HANDSOME FAREWELL ADDRESS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 833, 3 June 1910, Page 6

HANDSOME FAREWELL ADDRESS.

GIFT OF, N.Z. INSTITUTE OF . ARCHITECTS. ' There was a pleasant function at the official residence in Molesworth Street •yesterday, when a handsome address was presented to Lord Plunket by the New Zealand Institute of Architects, of which ,!hi6 Excellency was the first patron. It. is. interesting to note that the address, which was bound by Messrs. Whitcombe' and Tombs, has a specially designed border in Maori decorations, enclosing the three national, emblemsrose, thisfle, and- shamrock—and the inscription in geld was: "To His Excellency Lord Plunket,< Wellington, New Zealand, May, 1910." Within the binding the text of the address was illumiBated in vermilion and black, in 16th century Gothic characters,. after Albrecht Durer, with a marginal design in Maori ,decoration'in the native colouring, by ono uf the students of the Institute. The text of the address was:— "To His Excellency the Eight Hon. William Lee Baron- Plunket, K.C.M.G., K.C.V.0., Patron of the . New Zealand Institute of Architects.— May it please your Excellency,—On the eve of your Excellency's departure' from the Dominion, the Council of , the New Zealand Institute of Architects, for themselves and their fellowmejnbers, desire to place on record their appreciation of the' interest your Exoellency has shown in the .welfare of this institute by accepting and occupying the office of its first ra-tron, and while regretting your Excellency's departure from amongst us, we .earnestly hope that your Excellency' may be pleased to continue your-interest in our welfare, and that your Excellency, together with Her Excellency Lady Plunket and your children, may by the blessing of Almighty God continue to enjoy good health and all happiness. We trust that your Excellency may be enabled in the future to continue those'liuperial services which in tho past have been of such inestimable benefit—On, behalf of the council we have the honour to subscribe ourselves, your Excellency's most obedient servants, C. J. Mountfort (president), A. Atkins (hon. secrotary), F. do J. Clere (hon. treasured)."

Mi. Chatfield (tho first president), in making the presentatioii, referred to the remarks made by Lord Plunket some time ago concerning the many unsightly wooden buildings v.-ith tin rooi's and conspicuous water tanks-to bo seen throughout the Dominion. Ho felt sure his Excellency's criticisms did uot apply to buildings designed by architects, but to the ivork of builder-architects and speculate builders. He also expressed appreciation of the interest taken by Lady Plunket in the direction of the housing of. the people, especially as affecting the women and children. In conclusion he requested a portrait of Lord Plunket, tho first patron' of tho Institute, for lianging in the Institute rooms. In reply his Excellency \returned his best thanks for the address presented and the kindly words of farewell uttered. The progress of the New Zealand Institute of Architects was, lie said, of much interest to him, for he had a great admiration for the profession. He trusted that, through the influence .arid example of its members, high art and good taste in architecture would increase .in the Dominion, and a deeper interest be taken in the dignity and beauty of wellilesigned, properly-proportioned, and judiciously-ornamented buildings. Requite appreciated tho plainness and simplicity necessarj .to obtain tho greatest comfort and the rigid economy that was required as in the case of workers' iomes. What he chiefly objected to was the frequent tendency to vulgar and transient ornamentation. He thanked them for the good wishes concerning JUidy Plunket and family and would remember with pride that he occupied the position of first patron of their institute. He expressed pleasure in presenting Ms portrait to the institute as requested.