any errors of addition in the quantities are brought to light, but errors of omission are carefully noted by the contractor, and unless the system of re-measurement is adopted it is impossible for the surveyor to detect any but glaring errors of addition in the quantities as a set-off to the omissions. In this way there is a possibility that the building owner will be paying for more than he gets, which is just what should not occur under a quantity contract. The advantage one contractor may get over others by the knowledge that the quantities are “ ful l ” is useless if the work is to be re-measured and payment made on the basis of actual work done. The elimina­tion of this kind of risk, which is sometimes taken

In lump-sum contracts provisions for additions and omissions are made, and only authorised changes from the plans are considered by the surveyor. It is not possible to ensure that every item set out in the bills of quantities represents the actual measurement of the work when executed, because as often as not there has been insufficient time for properly considered plans, and, in any case, measurements from drawings c annot be as accurate as those made on the buildings. However, by this system the bills of quantities are assumed to be correct, the contractor accepts this risk, and in the event of his discovering an omission or blunder in the quantities, he is tempted to recoup his loss by scamping the work, and in the end the building owner suffers, or, in other words, has to pay for the risks accepted by his contractor. Also any excess in the measurements, which is quite as likely to occur as an omission, is not taken into account, and the building owner suffers thereby. The labour involved and difficulty experienced in dealing with variations is practically equivalent to re-measurement, and, indeed, re-measurement is the only course open when considerable alterations have taken place.

Alterations in Plans

When orders are issued for every alteration in the plans, a great deal of the architect’s time—and often of the surveyor’s time also—is taken up in verifying the alterations and preparing estimates for the work’ It is not suggested that by re-measurement this work

into account when estimating, is an argument in favour of the system of re-measurement.

The System in Scotland

The system of re-measurement contracts is in vogue in Scotland, and as Scotchmen are proverbially gifted with a keen sense of economy, it must be inferred that no other system could show like results, both for the contractor and the building owner, the former receiving payment and the latter giving pay­ment for just so much work and no more.

From the contractor’s point of view it should be more satisfactory to be able to record the measure­ments with the surveyor and check them than to accept as correct a bill of quantities in which every item cannot be checked unless he is prepared to systematically re-measure the whole of the work.

At first sight it would appear that re-measurement would be a longer process than variations. The comparison depends upon the number and extent of the alterations, but as few large buildings—or none at all, for that matter—are carried out without considerable deviations, it can safely be said that there- is no difference in the amount of work involved in the different systems. It is possible to keep the measurements up-to-date in the case of a building in progress by devoting on an average three days per month to the work on the building, and assuming that the contract time for a ^60,000 job were eighteen months, the re-measurement would occupy fifty-four

I I O THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. October, i g n .

days—practically two months. Is it likely that the time taken up in adjusting the variations would be less? I certainly think not.

Government WorkIt is customary with Government work to include

in the bills of quantities for buildings all foundations up to damp course level, drainage, and internal plumbing, and in the bills of quantities for bridges the whole of the work as “ provisional i.e., subject to re-measurement—and why? Because of the uncertainty, due to difficulties unforeseen and undiscoverable, which make it impossible to measure correctly from the drawings. Cannot this reason be given with equal force in favour of the re-measurement of stonework where the “ beds and joints ’ are never executed exactly as taken in the quantities, external plumbing where the actual measurement for gutters and flushings rarely agrees with that in the quantities, and so on practically through all the trades.

The great disadvantage of re-measurement con­tracts, however, from the building owner s point of view, is the uncertainty as to the ultimate cost of the building ; this argument is also used against the adoption of quantity contracts and m favour of lump­sum contracts. Yet, in practice—in the case of quantity contracts—it is found that if the quantities are prepared with skill and foresight, and due care is taken during the execution of the work not to exceed the contract amount, no difficulty is experienced in keeping within its limits. The whole question is regulated by the employment of reliable and competent architects and quantity surveyors.

The system of lump-sum contracts is dying out, and the point to be considered is really whether a quantity contract determined by variations is prefer­able to a similar contract subject to re-measurement.

Progress PaymentsIt must not be forgotten that great difficulty is

often experienced when making progress payments where the system of variations is adopted, and, in consequence, it has led to over-payments. A mistake of this kind would be impossible in the case of re-measurement, if the work is kept well in hand. Under the present system it is often necessary, and in large works imperative, to measure the work which has been completed on each occasion that a valuation is made ; but if re-measurement were in vogue, the necessary particulars would be available, and the time taken up in making measurements for each valuation saved.

The suggestion of re-measurement appears at first sight to demand so drastic a reformation of existing arrangements that the building owner’s first cry would inevitably b e : “ Impossible ! Why, look atthe cufil :

There is no reason why he should pay more for this work than he pays now for variation accounts. If the fee for preparing the quantities were per cent, and that for re-measurement i j per cent, also, making a total of 2I per cent., these charges should be sufficiently remunerative for the surveyor and would compare favourably with the existing scale of charges. The usual fee for preparing variation accounts is 2§ per cent, on “ additions and 1 2 per cent, on “ omissions.” In the case of a

contract recently completed for a large public building costing £50,000, the variations entailed “ additions” aggregating £25,000, and “ omissions” the same amount. On the above basis, the cost of settling up the variations would be £1,000, and the cost of re-measurement £625, which shows a saving of £375 in favour of re-measurement. No doubt in simple, straightforward work a different result could be shown. If the variations are few, re-measurement would be more costly, but, on the whole, re-measure­ment would be found more easily understood, more exact, and cheaper.

Preparation Fee.

In cases where the full fee of 2\ per cent, is charged for the preparation of the quantities, the proposed scale of charges for re-measurement contracts would show a further saving to the building owner. In Leaning’s “ Quantity Surveying ” it is stated that “ in careful quantities taken froin drawings only there is an excess of about 1 per cent.” I think there is probably more, but say i j per cent. Then, assuming that re-measurement would produce absolute accuracy, it follows that the charges for re-measurement will not increase the amount of the original estimate based on the quantities i.e., the surveyor’s fees for re-measurement are covered by the excess in the original quantities.

It is worth the consideration of the surveyor whether his status would not be improved if the system of re-measurement contracts were adopted generally. Too often an architect, who is incapable of preparing a bill of quantities, employs a quantity surveyor to do the work, but elects to settle up the variations in his own way without the intervention of the surveyor, who thus loses the fees that would be his in the ordinary course. If the architect were not competent to take out quantities, neither would he be able to measure up work on the building. The surveyor must then do the re-measurement and secure the fees.

A Complaint

Surveyors complain that bills of quantities prepared by them for a particular work are sometimes manipulated so as to serve for another work of a similar nature, and their services are thus dispensed with. Re-measurement would be a safeguard against such a practice. One cannot imagine the author of a secondhand bill of quantities attempting to measure up work on a building accompanied by the contractor s representative. Again, would not re-measurement give the death-blow to slipshod quantities? The knowledge that every item of work on the building would eventually have to be accounted for would deter practitioners from issuing ill-considered and faulty bills of quantities. The ultimate result would be that architecture and quantity surveying, by force of circumstances, would be recognised as distinct professions, and this is the only way in which large undertakings can be carried to a successful issue. Building schemes of great magnitude are now in being, and are contemplated, in this country, and it is well that this point should be forced home. The prepara­tion of quantities is expert work, and, as such, should be entrusted to responsible and trained surveyors, who must, incidentally, be remunerated on a scale

October, i gu . THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. 111commensurate with the services rendered. That thorny subject, the surveyor’s guarantee for the accuracy of his quantities, would obviously die out under the system of re-measurement contracts, and it is well that it should be buried for all time. An architect does not guarantee that the building designed by him will be free from defects or that its cost will not exceed the amount of the accepted tender; the legal obligation that rests upon him, however, is to exercise reasonable skill and care in the performance of his work. Why, then, should the surveyor be required to guarantee his work and thereby pledge himself to safeguard his clients in a greater degree than the members of any other profession, for instance, a doctor or an advocate? t he former does not guarantee a cure, neither docs the latter guarantee a favourable verdict. In a word, guaranteeing work is unprofessional.

I he public will prefer to employ men of good repute, experience, and proved skill in their profes­sions, who can be trusted to act fairly and honestly, and need not then be put under an obligation.

Confusion through Inexperience

It cannot be denied that variation accounts are often confusing to inexperienced contractors, and when the alterations are considerable it is a difficult matter for the contractor to collect the work of each trade from the various items in the variation bill, fo r instance, plumbers’ work may appear in a dozen items m the “ additions ” portion of the bill with corresponding “ omissions,” and these must neces­sarily be abstracted to arrive at the actual amount of the plumbers’ work in the contract, and thus enable the contractor to check the plumbers’ account. In spite of the stipulations against sub-contracting in the usual “ conditions of contract,” building works are largely carried out by means of sub-contracts, and invariably the accounts between the contractor and the sub-contractor are determined by re-measure­ment. Clearly, then, if the same system were adopted by the surveyor acting for the building owner, the final accounts would be prepared in a manner exactly suited to the contractor’s requirements.

Another point worth considering is that re­measurement would enable the surveyor to become thoroughly acquainted with the works in progress. This knowledge would facilitate pricing and obviate disputes at the final settlement arising through conflicting statements by the clerk of works and foreman, which it is impossible for the surveyor to verify.

Visit to the W orks

The periodical visits to the works to effect the measurements would be of incalculable benefit to the young surveyor; indeed, no better training ground than the works themselves could afford could be imagined. So much depends in taking off quantities and pricing on a thorough knowledge of building construction, the value of materials ,and the amount of labour which should be expjended to produce the finished article.

The system advocated here for building contracts, viz., the preparation of a detail bill of quantities and the subsequent re-measurement of the whole of the work during the progress of the building is not to be

confused with the method of procedure in Scotland where a mere schedule of prices, often without quantities, is asked for at the outset, and the work actually performed is measured and valued at the schedule rates. The building owner, having approved ot the design of his building, must know its cost, and putting cubing ” aside as impracticable where accurate data are available, it follows that a detail bill of quantities is essential. A definite estimate is a sme qua non in building contracts, and in this respect it would appear that the Scotch system fails ; but Scotchmen are realising that the practice of tendering on a schedule of prices is not satisfactory, and bills of quantities are now often issued to contractors when tendering. The quantities, however are not binding, but the rates only, and the work is re-measured—in other words, this constitutes a quantity re-measurement contract.

Contractor’s Point o f V iew

One cannot conceive any objection to a re-measure­ment contract from the contractor’s point of view, and the only party to be won over to this system would be the building owner, who would, presumably,

a; rea(ty enough to agree to the change if increased efficiency, absolute fairness, and a saving in cost to him could be ensured by its adoption.

Doubtless, we all wish to have a system in operation for our work which would be the most satisfactory one to all concerned. Might I suggest, therefore, to our president, the head of a branch of

Public service, dealing with an immense amount ot building work, that he be good enough to assist us m arriving at a definite conclusion on the pros and cons of re-measurement and variations by applying each system to a few works under his control? The result of such a test would provide matter for an interesting paper.

Conclusion

In conclusion, let me say that the fact that the system of variations is in vogue in London should not deter us from weighing carefully the merits of any other system, and, if advisable, putting it into practice.

The Scotch system has much to recommend it, and it is difficult to see on what grounds Leaning justifies the following remarks after detailing the practice m Edinburgh and Glasgow : “ Both of these arrangements compare so unfavourably with the London practice that comment would be superfluous.”

SO C IE T Y O F A R C H IT E C T S.

S.A. Branch Annual Meeting.

. a Fhe j’ ™' Branch of the Society of Architects will hold its Annual Meeting of Members on the 28th October, at 'j P-m-» m the Board Room, Trust Buildings, Fox Street Johannesburg, and it is proposed to hold a Soiree and Loan Collection of Drawings at the latter end of October in the Transvaal University College, Eloff Street’ Johannesburg, ’

I 12 THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. October, 1911 .

Architectural CompetitionsPAPER READ BEFORE TH E CAPE IN STITU TE OF

ARCH ITECTS BY F. K. KEN DALL, A .R .I.B .A .A n I m p o r t a n t S u b je c t d e m a n d in g D isc u ssio n in S o u t h A f r ic a .

So much has already been said about architectural competitions that it is hard to add anything new, and I make no claim to exhaust the subject in these few remarks.

Nevertheless, the present time seems particularly auspicious for the consideration of a subject which has some interest for us all, we being—as we hope on the eve of registration as a corporate body, and thus afforded an unique opportunity for uniting to improve the existing conditions.

In reviewing the subject in brief, I trust I may be forgiven for referring again to a few of the points which were mentioned in this connection when our president’s inaugural address was under discussion ; and the objections I am raising to competitions generally are intended to apply to those conducted upon the most approved lines—except whenspecifically stated otherwise.

A n Iniquitous Custom

There is no doubt in my mind that the competition system gives the public great advantages over the architectural profession, which, from entire lack of unity, it has been unable to resist. Slowly and very steadily the iniquitous custom has been pushed further and further into our own territory—to our propor­tionate disadvantage.

In the abstract, the ostensible object of a competi­tion is, of course, to select the best and most suitable architect and design (the two must not be dissociated) for a certain building, but very few competitions can be said to achieve this result.

No able architect should fear clean and healthy competition, but under existing circumstances the reverse is so often the case that most architects of standing in England and America hold aloof from competitions entirely.

The one type of architect who benefits from the system is the young enthusiast, and consequently it may be said to act as a driving power to the profession to some extent; but it is a question how far this should be allowed to act to the detriment of the profession at large, and to the loss of the promoters and public.

In my own opinion, the best results are to be got by a client selecting a capable architect and conferring freely with him during the development of his scheme, and not by competition at all.

Selecting an Architect

If only building committees were sufficiently acquainted with the available architects and their works, they should be able to select their architect without more ado, and face the responsibility of such action.

But in practice we are aware that opinions differ— and a building committee may find it difficult to agree upon such an appointment, with the result that they generally follow the path of least resistance, and decide upon a competition. They select an assessor, offer a few hundred pounds in premiums, and flatter themselves that they have done their duty. Thus a certain amount of public interest is invoked, for which the competing architects pay. The obligation is almost entirely to the competitors (as we shall presently see), and for this reason I think the promoters should show their appreciation by going to any necessary trouble to redress genuine grievances when brought before them and satisfy competitors as to the fairness of their ultimate choice by publishing the assessor’s award.

We architects can hardly blame business men for exacting from us such advantages as a competition enables them to do for a purely nominal payment, if we, on our part, permit competitions to continue upon such a one sided basis.

Interesting Comparisons

Now let us make one or two comparisons. If several doctors are asked to a consultation in an important case, each one receives a fee (even if the patient should die). In a legal action, the lawyers for the losing side have to be paid in like manner to those of the winning side ; and so on in other professions. In other words, the axiom that profes­sional work, duly performed, should be paid for, and is paid for, obtains in all other professions than our own.

When a committee or board seek to appoint a doctor, surveyor, legal adviser, chaplain, or what not, do they advertise for applications for the post and then call upon all the applicants to do a considerable amount of work on approval, free of charge, and then make their selection? If they followed such a course, what answers would they get? What other profes­sional man is compelled to drag his wares into the “ Cheap Jack ” market in such a way?—not one ! But

October, igi t . THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT.

so long as architects continue to play the part of Cheap Jacks, so long will the commercial bidder continue to take advantage of him.

Now, assuming the conduct of a competition is irreproachable and thirty competitors enter, each one only stands a thirtieth chance of success, i.e., each competitor would have to enter, on an average, thirty such competitions in order to secure one such job. Now, what induces them to lay themselves open to such a game of chance? Is it that each one secretly thinks himself more capable than all the others, and therefore that his chance is considerably better than theirs? Or is it enthusiasm in his work of the kind shared only by worshippers of art and religion—that sort of fanatical desire to be up and doing even at great personal sacrifice—regardless of results? Or is it the difficulty of securing work otherwise, and consequently the result of sheer desperation? In any case, his- chance remains approximately one-thirtieth.

If we do not blind our sense of fairness by our knowledge of what is customary, I think we shall agree that each of these thirty competitors should receive a premium—at least sufficient to pay his out-of-pocket expenses. We have seen that it would be so in other professions.

Types of CompetitionsLet us pass from generalities to a brief considera­

tion of the types of competitions before us. Though these may vary in detail, I think we may class them broadly under two headings : —

“ A.” —Large competitions, with well drawn condi­tions, professional assessors, and some assurance that the work will be proceeded with and that the successful competitor shall carry it out.

“ B .” —Small competitions, with loosely drawn conditions, no professional assessors, where the promoters undertake no obligation towards the successful competitor as to carrying out the work.

Under class “ A ” let us take a suppositious case: Assuming that the assessors, conditions, etc., are all of the best possible (though there are doubtless many thorns in these), we still have an overwhelming iniquity to adjust. A building to be erected is to cost £100,000, and there are thirty competitors ; premiums are advertised at £300, £200, and £10 0 , though strictly these only aggregate £300, as the first premium is merged into the commission of the successful architect and is therefore purely a fictitious bait. We have, then, a practical total of only £300 in premiums. Value each competitor’s work at one per cent, only-'-a very moderate estimate indeed— then each design represents £1,000. The promoters receive thirty such, or designs aggregating £30,000 value, in payment for which they distribute the munificent sum of £300 amongst two of the competi­tors ! Say what you will in favour of competitions— or even make further modification in these figures— but the difference between value received and paid for is too stupendous to be reconciled at all under the present system. If competitions are of the value claimed by supporters, it is only fair that they should be paid for proportionately.

The Succesful ArchitectIt must also be remembered that when the

competition is decided the successful architect has

still to earn his commission. It is not as if winning the competition rewarded him with a munificent sum to put by, as the man in the street seems to imagine.

I should have preferred to leave class “ B ” out of our consideration, as being quite beneath the notice of serious-minded architects, but the “ small competi­tion” scare has forced itself into such prominence of late that we cannot afford to ignore it.

If competitions of the class “ A ” are unsatis­factory, those in class “ B ” are much more so. Not only do all the fundamental difficulties of “ A ” present themselves, but two or three additional points arise, all of which are, in the highest degree, bad—bad from everyone’s point of view.

It is needless to dilate to architects upon the details at any length, but briefly: —

1. Unless the schedule of accommodation is definitely fixed and carefully drawn up, competitors are led on a wild goose chase in many directions. The chance fitting together of a nebulous puzzle replaces the skilful working out of a scientific problem.

2. The absence of a professional assessor more likely than not minimises the chances of success of a genuinely good design—a flashy, impracticable one finding much more favour with the lay mind than one which is technically good, genuine, and practical. The whole tendency of competitions promoted on these lines is, therefore, to tempt architects not to make good designs from an expert point of view— but just the reverse—in order to captivate the fancy of the uninitiated ; thus, instead of being the means of elevating public taste, an architect is induced to lower the standard of his ideals to that of the public.

3. When the building committee (as assessors) make their choice—be it for the best design or for the worst—how are they in a position to estimate the cost? How can they check the accuracy of the drawings? Many winning designs within the know­ledge of all of us, no doubt, have proved quite impossible of execution for anything like the available sum, and many through want of being checked by a practical man convey an entirely erroneous impression of the proposed building.

4. But we have not touched bottom yet ; we are still a long way from it ! Instances are by no means unknown where there is an entire want of bona fides. Competitions of this nature are often merely organised to form dust, so to speak, to throw into people’s eyes ; as when a practitioner of no standing, and who happens to bask in the smile of the promoters, arranges for a bogus competition in which it is previously arranged that he is to be awarded the prize, and the conditions are so drawn as to give no redress to the unsuccessful competitors. Though this unsavoury fact may not be appreciated by the public, the existence of such competitions is, unfor­tunately, of common knowledge in the profession. Still, in spite of this, there are some architects who deign to compete under any conditions whatsoever, and thereby, I fean they are guilty of putting the halter round their own necks and of those of their brother architects.

Worse than Lottery

A very disquieting sequel is when the promoters claim the successful design as their own property, and carry it out themselves without further reference

113

THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. October, igi t .

to the author. It is needless to say here that no competitor enters for the mere sake of winning the premium. His sole aim is to secure the supervising of the work, the premium merely being a set-off against his preliminary out-of-pocket expenses ; and for this, as we have seen, he makes enormous sacrifices. But to deprive him of the work without further recompense, after successfully sucking his brains, should not be possible—it amounts to some­thing worse than lottery !

Another result is that these badly organised com­petitions have now established themselves on all sides, and so easy is it (apparently) to secure some sort of competition between certain architects that in several instances of late no premium whatever has been offered to the successful competitor. Through want of being checked, this system has now evolved itself into alarming dimensions, and it has become quite a common thing for people to promote competi­tions for all sorts of insignificant buildings without dreaming of appointing assessors, offering premiums, or drawing up definite or reasonable conditions, or even proper schedules of accommodation. I feel perfectly sure that in many cases this is done in good faith so far as the promoters are concerned, but in entire ignorance of facts ; still, this is what we have to face.

Remedy for Bad System

Now, surely we are agreed that all this is bad (with several adjectives), and I ask, can we calmly sit down and submit ourselves to be carried along in so impossible a torrent? Consider a little further. We must not only think of the present, but of the future: What is'the logical conclusion of this system? Simply this, that, in a few years time everyone wanting to put up any sort of building whatsoever will have a competition for it, offering no premium, and being his own assessor. Think of it !

It may be truly said by many : “ Yes, we are quite aware of the hopelessness of it all ; but where is there a remedy?”

Firstly, I would ask : How has the trouble arisen? and answer it by saying : Almost, if not entirely, through the absolute lack of unity amongst architects. For various reasons—veal or imaginary—they have never agreed as a body upon many of the most fundamental points affecting their relations with the public or their clients. Surely no other body of men with anything in common is so entirely lacking in unanimity?

United Action DemandedWith this “ small competition ” scare hanging like

a Damoclean sword over our heads, it seems to me that united action on the part of architects is simply demanded. There will certainly be divergent views amongst members of our profession, but if the Union of South Africa can be built up on such conflicting material, surely such a task is not impossible amongst architects ; and our coming registration (as we hope) should offer a unique opportunity.

It remains for you, gentlemen, and our brother architects to say if anything should be done—and if so, what?

Difficulties and SuggestionsAny course is open to objection of some sort, but

I would suggest that the members of the Cape

" 4Institute of Architects should deliberate very carefully upon this matter and frame a proposition to meet this overwhelming difficulty. Having done so, we should invite all members to sign a declaration to abide by their decision, and, as a basis for discussion, I venture the following suggestions :—

“ A ” Competitions.—Members should be free to submit designs in competition where regulations are drawn up by a professional adviser of standing—who shall also act as assessor—when the amount to be expended is not less than £25,000. The number of competitors should be narrowed down to, say, six, each of whom should receive a premium of not less than, say, £ 10 0 (to be increased on a sliding scale in proportion to the amount to be expended). This reduction might be arrived at through some such means as (a) a preliminary competition with only very rough pencil sketches to a small scale (one plan of each floor, one section, and one perspective sketch) ; (b) an inspection of the buildings or photographs of buildings by intending competitors ; or (c) by ballot arranged in consultation with the Cape Institute of Architects. Then each of the six competitors, being guaranteed a premium, should develop his design more elaborately for the final competition.

“ B ” Competitions.—Such competitions be entirely ignored by all architects. Of course it would be open to clients to invite, say, three architects to submit competitive plans, even for a small building, by paying a premium to each (in a small competition).

Advice from the InstituteAs an alternative, it would always be possible for

people desirous of building, and unable to select their own architect, to obtain advice from the Cape Institute of Architects, which could always be at their disposal. If either of these methods could replace the existing system of small competitions, I feel sure the result would amply repay employers and architects alike, and place the matter upon a much cleaner and more dignified basis.

The Cape Institute of Architects have in a good many instances sought to guide promoters of small competitions by issuing to them their list of sugges­tions, and in some cases have appointed a deputation to go and discuss with the promoters their best line of action. The , success with which they have met has so far been limited owing chiefly to their being too late in the field ; but promoters of any competition would do well to take into their confidence a recog­nised body of architects at an early stage.

Far from these being reasons to discourage us, gentlemen, I go so far as to say that they point to the necessity for a much stronger line of action on our part.

I have only touched very lightly upon some of the most obvious points, and it would not be difficult to enlarge greatly upon my brief comments. My object, however, has been to invite free discussion from all sides, with a view to laying down a line of action for the sadly needed improvement upon the existing system of architectural competitions.

SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF QUANTITY SURVEYORSThe following gentlemen have been admitted to

membership:—Messrs. A. S. Wall, W. G. Thompson, C. H. Deighton, and W. Harrison.

October, i g n . THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT.

DEFINITE SPECIFICATIONS: ASPHALTIn our issue of July 1st, 1911 , under the above

heading, we gave prominence to a grievance of the leading asphalte firms in respect of the present method of framing specifications for asphalte work in South Africa. We have since been favoured with particulars of what is considered by these firms to be suitable forms for specifying asphalte work.

Asphalte work carried out here in conjunction with the building trades can really be confined to two headings and specified accordingly: (a) Masticasphalte paving ; (b) tar macadam paving.

(a) Mastic Asphalte Paving.—The materials, viz., mastic asphalte and bitumen, must be thoroughly boiled together in cauldrons, after which not more than 25 per cent, of clean fine grit is to be added, great care being taken that the materials are not burnt.

Thicknesses.—Ordinary floors, such as basements, backyards, sidewalks, etc., 2 inches of concrete, with 2 inch mastic asphalte ; heavy work, 3 inches to 4 inches of concrete, with J inch to 1 inch mastic asphalte should be stipulated. Roof work : For flat roofs, verandah, and balcony floors, not more than 15 per cent, of grit should be added to the mixture. Foundation : Cement concrete, in thicknesses as above, with all channels, cesspits, etc., properly formed before laying the asphalte (the latter, of course, following the exact form of the concrete). The concrete must be screeded.

(b) Tar Macadam.—This work should be specified as two-coat or three-coat work. The materials used must be unrefined coal gas tar (not blast furnace tar) and good hard bitumen, together with clean crushed stone, free from loose dust or loam. First layer to be composed of 1 inch stone well mixed with 85 per cent, of crude tar and 15 per cent, of hard bitumen. Second layer to be composed of J inch or i inch stone (as a binding coat) mixed with 80 per cent, of tar and 20 per cent, of bitumen. Third layer to be composed of J inch stone, with 75 per cent, of tar and 25 per cent, of bitumen.

Note.—The whole to be mixed and laid whilst hot, and rolled to an even surface.

1 1 inch Tar Macadam.— 1 his is put down in two layers, viz., 1 J inch of first layer and \ inch of second layer, rolled to a finished thickness of 1 J inch.

2 inch Tar Macadam.—Laid in two layers, 2 inches of first layer and J inch of second layer, rolled to a finished thickness of 2 inches.

3 inch Tar Macadam.—Laid in three layers,2\ inches of first layer, f inch of second layer, and | inch of third layer.

4 inch Tar Macadam.—Laid in three layers,3i inch of first layer, J inch of second layer, and | inch of third layer.

And so on. For increased thicknesses, add to first layer, second and third layers remain the same.

12 inch and 2 inch is suitable for sidewalks, back­yards, and similar traffic.

3 inch and 4 inch is suitable for roadways, stables, entrances to yards, etc.

4 inch to 6 inch is suitable for wheel traffic.We 1 think, now that we have obtained the very

useful particulars given above, architects will be enabled to frame their specifications according to the

purpose for which the floors are to be used, and in such manner that they will be able to obtain better work than under the vague specifications formerly employed.

The firms who have agreed to the above specifica­tions are as under :—•

Neuchatel Asphalte Company.Union Granolithic and Asphalte Company. Jenkins & Co.

In conclusion, they keep white men constantly employed at the standard wage, and we recommend that the skilled white labour clause should be strictly adhered to in the asphalte trade.

M5

OUR PRIZE COMPETITION—No. 2Design for £ 7 5 0 Cottage, See Page 100

Mr. F. F. H AYW ARD, Winner

The successful competitor, Mr. F. F. Hayward (Johannesburg) was born at Tewkesbury, England, in 1892. He spent four years in the offices of Messrs. Collins and Godfrey, builders and contractors, of Tewkesbury and Cheltenham, and came to South Africa in April, 1911 . Mr. Hayward has been six months in the office of Mr. D. M. Sinclair, architect, Johannesburg. He received his education from technical classes, and for the last year has been studying under the architectural course of the Inter­national Correspondence Schools. It is gratifying to note that he received honour certificates for building construction, design, and quantities from the Board of Education and London City and Guilds.

1 16 THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. October, i gn .

HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE

Lecture by W. Lucas,F.R.G.S.

TH E ARCH ITECTU RE OF ROME IN THE TIME OF TH E CAESARS.

The third and concluding lecture on the History of Architecture, in connection with the Public Works Department’s educational scheme, was delivered by Mr. William Lucas, F.R.G .S., on August 29th, at the Normal College Hall, Pretoria.

In the course of the lecture it was stated that nature gave to Rome a wonderful site for a city magnificent. Without the charming sky, and sea, and atmosphere of Greece’s capital (which was dwelt upon in the last lecture), Rome has compensation in her seven hills, foliage, and flowing water ; and those seven hills, creating a considerable variety of levels which has meant steps and curves, and consequent foregrounds, with all their artistic possibilities ; foliage which aided in promoting the love of the beautiful, and the delight in shadow ; and flowing water which induced to recreation and revelry in its midst, has played, and continues to play, no incon­siderable part in the history of architecture.

Beautiful Roman Arches

In the twilight of evening, approaching Rome and seeing the vast stretches of immense arches of the ancient aqueducts in conjunction with numerous railway lines, the situation is realised as powerfully suggestive. To the Roman, strength lay mainly in the arch. Greece, bent on concentration, though having knowledge of the arch, preferred to emphasise her mission by fewness of units and rigid adherence to the column and the lintel. Although of relatively moderate dimensions, her structures were character­ised by large blocks of marble, placed generally in position without any cementing medium ; while Rome, though not deposing the lints' or the beam, nor despising large blocks with the aid of the arch, availed herself of the smallest material.

Up to the subjugation of Greece by Rome in 145 B.C., the edifices of that city were indebted for what artistic design they possessed to the Etruscan, who, by the way, appear to have the honour of being the founders of the arch in the form of voussolr and keystone.

Grecian Architecture

Had architectural construction remained at the stage To which Greece developed it, while there would have remained the possession of unrivalled beauty,

other essential requirements of mankind could not have been met ; and, as every land does not possess material of the endurance of marble, even that element of beauty could not have universally prevailed. But Roman contact with Greece meant enormous progress in historic architecture. Rome territorially conquered Greece, while Greece architecturally caused Rome to sit at her feet. Rome recognised with whom lay beauty. Greek artists were eagerly sought after and brought to Italy literally in shoals. Beginning with the four white marble columns that were such a feature in the House of Drusus, the organised despoiling of Greece was taken in hand to a very considerable extent. At this point it should be mentioned that in drawing a historic comparison between Greek and Roman work it is necessary to bear in mind that national character varied, and results were arrived at in different ways.

Athenian Constructive Beauty

But Rome, however, throughout recognised her architectural master, and almost instinctively realised that the Athenians had fixed for ever the lines of constructive beauty. A safer standpoint he could not possess for his aspirations, and close contact with such architecture so inflamed his power, that it may be said in regard to Roman architecture of the time of the Caesars that the constructive features were Roman, and their decoration Greek. Then, the ambition of the mind found splendid opportunity for realisation in setting the new captive peoples of the Macedonian conquest on to structural work, and even design and sculpture ; and, allied with the discovery of the Carrara quarries, to hasten the progress of architecture. And it was not long before the vast possibilities which lay in vaulting, both in the direction of construction and design, were fully grasped. By this a phase of architecture, which is not always evident, was manifested, in that Rome often gave to her buildings internally, through a display of one or other of the orders of the art, a sumptuousness of effect that far surpassed the external treatment. For instance, the majestic Corinthian columns to be seen to-day in one of the city’s piazzas was originally one of a number that set off the interior of a basilica ; and the equally stately Ionic columns which grace the

October, 1911 . iH E AFRICAN ARCHITECT. 1 1 ;

nave of the church of St. Mary Maggiore were taken from the interior of the palace of Septimius Severus.

Rome’s MissionThen Rome was also very cognisant that her

mission was orderly procession, and with the eye of the seer saw that the call had come to her to lay the basis of western civilisation. In addition to spiritual aspirations in man, there existed the play of the senses, the restlessness of the body for development, the conflict between justice and injustice, delight in victory, and the desire for the tangible embodiment of achievement ; and to Rome architecture was felt to be a leading factor in all these, and other, branches of life. The mother-of-the-arts, therefore, was hence­forth no longer practically confined to the temples of the gods, and even temples had occasionally to serve the dual purpose of home for the god and a sphere for the service of man. The Senate met m the Temple of Castor, while it also contained an office for the control of standard weights and measures. In the Temple of Saturn was kept the register of births and of condemnations to death. Still, the architectural stateliness of temples did not suffer thereby, and with all the widening of the sphere to quite a late period the authorities jealously guarded the pediment, and to such an extent that the permission granted to the Emperor Augustus to use such a distinctive feature in the designing of his palace was considered as a kind of Divine honour.

The progress of civilisation, at the time of the Caesars, advanced with such an almost overwhelming rush of colossal ideas, that (linked with the Roman conception of life) meant a tremendous demand upon architecture, especially in the sudden facing of hitherto unknown problems of design. With the complex types involved there was throughout that period, moreover, the impelling desire for monu- mentalism. Ever jealous to guard the dilletanteism of the Greeks as the historic founders of the arts, compromises continually pressed for adoption. For a time the arch, the vault, the lintel, and the column alternated in subserviency one to the other; until about A.D. 300 utilitarianism and artistic demands had so extricated themselves that the abolition of lintels as means of supporting superincumbent masses took place in favour of arches. Yet there was still adherence to the lintel as an architectural feature. In fact, the regular entablature was retained, but dependable structurally upon arched treatment. As may be expected amid all the demands of the period, there was often the absence of that evident care for detail which so characterised Greek history. So great a measure of importance, however, in those ancient times was attached to architecture that an author of the design of a great public work was expected to write a full account of what he proposed in order to induce criticism prior to erection. In the light of comments that reached him, there was then recon­sideration, and not infrequently readjustment. Life, and opportunity for service, to those in power was a magnificent trusteeship, and to its ministry the resources of architecture were strenuously harnessed. No wonder that, under the conditions that prevailed, writers . grew rapturous over the country’s architec­ture ; and that emperor after emperor vied with one another in the expression of magnitude and

magnificence in their palaces. The most extensive of these, by the way, however, was not in Rome, but in Dalmatia, on the shores of the Adriatic. Covering some ten acres in extent, it faced those charming waters with a portico over five hundred feet long, adorned with sculpture and painting. To-day a city is within those palace walls.

Mr. Lucas then proceeded to illustrate his remarks with a number of lantern views, beginning with one of Rome as seen from the Pincian Mount.

Triumphal Structures

In such arches as those of Titus and Constantine, Mr. Lucas said, one saw types of the triumphal structures that were erected in various parts of the Roman Empire, and that of Titus constitutes the most correct model of Rome’s fifth, and final, order—the Composite. The architectural development that had taken place, through the genius of Michael Angelo, in the conversion of a portion of the Baths of Diocletian into one of the finest, and largest, churches was then dwelt upon; and after this the attention of the audience was directed to the Basilica of Constantine, where originally forty-eight Corinthian columns, each over sixty feet high (of which only one was now extant), had originally graced the interior of that colossal pile. Surmounted with a statue, that solitary column, whose shaft is a single block of white marble, fifty-two feet high, standing in front of the church of St. Maggiore, is one of Rome’s most majestic features. The Pantheon, that had been well termed “ the pride of Rome,” embodied a series of features which created a superlative sense of satisfaction. Occupying an area of about that on which the Government buildings of Pretoria are situated, the vast circular chamber was covered by the largest vault ever constructed by man, and rose from a pavement of boldly designed porphyry and marble to a height that extended some twenty feet above the gilded statue that surmounts the Government buildings referred to. The method of lighting by means of the open eye in the crown, the uncoloured surface of the dome, and the band (some sixteen feet m height) of various features that separated the monotone of the dome from the masses of form and colour, meant a most unique composition.

Rome’s Influence on Architecture To day

Mr. Lucas claimed that the great historic branch of architecture upon which he had dwelt had not yet reached its climax ; and that Rome itself, though ever ancient and conservative, was yet ever modern, and to-day, as throughout the ages, contributes to the evolution and advance of architecture. To her all nations could still turn with tremendous advantage, and it was to be hoped that the day would be hastened when a sojourn in Rome would be very fully at the disposal of young architects of promise ; and in this connection he congratulated their young townsman, Mr. Leith, on his brilliant opportunity.

Mr. Lucas also stated that, in the series of lectures which he had been privileged to give, he had been only able to deal with his subject in outline ; but he would be very pleased to personally meet any of the younger members of the profession to go into detail as far as possible.

1 1 8 THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT.

IN OTHER LANDS“ Of Edinburgh.”

That the Edinburgh Scots are justly proud of their Thistle Chapel an amusing illustration is communi­cated to us by a correspondent. A party of young ladies—obviously Londoners—he says, were visiting the chapel, and one of them enquired of an attendant, “ Who is the architect?” “ Sir Robert Lorimer,” he replied ; adding, after a slight rhetorical pause, and with immense impressiveness in the grand manner— “ of Edinburgh.” Nevertheless, Sir Robert’s fame is much more general than the anecdote would seem to suggest ; and while the ignorance of the London ladies was perhaps excusable, their enquiry on the point was decidedly a sign of grace.

Copyright Bill

A writer in the “ City Press ” points out that the new Copyright Bill, which was read a third time in the House of Commons, and has gone up to the Lords, involves, if enacted in anything like its present form, the superseding of the Copyright Registry of the Stationers’ Company. Neither the company nor its registry is once mentioned by name in the Bill, but it seeks to repeal the different Acts under which the registry operates. Among these is the Copyright Act of 1842, under which registration Stationers’ Hall is made the only channel through which a title to sue for protection against infringement of copyright can be acquired. As it leaves the House of Commons, the Bill makes every originator, whether writer, composer, or achitect, his own registrar, and, as we have contended all along, “ the provision for the enforce­ment of copyright is so nebulous as to suggest endless litigation and muddle.”

The London Museum.

The object's of interest in the history of London which are being collected at Kensington Palace under the care of Mr. Guy Francis Laking, M.V.O., F.S.A ., have been augmented recently by the permanent loan from the London County Council of the Roman boat discovered in the mud on the site of the new County Hall. That this relic of the past will be a popular feature of the London Museum may be prophesied safely.

Oxford Circus Going

Another complete effect of an architectural epoch in London is in the hands of the house-breakers. We refer to Oxford Circus. The milliners’ and jewellers’ premises forming the south-east segment is going to be rebuilt. When the worst is said of the Regency and Nash and his work—that it is spectacular, of no scale, and insincere, indictments which we would combat—it is, at any rate, a conception, a coherent piece of street design. Complaint and indignation is becoming as tiresome to us to write as it must by now be tedious for our subscribers to read. We can only chronicle the fact ; we understand that the new building will be of a kind capable of extension to the other segments so that the circus may be architec­turally a circus again.

> Winchester Cathedral

The works of consolidation at Winchester Cathedral, which have been in progress for several years, have now reached their final stage, The cost

has been very great, but £8,000 is still required to complete the work of making the structure secure. The portion now in hand is the south side of the nave, which, apart from the defective nature of the subsoil, was weakened by the removal of the cloisters in the reign of Elizabeth, as no longer needed and for the value of the lead. The new foundations are carriea down below the strata of water and peat to the under­lying gravel, and the Norman wall of the nave is to be supported—a much-debated project—by a range of pinnacled buttresses of perpendicular design with panelled sides projecting sixteen feet, but pierced with arches to provide a footway. Remains of various periods have been unearthed in the course of the excavations. These comprise some dating from the Roman occupation, others, such as a ring, chalice, and patten, and the remnants of a rich vestment, indicate the site of the burial place of a prior.

October, 1911 .

“ THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT” COMPETITIONSNo. 3.

These competitions are established to encourage young students in the architectural profession.

October Subject (Prize, £1 Is.)

Competition No. 3.—A typical floor plan of an office block on a block of stands, total measurement 150 feet x 100 feet, with 150 feet frontage, and buildings on the remaining three sides, special consideration to be given to the lighting of rooms and corridors and the cross ventilation of the rooms, and provisions made for staircase, lifts, and sanitary conveniences.

REQUIRED : One Plan only required to a scale of 8 feet equals one inch.

Designs to be in before October 15th, to enable decision of judges to be announced in November issue.

Judges : Messrs. H. G. Veale and J. F. Beardwood.

General Conditions for the Competitor:

(1) All designs to be forwarded to the Editor of “ The African Architect,” 17 and 18, Provident Buildings, Fox Street, Johannesburg. P.O. Box 4651.

(2) There must be at least three entries in each subject.

(3) There is no entrance fee. A sealed envelope, with the competitor’s name therein, must accompany each design attached thereto, no name or nom-de- plume to appear on either envelope or design.

(4) In every case, though “ The African Architect ” reserves the right of publication, designs sent in will be the property of the competitor.

(5) Designs must be sufficiently prepaid for return postage.

The competitive designs will be submitted to the gentlemen above mentioned, whose decision shall be final,

October 1911. THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. I X .

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Fire, Life, JJccident, Fidelity (guarantee.P. emiurn Income, 1909 .................................. £1,309,050. Claims Paid

The Pioneer of Fair and Equitable Rates for South African Insurers.

S U P P O R T T H E G E N E R A L ................... £3,000,000.

Write or call for Prospectus : P.O. Box 980, Durban. W m. COTTS & Co., Chief Agents, Natal.

— J

G . W O O L L A C O T T ,

B o x 1 4 7 1 .

P L A S T E R E R A N D

A R C H I T E C T U R A L M O D E L L E R ,

J O H A N N E S B U R G .

5$ ........... uv.® I T V I A D P_ CAMC r >r \ i m u * > S§

399, SM ITH ST R E E T, D U R B A N . ||Telephone 1369. Tel. Address: “ SA N ITA R Y ' fk---- --_--------- —________________ 'iVr

33t&Avvi3*3k2k

J. TYL0R & SONS COLONIAL,LIMITED. 7

Hydraulic and Sanitary Engineers,

Ah P.O. Box 363.VVT ____ ____VjrT Manufacturers of Baths, Lavatories, Water Closets, r-) Urinals, Sinks and Sanitary Appliances for Private Houses’

Hospitals, Asylums and other Institutions.W. Patent Water Meters and Water Works Fittines

P. l * « • • —Stocks held in Durban.

uv;Av-r

>?2

X MOODIE & DRENNAN,P.O. Box 1321, PR ETO R IA.

©

gstiuters & gem-atas.

Workshops and Offices : VERMEULEN STREET.

Private Residences :Mr. M O O D IE 78, Beatrix Street.Mr. DRENNAN -Pretoria Street, Hatfield.

*------------------------------------- -

Pretoria Transport and Sand Co.( s . f r a n k l i n ) .

Government and Municipal Contractors.

Speciality— BRITS’ CROCODILE RIVER SAND.Transport Contracts, any description, undertaken.

40, ERASMUS BUILDINGS, PRETORIA.P.O. Box 251. ’Phone 169. Telegrams : “ BRITSAN D ."

R. WAYGOOD & CO., LIMITED,Lifts and Hoists

Sole A gen Is f o r Natal :Worked by Gas, Steam, Electric and Hydraulic Power.

Thomas Barlow & Sons, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, DufbanP.O. Box No. 178. Telephone No. I. Telegraphic Address: Shipments."

X . THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. October, i gi i .

I N F L U E N C E O F A R T O N D A I L Y L IF EDealing with this subject in an article, Mr.. P.

Walton Harrison says, architecture is the parent art whence all the auxiliary arts spring. Thereason of this is obvious, not only because a structure must be raised before it can be decorated, but also because the conditions of man and the surroundings of nature which mould the architecture act with equivalent forces on all subsidiary creations. Hence sculpture and painting,, born, as . twin , brothers, acknowledge architecture as a parent entitled to govern and to guide.

Statue and Wall Decoration

Kindred, if not identical, principles of construction, composition, and ornament prescribe the style of a building, of a statue and wall decoration ; like laws regulate the form of a stone fagade, of a wood cabinet, of a wall-painting, and a woollen carpet. I do not wish to uncler-rate the difficulty an unprofessional person may find in mastering these principles with their practical applications. But it may be well to recognise that without some knowledge a house­holder’s judgment must be almost worthless ; that wanting the first rudiments he will fall a victim to blind caprice and unreasoning fashion. Such mis­

adventures, which have brought upon the arts in all their aspects incalculable evils, may, I think, in great part be averted even by the most elementary tuition. Art education, fortunately, becomes day by day more widely extended ; and casting aside what is false and meaningless, people are taught to revert to a simplicity akin to nature and appreciable to clear reason and common-sense. Nor is it hard to gam a sound groundwork by ajd of the plain and practical books which treat of the orders of architecture and the principles of design and decoration ; and such teachings may receive pleasant illustration by visits to public museums and schools wherein national styles and chronological developments are exemplified by leading historic examples.

Style of DwellingWhat is the style, Italian, Gothic, or otherwise,

which an Englishman may best select for his dwelling? In the majority of cases this is decided for him, and not by him. In a city, at all events, the chances are that he will have to content himself with “ the common square house ” which he must make the best of. But, of course, the ideal condition is that a man possessed of some modest independence shall begin at the beginning, and first construct the house which he will afterwards proceed to decorate and furnish. Thus in

GARDEN VASES, COLUMNS,

CHIMNEY POTS, TERM INALS, Etc., Etc.

Manufactured by

JOHN WILSON & SON,Specialists in Decorative Plaster Work,

At the r Works & Offices :

Sherwell Street, Doornfontein,P.O. Box 2387 'Phone 2438

JOHANNESBURG.

October, i gi i . THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. X I .

T3r Neuchatel Asphalte Co. of S.A., Ltd.Val de Travers Asphalte, Maiella Asphalte, Amsterdam Bitumen,Amsterdam Epure, Bitumen Sheeting, Damp Course, Asphalte Paving, Damp Coursing, Launder Lining Street Contractors.

W orks: 185, Main Street. Offices: 55, Sauer’s Buildings, Loveday Street, Johannesburg.Telegrams: “ Roofing.” P.O. Box 4170. Telephone 1325.

® ■ — ©

a P R E T O R IA ^

Portland CementGUARANTEED HIGH GRADE

Information available on application to the

HEAD OFFICE P.O. Box 405 PRETORIA j-------------------------- or to the Johannesburg Agents --------------------------

Messrs. BAERECKE & KLEUDGEN------------------------------------ P.O. Box 1164 or ------------------------------------307-314 Consolidated Building Fox & Harrison Sts.

<•> ©

C. W . GIOVANETTI,Paperhanger, Decorator, Signwriter, Glazier, etc.,

PRETORIA,

lor Wall Papers, Paints, Oils, Varnishes,Muralo, etc. Plate and Sheet Glass.----------- The Trade Supplied. -----------

124, CHURCH ST., PRETORIA.P.O. Box 781. Telephone 387

P.O. Box 494. P.O. Box 494.

GEORGE HINGLE( L A T E HINGLE & STOTT).

Plasterer and Architectural Modeller,P R E T O R I A .

Workshop : : : : : Riviera.

Telephone: Works, 159. P.O. Box 740Telegraphic Address: “Foundation.”

W. R. D E Y ,B u il d e r & C o n t r a c t o r ,

B L O E D S T R E E T ,C O R N E R O F S T . A N D R I E S S T R E E T ,

P R E T O R I A .

THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT.

due course the inside grows in harmony with the outside, all is of one type and pattern, and will turn out a consistent and complete work of art. This I have known done successfully—of course under pro­fessional advice, for 1 need scarcely say that the man who acts as his own architect has a fool for his client. Happily it is not difficult in the present da}' to find a well-trained and trustworthy adviser. Now, as in the best epochs, the divisions are broken down between high and low, great and small ; the artist is not above industries, while the artisan is raised by legitimate aspirations. Art, as Thomas Carlyle says of poetry, “ is the attempt which man makes to render his life harmonious.” Very welcome is the close fellowship that has sprung up among skilled labourers. We may possess no “ Gardens of the Medici,” but we have at least the Schools of South Kensington. And throughout the country in the same Government institutions are seen studying together, the architect, the sculptor, the painter, and the art workman. And it is no slight gain that among the pupils may be counted the sons of capitalists and of private gentle­men. Nothing, it is well known, tended more in the immediate past to the degradation of the arts than the ignorance and false taste of the middle and the higher classes ; but now when art culture, at least in its rudiments, is possessed by all conditions in life, professional men may, with advantage, take counsel with patrons and connoisseurs. Such relations between employers and employed have in the best of times led to salutary results. The hope would not seem unreasonable that the architect and decorator may be incited to rarer beauty and subtler utility by the well-to-do, well-read, and widely-travelled

xii.

Englishman, who not unreasonably requires that his house in its plan and appointments shall minister to his highly-wrought sensibilities. It is through such reciprocities that the domestic arts have ever blended with the habit and‘complexion of the times, and it is yet possible that new and improved adaptations may follow, when the artist shall find equivalent expression for the better thought of man and the higher phases of life.

Domestic SurroundingsNever were the facilities greater for bringing

domestic surroundings into keeping with the mind’s imagmings. The sage advice has indeed been given to “ leave the goodly fabrics of houses meant for beauty only to the enchanted palaces of the poets who build them with small cost.” But fortunately “ the thing of beauty ” is not costly in proportion to the joy it brings, and while the necessaries of life have grown year by year dearer, elegancies, and even luxuries, have come within the reach of moderate means. It may be observed that there are typical characters which appear to fit typical houses ; on the other hand, incongruities sometimes arise between tenants and tenements. It may be readily conjectured that there exist certain angular, serrated individuals to whom gable ends, barge-boards, and corkscrew chimneys prove most congenial ; while there are others of symmetric proportion, balanced thought, and finished manner, who might feel most at home with a geometric and ideal villa as designed by Palladio and Sansovino. What is greatly to be desired is, that art shall express character of some sort, for in these days, especially in city life, the bane

Continued on page xiv.

October, 1 9 1 1.

V)333•r3

3

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immmN f/M jtM 'i........... — “ ! Sftl i)

- 1 ' w 1SWF il Mi’ ii 1. 1

& 11 ii-

|

“ ftA T - h

W - L - t L ' - T4 "Jim . m

Sanitary Appliances & B uilders’ Re quisitesMOST U P -T O -D A T E IN SOUTH AFRICA

Baths, Sinks, Lavatories, Water-Closets, tfe Cisterns, Urinals, and Special Hospital Fittings, Earthenware and Iron Pipes

and Fittings.Oak, Teak, Walnut, Poplar, Pine Planks, tfe Architectural Iron Work, Verandahs, ^ Stairs and Railings, Grates, Tiles,

Mantels, Kerbs.Roofing Tyles, Chimney Pots, Gar­den Border Tiles. Artificial Manures

1 DOUGLAS, SON & PUGHOffice and Show Room: 15, OLD ARCADE, MARKET SQ.Y a r d : .................................... 184, MARSHALL STREET.Box 297. - ’Phones 794 and 3597. - Tel.: “ MOGUL.”

r s it '* '4 % % % % p * % % li 's * ' r r r r r r r r r r r r ^ ^

October, i gn . THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT X U I .

® [ = ] ®i®

®

John Wright & Sons---------- ARCHITECTURAL MODELLERS.-----------

• ® i ™ i ®

M

|J Manufacturers of Granolithic Slab Paving, Granolithic Steps and Stairs, Polished Concrete Columns, Caps and Bases, Coping, Window Sills and Heads, Granite Cement Slabs for Worn Steps. All kinds of Architects’Designs executed.

F a r t n n p c • Z U U R F O N T E I N , T R A N S V A A L . 1 d C l O I I C b . S O U T H C O A S T J U N C T IO N , N A T A L -

® [ = i ® -

®

®

1® ® ( = ]

Wallpapers,A large Shipment of the Latest Designs just arrived.

Paints and Varnishes, Plate and Window Glass, Bevelled Mirrors,Steel Ceilings.These are now being sold at exceedingly low prices—Please call, ’phone or write for any article required in connection with our trade.

H. Schauham & Gratus51, President Street, Market Square, W.,

J O H A N N E S B U R G .P.O. Box 4888. Telegrams : “ Paints.” Telephone 1516.

I LYSAGHT SGALVANIZED CORRUGATED IRON

Used by the South African Railways. f j LASTS A LIFE-TIME. |

! BAERECKE & KLEUDGEN, Durban Agents, ;I P O. B o x 849 Telephone 946 I

M. J. A D A M S & Co.,B u il d e r s a n d C o n t r a c t o r s ,

3 9 -4 0 , G R E E N ’S B U I L D I N G S ,C O M M I S S I O N E R S T R E E T , P h o n e 2758.

J O H A N N E S B U R G . p.o. Box 3535.

X I V . THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. October, 1Q11 .

has been that houses, like their inhabitants, are characterless. Artists, however, of late years, both at home and abroad, have set a good example ; they have raised habitations which are as picturesque as their own manners are unconventional. Studios are naturally built and adorned in response to the arts they shelter—quiet retreats secluded from the busy world in gardens among shadowy trees, or shut off from noisy city life by tapestries, and otherwise far removed from senseless fashion by old treasures, painted glass, cabinets, carvings, costumes, and embroiderings which transport the fancy to periods historic and picturesque. A studio fitly reflects the style of an artist’s composition; a library, in like manner, echoes an author’s thoughts, and each will generally be found to yield material for a picture. Indeed, scarcely any better test can be made of the skilfulness, or otherwise, of any structure or decora­tion then by asking the simple question, “ Will it compose w ell; will it add beauty to the landscape ; will the whole arrangement make a pleasing picture? ” Many such paintings live within the memory. Take as example Lord Lytton and Charles Dickens, each seated among books in his library ; or again, the studios of great artists surrounded by the works their genius has called into being.

Each man, though but a small unit in a large world, impresses his mind indelibly on his home, and something more than idle curiosity leads a traveller to search out the haunts and habitations of Coleridge,

Wordsworth, and Shakespeare. Matter impressed by mind becomes art.

Reverence for AntiquityThe reverence for antiquity, the love for what is

old, has made our century a period of revivals. And there is a reason under the law of reaction why men suffering from the pressure, the turmoil, the perpetual motion of modern civilisation, should seek refuge in the tranquil and poetjc past. Young men rush to the city, while older men have retired to the country, only too happy if amid the beauties of nature could be found repose in

. . . . “ an English home—where twilight pour’d On dewy pastures, dewy trees,Softer than sleep—all things in order stored A haunt of ancient peace.’’

The country seats of old England gave place to Palladian villas, not of native growth, but exotics transplanted from abroad. Then ended for a time, at any rate, the national type, and houses were raised for pride and ostentation. The successive architec­tural styles, often named from the reigning sovereign, which took root in British soil, were, it must be confessed, far from legitimate in descent ; the Elizabethan was followed by the Jacobean, and in due course came Queen Anne and the Georgian. No­thing can be more melancholy than the degradation and corruption into which the arts had fallen, when at last the notion happily seems to have occurred

Continued on page xvi.

\ Natal StoriTWorks, i i W n , M. BURNETT,(Messrs. FRANCIS & CUMMING),

DURBAN.Stonework Contractors to the New Technical Institute.

Greytown Slone (Blue or White) always on Hand.

SPECIALISTS IN CHURCH WORK.Estimates at Shortest Notice.

P.O. Box 800 P.O. Box 800

¥ -

V

K ★

ttt+*★ ■

JOBBING WORK ATTENDED TO. Telephone No. 1753

------------------------------------ESTIMATES GIVEN-------------------------------------

J. J. C L A R K ,Carpenter, Joiner, etc., etc.

22, cField Street, D U R B A N .( N ear Esplanade.)

Builder and Contractor, POINT ROAD, DURBAN.

ESTIMATES GIVEN FOR ANY CLASS OF WORK IN ALL BRANCHES OF T H E BUILDING TRADE.

Jobbing Work Attended to Promptly.COUNTRY WORK A SPECIALITY. Telephone 1 42.

ENGLISH AND FRENCH j

ROOF TILING.WELSH SLATING By Expert Workmen.

MANTELL BROS.,R.P.C. Plumbers and Sanitary Engineers,

BEREA ROAD, D U R B A N .Telephone 1749.

October, 1911. THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. X V .

P.O. Box 1301. Tel. Add. : “ Thistle .” Tel. No. 1.

PRENTICE & MACKIEBuilders, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Railway rnd Mining ------ Contractors. ------

Agents for Garrick & Ritchie, Waverley Engineering Works, Edinburgh.

“ fcE-5 127, SHOEMAN STREET, PRETORIA.

THOMAS CLARK & SONSBuilders and Contractors, J O H A N N E S B U R G .

COLD STORAGE WORK A SPECIALITY.

P.O. Box 6277, Johannesburg.Telephone 2266.

Office & Works: 209, MARSHALL STREET

P.O. Box 3761.

Office & Workshop :HARRIES STREET Near Salisbury Mine),

JOHANNESBURG.

H. RAINEY,Builder and Contractor,

Millwright, Engineer & Railway Contractor

’Phone 1255. P.O. B ox 1605, Johannesburg.

Thos. DouglasProprietor Premier Lime Works,

Builder and Contractor.Workshop & O ffice: COMMISSIONER STREET (between

Ford and Karl Sts.), FAIRVIEW.

Town Office : 53, BETTELHEIM BUILDINGS, SIMMONDS STREET.

131,Commissioner St.,

Johannesburg.P.O. Box 970.

L. FurmanGLASS, PAINT

ANDWALLPAPERMERCHANT.

Telephone No. 2591 P.O. B ox 48, Jeppe.

Frank J. H. Riach,Electrical Engineer and Contractor

Electric Light, Motor, Bell&Telephone Installations

Estimates Free. Repairs promptly attended toV

— Opposite Township Hotel, —

72, BETTY STREET, JEPPESTOWN.

Successful Merchants Advertise in

“ The African Architect.

Cable and Telegraphic Add. : “ Mouldings.” Telephone 835. P.O. Box 326.

H. E. CASSE,VICTORIA SAW MILLS & STEAM JOINERY WORKS, -------------- MILNE STREET, DURBAN. --------------Manufacturer of Windows, Casements, Shop Fronts & Fittings. Joinery of every description. My quotations will secure contracts

Johannesburg Representative: W IL F R E D C A S S E R E , 5, Chorlton Chambers, Harrison St. Box 1607. ’Phone 2503.

P.O. Box 524- Telephone No. 966.

Office and Workshops :6, JOUBERT STREET, SOUTH.

George Begg,BUILDER AND CONTRACTOR,

JOHANNESBURG.

X V I . THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. October, 1911 .

--------------------------------------- LIM ITED.

P A I N T SPaints in Oil. Paints in Turps. Paints, ready mixed. Varnish, all kinds. Turpentine and Oils. Hall’s Distemper. Kalco. Dis­temper. (Stockholm and Coal).

H A R D W A R EWire Netting-. Fencing Stan­dards. Fencing Wire. Flat and Corrugated Iron. Tool and Mild Steel. Screws and Nails. Spades and Shovels. Barrows and Buckets.

Warden & HotchkissW E S T ST R E E T , DURBAN.

’Phone 383.

> ®i

® The Premier Gate, Fence « and Seed Co., Ltd.

ffl

WORKS AT CAPE TOWN AND PRETORIA.

Manufacturers nf the “ Premier” Triangular and Square Mesh Reinforcement (as supplied by us for the Union Buildings), Brick Reinforce­ment, Wall Ties, etc., also Wire Screens, Grills for Lift Wells, Counter and Window Guards, and all kinds of Wire Work. Importers of Fire Proofing Material, “ Trussit ” and Expanded Metal, Key Lathing, Steel Lug Bars, &c.N.B. The Tensional Strength of our Fabric is guaranteed.

Head Office and Warehouse : —

70 to 76, BREE STREET, CAPE TOWN.a ® - ■ ® G

that it might be well to revive the old styles in their purity. Hence the resuscitation of the Gothic, not only for ecclesiastical but for secular uses ; a revival which, notwithstanding some extravagances and follies, brings to our English homes manifold forms of fantasy and beauty. Since have followed other phases, and one of the latest and most favoured of ideas is that the Queen Anne style, though somewhat mongrel, bids best for the art of the future. These several revivals have the advantage of being sustained by research. And so critical has been the study of historic masterpieces that the care-taking revivals of Classic, Gothic, or Renaissance types reproduce the style purged from late corruptions, in the chastity of the best period. Thus there is good ground to hope that shams have had their day ; indeed, there cannot be a doubt but that the domestic arts have gained greatly in purity, simplicity, and truth. The time has now come when art permeates all conditions of society, ministering to the luxuries of the rich as well as to the necessities of the poor. The aim should be in all our works to approach the completeness and fitness which mark the more perfect ways of creation, making our homes, the furniture of our houses, the clothes of our bodies part of that large economy in which uses intermingle with beauties.

CLAYWORKER AND ARCHITECT

The “ British Clayworker,” in pointing out the importance to the clayworker in getting the architect to visit the brickworks and examine the stock, emphasises the necessity of making a good impression at the start by seeing that the premises are clean and tidy, a matter which also makes for more efficient working.

Not a few clay workers, says the writer, fail to realise the attitude of mind of the architect to the materials he employs. They know what constitutes a good brick and, to the best of their ability, they endeavour to supply bricks which correspond to a maker’s ideas of quality. Architects, on the contrary, do not view the matter in at all the same light. They are not concerned with the impurities or other difficulties of manufacture ; it does not matter to them that the clayworker has really made the very best brick he could out of a difficult material ; the architect’s business is to obtain a brick of a suitable kind, and he specifies accordingly.

An architect may, therefore, be most pleased with bricks which are, from the technical standpoint, very inferior ; they may be irregular in colour, or abnormal in size, or blotched or cracked in various ways, yet to the architect they may prove to be just what is required for some buildings in which he is at the moment interested, as his likes and dislikes are far more affected by the appearance of the bricks in an aesthetic sense than from their value as strong blocks with a monotonous colour.

The yard which is most accessible to an architect, the clayworkers who extend the heartiest welcome to him when he calls informally on them, will often find that their most despised products are turned to better account than their much vaunted “ best pressed facings,” for in architecture, as in all other profes­sions, men are continually on the look-out for “ some­thing different” in the way of material, and happy is that yard where a successful architect is in the habit of spending several hours a month, studying the goods produced with a view to using them in his work.

Continued on page x ’diii.

October, 1911. THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT.

¥*♦I♦4♦tf4

Ij♦

Telegraphic Address “C YLIN DER.’

P.O. Box 937 Telephone 1 756

R E ID & K N U C K E YC O N T R A C T IN G E N G IN E E R S,------------- BUILDERS.--------------

Office and IVdr/^s :—CORNER OF VOORHOUT & ANDRIES STREETS,

------ TROYEVILLE.

Chicken’s News Agency,52, Pritchard Street, J O H A N N E S B U R G .

P.O. Box 4201 . Telephone 2882

A R C H IT E C T U R A L AND K IN D R E D BOOKS AND PUBLICATIONS STOCKED

THE BRICK AND POTTERIES-------COMPANY. LIMITED. ------------------------------------

Manufacturers ofAll kinds of Moulded and Machine- made Bricks, Pressed Pacing Bricks,Stable and Gutter Tiles, etc. Fire Bricks and Furnace Requisites.

Works : HERONMERE DAM, RACE COURSE ROAD,P.O. Box 155. Telephone 776.

J O H A N N E S B U R G .Town O ff ic e : TRUST BUILDINGS. Telephone 35.

¥44 P.O. Box 603. Patent Prismatic Outside

ROLLER SHUTTERS.These Shutters take the place o f Venetian Blinds and Venetian Shutters, and have proved to be a great success in this country, having stood all w inds and rains w ithout injury, in Pretoria and other tow n s; they do not rattle and are easily adjusted, and are extensively used by the Public W orks Department. Further particulars can be obtained from the M anufacturers—

Macdonald & Thorpe,335, Pretorius St., PRETORIA.

4

444♦t1444♦★ -

W orks and O ff ic e : CITY DEEP.

P.O. Box 364 3 . ’Phone 1993 .

W . SCHROEDER, Ltd.,B R IC K M A N U FA C TU RERS,

Stock Bricks and Pressed Bricks.Large Stocks always on hand.

Johannesburg Representative:—

W. CASSERE,5, Chorlton Chambers, Harrison Street.

----- Telephone 2 5 0 3 . ------

I444§4♦♦44444

. ★

Phone 1754. Shop Fronts and Fittings a speciality.

Union Joinery Works,Builders and Contractors,

Kearn’s Buildings, Pine Street East, DURBAN.

JOBBING WORK OF EVERY DESCRIPTION UNDERTAKEN.

EXPERTS ON RUBROID, PEROID, AND CONGO ROOFINGS

If you want a Watertight Roof, send for us.

P.0, Box 4458. ESTABLISHED 1903. Telephone 12SG|| R. C O N N E L L ,| (REGISTERED.)

{ SANITARY AND GENERAL PLUMBER4 — - - - - - - - - - - - !4f Jobbing attended to. Tanks to order, etc.j 1, KRUIS STREET, JOHANNESBURG4

OFFICE, W ORKS A N D SHOWROOMS :

2, De Korte Street, Braamfontein.(Near Cemetery Gates),

Telephone. Works 753 Residence, 1985P.O. Box 2419

OUR VARIED STOCK OF WREATHS AND MEMORIALS ALWAYS OPEN FOR INSPECTION.

Marble Cafe Tables, Toilet Tops, Shop Fittings

Designs & Estimates free— H. L, DAVIS, Manager.

If the yard is dirty or unattractive, or if he is repelled by the treatment he receives, an architect’s visits will be rare occurrences, but where clayworker and architect work together there is no doubt as to the advantages to be derived by the former from such a friendship.

LIC E N T IA T E TO FELLO W

The following announcement has been made by the Royal Institute of British Architects with respect to the special examination of licentiates to qualify for candidature as Fellows R.I.B.A. :

The question of establishing the examination required by clause 2 of the Supplemental Charter to be passed by licentiates who, being otherwise qualified, desire to be admitted to fellowship of the Institute has been for some time under consideration by the Council. The matter having been referred to the Board of Architectural Education, a scheme has been drawn up which has received the approval of the Council, and arrangements are in progress for holding an examination at an early date. .

The candidate will be required to submit for the approval of the Council working drawings of one or more of his executed buildings, which may be supple- mented by photographs thereof, and by original sketches or measured drawings of actual work_Should the work so submitted be, in the opinion ot the Council, of sufficient merit, the candidate may be exempted from any further examination Should the work so submitted be, in the opinion of the Council, inadequate, his application will not be further enter- rained If the drawings submitted are approved by the Council, the candidate will be required to submit himself to an examination which will be held on the premises, of the Royal Institute of British Architects, or elsewhere, as may be appointed by the Council ofthe Royal Institute. . , . , .. . ,

Ten days before the examination is held a list ot subjects will be issued to all candidates, and from this list each candidate will be required to select one subject and to announce to the Secretary of the Royal Institute, five days before the examination, which subject he selects. When the candidate attends at the appointed place of examination, he will be furnished with particulars of the selected subject, and he will have to prepare a set of working drawings of the subject, and such details as mav be required, toeether with full descriptive notes. The candidates will also be required to write a short paper or report on a subject previously selected by himself and approved by the Council. Four days will be allowed for the examination, and the candidate may be required, at the option of the Council, to attend subsequently for an oral examination on his papers.

R A D IA T O R S AND H EA T IN G

Architects, when providing for heating, will note with interest some remarks by Professor R. Allen at the Pittsburg meeting of the National District Heating Association. The radiators were all of the steam- heated type, and the coefficient of heat-transmission per square foot per degree difference between the temperatures of the steam and air was determined by measuring the amount of condensation m the radiator.The coefficient varied somewhat according to the arrangement of the radiator. A number of radiator pipes side *by side naturally reduced the rate of loss of heat both by radiation and convection. For ordinary conditions the coefficient, as defined above, varied

Continued on page xx .

xviii. THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. October, 1911 .

P.O. Box 5184.

H E N D E R S O N & G O R D O N ,Builders and Contractors.

J O H A N N E S B U R G .

Telephone 2577.

Telegraphic Address: “ Beroldonia.” P.O. Box 3562.

B. BEROLD,American Hardwoods and Cabinet Maker’s Fittings.

O AK, T E A K , B L A C K W ALN U T, ETC.

Specialities :T H R E E -P L Y P A N E L S IN A L D E R W O O D , O A K , B L A C K W A L N U T , etc. A in . & % m . Thick.

214, Commissioner Street, Johannesburg.J. H A R C U S , C A R V E R , O N T H E P R E M ISE S

y\/ John Harcus,A R C H IT E C T U R A L

Carver in WoodAND STO NE,

Modeller in Clay and Cement

214, Commissioner Street,

Johannesburg.

Oak, Teak, — and — Three - Ply Stocked for the Trade.

CO-PHONE3 9 5 2 .

The African Archited.Johannesburg : Head O ffice, 1 7 - 18 , Provident Buildings,

----------- Fox Street.-----------P.O. Box 4651. ’Phone 2767.

P le a s e fo rw a rd p o st free The African Architect fo r tw e lv e m o n th s, fo r w h ich

J e e n c lo se ten s h i ll in g s an d s ix pence.

Postal Address

October, 1911. THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. X I X .

WALTER CUMMINGS,CERTIFIED SANITARY PLUMBER .'. AND HEATING ENGINEER. .'.

S P E C IA L IT IE S .— Hot W ate r Serv ic fs and S ep t ic -Tank In s ta l la t io n s

Shop and Offices :

TWIST STREET, HILLBROW,Phone 1 668. JOHANNESBURG. Thone ,668.

S.W . BRADBURY Co.(ART METAL CO.)----------- REGISTERED. -------------

Fixtures & Fittings in Enamelled Steel for Banks, Railways, Museums, Post Offices, etc. ; Counters, Partitions, Doors, Strong Rooms, Steel Desks, Shelvings, Filing Cabinets and, in fact, every description of . . Artistic Steel Work. . .

M O S L E R SA FE S, largest makers in the world. N E W T IM E R E C O R D E R S , most perfect and

cheapest on the market.P A T E N T C O N C R E T E PILIN G .

W A T E R S O F T E N IN G P L A N T S for mines,municipal and public supplies ; incrustation impossible ; life of boilers doubled and water chemically pure.M O T O R BUSSES & T R A N S P O R T W A G O N S

S. W . BRADBURY CO.,P.O. Box 2537.

Cables and Telegrams " BRA D B U RC O ."'Phone 2561.

OFFICE & S H O W R O O M :

U °kledt E S S JOHANNESBURG.

t

v o r k s : p i a e D e n e .D«pOT (O O CfoRi5serL5'rR ..

B R A ^ n r o Q T e ' i r x- ° 'JOHA.I'2r26.i>BCIR<5T

A. TREVENEN,Monumental, General Marble and Granite Mason . . . .

Shop Fittings in Marble a Speciality.Every Requisite for the Cemetery Kept in Stock.

Yards and Offices :

1 & 3, DE KORTE STREET, BRAAMFONTEIN,

JOHANNESBURG.TELEPH O N E No. 2870.

HOHEISEN & CO., Ltd.,General Contractors

6, CULLINAN BUILDINGS(in Basement),

JOHANNESBURG.P.O. Box 5976 . Telegrams: “ HOFULD.” Telephone 769.

E M B E L L QTHE BEST DRY DISTEMPER (Local Manufacture).

Superior to the best Imported Article.

Always Clean. Always Bright. Any Tint.

2 /- Per 71b. Packet.Sold Everywhere. Ask for a Colour Book.

Manufactured by

HANNAM & Co., Ltd.,MAXWELL BUILDINGS, HARRISON STREET.Telephone 937 P.O. Box 5645

X X THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. October, 1911,

between 1.5 and 2 B.Th.U. This coefficient slightly increased as the temperature difference increased, due no doubt to the proportionately reduced influence of the resistance of the radiator metal. The humidity of the atmosphere had a slight effect, moist air reducing the rate of transmission. Some rather curious results were obtained by painting the radiators. The several coats of paint were mostly applied over each other, and the results showed that the quality of the surface was the important factor. Enamels and varnishes gave results equal to uncovered pipes, whereas the bronzes reduced the rate up to 25 per cent. In rooms with extra glass walls or cold surfaces the coefficient was increased, due no doubt to the greater radiation, and probably also the more active circulation of the convection currents.

OLD HOUSES AT WESTMINSTER Lady Scott and others write as follows in the

“ Spectator” :—“ May we ask for your powerful aid in a crusade that some of us who are citizens of Westminster are carrying on in defence of the old streets that still remain—the last traces of the old Westminster of two hundred years ago? One after another of the old buildings are being destroyed, buildings that are not only interesting from their historical and literary associations, but are also in such complete harmony with our great national oossessions, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. Some time ago Abingdon Street was in danger. If the threat had been carried out, those buildings facing the Houses of Parliament, which harmonise perfectly with them both in size and character, would have been destroyed. The houses now threatened are in Cowley Street, which lies behind Dean’s Yard, in close proximity to Westminster Abbey. A large house is needed, but two of these old houses could without difficulty be thrown into one. Nos. 2 and 3, Cowjey Street were altered in this wav some years ago. A large drawing-room was obtained, but the little ‘ Powder-room ’ leading out of it remains as perfect as when the fine ladies of the eighteenth century had their hair powdered there. These old houses have a high value in the eves of neoDle who appreciate their homHv beauty and the link they give us with the past. The fact that residents living in these old streets freouentlv receive applications from house agents specially asking for the ‘ old houses’ nroves that they also have a distinct commercial value. North Street, which adjoins Cowley Street, was also threatened a few years ago, but, hapoilv, people came forward eager to secure the nretty old houses, and to the relief of the lovers of Westminster the houses "'ere relet on lease. Smith Snua.re. to which North Street leads up so finely, still retains on one side

houses built in the eighteenth century. There are in Westminster four or five new buildings constructed in the early Georgian style, and if the new houses wanted in Smith Square were to be built in the same style the whole square might be beautiful, and the houses, though new, would not offend the eye. So much of London has been already irretrievably injured. Surely we may hope that the parts of old Westminster that still remain may be preserved for the generations to come. The list of signatures of those supporting Lady Scott in this appeal'is too long to print in full. It is, however, most influential, and includes the names of Canon Duckworth, Archdeacon Wilberforce, Sir Frederick Bridge, Dr. Gow, Mr. Troutbeck, Mr! Alfred Lyttelton, Canon Beeching, and Mr. Maurice Baring. We cordially agree with the editor of the

Spectator that if those who are moving in the matter save the old houses of Westminster, they will deserve the gratitude, not only of their immediate neighbours, but of all Londoners.

V h e SIENNA PAINT CO.t r a d e M A R v

PINETOWN, Natal. 0 Oil, Watercolour & Distemper Paint Manufacturers‘ ‘ Eland” Brand Special Elastic Oil Paints for Roofs and Ironwork.“ LION ’’ Brand Glass Paint, beautiful light colours.“ Japinal” a beautiful Black Oxidised Enamel.(( Kaolo a Dry Medicated Wall Distemper Powder, in 30 shades and white.“ Kaoline” a Ready Mixed Water Paint, in 18 shades and white.

All Communications to be addressed to P.O. Box 123, DURBAN, or P.O. Box 4225, JOHANNESBURG.

October, 1911. THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. X X I .

Wire FencingA £ D > < G A T E SCONCRETE REIN FO RCEM EN T

Steel Reinforcement Fabric for Concrete Floors, etc.

CRIMPED W A L L TIESFor Cavity Walls.

Brick Reinforcement. Wire Fencing. Tubular and Wrought Iron Gates.

LOCALINDUSTRYA ll these Lines are made in South Africa ; are equal to (and cheaper) than the best im­ported. I am a specia list in all Wire Material for B u ild ers ' use. Consult me when d r a w i n g your specification or tendering.

S C* D D C \ W T 1VT Manufacturer • V / . D l \ U W I N , and Importer,

38 to 42. RAINE’S BUILDINGS. 1 0 1 4 A M M C C D I I D O Fox St. (Next Corner E loff St.), J Urt AIN lNt,0 D U KG

FRED GWILLIAM,Blacksmith and Worker in Ornamental

Wrought Iron, Brass, Copper, etc.,

C/o VON BRANDIS & ALBERT STREETS,J O H A N N E S B U R G .

Manufacturers of Gates, Railings, Balconies, Grilles, Vanes, Staircases, Casements and Constructional Ironwork.

Patentee and Manufacturer of Prospecting and Post Hole Drills

P.O. B ox 5 6 5 9 . T e l e p h o n e 2 5 0 4

4j♦ijjffjffj*

sr.

--------- T H E

Vereeniging Brick & Tile Co., Ltd.Wire-cut and Pressed Building Bricks,Fire Bricks, Fire Clay, Blue Paving and Stable Bricks, Salt-glazed Pipes, and F it t in g s of a ll dim ensions.

Head Office : L E W IS & M A R K S ' B U IL D IN G S,

Corner President and Simmond Streets, ---- JOHAN IN E S B U R G . ----P.O. Box 4480. Telegram s: “ COVER.'' Telephone No. 166

J. L. CORRANS,Plasterer, Modeller, Plate- Wall Manufacturer and Granolithic Contractor

Workshop: GRAHAMSTOWN STREET( etween Krais and Smal Streets),

P.O. Box 1893, JOHANNESBURG.

A. G. JOHNSON,------------------------ E L E C T R IC IA N .------------------------

: T h e E le c t r i c a l E m p o r iu m :

115, RUSSELL STREET, DURBAN.

Large Stocks of Fittings always on hand.ESTIMATES FREE.

♦♦444

★

HUGH BARKER,P.O Box 575. Established 1893. ’Phone 1458.

Plumber and Sanitary EngineerCOPPERSMITH AN D SHEET METAL W O RK ER

Sffifjf/ifif.V, HOT WATER INSTALLATIONS COILS, CARVING TABLES AND PLATES

O ffice and W ork s :

211, MARSHALL ST., JOHANNESBURG

A R T H U R C H E S T E R ,A.I.E.E.

E l e c t r ic a l E n g in e e r .

E M P I R E B U I L D I N G S ,K R U I S S T R E E T , phone 1895.

J O H A N N E S B U R G . P.o. Box 3317.

X X I I . THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. October, igi i .

THE SAFETY OF CONCENTRIC WIREMr. Bernard M. Drake, M .I.EE., in a communica­

tion to the Press, points out what he considers to be a considerable fire danger in connection with the increasing use of concentric wiring. The safety of concentric wiring, he writes, consists in the enclosing of the live wire and all live parts in metal connected to earth, which metal is usually employed as the return conductor for the current. Should the enclosing cover be forced in contact with the live portion, the fuse immediately acts, and there is no doubt that the system from the point of view of safety from fire is quite sound. He alleges, however, that in order to save expense, some contractors have adopted the method of carrying the one concentric conductor past the lamp and down to the switch, thus placing the switch not in the live wire but in the earthed return ; and that where this is done the fuse no longer affords protection, because if the outer cover of the switch wire becomes dented and touches the inner wire the result is to light the lamp or lamps through the defective contact thus formed. Thus may be caused an arc with sufficient heat to set fire to anything inflammable that happens to be near. He advises, as a remedy, the use of two complete conductors (mentioning “ the neat metal-covered conductor known as ‘ Stannos ’ ) leading to every wall switch,” and he points out that the danger to which he alludes has been fully appreciated by the framers of the new rules of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, rule 65 providing that “ No switches, fuses, or circuit-breakers may be placed in the external conductor.”

R.I.B.A. Final Examinations

The calendar for the one hundred and sixteenth session of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Engineering College refers to the fact that the fourth and last section of the new college buildings was opened in September of last year. The building covers over seven acres of floor space, each depart­ment being confined to one floor in nearly every case, and has cost, with equipment, over ^400,000 ; the architect has been Mr. Davifl Barclay, F.R.I.B.A ., of Glasgow. The school of architecture, of which Professor Eugene Boudon is the director, is under the superintendence of a joint committee on architecture representative of the Technical College and the School of Art. The Glasgow Institute of Architects have been consulted regarding the co-relation of office appren­ticeship with the course of study provided by the school of architecture, and the council of the Institute have expressed their concurrence in, and issued to the members a recommendation in favour of, certain alternative schemes of study, under which attendance at the school of architecture is combined with the serving of an office apprenticeship. The work of the school prepares for the final examinations of the R.I.B.A. The courses of study provided by the Glasgow School of Architecture are given in both the Technical College and the School of Art. The com­plete course of study leads to a diploma. A restricted portion of the same course, called the certificate course, of lesser requirement, is arranged for students who cannot give the time required for the diploma

course.

p 0. Box 10. 'Phone 1669.

HANSFORD & HANSFORDB U I L D E R S ’ M E R C H A N T S , D U R B A N .

S P E C I A L I T I E S :Trussed Concrete Steel Co.’s Products:

Kahn Trussed and Rib Bars, also Hy-Rib.Lewis Berger & Sons’ Prepared Paints:“ B-P,” Graphite, Graphitint, S. and Roof Paint, Solvoid Paint Remover, Aluminium, Damp Resister, Floorcote, Floorwax, Lustro, Hygienic Distemper, etc., etc.British Fibro-Cement Syndicate:Asbestos Sheets and Roof Tiles. For Fire-resisting Walls, Partitions, Ceilings, and

Roofs.Xylolith Floor Tiles:(Nicknamed “ Silent Treads ” by the Trade.) Natural, Oak, Red and Black.Cut to any size squares or diagonals, lin. by lin. up to 3ft. 3ins. by 4ft. 3ins. Compared with Clay Tiles, Xylolith is just as cheap, warmer, softer, lighter, stronger,

and more silent to the tread.Xylolith is non-slipping, and can be sawn and polished like wood.Xylolith pavement slabs laid in Natal in 1905, are to-day showing practically no signs of wear, notwithstanding tremendous traffic.Xylolith can be screwed down in sheets: over wooden floors.We will shortly be laying 500 square yards in the new Fern Yilla Hotel, Ocean Beach, and can point you out many buildings where Xylolith is doing good service.Please mention this journal when enquiring.

■

October, 1 9 1 1. THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT.

P .O . B o x 1 4 2 . T e l e p h o n e 1 5 7 8 .

W I L F R E D H A IN E ,Electrical Engineer and Contractor.

O f f i c e a n d S h o w r o o m :

W A L T E R M A N S IO N ,E L O F F S T R E E T ,

J O H A N N E S B U R G .

JOHANNESBURG.O ff ic e .: 5 4 , S A U E R ’ S B U I L D I N G S .

W o r k s : P O L L Y S T R E E T .

Telegrams : “ Granolithic.

P.O. Pox 2665.’Phone 2408. Contractors for all

kinds ofFLOORS AND SIDEWALKS

CONCRETE, GRANOLITHIC, ASPHALTIC & ASPHALTE, &c., & c.

MALTHOID ” Roofs a speciality.

The Angle LampGIVES

TWICE THE LIGHTW ITH

HALF THE PARAFFINAs compared with any Ordinary Lamp.

Sole Agent :

ROBERT GREGG, 214, St. Andries St., PRETORIA.P.O. Box 521. 'Phone 40.

ROBERTS & Co.,----------E n g i n e e r s a n d B l a c k s m i t h s . ------------

Special Plant installed for execution of

Builders’ Ironwork.A SK US T O QUOTE.

WORKSHOP FOX & DELVERS STREETS. J

3 ® - ■ ® l

®

®

Box 2137.

Head O ffice:— 17-18, Provident Buildings. Fox Street, Johannesburg.

Telegraphic A d d : “ Natfedsa,” Telephone 2767. Box 4651Code A .B .C . 5th Edition.

LONDON OFFICE : Technical Journals, Ltd., Caxton House, Westminster EUROPEAN ADVERTISING AGENTS: Hastings Bros., Limited,

King’s Chambers, Portugal Steet, Kingsway, London, W.C.

Jas. T. Brown’s

PublicationsThe S.A. Master Builders Federation

Journal.Official Organ of the National Federation of Building Trade Employers in South Africa. Pub­lished on the 15th of each month.7/6 Yearly, Post Free.

The S.A. Master Builders Annual.The Edition-de-Luxe. 150 p.p. Royal Quarto, Printed on Art Paper and elaborately Illustrated. Published beginning of each year.3/6 Post Free.

The African Architect.The Journal of the Association of Transvaal Architects. Pub- on the 1st of each month 10/6 Yearly, Post Free.

The Architectural Year Book & Diary.Containing full Directory of Registered Architects in South Africa, and names of Builders affiliated to the National Federa­tion of Building Trade Employers in South Africa, besides full epitome of useful general informa­tion. First Issue, Jan. 1st, 1912.Price 3/6, Post Free.

Builders Export Number.Now in process of compilation.A useful production showing pro­gress of South African Cities in Building, and other interesting information relating to the last half century. Distributed amongst affiliated Master Builders and Merchants in Great Britain and South Africa.

Specimen Copies, Advertisement Rates and all information on applica­tion to the Manager, J. T. Brown’s Publications, 17-18, Provident Buildings, Fox Street, Johannesburg.

■1 © — — ■— — ® 1 ^ — I 15

®

1

X X I V . THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. October, IQ 11.

JENKINS & CO6 O'1 °v c 1=5 o 0 0

Sole Agents for

u

R O KRoofing and Dampcourse

OF BRITISH MANUFACTURE

Photo showing “ Rok ” Roofing being laid on Roof of Messrs. Garlick and Holdcroft’s Premises in Johannesburg.

Sole South African Agents and actual layers for

THE UNITED LIMMER ASPHALTE COMPANY, LIMITED, LONDON.

OTHER SPECIALITIES:“ URALITE ” Asbestos Ceilings. Partitions and Roofing Tiles. SILICATE COTTON (Slagwool), for Insulating & Sound Deadening. “ R A N SO M E ” Concrete Mixers. W O O D W ORKING Machinery.

EXPANDED STEEL Reinforcement.

& C O .,Cor. PRINCE ALFRED and MILNE STREETS,

DURBAN.,Phone 449. ’Phone 449.

174, MAIN STREET,

JOHANNESBURG.P.O. Box 654. ’Phone 835.

51, LONG STREET,

CAPE TOWN.’Phone 972. ’Phoiie 972

October 1911. THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. Xxv.

*Office & Works :

Green Point, Cape Town.Small Street, Germiston.

Post Office Box 1112 Johannesburg.

W . J. P A R R A C K .General Contractor and Builder.F. M U R R A Y , E n g i n e e r .

ESTIMATES SUBMITTED FREE.

SPECIALITIES.— Hydraulic Engineering, Railway Conslruc- tion and Reinforced Concrete.

-r t « • • . j ♦ «■

♦ John M. Lawrence & Co.,I Importers and Indent Agents,j 473, SMITH STREET, DURBAN.

P.O. Box 369. Telephone 1273, Tele. & Cable Add.: "PIPING," Durban

Desire enquiries from Architects and Con­tractors, for particulars and prices of Steel Structural Work of all kinds. A large number of Standard Designs keqit on hand for inspection. *1 Quotations given for every description of A rc h ite c ts ’ and B u ild e rs ’ requirem ents.

Importers of light Railway Plant and kindred goods.

PRETORIA BRASS & IRONFOUNDRY, 280, Vermeulen Street

Castings to any design in any material made at shortest notice.ESTIM ATES FU RN ISH ED FREE.

P rop rie tors -------- MESSRS. C H APLIN & TONKINSON.P.O. Box 223. P R E T O R IA . ’Phonu 542.

Jarrah Timber !Millars West Australian Hardwood Co., Ltd. ^ ^ —

OFFICES:

CAPE TO W N : S.A. Association Buildings, Church Sq.P.O. Box 30. Telegrams : “ Trochilus." Telephone No. 459

DURBAN : 148, West Street, East.P.O Box 691. Telegrams: “ Trochilus.” Telephone Vo. 907

JOHANNESBURG : 6, Sauer’s Buildings.P.O. Box 1518. Telegrams: “ Trochilus.” Telephone No. 548

Evans & Bendell j j W. F. Johnstone,Electrical Engineers

| and_Contractors_^

| 8-10, Equitable Buildings, Acutt’s Arcade

DURBAN, Natal.P.O. Box 348. Telephone No. 1350. Telegrams : “ Electric,” Durban

\fIfftfffft

DECOLITFThe flooring of the period, being Germ and

Vermin Proof. Warm and comfortable to the tread. Easily applied.

SALAMANDER ASBESTOS PAINTS.Particularly adapted for tropical climates ; imported suitable for Iron, Wood and Acid Tanks. For particulars apply to the

UNITED ASBESTOS AGENCY, Ltd.,20, Commercial Road, Durban.

P.O. Box 139. Telephone 445. Tel. Add.: “Asbestos.’ ’

Timber Merchant, Builder and Contractor.

DURBAN, Natal: P.O. Box 138. JOHANNESBURG: P.O. Box 1896.

LOCKERBIE & WILKINSON’S T

Ball-Bearing Fittings jFor Sliding Doors, and Folding Partitions,

For use in Schools, etc,,

Penny-in-the-SIot Locks, Builders’ Ironmongery and Brassfoundery, Architectural Specialities, etc., etc.

Sole Jlg en ts:

CAMPBELL, O ’BRIEN & Co.,P.O. Box 27, Durban.

<Thc Jifluth African |jRasttr

Butldi'f.'i federation Journal

of the F ITT E ST

S U B S C R I B E N O W

— P E R A N N U M ------P O S T F R E E -

is the S O L E O F F I C I A L O R G A N o f th e N A T I O N A L F E D E R A T I O N o f B U I L D I N G T R A D E E M P L O Y E R S —------------------ in S o u th A f r i c a , a n d it is th e --------------------

O N L Y B U I L D E R S J O U R N A L in S .A .T h e o n ly a u t h e n t i c s o u r c e o f in f o r m a t io n in c o n n e c t i o n w i th th e B u i ld e r s A s s o c i a ­t i o n s in th is c o u n t r y . F u ll e v e r y m o n t h o f in te re s t in g -------------------- n e w s . --------------------

B e in g th e o n l y B u i ld e r s J o u r n a l in S o u th A f r i c a , it is th e r e fo re th e o n ly c h a n n e l b y w h i c h A d v e r t i s e r s c a n ------------------------------------ r e a c h the t r a d e . ------------------------------------

n a n

A P P L Y N O W F O R A D V E R T I S I N G R A T E S T O------------------ T H E M A N A G E R ,-------------------

P a s te r §m t(tm federation Journalc r

2 \ P R O V ID E N T B U IL D IN G S . FO X S T R E E T , J O H A N N E S B U R G .

V

October, 1911. THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT.

Red and Blue Wire Cuts, Splays Beaded Double and Single, Bull Nose always in Stock. Moulded Bricks made to order

W E LLS BROS.,P.O. Box 1 5

N E WTelephone No. 7

C L A R E ,JOHANNESBURG

W orks:Bottom of

Auckland Park Race Course.

i tO n e G a l lo n c o v e r s f r o m 60 to 70 sq. yds.

^ p r e p a r e d surface.

on

SANALENET H E P E R F E C T

ENAMEL PAINT.

»

Flows Freely, H a rd Wea.ring,

E a s i l y W a s h e d

n.nd Polished.

“SANALENE”FOR

INSIDEOR

OUTSIDEUSE.

- - FO R - -

P R A C T IC A L W O R K

B Y P R A C T IC A L USERS.

SUPPLIED IN - -

W H IT EOR

Supplied by all Dealers thrauyhout South Aft 'ica. \ COLOURSASPINALL’S ENAMEL Ltd., \ « »«■ «»•

New Cross, LONDON, S.E.

Successful Merchants advertise in “ The Afric&n Architect.”

P U B L I S H E D M O N T H L Y .

ranaftaalWE are Newspaper, Magazine, and General Printers Lithographers, Bookbinders, Steel

opper, Brass and Process Block Engravers Manufacturing Stationers, Artists, Show Card and Poster Designers and Address Illuminators.We do the whole of the work m our own factory.

We carry the largest stock of raw materials for Printing m South Africa.Our factory organization provides for the employment of high skilled labour only. The proper division of labour cannot very well be accomplished in a small print shop.

THE AFRICAN ARCHITECT. October, 1911.

□ c = ] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -C

D LION FOUNDRY CO., LTD.ARCHITECTURAL, STRUCTURAL, '' a n d SANITARY IRONFOUNDERS,

KIRKINTILLOCH,Near GLASGOW.

I----- 1---- ------------------------------------------ ------ ---- — -------------------------------------------- — ------------- 1 1Printed by the T r a n s v a a l L e a d e r , Harrison Street, Johannesburg, for the Proprietor, J a s . T. B r o w n , 17 and 18, Provident Buildings, Fox Street, Johannesburg.

MANUFACTURERS OF:

SOLE AGENTSFOR SOUTH AFRICA-.

WILLIAM BAIN & CO. (S.A.), LTD.,3 & 4, NEW CLUB BUILDINGS, LOVEDAY STREET,

P.O. Box 2724. Telephone 934. Telegrams : ‘ ‘LOCHRIN.’’ JOHANNESBURG.

Rain Water and Soil Pipes and Connections, Rain Water Heads and Gutters,Drinking and Spray Fountains,Horse Troughs,Baths and Lavatory Stands,Urinals and Public Conveniences,Troughing, Network Boxes, and other

Castings for Electrical Purposes,Straight and Spiral Stairs,Bandstands and Shellers,Verandahs and Porches,Gates, Railings and Terminals,Lamp Pillars and Brackets,Stable and Cowhouse Fittings,Structural Castings, &c.

Journal of the SA Architectural Institute PUBLISHER: University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

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