Page:The Building News and Engineering Journal, Volume 22, 1872.djvu/158

 142 THE BUILDING NEWS. Fes. 16, 1872. nary cases, I see for the future but little employment for ‘* Plumber” or his craft. Prevx, Clerk of Works. Srr,—I think it the duty of those who know how work should be done to caution the students of con- struction against the manner of doing work advo- cated in the series of articles on “ Plumbing.” I am sure no London architect, and very few country ones, would allow work to be done in such away. I will instance the gutter, 48ft. long, described on p. 95, to be soldered up in one length. What would become of the expansion and contraction of the lead? Lead should never be laid in greater lengths than 10ft., and should be lapped at the joints ; gutters should have drips, where possible,14in. deep; ends of gutters should never be soldered as described on p. 95, but should be bossed up out of the sheet. The chimney flashing and side gutter, described to be in one piece, is a very cheap and common way, and a very bad one; either a small gutter should be formed at side of chimney, or lead soakers the length of slates and turned Gin. under slat2s and 4in. up walls should be worked in with the slates, and the flashing should then be dressed over this ; the flash- ing should be stepped and not run in a straight line, as shown on p.96. Flashings, where turned into chase in stonework, should be ‘burnt in,” and where the raggle or chase is cut into brickwork it is wedged with lead as described, but is more frequently pointed with Portland or Roman cement than mastic. The lead ridge should never be nailed through the top, as shown at p. 64, but ears should be soldered on the under side ; these should be nailed to the board at sides of ridge roll, and then the lead ridge dressed over.—I am, &c., Rambcn Casas CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL-BUILDING. Srr,—I am sure it is in no spirit of unfriendliness that you criticise the chapels illustrated in the last issue of the ‘Congregational Year Book.” Al- though I am severely handled in your article I am grateful for the suggestions thrown out, and your plea for more suitable and artistic Dissenting places of worship. But, in fairness to myself, I must plead ‘‘not guilty” to some of the failings with which you charge me. It was not my wish to design Oakhill Church with nave, transepts, aisles, clerestories, etc., be- cause I do not think that such structures are adapted to the forms of Dissenting worship. But apart from adaptability to purpose, I am not Sure that there is not as much excuse for dividing the small church at Oakhill into nave and _ aisles, as there is for nine out of ten of the churches by “Mr. Street or Mr. Brooks.” From the difficulty of covering a large area with a roof of one span arose the triple division referred to, and that which was once a necessary part of the structure was made to contribute to the architec- tural beauty. There is no such necessity now, yet our church architects continue to erect heavy stone columns, useless, except to interfere with acoustics and inter- cept the view of the preacher, forgetting that Pro- testantism requires different buildings from Roman- ism. With all respect to Mr. Street and Mr. Brooks (whose great abilities we all acknowledge), I beg to decline going to them for instruction in chapel building, preferring to go where they went, and where I have been before—to the numerous churches and temples built when art was dedicated to religion and all materials made to serye her pur- pose. I have not sought, when sketching and measuring these buildings, to copy their details, but to catch some of the spirit which their architects possessed by fami- liarising myself with their works. It was their ever keeping in view the purposes to which the building was to be devoted made them succeed, and so it must be now. I am convinced if those men had lived in the present day they would have dragged iron into their service, but whether as “iron props” for clerestories is doubtful, as I don’t think they would have had clerestories at all. It will be satis- factory to you to know that those at Oakhill have given way to stone ones. I am sorry that my church at Whitehaven should be both “ugly” and *“‘inconvenient.” To the first in- dictment I say nothing. To the second permit me to quote the words I sent to the editor of the ‘“ Year Book” :—* The children will enter their galleries (the boys on one side, the girls on the other) directly from the Sunday school behind. While they can see and hear the minister, only the elder scholars in the front row can be seen by the congregation. The restlessness of the younger children, so disturbing, yet so natural, will consequently be unperceiyved.” There are only three rows of seats, one in front of the arches, one between, and the third behind for the youngest children. ‘These galleries are intended to be closed by sliding doors when not used. It is satisfactory to know that the design clearly sets forth the success of my aim to make everything centre in the minister. This essential feature in Con- gregationalism is not for me to defend or condemn. I was asked to design a Congregational Church, and in this one respect you acknowledge I have succeeded. —I am, &c., T. Lewis Bangs. 23, Finsbury-cireus, London, E..C., Feb, 14. WORCESTER SCHOOL BOARD COMPETITION. Srr,—I beg to enclose copy of a letter which appeared in the Worcester Herald in reply to one from Mr. Hastings, which appeared in the local papers. I send this not necessarily for publication, but because it would not do to allow Mr. Hastings’s letter to pass un- challenged, as he accuses me of stating facts without the least foundation, whereas, I am willing to sub- stantiate them all. : I enclose also copy of counsel’s opinion (Lucius Kelly) on the case, which will, no doubt, be interesting to many of yourreaders, and upon which I need make no further comment than to say that it confirms the universal opinion that I have been most unjustly treated. Thanking you very much for your insertion of my former letters, I am, &c., W. SeEcKHAM WITHERINGTON, 135, Cheapside, E.C., Feb. 13. Worcester School Board v. Witherington. Witherington. Copy opinion. Tam of opinion that there was no contract on the part of the board, express or implied, to adopt the best plan submitted. All of the planssubmitted might have proved objectionable, and the approval was necessarily a matter entirely in the discretion of the board. The contract is, in substance, merely that the architect whose plans are approved shall have the superin- tendence of the work. Now, it cannot be said that Mr. Witherington’s are approved: for it is Mr. Day’s plans which are approved. It does seem, indeed, that Mr. Day’s plans were not sent in in due time, for the fact of the 31st December falling on a Sunday clearly would not extend the time until the Monday, and therefore they ought not to have been received, or at allevents, not to have been looked at until it should haye been ascertained that none of the plans sent in in due time were of sufficient merit; but inasmuch as Mr. Day’s plans were received, and were adjudicated upon simultaneously with the others, the cireumstance of their being sent in too late does not alter the fact that it is his plans which are approved, and conse- quently that Mr. Witherington’s are not. As above intimated, what is chiefly secured by the advertisement is, that the plans which are approyed shall not be handed over to some other person for him to execute the work. In Ward v. Lowndes, 1 Ell. and Ell. 940, it seems tohaye been admitted that the plaintiff had become entitled to the premium, and the questions were only as to enforcing payment. ‘In point of fact the advertisement is illusory, it not being such as to entitle the architect who produces the best plans in every respect, although admitted to be suitable, to haye them adopted, but really leaving every- thing short of the misappropriation of them in the power of the Board. If the competition (such as it was) were to be opened at Mr. Witherington’s instance, and he were simply to send in his present plans again, he would probably not be entitled to retain the cheque forthe £30, but under the circumstances I can only advise him to acquiesce in what appears to me to be a very irregular and unjust decision on the part of the board, and in that case I conceive he will be entitled to enforce pay- ment of the cheque if resisted by the board. (Signed), Lucius KeLiy. Inner Temple, Feb. 9. Exparte GALLERIED CHURCHES. Srr,—In your issue of last week, objections were made to the columns in galleried churches. This can at pleasure be avoided by the use of an iron girder the whole depth of the gallery front, which can be covered at top and bottom, Where the flanges are, with wood, and the centre be left, which could be of an open and ornamental Character, and let the dresses of the oceupants be seen- If this should be objectionable it could be lined behind with wood or cloth. The cost of this would be a little more than using columns, but I think the improvement to the area of church would repay it.—I am, &c., S. MunGo. THE BERLIN COMPETITION. Srr,—In answer to the letter by “TP. E. M.” in your last week’s issue, I would say the word ‘ profile” may mean something like the “sky-line,” or rather what the French call the “contour” of the mass of buildings. I shall be happy to place the experience of German technical terms I gained, when an archi- tectural student in Germany many years ago, at the service of any intending competitors, if they will call upon me here.—I am, &c., LEONARD W. COLLMANN. 53, George-street, Portman-square, W., February 14. GREAT ITALIAN ARCHITECTS. Srr,—Mr. Waring, while attempting to justify him- self, and impugning the accuracy of my remarks, care- fully refrains from offering any explanation of the passage which was the ground of my objection, and to which I particularly referred. In order to put the whole matter in the clearest possible light I will give both statements :— As ACTUALLY MADE AND REPORTED. “A man of energy, zeal, and ability, will always make his way to the head of a profession.” As SET Forta BY Mr, WARING. . “energy, zeal, and ability are quite enough alone, without regular and close study, to place an artist at the head of his profession.” The words in italics are not printed so in the article, but I put them so in order to ask Mr. Waring what would, in his opinion, constitute a misquotation, if their insertion does not do so?—Iam, &e., ' T. HOE: NEW MASONIC HALL COMPETITION, LIVERPOOL. Srir,—Many of your readers would be glad to hear how the above competition has been settled.—I am, &e., A CoMPETITOR, February 12. Antercommunication, oe QUESTIONS. [2463.]—Emerson’s Ventilator.— Will some one send a description of Emerson’s ventilator or wind guard (much used in America), so as to enable me to have one made, if desired ?—A. C. (2464.]—Malting Floors. — Will any of your readers who have had experience in laying malting floors, give me the proportions and the thickness, and how they should be laid, with the cost, exclusive of cartage ? Also, whether a lime floor or a cement one would be the best, and the difference of cost? Any one answering the above in your next, I would feel very thankful. BARLEY. (2465.]—Lights.— What is the limit or space allowed for window lights? How near can a wall (legally) be built in front and on each side of a window in an adjoining property without destroying the right of light? Is there any stated distance to be observed ? —WELSHMAN. (2466.])—Cireular Pews.—Would you kindly in- form me, through your invaluable paper, if there is a book or any series showing the construction of circular pews, &c., in joinery work? Also, which is the best book to learn geometry from ?—BUILDER. [2467.]—Porous Tiles.—Will any of your readers kindly inform me what solution will preyent leakage through red porous tiles?—YOUNG BRICKLAYER. [2468.]—Ventilation.—In my house, three public rooms, an outer hall and staircase on the ground floor, all enter into an inner hall, out of which a stair leads up to a landing-place, onto which four bedrooms enter, The staircase and upper and lower halls are lighted by a flat light in the ceiling, under a sloping light in the roof. ‘There is not an attempt at ventilation in any of the rooms or anywhere else. I propose to ventilate the hall staircase and landing-place by a shaft carried from the ceiling over the latter through the roof, concen- trating under the said shaft three gas-burners from three separate positions which they now occupy. This ventilating shaft would require to be self-acting, and such as will prevent down draught, say about 12in. diameter. The lower rooms can only be ventilated either at great sacrifice or by chimney-breast venti- lators. I should be very glad to consult an architect on this subject if I knew of one who had any know- ledge of it; but not doing so, I will be obliged by any advice from you or your correspondents as to the best: shaft obtainable, and the best chimney-breast venti- lator.—A. C. f2469.] Land for Building.—Can any reader in- form me of the names of land societies which will pur- chase land and lay it out in plots for building upon, and will sell it out on mortgage, repayable by small in- stalments ?—X. Z. 2470.J—Clerk of Works’ Railway Fare. — What class fare ought a clerk of works to be allowed 2 —A. R. [2471.] Sky Outlines.—Mr. Lockwood's letter is very good; but perhaps he will kindly tell us what is the construction of his No. 5, or smallest of his ** Better Types.” 1 do not see any exit for the smoke. Would not the tile covering of No. 1 be liable to become soon damaged if in an exposed situation, and thrown off by the sweep’s broom?—R. L. REPLIES. [2424.]—Builders’ Profit.—The master’s rate of wages should be 94d.—Z. (2455.J—Sompting Church Tower. —If Mr. Adams will look to pages 348-9 ‘‘ Glossary of Terms, Grecian, Roman, Italian, and Gothic Architecture,” also page 1015 in the ‘Comprehensive English Dic- tionary,’ by John Ogilvie, LL.D. (Blackie & Son, Paternoster-row), he may then satisfy himself with the meaning of squinch, or sconce ; and if the above-naned tower is built of stone, a squinch will be visible in each