proposition, even in the restricted area of London, has yet to be proved. Monopolies have never been favoured by the British people, and the Committee’s proposals, in effect, propose to create a monopoly that will be shared by several public and a number of private bodies. Frankly, we do not see how it can work satisfactorily even if the decisions of the superman, who must be found to manage the whole of London’s transport, are enforced with all the power and weight of the Advisory Committee acting as the supreme controlling authority. The object of the scheme is to cut out competition, to reduce facilities on the whole, whereas they need to be extended. On whom the cost of extending facilities, where needed, is to fall, does not appear; nor does the elimination of old, inconvenient or outof-date systems of transport seem to have been provided for.
* * * *
A correspondent sends us a view of the interior of Great Casterton Church, which lies close to the Great North Road, a few miles north of Stamford, with the information that this church, which is regarded as one of the best examples of Early English work in that district, is about to be restored for the first time. “ Restored ” is an ominous word, particularly so in this case, as we are given to understand that the old box pews, a unique font and other quaint fitments, are to disappear in the process. We are not possessed of the reasons supporting these drastic proposals, but unless the surrounding population has so greatly increased as to necessitate a more cramped form of seating, we think it is a profound pity to destroy yet another example of the old English church as it was. As long
as the building serves its purpose, judicious reparation is all that is required; the entire remodelling of the interior is uncalled for. Too often there is a mistaken religious enthusiasm behind proposals such as this; but the form of seating which served our forefathers for several hundred years might well serve our needs also. They were not less pious than we. The defect in most of our country churches is lack of colour; these old pews seem to present an excellent vehicle for it. Why not save the pews and give a young decorative artist of ability a chance to see what he could do with the building?
* * * *
In the October issue of The Keystone, the Journal of the Association of Architects, Surveyors and
Technical Assistants, are given some particulars of the further progress of the Association’s campaign for minimum salaries. A Sub-Committee of the Association Executive met a Sub-Committee of the R.I.B.A. Practice Committee and, with certain modifications, more or less recommended the adoption of the original A.A.S.T.A. proposals. This joint report was referred by the R.I.B.A. Practice Committee to the Allied Societies, which rejected it by a considerable majority on the ground that the “ standardisation ” of salaries was not in the best interests of assistants. The contention of the A.A.S.T.A. was that they had not proposed standardisation at any time. Logically, that is true, but it seems inevitable in these days that a “ minimum ” salary becomes the
“ maximum,” and, therefore, a standardised one. The A.A.S.T.A. are now to discuss with a Sub-Committee of the Allied Societies Conference minimum salaries, on the basis of the Institute Examinations, a measure of qualification being equated against a corresponding measure of remuneration.
Much sympathy was expressed at the John Wood Bi-centenary ceremonies at Bath on Tuesday for the Mayor of the City, Aiderman Cedric Chivers, who was prevented by regrettable illness from taking part in a celebration which was organised largely through his initiative and in the preparations for which he took the keenest interest. Aiderman Chivers may be said to be the “ Grand Old Man ” of Bath, and held in the highest esteem and affection by his fellow citizens. Still, much of his enthusiasm for the architectural beauties of the city over which he presides were voiced in the excellent speech with which Madame Sarah Grand welcomed the City’s visitors. Most visitors will have resolved,, we think, to make another visit at no distant date. Indeed, with the excellent Great Western rail service, there is no reason why Londoners should not enjoy at week-ends or frequent intervals the indefinable “ atmosphere ” of Bath to which the Mayoress alluded. They would find there much more of interest and genuine worth than other famous resorts can supply, apart from the excellent curative waters which Bath provides in addition. For arrangements which enabled an extensive programme to be carried through without a hitch or fatigue, great credit is due to Mr. John Hatton, the Hon. Secretary of the Celebration Committee.
GREAT CASTERTON CHURCH, RUTLAND.
COMPETITION RESULTS
Beckenham Urban District Council proposed Municipal Offices First Premium, Messrs. Lanchester, Lucas & Lodge, FF.R.I.B.A., London.
Second Premium, Messrs. E. Berry Webber & J. 0. Cheadle, AA.R.I.B.A., London. Third Premium, Mr. W. Naseby Adams, A.R.I.B.A.
West Smethwick Wesleyan Church
First Premium, Messrs. Webb & Gray, Architects, of Dudley.
* * * *
A correspondent sends us a view of the interior of Great Casterton Church, which lies close to the Great North Road, a few miles north of Stamford, with the information that this church, which is regarded as one of the best examples of Early English work in that district, is about to be restored for the first time. “ Restored ” is an ominous word, particularly so in this case, as we are given to understand that the old box pews, a unique font and other quaint fitments, are to disappear in the process. We are not possessed of the reasons supporting these drastic proposals, but unless the surrounding population has so greatly increased as to necessitate a more cramped form of seating, we think it is a profound pity to destroy yet another example of the old English church as it was. As long
as the building serves its purpose, judicious reparation is all that is required; the entire remodelling of the interior is uncalled for. Too often there is a mistaken religious enthusiasm behind proposals such as this; but the form of seating which served our forefathers for several hundred years might well serve our needs also. They were not less pious than we. The defect in most of our country churches is lack of colour; these old pews seem to present an excellent vehicle for it. Why not save the pews and give a young decorative artist of ability a chance to see what he could do with the building?
* * * *
In the October issue of The Keystone, the Journal of the Association of Architects, Surveyors and
Technical Assistants, are given some particulars of the further progress of the Association’s campaign for minimum salaries. A Sub-Committee of the Association Executive met a Sub-Committee of the R.I.B.A. Practice Committee and, with certain modifications, more or less recommended the adoption of the original A.A.S.T.A. proposals. This joint report was referred by the R.I.B.A. Practice Committee to the Allied Societies, which rejected it by a considerable majority on the ground that the “ standardisation ” of salaries was not in the best interests of assistants. The contention of the A.A.S.T.A. was that they had not proposed standardisation at any time. Logically, that is true, but it seems inevitable in these days that a “ minimum ” salary becomes the
“ maximum,” and, therefore, a standardised one. The A.A.S.T.A. are now to discuss with a Sub-Committee of the Allied Societies Conference minimum salaries, on the basis of the Institute Examinations, a measure of qualification being equated against a corresponding measure of remuneration.
Much sympathy was expressed at the John Wood Bi-centenary ceremonies at Bath on Tuesday for the Mayor of the City, Aiderman Cedric Chivers, who was prevented by regrettable illness from taking part in a celebration which was organised largely through his initiative and in the preparations for which he took the keenest interest. Aiderman Chivers may be said to be the “ Grand Old Man ” of Bath, and held in the highest esteem and affection by his fellow citizens. Still, much of his enthusiasm for the architectural beauties of the city over which he presides were voiced in the excellent speech with which Madame Sarah Grand welcomed the City’s visitors. Most visitors will have resolved,, we think, to make another visit at no distant date. Indeed, with the excellent Great Western rail service, there is no reason why Londoners should not enjoy at week-ends or frequent intervals the indefinable “ atmosphere ” of Bath to which the Mayoress alluded. They would find there much more of interest and genuine worth than other famous resorts can supply, apart from the excellent curative waters which Bath provides in addition. For arrangements which enabled an extensive programme to be carried through without a hitch or fatigue, great credit is due to Mr. John Hatton, the Hon. Secretary of the Celebration Committee.
GREAT CASTERTON CHURCH, RUTLAND.
COMPETITION RESULTS
Beckenham Urban District Council proposed Municipal Offices First Premium, Messrs. Lanchester, Lucas & Lodge, FF.R.I.B.A., London.
Second Premium, Messrs. E. Berry Webber & J. 0. Cheadle, AA.R.I.B.A., London. Third Premium, Mr. W. Naseby Adams, A.R.I.B.A.
West Smethwick Wesleyan Church
First Premium, Messrs. Webb & Gray, Architects, of Dudley.