THE SOUTH AFRICAN ARCHITECTURAL RECORD

The Journal of the Transvaal, Natal and Orange Free State Provincial Institutes of South African Architects and the Chapter of South African Quantity Surveyors. 67, Exploration Buildings, Commissioner Street, Johannesburg, P.O. Box 2266. Telephone 33— 1936

Volume Twenty Number Three. March, Nineteen Hundred and Thirty Five.

The editors will be glad to consider any mss. photographs or sketches submitted to them, but they should be accompanied by stamped addressed envelopes for return if unsuitable. In case of loss or injury they cannot hold themselves responsible for mss. photographs or sketches, and publication in the journal can alone be taken as evidence of acceptance. The name and address of the owner should be placed on the back of all pictures and mss. The Institute does not hold itself responsible for the opinions expressed by contributors.

Annual subscription per post 10/6 direct from the Secretary

Hon. Editors Professor G. E. Pearse Secretary A. S. Pearse R e x Martienssen

57 The Annual Meeting

59 Residence Waite

66 The Cape Provincial Institute

69 The Chapter of S.A. Quantity Surveyors

72 The Natal Provincial Institute

75 0. F. S. Provincial Institute

77 The Transvaal Provincial Institute

83 Book Reviews

84 Professional Notes and News

87 0 b 1 t u a r y 5tr Residence Waite Saxonwold Johannesburg Architect, Douglass Cowin

5" b T H E ANNUAL MEETING

The attendance at the Annual Meeting of A perusal of the annual report will make the Transvaal Provincial Institute, although it quite clear that Mr. Moerdijk has given a larger than last year, was disappointing and great deal of time to the affairs of the Insti­ there was little or no discussion of important tute whilst other members of the Committee matters affecting the Institute as a whole or have done little or nothing during the year. the Provincial Institute in particular. Mr. Cowin’s proposals concerning the What is the reason for this apathy ? Is it journal are of the greatest interest and whilst due to the fact that architects are all so busy in many respects we heartily endorse them, during the building boom, or is it a lack of we are of opinion that we have still a long interest in the affairs of the Institute ? We way to go before we can launch out in the fear the latter. manner he proposes. The President’s speech this year was very We feel that a comparison with the “South frank and inspiring, particularly to the African Builder” is hardly valid, for the latter younger members of the profession, who are is essentially a trade and not a professional always well represented at these meetings. journal. It is encouraging to hear that there is a The fact that our journal continues to greater spirit of co-operation amongst mem­ create interest overseas and is having a wider bers and that a great deal more is being done circulation among the public in this country, with regard to Provincial and Government and the steady increase of advertisers, indi­ work. In spite of these assurances, however, cates that we are forging ahead and are in there are still unpleasant rumours circulating a better position to offer payment for articles to the effect that there is unwarranted inter­ than heretofore. ference on the part of Government officials in We all look forward to the time when the the work of private practitioners. journal can have its own separate organisa­ We sincerely hope that such rumours are tion and become a really profitable asset to groundless and that if there is dissatisfaction the profession as a whole and not merely to it will be brought to the notice of the Councils a few debenture holders. of the Institute. The strong appeal made on behalf of the We should like to endorse most heartily the Benevolent Fund by Mr. Cowin and Mr. Allen tribute paid by the President to the untiring Wilson should be met with a hearty response efforts of Mr. Gerard Moerdijk, whilst a mem­ by members of the profession more particu­ ber of the Provincial Committee, and to ex­ larly after the splendid lead given by the Pre­ press the sincere hope that he will be re­ sident. elected a member in the near future. A unanimous vote was accorded to the pro­ We fail to understand why he was not re­ posal that we should once again be linked up elected. Mr. Moerdijk has always been quite with the Associated Scientific and Technical frank and outspoken in his views both in the Societies at Kelvin House. The result of such a Institute and in the Press and whether we decision should have a far reaching effect and entirely agree with him or not, he is mainly bring us into closer contact with those institu­ responsible for Government recognition of tions which have much in common with our our profession which has certainly given the own profession. The use of the club premises younger architects an opportunity they never- by members of the Institute will also be to had before. our advantage.

57 Some discussion took place on the question schedule of fees to produce a better standard of professional charges, a hardy annual, and of work and thus create avenues of employ­ it is to the detriment of the profession as a ment for junior members of the profession. whole that there appear to be so many un­ It is obvious that by accepting a reduced fee scrupulous members in the profession. the quality of the work must suffer and in In prosperous times such as these it is turn bring discredit on the profession. surely in the best interest of practitioners to However, we can only sincerely hope that work for the benefit of the profession as a the malpractices which undoubtedly exist to­ whole, and by insisting on the recognised day will entirely disappear in the near future.

CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE IN SOUTH AFRICA Considerable criticism lisis been levelled at the journal from time to time, to the effect that contemporary work is not illustrated as fully as it should he. In reply it has been pointed out that members of the profession have been asked repeatedly to send drawings and photo­ graphs for reproduction, but the response has been negligible. A suggestion has now been made that drawings and photographs should be sent to the editors for their criticism and that this criticism should be sent to the author of the design for his reply. The criticism and reply together with plans and photographs will then be published. We welcome this suggestion and hope that many members will give their co-operation and support to the proposal.

58 RESIDENCE WAITE SAXONWOLD JOHANNESBURG

ARCHITECT • DOUGLASS COWIN

Windows and doors are important elements in any room and their grouping and shape A CRITIQUE must1 be related to the wall surfaces of which they form a part. Their successful The plans illustrated are self explanatory use in any series of volumes which are and require little comment. The various generated by a plan will produce a consistent elements are well arranged and there is a feel­ and inevitable elevation. The elevations ing of spaciousness in every part. The eleva­ under consideration are strained. On the tions, however, are rather restless, and one east they are unrelated, while on the south feels that a certain heaviness results from the eaves and fascia treatment. In addition the plan shape has given rise to every awkward roof masses. This is particularly noticeable on the east front where there is a strong con­ A Dressing Table trast between the flat roof to the covered por­ tion of the terrace and the main roof. The handling of the slates at ridges and hips is, however, extremely good. A roof of much lower pitch would have mitigated the evil. The chimney stack on the entrance front, an incomplete cylindrical form, bears little relation to the main “cubic” forms of the building. The balconies, particularly that on the north front, with its large cantilevered mass, produce a sense of strain in the onlooker. One feels that the gain of an uninterrupted out­ look has been attained at the expense of re­ pose. In this case the obvious and simple solution of light supports would have been preferable to a display of architectural gym­ nastics. The entrance door, too, strikes a discordant note. This may be due to the design of the door itself or to the heavy wooden glazing bars on either side. Had these been very simply treated and the door either ducoed or framed together in a different manner the result might have been more satisfactory. Steel windows and doors in this position would have been more in harmony with the scheme as a whole. 59 differences in shape and height of windows latter might have been eliminated. The side­ complete an impression of discord. The use board doors in the dining room, would, one of many glazing bars is out of character with feels, have been preferable if kept flush. The the competent handling of plane surfaces in­ rich tones of the woodwork and the emphasis given by the handles hardly necessitates any ternally. further definition. The treatment of the bed­ room fittings and the bathrooms is extremely good. The interior of the house on the other hand is extremely pleasant except in very minor • details. The rooms are furnished in excel­ The general layout of the grounds, the lent taste, and the architect must be congra­ placing of the swimming pool, and the design tulated on the design of the furniture and the of the delightful garden room are further colour schemes throughout. Here and there evidence of the great care and thought which is a discordant note, for example in the treat­ have been given to the whole design. ment of the ceiling in the entrance hall, the One would like all critics of the contem­ triangular strips on some of the doors, and porary movement in design and decoration to the geometrical patterns in conjunction with visit this house, and then hear what they have the light fittings in one or two ceilings. These to say.

1 Entrance Porch

2 Hall

3 Cloaks

4 Living Room

5 Dining Room

6 Study

7 Service Lobby

8 Breakfast Room

9 Pantry

10 Kitchen

11 Scullery

12 Laundry

13 Natives' Rooms

14 Store

15 Pump Room

60 16 Upper Hall 17 Main Bath Room 18 Main Bed Room 19 Nurse's Bed Room 20 Childrens' Bed Room 21 Childrens’ Bath Room 22 Guest Room 23 Covered Terrace 24 Swimming Pool

4. The deep fascia and big overhang of the THE ARCHITECT REPLIES eaves which give an air of solidity, are en­ tirely logical. The former conceals a square gutter, and the latter allows the opening of 1. The broken and rather awkward outline the first floor windows in all weathers with­ of the plan, contrary to all accepted princi­ out danger of rain penetrating to the rooms ples, was arrived at in an effort to comply behind them. with the clients’ explicit instructions that the 5. The cylindrical form of the chimney was roof should be broken as much as possible in intended to effect a little contrast with the order that the house “might not resemble a main cubic form of the house in a manner so box.” successfully exploited by W. Dudok in many of his works. 2. The epithet “restless” as applied to the 6. The cantilever balcony on the North elevation is somewhat vague, but if it is in­ front maintains the line of the heads and cills tended to mean “unstable” or “lacking in of the adjoining windows, and the resulting repose,” these criticisms can as well be massiveness was not considered entirely in levelled at the works of the great Le Cor­ disharmony with the rest of the house. The busier—particularly his house at Poissy which adoption of light steel columns was con­ gives anything but an impression of stability. sidered, but abandoned on the grounds that though they would be structurally strong 3. The pitch of the roof is dictated by the enough, to the lay eye, at all events, they type of construction adopted at the eaves. would give an impression of instability.

61 8. The omission of the glazing- bars to the windows would undoubtedly have im­ proved the external appearance of the house, but this was a point conceded to the clients in an effort to gain one of greater importance. 7. The entrance door and sidelights, ex­ ecuted in teak to withstand the heat of the western sun, were intended to be painted, but the client decreed otherwise. 9. Strangely enough, a great deal more latitude was allowed the architect in the design of most of the furniture, than in the house itself. However, when the owners perceived how simple it was, they decided that they were qualified to design the re­ mainder themselves : with what success they alone can tell. T H E Entrance Front

The Breakfast Room

Walls and C eiling White • Carpet De ep Orange • Curtains Orange, Black a n d White* Furniture Oregon Pine C eII u I o s e d White and Picked out in Orange •

62 THE ENTRANCE HALL

Stairs finished in Smooth Cement and painted silver. Walls, Silver Grey. Floor Rhodesian teak parquet, ceiling silver plastic paint.

The Dining Room • Electric Heater

63 T H E DINING ROOM

Floor, Kejaat (Rhodesian and Swaziland! strips \V' wide. Walls and ceilings, light beige. Carpet and upholstery on chairs, Claret. Furniture, Kejaat french polished.

64 The Main Bed Room

Walls and ceiling iight daffodil yellow. Floor, Rhodesian Teak parquet. Furniture and woodwork painted sea-green.

T h e Main Bath Room

Floor, white ceramic mosaic. Wall tiles, new ming green with egg-shell finish. Walls and ceiling, white gloss.

65 THE CAPE PROVINCIAL INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS

ANNUAL REPORT, 1934. MEMBERSHIP. The Kalendar, after allowing for bad debts The Membership at the close of the year on previous isues, a reduction of £5 7s. 6d., consisted of one hundred and two Practising, and a new item of income £23 12s. 0d., being- thirty-four Salaried, four Absentee and ten donations received towards library equip­ Retired Members, a total of one hundred and ment. fifty members. Coming now to the Balance Sheet as at 31st MEETINGS. December, 1934, it will be found that the One Annual General Meeting, one Special Capital Account has been augmented to the Meeting and thirteen meetings of the com­ extent of £112 6s. Id., this sum being made mittee were held during the year, besides up of current year’s profit, £48 2s. lid., plus numerous sub-committee meetings. a retrospective adjustment of Levy £68 10s. FINANCIAL. 7d., less accumulated interest credited to The audited accounts accompanying this re­ Benevolent fund £4 7s. 5d. The item Sundry port show the financial position to be as Creditors which at 31st December, 1933, follows :— stood at £323 14s. 2d., has since been reduced Revenue for the year exceeds expenditure to £208 17s. 3d., and our indebtedness to the by the sum of £48 2s. lid. Central Council has fallen from £332 2s. 2d. The Balance Sheet shows that assets as at to £227 15s. 7d. 31st December, 1934, exceeded Liabilities at Upon the other side of the Balance Sheet, the same date by the sum of £207 12s. 8d. Furniture Account has been increased by £34 Comparing the Income and Expenditure 10s. 0d., expended in the purchase of Library account with that of the preceding year it will equipment, and reduced by £3 7s. 3d., for de­ be found that the aggregate expenditure has preciation. The Sundry Debtors account, been reduced by £52 5s. Id. and the income which last year stood at £703 11s. 6d., has increased by £113 17s. Id. A further analysis been reduced to £443 10s. 0d., and finally the of the account discloses reductions in the cash on hand and in the Bank amounted to following expense items : Secretarial emolu­ £142 17s. 5d., as compared with £19 14s. 10d., ments, £22 11s. 7d. ; Professional publica­ as at 31st December, 1933. tions, £45 16s. 8d. ; Legal expenses, £10 17s. From the Expenditure and Revenue and lid. ; and P.E. Local Committee expenses £8 Capital Accounts, together with the foregoing 11s. 4d. To these have to be added a non­ exhaustive comparisons with last year’s recurring item of £18 12s. 0d., disbursed in results, it will be realised that the financial 1933 in connection with the Provincial position of the Institute has so improved Finance Commission, plus expenses of meet­ during the year under review that practically ings £4 Is. 7d., which item in the current the whole of the 1933 deficit, which amounted accounts has been merged into General Ex­ to no less than £117 19s. 3d., has been penses. restored. Per contra, the following increases have The Central Council levy which formerly taken place : Stationery and Printing £1 12s. was fifty per cent, of Salaried, Absentee and 0d., Depreciation £0 8s. 6d., and General Ex­ Retired Member’s subscriptions and forty penses £2 13s. 2d. plus new items of Expen­ per cent, of Practising Members’ subscrip­ diture ; Office Rent, £42 10s. 0d., and Office tions, averaging about forty-two per cent, has and Library removal expenses, £11 2s. 4d. been reduced to a flat rate of thirty-three and Turning to the Income side of the Account, one-third per cent. it is found that the nett revenue from Sub­ The outstanding factors contributing to the scriptions, after providing for irrecoverable satisfactory state of the Institute’s finances in amounts and for the levy payable to the their order of importance, are : (1) reduction Central Council has increased by £95 12s. 7d. of levy (current and restrospective) ; (2)

66 reduction of irrecoverable subscriptions ception. Mr. Owen Eaton, the Honorary written off ; and (3) curtailment of working Secretary and Treasurer, is deserving of the expenditure. Institute’s gratitude for his unremitting at­ THE CENTRAL COUNCIL. tention to local professional matters. A meeting of the Central Council at which SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE. the Institute representatives, Messrs. Hawke The number of students attending the and Walgate were in attendance, was held in architectural classes at the University of June last. The meeting lasted four days and Capetown was fifty-eight, as compared with as usual a great many matters of interest to fifty-five in 1933. Of these ten were first the profession were considered and dealt year, four second year, ten third year, sixteen with. fourth year and eighteen fifth year students. Perhaps one of the most important of these, Twelve students were successful in passing so far as this Provincial Institute is con­ the third year and three students the fifth cerned, was the reduction of the Levy men­ year examinations. tioned above and although this measure of THE LIBRARY. relief is very much appreciated, it is felt that The Library which at the closing of the the contribution still imposes too heavy a bur­ C.I.A. School of Architecture was placed in the den upon the resources of the constituent custody of the University of Capetown and bodies. housed in the Michaelis School of Fine Art, Mr. Walgate was elected Vice-President-in- has been transferred to the Institute’s new Chief for the year. premises. The Committee tenders its thanks to the re­ This marks the achievement of a purpose presentatives for giving up their time to that has been steadfastly kept in view for attend this meeting and for the good work some years past, and it has been made possible they accomplished on behalf of the Provincial by the improvement of the Institute’s Institute. finances referred to earlier in this report. The library was formally opened in October R.I.B.A. last, and as the result of a suggestion made It afforded your Committee very much by the President the sum of £23 12s. Od., was pleasure to convey the Institute’s felicita­ contributed in donations towards the equip­ tions upon the honour of Knighthood recently ment of the new premises. The fund is still conferred on the Secretary of the R.I.B.A.— open to any members who may feel prompted Sir Ian MacAlister. to augment it. Members of the C.P.I. who know Sir Ian ARCHITECTURAL COMPETITIONS. personally—and they are not a few—and Several important competitions took place others who are acquainted with the great ser­ in the year under review. Of these two vices he has rendered to the R.I.B.A., and in­ were promoted by the Union Government, deed to the architectural profession through­ and one by the Benoni Municipality. The out the world, feel, without exception, that schemes and their respective successful com­ the distinction of Knighthood has seldom petitors were : been bestowed upon so worthy a subject of Law Courts, Pietermaritzburg : Winners, His Majesty the King. Moffat and Hirst. Mr. G. C. Lawrence, F.R.I.B.A., of Bristol, Law Courts, Johannesburg : Winner, John England, has again functioned as the Cape In­ Perry, F.R.I.B.A. stitute’s representative on the R.I.B.A. Allied Benoni Town Hall : Winner, J. Lockwood Societies Conference, a service which is grate­ Hall. fully acknowledged. These Members are heartily congratulated THE PORT ELIZABETH LOCAL upon their achievements. COMMITTEE. An exhibition consisting of a number of the The P.E. Local Committee continues to designs (including the premiated one) sent function on behalf of members in the Eastern in by local architects for the Johannesburg Province with that degree of interest and Law Courts Competition, was held in the In­ efficiency which has been shown since its in­ stitute’s Board room on 19th December. 67 CONDITIONS OF BUILDING CONTRACTS. that an architectural section will become a A considerable amount of attention has permanent feature of future exhibitions, and been devoted to this matter during the year. if so the willing co-operation of the C.P.I. may Members are aware that there has been always be counted upon. locally a good deal of opposition to the use of AN ADDRESS BY MR. GLENNIE. the present “White Form.” Your Committee Towards the end of the year Mr. F. M. has endeavoured from time to time to have Glennie gave a most interesting and instruc­ certain amendments effected, but the fact tive address upon his recent professional visit that the form appears to meet with general Overseas. Mr. Glennie stated that the approval excepting at the Cape has made this objects of his visit took him to England, the no easy task. Continent and America and he gave the meet­ There is a Standing Committee charged ing his impressions of the architectural deve­ with the preparation of an amended form, and lopment and tendencies at the numerous with a view to obviating confusion pending cities included in his itinerary. the completion of their work, both the Central VISIT TO MAITLAND CREMATORIUM. Council and the local Master Builders By the courtesy of the Cemetery Board and (through the Joint Practice Committee), re­ the associated architects, Messrs. F. K. Ken­ quested your Committee to ask members to dall and C. P. Walgate, local members and abandon the “Blue Form” and use the “White students were invited to view the Crema­ Form,” with amendments if necessary to meet torium recently erected at Maitland. The special requirements. visit took place on 3rd October, about twenty- A special meeting was held towards the five members availing themselves of the invi­ close of the year to enable the Committee to tation. ascertain the views of other members on the matter. Discussion brought to light the PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS. general opinion that the effect of the docu­ One volume (the 11th) of the Wren Society ment was to weaken the fiduciary capacity in was acquired by purchase during the year, which an architect should be placed in the dis­ and a copy of the R.I.B.A. centenary publica­ charge of his functions, and that members tion was presented by the President and who use the form do so with reluctance be­ Council of that Body. cause of their doubts as to its equity. At the Your Committee acknowledges with grati­ conclusion of the meeting it was unanimously tude the free issue of “The Architect, Builder, decided to inform the C.C. that the C.P.I. can­ and Engineer” Journal during the past year not recommend the exclusive use of the form to all members. to its members. Members are asked to note that Progress The protracted discussions have brought to Certificate forms made up in books of 50 light a marked divergence between the Pro­ forms are now available from the Secretary at vinces in procedure and in outlook, and it has two shillings and sixpence per book. been suggested that a possible solution THE C.P.I. BRONZE MEDAL. of the difficulty in drawing up a generally An unusually large number of entries were acceptable Form of Contract may lie in pro­ received for the 1934 competition, that of the viding alternative Clauses, where necessary, Loreto Convent, Sea Point, designed by Mr. and your Committee is investigating the H. A. McQueen being awarded the medal. Mr. matter from this point of view. McQueen is heartily congratulated upon his EXHIBITION OF CONTEMPORARY ART. success. Your committee, at the request of the CANADIAN LUMBER DELEGATION. Trustees of the South African Art Gallery, A meeting between the members of this arranged an architectural section for inclus­ Delegation and your Committee took place in ion in this year’s exhibition of contemporary November last. The visit of the Delegation Art. Members gave the movement their was arranged with the object of promoting ready support with the result that twenty-two and increasing the sale of British Columbian photos, drawings, etc., were selected and sent Lumber and Lumber Products in South in for exhibition. There is reason to believe Africa. 68 THE SECRETARY. several directions. He has, however, made Major Duncan has continued to carry out no attempt to spare himself but has continued the Secretarial duties with unselfish his work as heretofore with the addition of thoroughness. In view of the serious finan­ custody of the Library. This devoted ser­ cial position of the Institute a year ago, he vice has been much appreciated, and the Insti­ willingly agreed to considerably reduced re­ tute’s grateful thanks are here recorded. muneration, which your Committee intended should be balanced by reduced work in W. HAWKE, President.

THE CHAPTER OF SOUTH AFRICAN QUANTITY SURVEYORS FINANCE COMMITTEE. Board's Report for 1934-1935. The thanks of the Board are due to the To Members of the Chapter : Chairman and Members of the Finance Com­ mittee for the thoroughness of their efforts to Your Board has pleasure in presenting its improve the financial position of the Chapter. Annual Report. The Board for the year under THE CENTRAL COUNCIL. review (i.e., from March 10th, 1934, to March The following members represented the 15th, 1935) consisted of : Chapter on the Central Council of the Insti­ Solely Practising Members :—A. T. Babbs, tute during the year :— H. Bell-John, C. L. F. Borckenhagen, J. W. A. T. Babbs (Alternate : D. J. Laing) ; T. Cowling, F. D. Hickman, D. J. Laing, J. E. Moore (Alternate : F. D. Hickman). McEnanem, T. Moore. In terms of Regulation 5, Lt.-Col. W. E. Dual Practising Member :—R. Howden. Puntis, in his capacity as Chief Government Salaried Members :—E. J. Hamlin, R. J. C. Quantity Surveyor (Alternate : Mr. R. J. C. Prentice, W. E. Puntis. Prentice) is one of the Union Government’s Mr. R. J. C. Prentice was unanimously two permanent nominees on the Central elected President for the year ; Mr. D. J. Council. Laing, Senior Vice-President, and Dr. E. J. THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON Hamlin, Junior Vice-President. EDUCATION AND EXAMINATIONS. BOARD MEETINGS. The Chapter’s representatives on the Stand­ During the year under review (i.e., up to ing Committee on Education and Examina­ and including March 1st, 1935) there were tions are :— eight meetings of the Board, in respect of A. T. Babbs (Alternate : R. J. C. Prentice) ; which the following is the attendance record : T. Moore (Alternate : W. E. Puntis) ; W. E. R. J. C. Prentice ...... 8 Puntis (Alternate: T. Moore). J. W. Cowling...... 8 MEMBERSHIP. C. L. F. Borckenhagen...... 7 The total membership of the Chapter, com­ R. H ow den...... 7 piled as at February 28th, 1935, is one T. Moore ...... 7 hundred and forty-seven, composed as F. D. H ickm an...... 6 follows :— D. J. L ain g ...... 6 Solely Practising Members (including two Lt.-Col. W. E. P u n tis ...... 6 absentee members) thirty-six. Professor H. Bell-John...... 5 Dual Practising Members (including three Dr. E. J. Hamlin ...... 5 absentee members), thirty-nine. A. T. Babbs (Cape Town) .. Salaried Members (including one absentee J, Me Enanem (Durban) ., member), forty-four,

69 Retired Members, twenty-four. QUANTITY SURVEYING STUDENTS. Honorary Members, four. The following figures indicate the numbers Included in the figure of one hundred and of quantity surveying students who attended forty-seven are four members whose names do the Universities of Pretoria and the Wit- not appear in the Institute’s or the Chapter’s watersrand during 1934 :— publications because of the fact that their University University subscriptions have not been paid for at least of Pretoria of Witwatersrand three years (vide Regulation 35 (b)). Degree Course .... 3 4 NEW ENROLMENTS. Diploma Course .. .. 8 19 The Board has pleasure in stating that, during the year under review, there were six 11 23 new enrolments as members of the Chapter, There are, in addition, quantity surveying viz., Messrs. J. 0. Quail, G. P. Quail, E. V. students in other parts of South Africa, in the Kohler, J. Seaton Hodge, J. W. G. Walters, offices of practitioners, who are studying pri­ and G. R. Durrant. vately for the examinaions of the Chartered CHANGES IN MEMBERSHIP. Surveyors’ Institution. Transfer to Practising from Salaried Class : During the year the following students Mr. Henry A. Hustwick (Cape Town) ; Mr. S. completed their Qualifying Examinations in C. Warren (Port Elizabeth) ; Mr. Arthur quantity surveying : Wood (Cape Town) ; Mr. A. M. Loots (Johan­ (a) University of Pretoria Diploma : J. W. nesburg) . M. Clark, C. R. Cornell, C. A. Cuff, W. L. Paul, Transfer to Retired from Salaried Class : C. A. Smith. Mr. N. N. Moore (Pretoria). (b) Chartered Surveyor’s Institution Transfer to Retired from Practising Class : Final : J. S. Hodge, C. J. Leigh-Hunt, W. R. Mr. W. H. Priestley (Durban). Morrow, G. P. Quail, J. 0. Quail, W. K. OBITUARY. Thomson. The Board has to record, with deep regret, CHAPTER’S FINANCIAL POSITION. the passing during the year of Mr. R. S. The audited accounts of the Chapter for the Shepherd, of Cape Town, one of the pioneer calendar year 1934, together with an expla­ Quantity Surveyors of the Cape ; and Mr. B. natory statement thereon, have already been R. Avery, M.I.A., of Johannesburg, a Dual sent to members. Practising Member of the Chapter. It is, once again, very unsatisfactory to find QUANTITY SURVEYING EDUCATION that the amount of outstanding subscriptions AND EXAMINATIONS. as at December 31st, 1934, exceeds the sum of The visiting inspectors (Messrs. J. W. Cow­ £200. In certain cases there has been no ling and R. J. C. Prentice) appointed to alternative but to institute legal proceedings attend Quantity Surveying Examinations, against the Members concerned. continued their work during the year. One of PROVINCIAL FINANCE COMMISSION. the most interesting developments following The Report of the Provincial Finance Com­ the presentation of their report was the hold­ mission (which has not yet been considered ing of a series of meetings between the visit­ in detail by the Board) has been published. ing inspectors and the internal and external A copy of the report is in the records of the examiners in quantity surveying of the Chapter and can be inspected by members at University of Pretoria, as the result of which the office of the Secretary. certain practical suggestions made have been GOVERNMENT WORK. adopted. The Board gratefully acknowledges its In respect of the November 1934 Examin­ appreciation of the fact that the Union ations Mr. R. J. C. Prentice was obliged, be­ Government has put out several of its archi­ cause of pressure of official work, to relin­ tectural projects to Competition, in the Con­ quish his duties as visiting inspector. Mr. E. ditions for which provision has been made for B. Farrow, of Johannesburg, has very kindly the employment of practising quantity sur­ consented to act in the place of Mr. Prentice. veyors,

70 ENGINEERING QUANTITIES. ing Regulation No. 98. Owing to the mag­ The Sub-Committee appointed by the Board nitude of the task, the whole of the Sub-Com­ has completed its suggestions for the intro­ mittee’s Report has not yet been considered duction of a Standard System as applied to by the Board. Engineering Quantities. This matter will reach finality in the very near future. MISCELLANEOUS. STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS FOR Other matters which have occupied the at­ BUILDING TIMBER. tention of the Board during the year, but with As the result of a movement initiated by regard to which finality has not yet been the Board, the Central Council brought into reached, have been referred to from time to being a Joint Committee consisting of an time in the Board’s minutes which are cir­ architect, a quantity surveyor, members of culated to all members of the Chapter. the Public Works Department, and members BOARD’S THANKS TO PRESIDENT. of the National Federation of Building Trade The Board cordially records its thanks to Employers. It was found, during the pro­ the President, Mr. R. J. C. Prentice, for the gress of the Joint Committee’s work, that it conscientious and able way in which he has was essential to become associated with the carried out his responsible duties during the South African Standards Institution, a year. standardising body officially recognised by Johannesburg, 4th March, 1935. the Union Government. To Members of the Chapter : It is likely that the future work of the Happily, my year as President has coincided Joint Committee will be continued under the with one of the biggest building booms in the authority of the South African Standards history of the country and, consequently, Institution. despite the non-completion of some of the COPYRIGHT IN QUANTITIES. very important tasks of the Board, will be During the year representations were made looked upon as a period of general success for by the Central Council, on behalf of the the profession. Chapter, to a Departmental Commission I wish to congratulate the many younger appointed by the Union Government to in­ members who have set up in practice and I quire into the question of Patents, Trade feel certain, with the prosperous position of Marks and Copyright. It was submitted that state finances, and therefore encouragement provision should be included in the South of progress, one may look to the future with African Copyright Act of 1916 to cover Bills real optimism. of Quantities. The matter is still sub judice. The rush of work has had its effect on the INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF duties of your Board, but a study of the SURVEYORS year’s work as set out in the general Report In July 1934, the Chapter had the good will show that a number of important matters fortune to be represented, in the person of Mr. have materially progressed and finality should A. T. Babbs, at the Fifth International Con­ be reached during the coming session. gress of Surveyors, held in London. Fortunately, after a long struggle the WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ACT. finances of your Chapter are now in a more As the result of an inquiry initiated by the healthy state and with careful handling Board, the Central Council has obtained the should continue to improve. opinion of the Institute’s Solicitors on the In this connection I should like to stress position of a practising architect or quantity the great necessity for certain members show­ surveyor in relation to assistants employed by ing a little more consideration so far as pay­ him. The opinion will be circulated to every ment of subscriptions is concerned ; it is an member of the Chapter in the near future. unpleasant task for any sub-committee to be QUANTITY SURVEYING FEES. constantly on the track of outstandings and A great deal of work has been done by a one cannot help feeling that a little fore­ Sub-Committee of the Board during the year thought on the part of members would assist on the question of simplifying and amplify­ the Board enormously.

71 It is with regret I find there is to be no quately express the appreciation felt for his election for Board membership this year. I long and honourable record in the interests of must ask the rising generation to realise that quantity surveying. there is much important work to be done and I wish to thank the members of the Board the time will come when younger members for their loyal co-operation during the year must replace those who have practically given and I make no excuse for once again eulogis­ a lifetime to improving the Profession. ing the very excellent work of your Secretary. Mr. Babbs has definitely severed his con­ nection with the Board and words cannot ade­ (Signed) R. J. C. Prentice, President.

T H E NATAL PROVINCIAL INSTITUTE

Annual Report, 1935. The Membership at the close of the year consists of forty three Practising, one Practis­ Your Committee has pleasure in presenting ing Absentee, ten Salaried, one Salaried the following statement of its activities Absentee and four Retired Members ; making during the past session, being the Eighth a total of Fifty Nine Members. Annual Report of the Natal Provincial Insti­ There has been nothing of an outstanding tute of Architects. nature during the year under review, but At the last Annual General Meeting the matters of importance to the profession have following members were duly elected to act occupied the attention of the Committee on the Provincial Committee :—Messrs. G. E. from time to time. Le Sueur (President), E. M. Powers (Vice- Your Committee has been consulted and its President), Wallace Paton, W. S. Payne, G. T. advice sought by various local bodies and Hurst, W. B. Oxley, F. J. Ing, C. S. M. Taylor every endeavour has been made to justify and Mr. B. V. Bartholomew. this confidence, either by co-operation, assist­ Fourteen Committee Meetings have been ance and advice and in appointing one or more held during the session and the attendance of of its members to act on Committees. members has been very satisfactory. The following is the attendance record at Mr. E. M. Powers was appointed as this Pro­ the Committee Meetings :— vincial Institute’s Representative, with Mr. G. E. Le Sueur ...... 13 Wallace Paton as Alternate, on the Central E. M. Powers ...... 13 Council of the Institute of South African Wallace Paton ...... 10 Architects. W. S. Payne ...... 9 Col. G. T. Hurst was appointed to represent G. T. Hurst ...... 14 this Provincial Institute on the New Council F. J. I n g ...... 5 of the Natal Technical College. W. B. Oxley ...... 7 Mr. Wallace Paton is Representative on B. V. Bartholomew ...... 6 the Art Consultative Committee of the Natal C. S. M. Taylor ...... 11 Technical College, Mr. F. J. Ing is this Pro­ During the year one member has trans­ vincial Institute’s Representative on the ferred his membership to that of the Trans­ Greater Durban Town Planning Association. vaal Provincial Institute, one member has The Committee’s thanks are due to these resigned from the Institute, and three new members for giving much of their valuable members have been enrolled, time to the various matters concerned,

72 Among other matters the Borough Build­ Central Council of the Institute, for the use ing Regulations have been in process of re­ of members. These are bound in book form vision, and taking advantage of the occasion containing fifty certificates, and are obtain­ a Sub-Committee consisting of the President, able from the Secretary at two-shillings and Mr. G. E. Le Sueur, the Vice-President, Mr. sixpence per book. E. M. Powers and Messrs. W. S. Payne and Wallace Paton, met the Durban Corporation FINANCES. Plans Committee in conference and presented this Institute’s views, and were given a The audited Balance Sheet and Statement patient and sympathetic hearing and there of Accounts for the year are submitted here­ are hopes that a Bye-law will be promulgated with. to the effect that all building plans submitted The Revenue and Expenditure Account for of work over a certain amount must be be pre­ the twelve months ending December 31st pared and signed by a registered architect. 1934, reflects an excess of revenue over ex­ As usual the activities of the Central penditure of £45 Os. Id., after writing off an Council and its Executive have covered a wide amount of £7 17s. 6d., as bad and irrecover­ range of subjects affecting the profession. able. Among other important matters dealt with, It is again the unpleasant duty of your being architectural education, amendments Committee to direct attention to the large to the Institute’s Regulations, architectural amount outstanding at the close of the year competitions, and “Conditions of Building in respect of unpaid subscriptions. Members Contract.” are reminded that their subscriptions are due A most pleasing interlude in the year’s and payable on the 1st January in each year work was the visit of the President-in-Chief, and are asked to regard this obligation as one Mr. F. Masey, who spent a few days in Dur­ to be discharged without unnecessary delay, ban, on his tour of the Provinces. and thus save much time and expense in the Members of the Profession were afforded an collecting of fees. opportunity of meeting and welcoming their Owing to the non-payment of subscriptions, President-in-Chief at a social gathering of this means that the burden of the Institute members and students, when Mr. Masey gave is being carried by a minority of willing- an address which was much appreciated by payers. those present. READING ROOM AND LIBRARY. The Committee wishes to remind members Members are reminded of the Reading of the facilities now afforded in courses of Room, housed in the Institute’s Committee Architectural Education at the Natal Techni­ Room, where professional journals and perio­ cal College. dicals may be consulted. Full particulars of these courses may be The Committee takes this opportunity of obtained on application to the Registrar of expressing its thanks and appreciation to the Natal Technical College, Berea Road, Dur­ those members who have kindly assisted by ban. the loan of books and journals during- the The Central Council of the Institute make year. a strong recommendation to the Provincial Thanks are extended to the “S.A. Archi­ Institutes, that wherever possible no pupil is tectural Record” for its journal which has to be taken into an architect’s office unless he been circulated to members during the year. has first had at least two years’ tuition at a Contributions from members in the way of recognised School of Architecture. professional matters for publication will be The sum of ten guineas has been forwarded welcomed by the Editor of the Journal. to the R.I.B.A. London Building Fund, as a Thanks are also due to the Royal Institute donation from this Provincial Institute. of British Architects and Allied Societies for During the year a form of “Standard Pro­ their journals and Year Books received from gress Certificates” has been issued by the time to time.

73 Minutes of the Eighth Annual General a Bye-law to restrict the design and height Meeting of members held in the Institute’s of buildings on main thoroughfares. But Room, No. 5, Poynton’s Chambers, Smith again it was impossible to take any action. Street, Durban, at 3.30 p.m. Friday, 15th Among other matters was an invitation March, 1935. from the Durban Corporation to meet the PRESENT. Building Plans Committee to consider the Miss G. Goodricke, Messrs. G. E. le Sueur, question of passing a new Bye-law to the E. M. Powers, W. S. Payne, Wallace Paton, effect that all building plans for work cost­ C. S. M. Taylor, G. T. Hurst, D. C. McDonald, ing over £300 must be prepared and signed C. R. Fridjhon, F. W. Powers, H. H. Grant, H. by a registered architect. From informa­ B. van der Riet, L. A. Peyton, and the Sec­ tion received I am pleased to say that there is retary, T. H. Chaplain. The president, Mr. G. every possibility of the Bye-law going through E. le Sueur, occupied the Chair. in the near future. An apology for absence was received from From the Revenue and Expenditure Mr. B. V. Bartholomew. Account the Committee is to be congratulated NOTICE CONVENING THE MEETING. on the Institute’s sound financial position. After the Notice convening the meeting You will have noted from the Balance Sheet was read the Chairman declared the Eighth outstanding subscriptions amounting to £137 Annual General Meeting duly constituted. Os. 6d., but I am pleased to say that since that MINUTES. date the amount has been reduced by £50. The Minutes of the Seventh Annual It is a pleasure to welcome on behalf of my General Meeting held on 9th March, 1934, Committee, the members present, and especi­ having been previously circulated to all mem­ ally the new member Mr. F. W. Powers whom bers, were on the motion of the Chairman we wish every success. taken as read and confirmed and signed by To conclude I should like to thank my the Chairman. colleagues on the Committee for their loyal ANNUAL REPORT AND BALANCE SHEET. support during my term of Office. Their The Chairman in moving the adoption of guidance and experience has been of the the Annual Report and Balance Sheet for the utmost value. year 1934, said : “Ladies and Gentlemen, I will now move the adoption of the Eighth beyond the matters dealt with in the Annual Annual Report and Balance Sheet. Report and Balance Sheet, a copy of which has The motion being seconded by Mr. E. M. been sent to all members, there is very little Powers was carried unanimously. to add in connection with the working of your ELECTION OF AUDITOR FOR THE Committee during the past year. It is pleas­ ENSUING YEAR. ing to note that there has been a good attend­ No other nominations being forwarded, Mr. ance at the Committee Meetings during the J. E. Duff was re-elected Auditor for the en­ session. suing year. During the year the Committee met repre­ ELECTION OF NEW COMMITTEE sentatives of various local bodies associated 1935-1936. with Building Trades. The Master Painters The Ballot Papers having been dealt with who are making an endeavour to raise the in accordance with the regulations the three standard of their trade in Durban, called upon scrutineers appointed retired to count the the Institute for advice and assistance. They votes for the new Committee. received a sympathetic hearing from the Com­ The result of the Ballot was handed to the mittee but it was explained that it is not Chairman who thereupon announced the possible to grant the Institute’s protection in following nine members duly elected on the matters concerning their trade. Your Com­ Provincial Committee for the year 1935-1936: mittee had a similar interview concerning the Messrs. Wallace Paton, W. S. Payne, E. M. importation of stock joinery ; and also a meet­ Powers, G. E. le Sueur, G. T. Hurst, C. S. M. ing with representatives of the Town Plan­ Taylor, B. V. Bartholomew, W. B. Oxley, and ning Association in connection with passing W. E. Langton,

74 PROPOSED PORTRAIT OF SIR IAN the best example of architecture executed MAC ALISTER. within the Province of Natal. The Chairman advised the meeting- of a Agreed, after discussion, that this matter letter from the Secretary, Board of Architec­ be left in the hands of the incoming Com­ tural Education R.I.B.A., London, inviting- co­ mittee to consider, with power to act. operation in the way of contributions not ex­ HOWDEN SCHOLARSHIP FUND. ceeding five shillings, from all members of the It was moved, seconded and agreed that the Institute, towards a Portrait of Sir Ian Mac sum of Ten guineas be donated to the “How­ Alister to be presented to the Royal Institute den Scholarship Fund.” of British Architects, London. TOWN PLANNING. Agreed, after discussion, “that a copy of It was moved and agreed that the following- the letter be circulated to all members of this suggestions be referred to the Durban Town Provincial Institute, with a request that con­ Planning Advisory Committee for its consi­ tributions towards the Portrait Fund be sent deration :—- to the Secretary, 2, Poynton’s Chambers, for (1) The construction of a bridge over transmission to London.” Berea Road connecting up South Ridge Road Those members present willingly sub­ with Ridge Road Central ; scribed their names to the “List of Contribu­ (2) Construction of New Main Road from 45th Cutting and through Sydenham and tions.” North side of Durban to Umgeni Road ; GENERAL (3) Improvement to Square at junction of PROPOSED ARCHITECTURAL MEDAL. Warwick Avenue and Berea Road. With the object of encouraging excellence MEETING CLOSED, 5 p.m. of design in architecture Col. Hurst suggested On the Chairman declaring the business of that the time was now opportune for this Pro­ the meeting completed a hearty vote of vincial Institute to again consider the ques­ thanks was accorded him for his successful tion of awarding annually a Bronze Medal for term of Office.

O. F. S. PROVINCIAL INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS

Mr. H. A. C. Wallace ...... 6 President's Report for Year 1934. Mr. H. G. de la C ornillere...... 7 Gentlemen, Mr. F. W. Masey ...... 7 I have much pleasure in welcoming you to Mr. W. W. T o n k in ...... 7 the Eighth Annual General Meeting of this Mr. W. M. Timlin ...... 1 Institute and submitting my report for the I am pleased to report that Mr. Timlin year ending December 31st, 1934. accepted membership of the Committee and MEMBERSHIP. will attend meetings whenever possible. The Our numbers at December, 1934, are interests of the Kimberley District and the smaller than in the previous year owing to O.F.S. Province and our professional the death of Mr. G. F. Wright ; the transfer problems are practically identical and I look of Mr. H, Fyvie to the Transvaal, Mr. H. J. on our association with Kimberley as a valued Louw to the Cape Province and two names accession of strength. have been dropped owing to the non-payment of subscriptions. HON. SECRETARY. COMMITTEE MEETINGS. The resignation of Mr. Tonkin was received Regular meetings have been held through­ and accepted with regret and these duties out the year the attendance being :— have been taken over by Mr. F. W. Masey. 75 COMMITTEES ACTIVITIES. of Knighthood by His Majesty the King. I The year 1934 has seen little stirring- in shall be glad if this meeting will decide on, our profession in this Province. The Com­ and the extent of, our participation. mittee has mainly been concerned with MAURICE WEBB, ESQ., D.S.O., M.C. Central Council matters sent to it for con­ A Vice-President of the R.I.B.A., continues, sideration or approval, and with the general I am glad to say, to represent us on the Con­ consolidation of the profession in the Pro­ ferences of the Allied Societies. vince. CIRCULARS. CENTRAL COUNCIL. These have been sent out prohibiting any THE LEVY member from signing any drawings not actu­ To the Central Council in the past has appro­ ally prepared by himself, or for him, in his ximated forty per cent, of subscriptions office. based on the varying scales for the different M.I.A. EXAMINATIONS. classes of membership. Central Council has Your Committee has asked Central Council now reduced this to a flat rate of thirty-three that the next edition of the Year Book shall and one-third per cent of the sums collected contain full details for guidance of youths in annually—including arrear subscriptions the profession and not living in an University when and as received. Town who desire to study for the M.I.A. Ex­ UNION GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS. aminations. The need for such information I cannot allow this meeting to pass with­ is shown by the number of enquiries we re­ out recording our congratulations to Central ceive from time to time. Council on the decision of the Minister of CONDITIONS OF ENGAGEMENT. Public Works to give out from time to time A pronouncement on this matter has always a certain number of Union Buildings to pro­ been striven for by this Province, and other fessional competition. I am confident that Provinces are equally concerned, it is trusted the bringing of our profession into line with that the Central Council will come to a final others which receive a portion of Union Works decision to be published in the next Year will be to the advantage of the Nation. Book. STANDARD PROGRESS CERTIFICATES. HOWDEN PRIZE FUND. At the request of some Provinces Central Your Committee decided to have prepared Council interested itself in this matter. and to present to Central Council the relief Drafts were circulated to the Provinces and a models for a silver medal to accompany Standard Certificate Book is now issued. awards of the Howden Prize, and these models Members may obtain same—fifty forms per are on exhibition this evening. book—price 2/6, from Provincial Secretaries. R.I.B.A. FINANCE. The Royal Institute issued an appeal to The Revenue and Expenditure Account and Allied Societies for donations to the New the Balance Sheet has been sent to all mem­ Building Fund. Your Committee bearing bers. in mind the Moiety received annually from We finish with a surplus of £7 17s. Od. on the R.I.B.A., and its generous gift of copies of the year’s working and as our outstanding its Publications to this Institute’s Libarary, subscriptions should all be good, we may look has joined the list of Subscribers with a sum forward to the debit balance on subscriptions of £5 5s. Od. disappearing shortly. It is with regret that SIR IAN MAC ALISTER. we have spent nearly £7 on legal expenses, The R.I.B.A. has also given members of quite unnecessary if members would only play Allied Societies Overseas, an opportunity of the game in their obligation to the Institute. subscribing to the presentation Portrait to Cash shown on hand is usually about £2, the Secretary of the Mother Institute who but rose owing to payments received late in has given such yeoman service to the Archi­ December to £18 7s. 8d., this is now banked tectural Profession over a long period of time, and both the Standard Bank and the Board of and recently been honoured by the conferring Executors deposits arq at Interest, 76 Our actual cash balance, including furni­ as bad as ever ; it is my sincere hope that in ture valued at selling price and omitting Lia­ this year of 1935 we shall definitely “round bilities, £21 9s. 6d. ; and Arrear Subscrip­ the corner” and building activity once more tions, £30 5s. Od. is £86 Os. 8d. be established. THANKS. (Signed) H. A. C. WALLACE President. I desire to record my thanks to the Vice- At a subsequent meeting of the O.F.S. President, Committee and the Hon. Secretary Provincial Institute of Architects Committee for their assistance during my year of office. the following officers were elected :— GENERALLY. President :—W. W. Tonkin, L.R.I.B.A. The Year 1934 has been a lean one for our Vice-President :—H. A. C. Wallace, F.S.I. profession in this Province. Recently there Committee :—W. W. Tonkin, L.R.I.B.A., PI. has been the wonderful revival of prosperity H. de la Cornillere, Fred. W. Masey, in the Transvaal and by this I think the F.R.I.B.A., F. W. Rohde, W. M. Timlin, activity at the Coast Ports is primarily due, for L.R.I.B.A., H. A. C. Wallace, F.S.I. in both Cape and Natal Provinces Architec­ Hon. Secretary:—Fred. W. Masey, ture does not appear to be stirring in their F.R.I.B.A., 16, National Mutual Buildings, Inland Towns. In the Orange Free State Bloemfontein, O.F.S. our main standby, agriculture, is not going Member of Central Council :— Fred. W. through flourishing times, it may even be said Masey, F.R.I.B.A. (Alternate), W. W. Tonkin, that financial depression in this Province is L.R.I.B.A.

THE INSTITUTE OF SOUTH AFRICAN ARCHITECTS

THE TRANSVAAL PROVINCIAL INSTITUTE Minutes of the Eighth Annual General Messrs. H. Tanton, W. Wagner, I. Way­ Meeting of members held at Kelvin House, burne, and H. R. L. Wintle, with the Secre­ Johannesburg, on Tuesday, the 12th March, tary were appointed scrutineers to conduct 1935, at 1.30 p.m. the ballot. The following members attended :-Messrs. The scrutineers proceeded to call the names J. N. Cowin, N. T. Cowin, S. C. Dowsett, F. L. of one hundred members who had voted and H. Fleming, J. Gardner, L. Grinker, G. M. checked these with the register. Harrison, J. E. Harrison, P. J. Hill, R. Howden, R. Jefferson, G. E. Gordon Leith, R. ADJOURNMENT. Martienssen, A. R. Martin, Gerard Moerdijk, The Chairman then announced that the C. J. Nicholas, D. L. Nurcombe, G. E. Pearse, meeting would stand adjourned until 5 p.m. L. B. Preller, T. Schaerer, John Shaw, H. R. to enable the scrutineers to count the votes. Skelly, C. J. Slade, Ian Smail. H. J. Tanton, On resumption of the meeting at 5 p.m. the J. H. Till, H. G. Tomkyns, W. Wagner, I. President, Mr. Gordon Leith, took the Chair. Wayburne, W. G. Whyte, F. Williamson, Allen ELECTION OF COMMITTEE : Wilson, H. R. L. Wintle and A. S. Pearse, The Chairman received the report of the Secretary. scrutineers and declared the following mem­ In the absence of the President at the open­ bers elected as the Committee for the ensuing ing of the Meeting, Mr. R. Howden took the year :—Messrs. C. C. Deuchar, S. C. Dowsett, Chair and declared the meeting duly consti­ A. S. Furner, G. M. Harrison, R. Howden, G. tuted. E. Gordon Leith, W. G. McIntosh, D. L. Nur­ The Notice of Meeting was taken as read. combe, V. S. Rees-Poole, H. G. Tomkyns, F. BALLOT FOR COMMITTEE : Williamson and Allen Wilson. The Chairman asked all present if they had He expressed the greatest regret on behalf voted and then declared the ballot closed. of all members of the Committee that Mr. 77 Moerdijk was not re-elected as a member and We have now £350 on fixed deposit with the said that, personally, he was extremely sorry Alliance Building Society and our members as all appreciated the excellent work that Mr. might ask what we propose to do with it. Moerdijk had done during the past year as a There have been suggestions for obtain­ member of the Committee and he hoped that ing more commodious offices where a reading it would not be long before they would have room might be established and I think a pro­ the pleasure of welcoming him again as one posal of this kind should be supported but on of their Committee members. He thanked the other hand I should like to see a good re­ the scrutineers for their services in counting serve fund built up if possible before we the votes and recording the result of the launch into new activities. ballot. We may not always have a surplus over our MINUTES. year’s working, and then our reserve fund Minutes of the Annual General Meeting would be tapped also we should be ready for held on the 15th March,1934, which had been a call for funds to amend our Act or to assist circulated to members were taken as read our members in legal actions. and confirmed. As regards the Accounts of the Journal ACCOUNTS. “The South African Architectural Record,” it Mr. N. T. Cowin, Chairman of the Finance is satisfactory to note that we have come out Committee in moving the adoption of the with a small balance on the right side and we Accounts, said :—- are indebted to our advertisers for this result In submitting the Audited Revenue and and I take this opportunity of expressing our Expenditure Accounts and Balance Sheets, appreciation and thanks for their support, and I am pleased to present a financial statement also to our Secretary for careful management. which shows a satisfactory state of affairs. The position of the Record is being dealt One could not really expect anything else with under a resolution that I will propose in view of the prosperity that we are enjoy­ later on. ing. Lastly there are the accounts of the Bene­ We have adopted throughout the year a volent Fund. These do not come under the policy of persuasion rather than aggression purview of the Finance Committee but when in dealing with arrear subscriptions, and we this Committee noted a deficit of £28 12s. have been successful in collecting no less than lOd. on the year’s working, a recommenda­ £383 Os. 6d. tion was made to the Provincial Committee to Our success in collecting arrears has en­ donate £30 from the funds to meet this and abled us to show a surplus instead of a deficit this grant has been agreed to. as the current subscriptions received would I thank the Committee and the Secretary not have covered our expenditure. for their assistance and support during the We have a large sum in arrears still to year and I now propose the adoption of the collect and if we are as successful this year Revenue and Expenditure Accounts and as last, we can probably count on a surplus Balance Sheets, as submitted. once more ; but I should like to see our mem­ Mr. Allen Wilson seconded the motion for bers realise more fully their obligations to the adoption of the Accounts and congratu­ their Institute and make a point of paying lated the Chairman of the Finance Committee their subscriptions when they become due. on being able to submit such an excellent Our total expenditure last year was £863 report. 11s. 6d. and if all the subscriptions due for He referred to the position of the Bene­ the year had been paid we should have re­ volent Fund which he felt was a disgrace to ceived £1,002 instead of which we only re­ an Institute of this size. He mentioned that ceived £656 or sixty-five per cent, of the when he had personally called upon a num­ amount due, and the collection of arrear sub­ ber of members for donations on a previous scriptions, it will be seen, saved a deficit. occasion, he had received generous support This is not a desirable position, but the ideal but he felt that this should not be necessary of “no arrears” is, I am afraid, unattainable. and that in the good times members should

78 make voluntary contributions and build up a great import and extent was being put out to substantial fund to meet calls in possible competition ; the question of Standardization future bad times. He thought the fund of Building materials was being taken up as a should be £5,000 or £6,000 and members matter of National importance and the pro­ should seriously consider putting aside some fession given representation thereon ; the of their profits now for this purpose. architect as a professional man was being The Chairman invited suggestions to en­ more readily accepted by the public, and the able the fund to be augmented. scale of charges recognised by it, as definite Mr. Cowin said there was very little call and reasonable. on the fund at the moment, but they should make provision for the future. The distress that prevailed among our The Chairman said he thought the best way members during the depression has been was to start a list of contributions and he eliminated, and we are now enjoying a period would open this with an amount of one of prosperity and building activity unprece­ hundred guineas. dented in South Africa—indeed—almost un­ This announcement was received with precedented in modern history. acclamation. My task as your President has been made The motion for the adoption of the accounts light by the loyal and devoted support of your was agreed to. Council and its sub-committees—I cannot COMMITTEE’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR thank those members enough for the amount 1934. of work they have done, and the trouble they On the motion of Mr. Cowin seconded by have taken to further the welfare of the Insti­ Professor Pearse the report of the Committee, tute in this Province, and to maintain friendly which had been circulated to members, was relationship with other Provincial Institutes. adopted. In this connection I must refer to the excel­ AUDITORS. lent work done by the Central Council, and its It was resolved that Messrs. Alex Aiken and capable and enterprising Registrar, Mr. Carter be re-elected Auditors and their re­ Lewis. Until I became a member of it, I muneration for the past audit was fixed at little realised how essential this body was to £10 10s. Od. for the Institute Account and £10 the profession in South Africa and how far 10s. Od. for the Journal Account. reaching its activities were. PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. In fairness to all parties, I think I should The President, Mr. G. E. Gordon Leith then mention that there was a tendency in the addressed the meeting as follows :— past for a certain amount of overlapping to I wish to thank you all, and especially the occur, due to the duties and functions of the Committee for the honour they conferred on Central Council not having been clearly de­ me by electing me President of the Institute fined—this has now been clarified by a resolu­ during the past eventful year. tion that Provincial Institutes will deal with In the difficult years of the past I was led all matters arising within their Province, and to believe that a great deal was expected of limited to it, while matters of National im­ the President, there was so much to be done portance, and those affecting the profession —so many things to straighten out, that the as a whole are referred to, and dealt with by prospect of assuming this responsibility was the Central Council. terrifying to say the least of it. We rejoice to see the recognition that Town By the time I came to be elected I found Planning is receiving from the Government, that nearly everything that had to be done, and in this connection, as in others, we have had been accomplished by my predecessors, or to thank the Secretary of Public Works, Mr. by the Central Council : The profession had J. S. Cleland, for his full appreciation of the obtained recognition by the Transvaal Pro­ needs of this young country, and for the in­ vincial Council—all provincial work, other fluence he has exercised on Cabinet Ministers than maintenance, was being handed out to and others, in furthering architecture and all practising members ; Government work of that appertains to it.

79 We welcome our new members-especially In conclusion, I again thank you all, and those adventurous young designers from the especially the Secretary, Mr. A. S. Pearse, for Universities and elsewhere who are endea­ the great assistance afforded me. vouring to lead the public, and ourselves, in “S.A. ARCHITECTURAL RECORD.” the paths of architectural righteousness—we Mr. N. T. Cowin moved “that with a view wish them every success, and feel sure that to furthering the interests of ‘ The South out of their unconventional efforts something African Architectural Record ’ the members lasting and essentially national will ulti­ of the Architects Institute and the Chapter of mately evolve. Quantity Surveyors shall be invited to co­ At the same time we mourn the loss of operate with the Editor in its publication and several of our older colleagues, notably Mr. to subscribe additional capital for its advance­ John Waterson and Mr. B. R. Avery, who have ment.” passed on during the year. In speaking of his motion, Mr. Cowin The profession is indebted and grateful to referred to complaints which had frequently Professor Pearse and his assistants for the been voiced at the conduct of the Record and good work that is being done by students of said the time seemed opportune to take stock the Witwatersrand University, and for the of the position and see whether there was any high standard of efficiency that is being set justification for this and if so to endeavour to by this excellent Institution. effect a remedy. I desire especially to thank the Pretoria He said that all agreed that there was room Members of the Council for their regular at­ for improvement but in fairness to those who tendance at meetings of the Council, done at had been responsible for its publication up till great inconvenience and expense. The newly now it must be admitted that they have been established School of Architecture at the hampered by lack of support from the profes­ University of Pretoria is developing- on sound sion and lack of capital. He emphasised the lines, and our thanks are due to those young Committee’s appreciation of the tremendous stalwarts in the profession there, who are amount of work being done by the editors devoting their time to the youthful talent in which members possibly did not realise. the Capital. The Journal at present was supported I am pleased to express the delightful almost entirely by revenue from adver­ appreciation of all members of the Institute tisements and as this fluctuates the of the honour conferred on Sir Ian Mac size and matter of the publication Alister, the able Secretary of the Royal Insti­ is affected. This hand to mouth exist­ tute of British Architects. Sir Ian has been ence was detrimental and unsound and Secretary of the Royal Institute for over the Journal could not be maintained on these twenty-five years and during that period the lines. Services of editors and collaborators bonds between the R.I.B.A. and the several should be paid for and the provision of addi­ Institutes in the Dominions have been drawn tional capital, say £1,000 would enable this ever closer through his personal care and to be done. He submitted an estimate of thoughtfulness. Architectural education also Revenue and Expenditure which indicated has developed and improved enormously that the Journal could be made to pay on a during this period. The congratulations of conservative basis with a subsidy from this Institute were conveyed to Sir Ian by the Institute and added that he had no your Committee. doubt that with improved and more attrac­ One of the most pleasing observations tive presentation revenue will increase. He during my year of office has been the spirit suggested that the capital be put up by sub­ of increasing fellowship that prevails at pre­ scription in one pound shares or debentures sent among members of our Institute. I hope and as many members as possible should take and pray that this good feeling among us may an interest. increase and that loyalty, one to another, and Mr. Allen Wilson said that perhaps mem­ to the ideals of our profession, will, in the bers did not realise that this was not a pro­ near future, place it in that unimpeachable prietary journal but a professional one pub­ position that it so fully deserves to occupy. lished for the benefit of members. He referred

80 to the classified index of advertisers which with the Committee as in the past, he realised was of great advantage in enabling members what sterling good work was being done by to ascertain where they could obtain their the Provincial Committee and Sub-Com­ various requirements. He expressed appre­ mittees. Mr. Leith had been a stalwart ciation of the excellent work done by the member and had done a great deal for the Honorary Editors in the past, especially Pro­ profession, not only in Johannesburg, but fessor Pearse and his assistants but felt that throughout the Union. The vote of thanks it would be an advantage to have a paid was carried with acclamation. Editor. Mr. Leith thanked Professor Pearse for his He seconded Mr. Cowin’s motion but remarks and voiced the opinion of many mem­ thought that a special Committee should be appointed to deal with the matter. bers of the Committee that they regretted The Chairman asked Mr. Cowin if it was his Professor Pearse was not on the Committee idea that the money put up would be in the and hoped he would soon join them again. nature of an investment, and how would the ASSOCIATED SCIENTIFIC AND £15 per month to be paid by the Institute figure in this. TECHNICAL SOCIETIES. Mr. Moerdijk asked if members invested The Chairman, in asking Mr. Howden to put capital in the Journal what would be the the motion appearing on the Agenda, referred security and would the Institute guarantee it. to the improved financial position of this In­ Mr. Cowin replied that the idea was to have stitute and the adantages of being associated sufficient capital, bearing interest, to pay for with other Technical Societies. services and he felt that by improvement all Mr. Howden proposed “That The Transvaal round revenue would be increased, but mem­ Provincial Institute shall become a member bers would have to take the risk of their in­ of the Associated Scientific and Technical vestment thus being secured. Societies of South Africa”; and in doing so re­ Mr. Dowsett said he thought the motion minded members that the Association of should not be put as proposed by Mr. Cowin Transvaal Architects was one of the founda­ but that Mr. Wilson’s suggestion of a special tion members of that Institute and had a big committee should be adopted. He moved as say in its constitution and principles. Owing an amendment that a special committee be to the heavy expense in connection with the appointed to consider this matter and if promotion of the Act, however, it was found necessary report to a special general meeting. necessary to withdraw from membership. This was seconded by Mr. Tanton and on For many years the Central Council had being put to the meeting was carried by a found it necessary to impose a heavy levy on large majority. the Institutes to repay the cost of the Act, The following were appointed as a Special some £9,000, but last year this levy had been Committee to deal with this matter. reduced and it was felt that this alleviation Messrs. N. T. Cowin, S. C. Dowsett, A. S. should be applied to membership of the Asso­ Furner, N. W. Gallagher, L. Grinker, G. M. ciated Societies. Harrison, Rex Martienssen, G. Moerdijk, G. E. The amount of the reduction in the levy Pearse, T. Schaerer and F. Williamson (Mr. was not sufficient to meet the full subscrip­ N. T. Cowin to be convenor). tion and the Institute would have to make up VOTE OF THANKS TO THE PRESIDENT. about £75 or £80. Professor Pearse at this stage rose to pro­ Apart from the advantages to be gained by pose a very hearty vote of thanks to Mr. membership of the Associated Societies he felt Gordon Leith, the retiring President and con­ that this Institute was under a moral obliga­ gratulated him on his very excellent resume tion to rejoin. The constituent bodies were of the year’s work and thanked him for his all composed of professional men and he felt expression of appreciation of the work being that it was up to us to render our assistance done at the University. He said that to those bodies and fight their battles collec­ although he was not now in such close touch tively and jointly.

81 He mentioned that when the Architects Act by the several speakers and emphasised the was being promulgated one of the constituent advantages of linking up with other profes­ societies had opposed it but the Association sional bodies as well as of its social advant­ called upon that member to retract and ages. He asked the meeting to adopt the unanimously supported the Architects Act. motion unanimously. This was only one instance of valuable assist­ On being put to the meeting the motion was ance. Members might suggest that their carried unanimously. subscriptions be reduced by £1 Is. Od. per SCALE OF FEES. annum but he felt that there had been a pro­ A letter was read from Miss Nelly Edwards mise or undertaking made to rejoin the Asso­ submitting the following notice of motion :— ciation and was of the opinion that it would “That, as the architect’s tariff is not binding- not only be of individual advantage but also on the public, a bill should be introduced in a collective advantage to be members of that Parliament to protect architects and sur­ Association. veyors.” Professor Pearse, in seconding the motion, The Chairman said he appreciated the dif­ said he heartily supported the proposition. ficulty some members had in obtaining the He remembered how much support they had fees as laid down in the schedule and their received in connection with the Act and the doubts as to whether these were binding on contacts made with members of other Socie­ the public, but they should always be taken ties with similar interests to their own. He as a guide though there should be some appreciated the tremendous value of linking minimum fee below which no work should be up with those other Scientific Societies which undertaken. would mean little extra cost to individual Mr. Howden said members were not justi­ members whilst they would all become mem­ fied in taking up the attitude that fees were bers of the Club. not binding on the public. It was true that The Chairman said that in his opinion any one or two magistrates had given adverse suggestion to reduce subscriptions would be judgments but Counsel’s opinion had been retrogressive. He emphasised the social obtained by the Central Council and this advantages of a club where members could opinion was that the magistrates were wrong. meet one another as well as members of other If it were only possible to get a test case the technical societies. Central Council would take it to the Supreme Mr. Cowin said he realised all the advant­ Court. ages of joining the Association and heartily Counsel’s opinion was that it was imperative supported the motion though financially it that fees should be enforced according to the would run the funds rather close and mem­ scale and that the terms of the Act would bers must realise the necessity of keeping up enable this to be supported in a Higher Court, their subscriptions and not getting into therefore it was incorrect to say that the arrears. It was not a luxury but rather a tariff was not binding. necessity. Mr. Moerdijk said he could not agree with Mr. Wilson said it must not be forgotten Mr. Howden as no Parliament could lay down that in the past there were objections from a minimum fee for any profession. The country members who did not get some per­ Courts ask for fair payment for work done sonal advantage. To reduce subscriptions and if satisfied the scale of fees is accepted would be an absurdity as members could well but all professional fees are subject to legal afford to pay their five guineas or three finding. If it could be done, members should guineas and if these were reduced it would be forced to charge fees according to the only mean that those who did not pay now scale. would continue to be in arrear even with a Mr. Dowsett said he could not agree with reduced subscription. He strongly supported Mr. Howden. The scale of fees was not bind­ the motion in the interests of the profession ing on members and therefore was not bind­ as a whole. ing on the public. The Chairman in putting the motion to the Mr. Martin said another point was that the meeting heartily endorsed the remarks made scale was at times extortionate, He instanced

$2 a block of flats where plans had to be drawn Mr. Nurcombe said the whole difficulty for the ground floor then say ten other floors would disappear if members would confirm by all the same and a plan for the roof. There was letter with clients the fees agreed upon. so much repetition that clients considered six On the motion of Mr. Dowsett it was agreed per cent, extortionate. to inform Miss Edwards that it was intended Mr. Tanton expressed the opinion that the to test this matter in the courts as soon as a architectural profession itself was to blame case arose. for cutting fees and not upholding the code of the Institute. They should not make any GENERAL. discretion for a block of flats or anything else Professor Pearse moved a very hearty wel­ but it was up to the members to stand by the come to Mr. T. Schaerer, who had just scale and avoid undercutting. returned to practise again in the Transvaal Mr. Nurcombe agreed with the last speaker after an absence of some years overseas. He but felt that the question was whether the would be a great acquisition to the Institute scale was binding and thought that the and some of his works are still amongst the matter should be taken to a Higher Court. best to be seen in Johannesburg. The Chairman expressed surprise at Mr. This motion was received with applause Martin’s remarks about repetition. It should and Mr. Schaerer thanked Professor Pearse be decided as to whether the profession was and members for such a welcome. He had prepared to regard such buildings as flats as thoroughly enjoyed being at this meeting and repetition. listening to the discussions and supported the Mr. Howden said Mr. Moerdijk was wrong motion to improve the Journal, copies of in stating there was no minimum scale of fees which he had received and appreciated during in other professions. He referred to legal the years he had been away. fees, which were taxed and surveyors’ fees The meeting terminated with a hearty vote which were fixed by law. of thanks to the Chair.

BOOK REVIEWS.

Sir Banister Fletcher has visited, sketched The Architectural Work of Sir Banister Fletcher and photographed all the important buildings by W. Hanneford-Smith. B. T. Batsford Ltd. illustrated in his “History,” but at the same London. Price £2 2 0 net. time has carried on an extensive practice. Sir Banister Fletcher is known to all archi­ Many city buildings, houses, memorial tablets, tects through his famous “History” which is etc., are shown, the former in plan perspec­ encyclopaedic in its contents and has served tive and photograph. The whole work makes as a companion to countless students. a fascinating record of an active and full The author of this volume has shown an­ architectural career. The production is up other side of Sir Banister’s activities, and in to the standard which we have come to expect a very fully illustrated survey—many pro­ from Messrs. Batsford. jects and completed schemes are put on record. In addition numerous attractive English Villages and Hamlets by Humphrey sketches are reproduced—no doubt the basis Paklngton. B. T. Batsford Ltd. London of many of the illustrations in his compara­ Prke 7/6 net. tive history. He has found time also to This is another of those delightful little enter for many competitions which are illus­ Batsford books, profusely illustrated and ex­ trated, and to undertake extensive educa­ traordinarily cheap, which have been re­ tional work. viewed before in these pages. 83 The author commences by stating that author refers and it is only here and there “There are thirteen thousand villages in Eng­ that a jarring element occurs on the introduc­ land,” but he cannot say how many hamlets tion of materials foreign to the district. there are as he has not counted them. He Each section of the book is prefaced with further states that he had resolved to write a description of the geological forma­ only of the villages which he had seen, but tion of the area and the resultant materials actually decided to write only of those villages concerned, which enables one to appreciate which he liked. the type of dwelling common to that area. To those who have toured the countryside After that follows a brief description of of England there is little doubt that his selec­ each village and its setting. At each end of tion will meet with general approval. All the book maps are to be found with the will agree, too, with the statement that the selected villages and their respective crowning joy of the English villages is their counties clearly indicated. intense individuality. To those who have The book is attractively produced and the not seen the English countryside the photo­ photographs and sketches, the latter by graphs alone should make a great appeal. Sidney R. Jones, are such that once having There is so much that is good in this book that turned over the pages it is difficult to put the I should recommend everyone to get a copy. book down. There is a foreword by Mr. E. The majority of the English villages have V. Knox, the editor of Punch, and the book is developed in a haphazard way around some divided up into sections dealing with villages old landmark, a castle, a church or a bridge in general, the Home Counties, the South and appear to have grown out of and belong West, East Anglia, the Stone Belt, Red Brick to the soil. The local materials have helped and Black and White, the North. to give them that individuality to which the G.E.P.

PROFESSIONAL NOTES AND NEWS

The Prime Minister's Residence. work and shall look forward to his views with great interest. Our attention has been drawn to the accom­ Mr. Findlay writes :— panying article by Mr. George Findlay, which Though the building boom is in full spate, appeared in the “Pretoria News,” of March garish and spectacular erections have not yet 5th. filled every nook of the city, and it seems to It is encouraging to find that, in this me the money-making zeal of ambitious build­ country, there are cultured men who take an ers may well be stayed for a moment by a intelligent interest in architecture and who little public reflection on the requirements of can write so ably on the subject. the capital and the dignity and value of archi­ tectural forms appropriate to the present day. We feel that the views expressed by Mr. Where architects are necessarily silent in Findlay are shared by a very large number public, the layman must speak. of architects in the Union and agree that more I propose some future notes on structures freedom of expression should be given to com­ like the City Hall, the Hospital, and the Re­ petitors in such an important building as the serve Bank, but now wish to comment on a official residence of the Prime Minister. very important building, the subject of much It is most unfortunate that in both the plan­ public notice, that is not even yet in course of ning and the design of this building competi­ erection. I refer to the Prime Minister’s tors are forced to adhere to a preconceived residence, for which our architects are at pre­ idea at the risk of being penalised. sent preparing competitive designs. We are glad to read that Mr. Findlay pro­ This building offers indeed an unexampled poses writing further notes on contemporary opportunity for setting a high standard, for,

84 unlike banks and the palaces of city councils, Here there can be little doubt what is in­ the building will primarily give the lead to tended, and competing architects will accept domestic architecture—or at least it can and these directions as inescapable demands. should do so. Something very perfect is Judged by the chequered history of its own required, something untrammelled by tradi­ constructions, clearly the Department desires tional limitations or by inappropriate notions. the jumbled conglomeration of Cape Dutch Regard for climate and environment, the forms and modern conveniences, of which it only limiting factors to honest architecture, is so inordinately fond. must here blend itself with a desire to express A Doric column or two here and there the simplicity of our social life. Let this build­ among the hat-racks in the hall will not be ing joyously renounce everything tawdry, out of place. A mock-antique fireplace will flamboyant and vulgar ; let it be a conscious lower at us in the reception-rooms, and em­ departure from every idea that savours of bellished ceilings and panellings will vainly cliche and hackneyed style. Doric columns strive to revive the past in a dead form—the are as little wanted as baroque gables. Fine sort of thing from which creative thought has as are these embellishments of particular flown and in which sterile imitation alone re­ times and styles, respect for modern mains. One may well ask why it must be materials and their appropriate forms must “old,” why “traditional” ; why must it be make the designer use his materials and his what the Department notoriously thinks opportunity honestly. The Cape Dutch type “fine” ? was such an honest use of the materials, then Had the Department insisted on baroque modern, for the life and purposes of that day. gables and other features of Cape Dutch To adopt it now would be an uncreative architecture with half-ashamed adaptations to repetition, a mere cribbing of their shapes more modern purposes, the instruction could and proportions—a performance very far hardly have been clearer. It is an unhappy removed from the spirit and genius of the example of the meddling timidity of our Cape Dutch craftsmen. bureaucracy that dares not trust unfettered Those old artists would have spurned mere originality. imitation of their predecessors or the use of then modern materials for structures fitted to materials of an earlier day. We must not fall short of them in this respect. We must not construct a mansion for warm­ A classified index to advertisers is now ing-pans, four-posters, and the abandoned published monthly in addition to the alpha­ paraphernalia of the past, but a home for the betical list. electric stove, the stream-lined car, the radio It is the intention of the Committee that and central heating. Large single-paned this Journal shall definitely become a refer­ windows are required—not costly grilles—of ence book for the profession in respect to the teak netted over glass ; the flood-lit clarity various manufacturers, merchants, craftsmen of modern lighting, and not the sham- and sub-contractors connected with the build­ antiquity of candelabra and dim commemora­ ing trade. tive lanterns. The wide horizons of our country must find their counterpart within In view of the increased building activity the simplicity and openness which the frank it is felt that such a reference book will be of use of modern materials can ensure. inestimable value to the profession and will Regarding the opportunity in this light it at the same time augment the Journal’s in­ comes as a shock to find the Public Works come and enable the editors to make it more Department appending to its requirements attractive by the addition of photographs, for the competitive designs the following in­ sketches, drawings and other matters of in­ junction : terest to members. “It is suggested that the design might be When calling for tenders in the future, on simple lines, while not slavishly following, members are, therefore, earnestly requested yet suitably based on the fine old traditional to refer to the Journal and thereby stimulate work in this country . . .” the movement. 85 S.A. Academy. Planning Committee to ascertain whether there would be any objection to the erection The Sixteenth Annual Exhibition of pictures of such buildings from a town planning point and objects of Art and Crafts will be held in the Selborne Hall, Johannesburg, from of view, in order to obviate any unnecessary Monday, the 29th April, to Saturday, the 11th expense being incurred by their clients.” May, 1935, both date inclusive. Entry Forms may be obtained on applica­ tion to the Hon. Secretary, 67, Exploration Building, Johannesburg. Scholarship for Architects. Award to former City Student. New Members. A former Johannesburg architectural Messrs. B. Janks, Dip. Arch. (Rand) ; P. student, Mr. W. G. Holford, has been awarded Karp, Dip. Arch. (Rand) ; H. H. Le Roith, the Henry L. Florence bursary of the value of B.Arch. (Rand) ; C. H. Sayce and E. Schwarz £350. have been registered as members of the The bursary, which is the most valuable one Transvaal Provincial Institute. that the Royal Institute of British Architects has to bestow, was established in 1933 and is awarded in alternate years. Its object is to promote the study of Greek and Hellenistic Mr. H. H. Le Roith, B.Arch. (Rand), has architecture of the Mediterranean Basin with opened a practice in Transvaal House, 80, preference to the eastern half. The holder Commissioner Street. Trade catalogues will must spend at least six months in travel and be appreciated. research. Candidates must be members of the R.I.B.A. and the award is made by the pre­ sident of the institute in consultation with officers of the Board of Architectural Educa­ The Transvaal Provincial Institute of S.A. tion. Architects has been readmitted as a Member Mr. Holford, who is the son of Mrs. W. G. Society of the Associated Scientific and Tech­ Holford, of Johannesburg, received his pre­ nical Societies of South Africa as from the 1st liminary professional education in Johannes­ April, 1935. Membership cards will be sent to burg, proceeding to the Liverpool School of all members in the near future. of Architecture, where he graduated with first-class honours five years ago. In the fourth year of his course, he was awarded the scholarship of Arts and Sciences of America Townships and Town Planning Ordinance of 1931. and as a result, travelled in the United States The following letter from the City Engin­ and obtained professional experience in New eer, Johannesburg, is published for the infor­ York. He also carried off, when at Liver­ mation of members : pool, the Lord Waring Travelling Scholarship “With reference to the above, at the meet­ in Decoration and the Rome Scholarship in ing of the Town Planning Committee of the Architecture. At Rome, his work was recom­ Council, held on the 19th February, it was mended as of exceptionl merit and his tenure suggested that in view of the Townships and of the scholarship extended to a third year to Town Planning Ordinance of 1931, you be re­ enable him to complete his study of Italian quested to circularise the members of your town plans and piazzas. In 1933, he was Institute pointing out that before steps were appointed to his present position of senior taken to prepare plans for projected build­ lecturer in the Liverpool School of Architec­ ings, application should be made to the Town ture.

86 OBITUARY

CHARLES JOHN WICKEE, J.P., Architect. Member 0f J. F. KROLL. the Institute of Transvaal Architects, Born December 4th, 1862, at Copenhagen, Denmark. Died at his residence “The Clif­ A well-known Johannesburg pioneer, Mr. ford,” Howard Avenue, Benoni, on February J. F. Kroll, died on Wednesday, the 20th 9th, 1935. March, in his eighty-seventh year at the home He came to South Africa in 1881, staying of his son-in-law, Mr. J. Williamson, Florida, for only a few years—went to England—and then to Australia. Came back again to Africa after a short illness. Mr. Kroll, who was during the Boer War. When the war termin­ present with the late Mr. F. Struben when ated, came to the Transvaal and to Benoni in the Reef was discovered, was one of the oldest 1904. Although the district was little more than bare veld, the mining camp at which he architects on the Rand, and lived for a time in arrived was destined to grow into a district of Pretoria before coming to Johannesburg. He some importance. At that time there was was a member of the Royal Order of Buff­ not sufficient to justify him devoting his time aloes, and held the rank of Commandant of to architecture he set us as an estate agent and become the local representaive of the Special Police at Elandsfontein and Germis- United Building Society until 1925. A man ton during the Anglo-Boer War. Towards the of decided views, strong foresight, a wise end of the War he was stationed at Crown man, of kindly nature. He had many friends Mines. Mr. Kroll went to East Africa in and few enemies. Three sons predeceased him, he leaves a widow and one son, Norman 1926. Returning to the Rand in 1931, he Wickee, Benoni. set up as an architect in Nigel.

87 THE BENEVOLENT FUND OF THE ARCHITECTS OF THE TRANSVAAL

Members are earnestly requested to support the Benevolent Fund with contributions. The fund is at a very low ebb and has had many calls upon it.

MODERN DEVELOPMENTS OF ELECTRIC LIGHTING.. Attention is drawn to the attached insets. Architects may obtain regular receipt of publications describing modern lighting in various industries. (Advert.)

88 Journal of the SA Architectural Institute

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University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

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