ARCHITECTURE.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 April 1926, Page 4

ARCHITECTURE.

AUCKLAND SCHOOL. AFCKLAXD, March 30. 1 lie School of Architecture instituted this year by the Auckland University College has opened with an encouraging measure of support, some fifty students being entered in its register. Questioned concerning the progress of the school Professor C. 1!. Knight, said that lie was very gratified indeed to find so much support for it at the outset. Of the fifty students fifteen were giving all their time to the degree course, whereas formerly there had been no provision for full-time study. Over twenty were working for the degree. of 15. Sc. in architecture, and a smaller number were taking tlie diploma course. Others wore preparing tor the professional examinations of the New Zealand Institute of Architects, which, under the new arrangement were now being conducted by the university. Four or five of the full time students luid come all the way from Dunedin, and some others on tiie register belonged to "Wellington. It was very satisfactory to know that other parts of the Dominion were supporting tho school from its inception. Professor Knight said that lie was also glad to find that there were two ladies among the students, including one who had been awarded a scholarship of tic? value of £lO9 a year bv the Canterbury College authorities. ‘‘So far as I can see there is no reason why women should not take up architecture as a profession,” lie said. ‘‘There is plenty of seope for them in the designing of houses, and the interior decoration of these homes when huilt is peculiarly their work. Quite apart from that 1 could place a number of girls with a knowledge' of architectural drafting in positions to-day if they were available. .Most architects need a girl for secretarial work, such as typing specifications and letters, hut there is not enough, work of that kind lo occupy the whole of the. girl's time. It she could undertake drafting as well she could he sure of permanent employment.”

Professor Knight expressed his gratification at the liearly co-operation ni th.e Xow Zealand Institute of Architects wide h is providing external examiners for the school, and is also helping in the appraisement of studio work ,1,-Ti > by .Indents. The professor added that lie loped for much from the development ol I lie new h acuity ol fine Arts at, the college, which, so far as lie could learn, was unique to the British Empire. It was designed to comprise music, architecture, sculpture, painting, and the drama. Tile college had the first two. If the school of art were amalgamated Ihe third and lourtu would be added, and the drama might come later. The co-operalimi of all these arts would be very beneficial indeed.