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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Architects, Civil Engineers, Etc. — Including—Architects, Civil and Mining Engineers, Draughtsmen, Surveyors, Etc

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Architects, Civil Engineers, Etc.
Including—Architects, Civil and Mining Engineers, Draughtsmen, Surveyors, Etc.

Chatfield, Willam Charles, Architect, 26 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone, 598. Private residence, Island Bay. Mr. Chatfield, who is the descendant of an old Sussex family, was born at Greatham House, Parham Park, Sussex. He was educated at Brixton, Surrey, and came to the Colony in 1867. For the first five years of his life in New Zealand, Mr. Chatfield was engaged in architectural works in Wellington. In 1872 he joined the public service as chief draughtsman and assistant paymaster and engineer in the Engineers' Department, Wellington Province. From this time, till the abolition of the Provincial form of Government in 1876, Mr. Chatfield continued to hold these offices, and during the period he designed many of the principal bridges in the district, and was engaged on the Thorndon reclamation and other works. He commenced his present practice in 1876, since which time he has been well-known as a successful architect. Mr. Chatfield has designed and superintended the erection of many substantial and important buildings—the Wellington Opera House, among others—in and around the city and in various parts of New Zealand. Two of the latest may be named; the warehouse of Messrs. E. W. Mills and Co., Ltd., and the offices of the Evening Post.

Clere, FitzGerald and Richmond (P. de J. Clere, F.R.I.B.A., and Gerald FitzGerald, Assoc. M. Inst. C.E.), Architects, Phœnix Chambers, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 635. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. Clere, Boulcott Terrace (telephone 394); Mr. FitzGerald, Grant Road. Mr. Clere, who is a son of the Rev. Henry Clere, M.A., Vicar of Tickenham, Somersetshire, was born in Rochdale in 1856. His mother was the authoress of several well-known religious books. Mr. Clere went to St. John's School, Clapton, London. He was articled to Mr. Edmund Scott, A.B.I.B.A., architect, Brighton, and afterwards became chief assistant to Mr. R. Jewell Withers, F.B.I.B.A., of the Adelphi, London, a well-known ecclesiastical aichitect. The training Mr. Clere received in the Old Land” qualified him for the important duties which have devolved upon him since he landed in Wellington in 1877 from the good ship “Hurunui” After a short time spent in private offices and in the Government service, Mr. Clere commenced the practice of his profession in Feilding, where he resided for four years. In. 1883 he removed to Wanganui, joining Mr. Atkins, under the style of Atkins and Clere. The same year he was appointed architect to the Wanganui Education Board, and was also made the Wellington Diocesan architect. The firm of Atkins and Clere was dissolved by mutund consent in the year 1886, by which time Mr. Clere had established the present business in Wellington. In 1891 Mr. Clere became associated with Mr. E. T. Richmond, son of Mr. Justice Richmond, with whom he conducted a rapidly-extending business till 1895, when the partnership was dissolved, owing to the junior partner leaving for Australia on account of health. Mr. Clere has received many honours in connection with his profession. In 1878, on the nomination of the then president, Sir Horace Jones, he was elected an Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects; in 1882, four years later, he was made a Fellow of the Institute, and in 1894 he became the first New Zealand secretary to that society. Mr. FitzGerald is a son of Mr. J. E. FitzGerald, C.M.G., Controller-General. He was born in Christchurch, and educated at the Thorndon Grammar School,
Mr. F. de J. Clere.

Mr. F. de J. Clere.

Wellington, and by private tutors. Mr. FitzGerald was a Civil servant for about twenty years, coring which he filled a respensible position in the Public Works Department. He became an associate member of the Institute of Civil Engineers in 1889, and having retired from the Government service, joined Mr. Clere in 1895. The firm of Clere and Richmond have designed and erected a large number of the prominent buildings of Wellington. It is estimated that thier brick buildings alone have a gross frontage up to this date (1895) of more than 2000 feet. Among these may be mentioned the splendid edifice erected for the New Zealand Government Life Insurance Department, which occupies a prominent position on Customhouse Quay, with frontages to Panama and Brandon Streets. It cost £30,000, and is undoubtedly Wellington's handsomest building. Its design, and the manner in which its erection was carried page 579 out, alike reflect the mgnest credit upon all concerned, but especially upon the architect, Mr. F. de J. Clere, Pictures of this masterpiece of Wellington building construction are given elsewhere in the Wellington volume of the Cyclopedia, but the technical description of it is inserted here as being more suitable to an article devoted to the architects. In the days gone by, the old Provincial Buildings, which occupied a part of the site, were considered exceptionally handsome,
Mr. G. Fitzgerald

Mr. G. Fitzgerald

and, curiously enough, the fine hall which was used as the Provincial Council Chamber, has been preserved, though entirely excluded from the exterior view. A detailed description of the whole building appeared in the last Christmas number of New Zealand, Mail, as follows:—“One whole wing—the northern wing, of three stories—besides two rooms in the central portion of the buildings, is occupied by the Insurance Department, the other portions being tenanted by the district lands and survey offices, the registrar of births, etc., and by other tenants of suites of offices let to legal firms and other private occupiers. The offices occupy considerably more than one-half of the entire block, bounded on three sides by Featherston, Brandon, and Panama Streets, and on the fourth side facing Customhouse Quay, This last frontage, which is the principal one, is 160 feet long, and consists of the gabled ends of the north and south wings, and the main midd'e block itself. The height of the wings is 77 feet, and in addition to the eight windows, each wing has a boldly carved stone tympanum filling in the arch surrounding the topmost row of lights. In this carving are introduced four shields bearing the arms of the cities of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin respectively. In the centre of the façade is the chief entrance, placed under the main tower, which rises, exclusive of its flagstaff, 116 feet above the pavement line. Over the entrance are carved the Boyal Arms and supporters, and above is a niche to hold a statue or group of figures. The north wing to the top of the parapet is 561/2 feet in height. In the centre the sky-line is broken by a gable rising 77 feet, and between this and each end is a further break produced by a pavilion roof surmounted by ornamental iron railing and flag-staff. The south wing is very similar to the north one. save that in place of the large centre gable there is on the top floor a semi-elliptical balcony supported as an oriel window and surmounted by a carved tympanum and canopy, the gable over which is finished with an iron finial representing the City of Wellington crest, a dolphin and mural crown. The roof, which is covered with Welsh slates, is broken by the gables and pavilions, and is further adorned by ventilating turrets which add to the picturesequeness of the exterior. Leading from the vestibule to the right is the public office, a lofty chamber, fitted with handsome walnut counter and other furniture, and having highly-decorated walls and ceilings. Beyond this room are the district manager's offices. Further on, passing the office of the local registrar of births, etc., the north wing is reached. This wing, on the ground floor, holds the rooms of the administrative chiefs. To the left of the main entrance is a large suite of offices let to a public company, while in the south wing are various suites of offices occupied by private firms. On the west side of the main corridor, which is 116 feet long, and lighted by windows all filled with stained glass, are placed the passenger elevator, the main staircase, and several offices, having in all a total floorage capacity of 3550 square feet, while beyond these again, after crossing a small courtyard or quadrangle, are the lavoratories. The planning of the first floor and top floor varies but slightly from that of the ground floor, the chief difference being in the heights, which are 16 feet and 14 feet respectively, while the main floor is 18 feet high. Perhaps the most attractive room in the building is that on the top floor of the north wing, accommodating the officers of the accountant's branch. It is well-lighted, 114 feet long by 25 feet wide, and the ceiling is carried well up into the roof, and is formed with ornamental arched principals and panels. The building generally is practically fireproof. Nearly all the internal divisions are of brick, and only in a few places, where minor walls were necessary, have lath and plaster partitions been constructed. Many of the floors are of solid concrete and rolled iron girders, and, where timber joists are employed, concrete has been placed between them. The large number of actual strong-rooms (with Milner's fire-proof doors) is a noticeable feature, the floor area of these being no less than 5500 square feet. The sanitary appliances all seem to be of the latest description, most of them having been specially imported for this building. The heating is by hot water, two of Keith's furnaces being employed in the process. The architect was Mr. F. de J. Clere, and the builders were Messrs. Carmichael and Son, who have constructed numerous buildings both here and in Christchurch. The tasteful carving of the pillar capitals and other sculptures was the work of Mr. Barrett, the well-known local sculptor; and the illuminations and other interior decorative paintings were done by Mr. Ballmuller, an Austrian decorator, who has studied artistic designing in various parts of the world.” The offices of the Harbour Board, and the projected wharf offices for the same body, are from plans by Messrs. Clere and Richmond, who also erected the warehouses of Messrs. Sharland and Company (Limited), George Thomas and Company, and Bannatyne and Company; they designed and erected the Phœnix Chambers in Lambton Quay, and many other business premises, the offices and works of the New Zealand Electrical Syndicate (Limited) on the reclaimed land, and the new wards of the hospital. About twenty of the churches in the Wellington Provincial District were built from plans by this well-known firm. Of private residences they have planned and supervised the erection of a large page 580 Full page photographic display with the caption “Designs by F. de J. Clere F.R.I.B.A.” The numbered photographs are referenced as follows: 1. St. Mark's Church Wellington 2. St. George's Church Patea 3. St. John's Church Feilding 4. House for the Hon. F. Arkwright 5. House Wellington, Dr. Fell 6. House Waikanae H. Elder Esq. 7. Phœnix Chambers Wellington 8. House for the Hon. Robert Pharazyn 9. Congregational Ch. Wgtnon (Design) page 581
Mr. E. T. Richmond.

Mr. E. T. Richmond.

number, among which may be noted those of the Hon. Robert Pharazyn (Wellington), Mr. Arkwright (Marton), Mr. Montgomery (Waipukurau), Mr. Bidwell (of Featherston), and Mr. Elder (Waikanae). Mr. Clere has acted as Diocesan architect since 1883, and this year is visiting Europe with a view to seeing not only the old sacred edifices, but also the latest development of church and secular buildings. Messrs. Clere and FitzGerald's training and experience, together with the character they have gained in business circles, make the firm one of the strongest in the Colony, and the foundations upon which it is built specially solid and independent.

Crichton, William, Exchange Buildings, 12 Grey Street. Telephone 342. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Is a native of Cornwall, England, and studied architecture under James Hicks, of Redruth. Arrived 1879 per ship “Chili” He fortunately secured an appoinment in the Colonial Architects Department, where he designed several of the largest public buildings in the Colony. After twelve years he was retrenched, at a time of cutting down in the public service. He established the present business in the year 1891. Since this time Mr. Crichton has designed and superintended the erection of a large number of private dwellings, shops and warehouses in and around the city. His plans for the Free Public Library were awarded the prize, notwithstanding there were twenty-two competitors, and the building was carried out and completed under his able supervision. Mr. Crichton also succeeded in getting his plans for the Palmerston North Courthouse accepted. He has also designed and completed the Boys' Institute on the reclaimed land, the Salvation Army Rescue Home in Cuba Street, and the Salvation Army Hall in Jessie Street. He holds the position of secretary to the Association of Architects of Wellington.

Lambert, Thomas Stoddart, Architect and Building Surveyor, 6 Featherston Street, Wellington. Mr. Lambert was born in Selkirk, Scotland, where he served his articles. Soon afterwards he went to Edinburgh—the Athens of the North—and diligently pursued the study of architecture in that city of many beautiful structures, to enable him to practise the art which was to be his profession. After much touring he went to London, and after a comparatively brief residence there, embarked for New Zealand. Arriving in Wellington early in 1866, when the Titokowaru rebellion was at its height, he settled with his brother—one of the original farmers—in the Rangitikei district. Very little building was done for some years, on account of the unsettled state of native affairs, and Mr. Lambert gave much of his time to drill and volunteer matters. When confidence was again restored, he designed and had carried out, many buildings in various towns and districts in the north of the Wellington Province, but there being very little scope, he returned to Wellington early in 1874, and finding business still dull in the Empire City, he removed to Christchurch. Shortly after his arrival in that city, Mr. Lambert entered the office of Mr. F. Strouts, M.R.I.B.A., in which office he remained about three years. During the last year Mr. Lambert personally surveyed the entire city of Christchurch, and measured every building. He afterwards compiled and lithographed a map of the city, showing buildings, etc., and with Mr. Strouts, published it, a copy of which is now the standard official map of the Corporation. Early in 1877, Mr. Lambert recommenced business on his own account, and since that time many of the principal permanent buildings in Christchurch were designed by him and erected under his supervision. Of these, some of the most well-known stone buildings in the City of Christchurch and the adjacent towns may be mentioned as follows:—Morten's buildings, costing about £30,000; the Synagogue, £4000; Sydenham Wesleyan Church, £3200; Y.M.C.A. buildings, £3150; Inglis' business premises, £4600; Messrs. Black, Beattie and Co., and G. Bonnington's premises, £5200; Downes' buildings, £2100; Thompson, Shannon and Co.'s warehouse, £2200; Suckling Bros.' premises, £5300; Duncan's buildings, £8500; the Opera House, £10,100; and for the Bank of N. Z. banking premises at Oxford, also brick and stone bank and residence at Kaiapoi, £3400; the Junction Hotel, Bangiora, £4500; Christchurch 1882 International Exhibition buildings, £11,000. Mr. Lambert has also designed and supervised a very large number of residences, schools, churches, halls, warehouses, factories, business premises, shops, etc., and having been in practice for thirty years in this Colony, must now be held fully conversant with colonial wants and requirements for nearly every kind of buildings. Mr. Lambert has made the accoustical requirements for halls, churches, etc., his special study, as also of sanitation and ventilation. Some of the largest halls, churches, schools, and workrooms in the Colony have been efficiently ventilated by him, his experience and success in this direction serving him well. (See various Press reports in his possession). His methods of doing so are claimed to be new, simple, inexpensive, and natural, and to result in completely withdrawing the impure air, and supplying ample fresh air equally distributed throughout the building, without causing draught or discomfort. The following facts might also be stated in connection with the usual conduct of Mr. Lambert's business. With regard to Christchurch contracts alone, his consecutive contract number in 1890 was 339; and these contracts represent the expenditure of about £226,500. This large quantity of work was carried out without litigation or the single bankruptcy of a contractor. His designs have proved so perfect and complete, that almost invariably his contracts are finished without extras, and their total cost is usually somewhat under his written estimate previously given. As bearing out these statements, Mr. Lambert holds upwards of sixty most satisfactory testimonials which were submitted page 582 Lambert, Thomas Stoddart for the writer's perusal, from clients and firms for whom he has carried out contracts. Two of these, which he has received from the Education Board of the District of North Canterbury, state that the buildings carried out during a period of four-and-a-half years under his supervision were completed for over £800 less than the estimates given when his designs were submitted for their approval, and that they were finished in a manner that was highly approved of by the Board. In Cristchurch Mr. Lambert took a prominent part in public matters. He was three times returned as a member of the City Council, where he acted as chairman of the Public Works Committee, as also of the Sanitary and Bye-laws Committee. He also took a prominent part in framing the Building Bye-law, “His professional knowledge and sound sense enabling him to tender good practical service to the ratepayers.” He was also four times returned as a member of the Waimakariri Board for the City. During his residence in Christchurch, Mr. Lambert took an active part in the conduct of various societies and institutions, being for some years a member of the board of the Philosophical Institute, and also of the Canterbury Society of Arts, etc., etc. The promoters of the Christchurch International Exhibition retained his services in connection with the designing of the necessary buildings, which were also supervised by him. The various contracts for the Exhibition buildings were completed within contract time, and the promoters were well satisfied with the economical and expeditious manner in which their interests were forwarded. In connection with the Exhibition, Mr. Lambert received a personal fee of £500, also a gold and silver medal, and so thoroughly gratified were the promoters with the design of the building and its erection, that Mr. Lambert was commissioned by Mr. Joubert to prepare plans on a similar principle for the Calcutta Exhibition, which he had made arrangements to hold in that city. Mr. Lambert was awarded a medal and certificate from the Colonial and Indian Exhibition at London in 1886 for his architectural designs. In 1887, in association with his position as an old city councillor, Mr. Lambert designed and illuminated in an original style characteristic of the various interests of the Colony, an address to Her Majesty the Queen. Her Majesty, through Lord Knutsford, was pleased to send a despatch to the Mayor, through His Excellency the Governor, giving her opinion as follows:—“Her Majesty has commanded me to desire you to convey to the Mayor and Council, her thanks for their loyal congratulations and good wishes. Her Majesty has specially admired the taste displayed in the very graceful illuminations of this handsomely-framed address.—I have the honour, etc., Knutsford.” In response to advertisements for designs for the certificate of award in connection with the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition, Dunedin, fifty were sent in from architects and artists in the Australian colonies, and the design by Mr. Lambert, under the motto “Tena Koutou,” was unanimously awarded first place by the Commissioners, and by the Fine Arts Committee. While it was being lithographed, a considerable number of the best details were omitted from the reproduction, yet it was very favourably commented on by the entire colonial press on account of its originality, ornate New Zealand characteristics, industries depicted, and its artistic merit. (For description see “Official Record of the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition,” p. 373). Mr. Lambert was awarded the only first award in the colonies for “Architectural drawings, being for “Designs of buildings for business and other purposes,” at the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition (see Official Record, p. 292). He also took a prominent part at the above Exhibition, acting as a juror of the building stones of the colonies, and testing them in various ways, including analysis, his geological and practical knowledge standing him in good stead (for results see Official Record, p.p. 367–373.) From 1890 to 1893, in his branch business at Dunedin, Mr. Lambert carried out extensive alterations and repairs to the First Church, as also the ventilation, the works entailing an expenditure of about £2000. The various contracts were also all completed under his estimates. Mr. Lambert was also architect in the re-building of Queen's Buildings for Sir Francis and James Smith, as well as for many brick buildings and wooden residences in Dunedin, Timaru, and elsewhere. In 1893 Mr. Lambert returned once more to Wellington, having great faith in the future of the Empire City. He holds that it is to be built, and many existing edifices re-built. Among other buildings he has had erected, may be mentioned that at the corner of Manners and Cornhill Streets. This structure is a three-storied business premises in brick, with vaulted cellarage throughout its entire area, the design, construction, and general details throughout being original. He has also designed and had carried out under his direction several residences, etc., in this City, and also in the provincial district. He is now the vice-president of the Wellington Association of Architects. A recent press report says:—“Mr. Lambert is widely known as an honourable, careful, faithful man, holding no second place for ability in his profession, and it is to be hoped he may long be spared to add to the adornment of our cities by the talented exercise of his art.”

Penty, Francis, Architect and Sanitary Engineer, New Zealand Insurance Buildings, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 933. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private Residence, Cambridge Terrace. Mr. Penty was born in Yorkshire in 1841, and was educated at private schools in York, where he studied for his profession, prior to becoming a pupil of Mr. J. E. Oates, of York and Halifax. On the completion of his articles in 1862, Mr. Penty was employed on the Liverpool Exchange works for five years, after which he went to Manchester. There he entered the office of one of the best architects in England, his employer being a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, and vice-president of that institute. During the time that Mr. Penty stayed in this office, a period of seven years, the firm erected buildings, some of them costing upwards of £10,000. Mr. Penty then went to Windsor, and superintended a large job which occupied some fifteen months. Subsequently he joined the Royal Engineers, on the civil staff, and page 583
House belonging to Mr. J. C. Edwards, built, from plans by Mr. F. Penty.

House belonging to Mr. J. C. Edwards, built, from plans by Mr. F. Penty.

was engaged, under the Localisation of Forces Act, in the erection of new barracks. He then took charge of the architectural branch of the London and North Western Railway, the northern division being allotted to him, and this appointment he retained for twelve years. Mr. Penty settled permanently and established himself in business in Wellington in the year 1887. He has erected during the time be has been in the Empire City no less than 150 private houses, at a cost of £60,000. Amongst the buildings which he has erected may be mentioned the Convalescent Home in Oriental Bay; the warehouse and livery stables of Messrs. Townsend and Paul in Victoria Street, the fruit market in Harris Street, Mr. George Webb's premises in Tory Street, and the residence of Mr. J. C. Edwards, Brougham Street, a picture of which is given herewith. At the present time (1896), Mr Penty is erecting a handsome brick warehouse for the Wellington Woollen Company on Jervois Quay, and some brick shops in Willis Street. Of country buildings that have been erected by Mr. Penty, the large house of twenty rooms for Messrs. R. and J. F. Maunsell, of Te Nui, must not be omitted. Mr. Penty brought with him from England testimonials of a very high order, including one from Mr. Joseph Boult, F.R.I.B.A., surveyor to the Liverpool Exchange Company, and to the Northern Committee of the Fire Offices. He has also testimonials from Mr. Jonathan Parsons, superintendent of the new Exchange at Liverpool, which was constructed in 1871; from Messrs. Robert Neill, James Reiss, Thomas Worthington, F.R.I.B.A., and from Mr. S. B. Worthington, member of the Institute of Civil Engineers, and of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, Manchester. During his residence in Wellington Mr. Penty has taken an active interest in public matters. For three years he was Councillor for the City, and particulars concerning him in that capacity are given under the heading of “Ex-Councillors.”

Richardson, Reardon and Co., Ltd., (The Hen. G. F. Richardson, managing director), Surveyors, Grey Street, Wellington. Telephone, 633. P.O. Box, 172. This business was established in 1893.

Seaton, Everard, C.E., Authorised and Licensed Surveyor, 15 Featherston Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Private residence, Molesworth Street. In 1882, Mr. Seaton joined Mr. J. R. King, of Timaru, in business as Civil Engineers and Surveyors, and two years later he removed to Wellington, accepting employment under the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company. Mr. Seaton surveyed and laid out about one-half of the Company's line, and in 1887 commenced to practise his profession in the Empire City. Since establishing himself in this business, Mr. Seaton has for four years filled the position of Engineer to the Petone Borough Council, and is still the engineer in charge of the Petone drainage works.

Turnbull, Thomas, F.R.I.B.A., M.G.I.A., etc. Customhouse Quay, Wellington. Telephone 191; P.O. Box 271. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. London agent, Batsford, Publisher, High Holborn. Mr. Turnbull was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and was the only son of Joshua Turnbull, an eminent lawyer of that city. At an early age he was bereft of his parents, and was brought up by
Trinity Church, San Francisco.

Trinity Church, San Francisco.

page 584 a relative of the family. After leaving school he was articled to his cousin, in order that he might acquire a practical knowledge of the building trade, and quality himself for the profession he had decided to follow. As his cousin conducted a considerable business as a builder, he had excellent opportunities of effecting this. After serving his articles, Mr. Turnbull entered the office of Mr. David Bryce, of Edinburgh, who held the important appointment of Her Majesty's architect for Scotland. Endowed with rare artistic abilities, Mr. Turnbull made rapid progress as a pupil, and the opportunities offered to him of becoming a master of his profession stimulated him to diligently search out the minutest details of his art. On leaving Mr. Bryce's office, he conceived the idea that he ought to see something of the world, and after visiting the various cities throughout the United Kingdom, he left the Old Land in 1851, and sailed for Melbourne. Here he remained for nine years practising his profession and assisting in the development
Mr. Thos. Turnbull, Architect.

Mr. Thos. Turnbull, Architect.

of the sister colony. In 1861, attracted by the news from California, he went to San Francisco, entering the Golden Gate the same year. A short time after his arrival, Mr. Turnbull entered into partnership with Mr. England, of some professional celebrity, and the firm carried on an extensive business. On the death of Mr. England in 1867, the business was personally conducted by Mr. Turnbull, and many notable buildings were erected by him, among which may be mentioned Bancroft's publishing establishment, Trinity Church (illustrated herein), Market Street Presbyterian Church, and many others, as well as a large number of warehouses and city residences. Mr. Turnbull held the office of honorary secretary to the Architectural Association of San Francisco. Mr. Turnbull's health failing him from the severe strain of conducting his business under pressure of American professional tactics, he was ordered by his medical adviser to seek rest from business, and to take a long sea voyage. He decided
National Mutual Buildings—designed and erected by Mr. Thos. Turnbull.

National Mutual Buildings—designed and erected by Mr. Thos. Turnbull.

page 585 to visit New Zealand, and in the early part of 1871 Mr. Turnbull was shaping his course once more towards the Southern Cross, and landed in Auckland at the close of the summer of the latter year. Deciding to see the Colony, he went south, and remained for a short time in Dunedin the Scotch settlement of New Zealand. Realising that Wellington, which had not then long been created the seat of the Colonial Government, must ultimately become the leading city of the Colony by reason of its central position, he disposed of his business in America, and removed his family before the expiration of the first year of his life in this country. A short time after his arrival, Mr. Turnbull entered the service of the Government as assistant to Mr. Clayton, the Colonial Architect at that time, which position he held with satisfaction till 1872, when the present business was established. Since 1872 Wellington has increased enormously. In the early days, owing to the prevalence of earthquakes, grave fears were felt as to the safety of buildings erected in brick, but as the buildings-erected by Mr. Turnbull on the American principle of construction showed no signs of being affected by the shakes, these fears were dispelled, and of late years substantial buildings have multiplied rapidly. None of the local architects have done more designing and erecting in premises of the latter class than the subject of this sketch. Of the public buildings, a few may be mentioned which were built from plans prepared by Mr. Turnbull, and erected under his personal supervision:—The Post and Telegraph offices, the School of Design and offices of the Education Board, Bellamy's and the handsome corridor connecting therewith at the Parliamentary Buildings, the City Council offices—are all from Mr. Turnbull's plans, as also are the offices of many local institutions such as the South British Insurance Company, and the Colonial Bank, the Colonial Insurance Company (now the Commercial Assurance Company), the Union Steam Ship Company, and the fine block occupied by the National Mutual Life Association of Australasia, of which an illustration appears herein. Mr. Turnbull has erected churches all over the Wellington provincial district, and in the City he is represented by many splendid edifices, such as St. John's Presbyterian and St. Peter's Episcopalenn Churches, and St. Patrick's College. A large number of the leading warehouses, factories, and business premises have been erected by him. The following may be noted:—Messrs. W. and G. Turnbull's warehouse and factory, Mr. Jacob Joseph's premises, Messrs. John Duthie and Co.'a wholesale and retail establishment,
Mr. Jacob Joseph's Building, designed and erected by Mr. Thos. Turnbull.

Mr. Jacob Joseph's Building, designed and erected by Mr. Thos. Turnbull.

page 586 Messrs. R. Hannah and Co.'s factory and retail shops, besides Messrs. Bing, Harris and Co.' warehouse, the premises of Messrs. Murray, Roberts and Co., Messrs. Johnston and Co., the noted drapery establishment of Te Aro House, the premises of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, and many others. At Petone Mr. Turnbull superintended the erection of the Wellington Woollen Company's factory, as well as that of the Gear Meat Company. He has also erected the building at Longburn used by the Fellmongery Company. In addition to this long list, he has designed and supervised a vast number of hotels and private dwellings. For the past fifteen years he has held the important appointment of architect to the Wellington Education Board. Mr. Turnbull has been a close observer of the progress made in all sciences pertaining to architecture. His London agent, Mr. Batsford, for very many years has had a standing order to send out all the best works published about architecture and kindred subjects. His extensive library therefore contains a valuable collection of architectural works, supposed to be the finest private collection in the Southern Hemisphere. In 1893 Mr. Turnbull was entrusted with the ventilation of the House of Representatives, on the basis of the report submitted by him to the Hon. the Minister of Public Works, and he ultimately carried out the scheme to a successful issue. By reason of his ability as an architect, and the high merit of his executed works, Mr. Turnbull was elected a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, and a member of the Glasgow Institute of Architects. When the Wellington Association of Architects was inaugurated he was elected its first president, and at the present time holds the office of vice-president of that institution. In private life, as in business matters Mr. Turnbull has many warm friends, among whom he is more than ordinarily popular. His youngest son, Mr. Wm. Turnbull, is engaged in the business, and rapidly advancing in his profession. It is both hoped and believed that Mr. William Turnbull will prove a worthy successor to the much respected name and title of “Turnbull, Architect, Wellington.” It would be unfair to close Mr. Turnbull's article without some mention of his prize design for the then projected Government Insurance Buildings. It will, of course, be seen that Mr. Turnbull's design was not adopted. In fact, it was placed second in order of merit; and Mr. Turnbull thus became entitled to a prize of £. So firm, however, was his conviction that he had been unfairly treated that he refused the prize, rather than, by its acceptance, how to the decision of those at the time in authority. The difficulty was got over by discarding all the competitive designs; but Mr. Turnbull is naturally rather sore on the point. The accompanying illustration gives Mr. Turnbull's elevation in perspective. It certainly makes an
Photographic Establishment, Market and Kearney Streets, San Francisco, designed and erected by Mr. Thos. Turnbull.

Photographic Establishment, Market and Kearney Streets, San Francisco, designed and erected by Mr. Thos. Turnbull.

page 587 imposing picture, and one of which Mr. Turnbull may well be proud.
Mr. Turnbull's Prize Design for Government Insurance Buildings.

Mr. Turnbull's Prize Design for Government Insurance Buildings.

Mr. Turnbull's First Premiated Design for General Post-office.

Mr. Turnbull's First Premiated Design for General Post-office.

Ward, Thomas, Assoc. M. Inst., C.E., Authorised and Licensed Surveyor and Civil Engineer, 4 Grey Street, Wellington. Telephone, 555. Mr Ward is one of the oldest surveyors at present in business in Wellington. For five years before establishing the present business, in 1882, he occupied the position of Assistant Engineer to the Wellington City Corporation. On the 24th of May, 1892, Mr. Ward was elected an associate member of the Institute of Civil Engineers. He was educated for his profession at the New England Works, Great Northern Railway, Messrs. Ransom and Sons' ironworks, and was an engineering student at University College, London.

Other Architects, Civil Engineers, Etc.

Beere, Edward Holroyd, Surveyor, 6 Lambton Quay. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence. Hill Street.

Campion, Edwin James, Surveyor, Grey Street.

Charlesworth, Joshua, Architect, Grey Street. Private residence, Buckle St. Luff, Charles Henry, Architect, corner of Lambton Quay and Panama, Struct. Private residence, Vogeltown.

Macgregor, Robert Roy, Architect, National Mutual Buildings, Customhouse Quay. Private residence, Evelyn Place. Established 1893.

Mason and Richmond (A. P. Mason and R. R. Richmond), Authorised Surveyors, Panama Street.

O'Dea, James, Architect, Harbour Street. Private residence, 39 Adelaide Road. Established 1882.

Schwartz, George Guido, Architect, Lambton Quay. Private residence, Hawker Street.

Worger, Christopher, Architect, Clyde Quay.

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