OUR CORRESPONDENCE.
It is a pleasing part of our duty to acknowledge the flattering testimonials we have received in favour of our work. Certain of our approving friends have taken the trouble to write, but many more have called at the office, and expressed the warmest interest in the success ofThe Builder, with a determination to do all in their power to insure it. The Royal Institute of British Architects have, by a special resolution, directed their Honorary Secretary (Mr. Bailey) to acknowledge the reception of our first number, and the Society of Arts have placed it in their library, and thanked us for the presentation. These matters are noted as shewing that a work of this class is recognized by important public bodies as deserving of their especial regard; and we feel assured that as we advance we shall find not only an admission but a welcome to every public and private library in which the literature of art obtains a place.
We have letters of encomium from architects as well as from builders and working men; and as it is for the latter that we are most anxious, feeling assured that when matters are right at the base of the social structure, the ornaments are firmly fixed and supported, so we feel the greater pride in perceiving the interest which the workman takes in our labours. It is the architect, however, and the experienced and liberal master builder, the clerk of works, and foreman, who can assist us to the enlightening of the body of the craft; and we have one grateful specimen of this species of co-operation, from a learned and eminent architect, an extract from which we cannot forbear committing to print.
“I should like to know whetherThe Builderwill assume the character ofLoudon’s Magazine, or whether you intend it entirely for the working classes—if for the latter, shall you endeavour to bring before them theprinciplesof what they are called upon to labour at, or shall you endeavour to give them a taste for those acquirements which at present are supposed to be possessed by those who direct them? I do not fear any ill from raising the mental condition of the artisan, but see in it much good, at the same time, feel the difficulty of elevating the social condition of so large a mass of the community, and am desirous that when the attempt is made, it should be followed by success.“To inform the working classes how their labour was performed in ancient days, would be instructive and amusing, and would lead to a better style of workmanship. I will instance the carpenter’s employment—describe the tools, the style of setting out and executing roofs of the middle ages, where neither iron-work nor nails of any kind were employed. The scarfing, the manner of uniting the timbers, &c. &c., are all at variance with modern practice. Then the beautiful manner in which the whole is put together and balanced would be a study calculated to raise him in his own estimation, and satisfy him that he belonged to a superior class of artificers. Emulation would encourage him to do as well or better, to carry the same excellence into minor employments, or, at all events, to understand sufficient to derive pleasure from the examination of many of the specimens left us. A vast deal might be written upon the mere handicraft—much more upon the principles—more still upon the art; and when the design is taken up, the field is too spacious to put bounds to.”
“I should like to know whetherThe Builderwill assume the character ofLoudon’s Magazine, or whether you intend it entirely for the working classes—if for the latter, shall you endeavour to bring before them theprinciplesof what they are called upon to labour at, or shall you endeavour to give them a taste for those acquirements which at present are supposed to be possessed by those who direct them? I do not fear any ill from raising the mental condition of the artisan, but see in it much good, at the same time, feel the difficulty of elevating the social condition of so large a mass of the community, and am desirous that when the attempt is made, it should be followed by success.
“To inform the working classes how their labour was performed in ancient days, would be instructive and amusing, and would lead to a better style of workmanship. I will instance the carpenter’s employment—describe the tools, the style of setting out and executing roofs of the middle ages, where neither iron-work nor nails of any kind were employed. The scarfing, the manner of uniting the timbers, &c. &c., are all at variance with modern practice. Then the beautiful manner in which the whole is put together and balanced would be a study calculated to raise him in his own estimation, and satisfy him that he belonged to a superior class of artificers. Emulation would encourage him to do as well or better, to carry the same excellence into minor employments, or, at all events, to understand sufficient to derive pleasure from the examination of many of the specimens left us. A vast deal might be written upon the mere handicraft—much more upon the principles—more still upon the art; and when the design is taken up, the field is too spacious to put bounds to.”
The foregoing so well expresses many of our views that we can hardly encumber it by a comment. We have in another place given our own opinions on the question of “raising the mental condition of the artisan,” and we have also in the same paper attempted to sketch out by what means and for what end we propose to raise it. We shall, therefore, proceed to the letter of another architect, which, as it regards the “getting up,” as it is termed, of the paper, has a practical value in that sense, and will enable us to explain a point or two in reference to it, that may give satisfaction to many.
“Sir,“As you have invited opinions of your precursor number ofThe Builder, I take the liberty, as an architect, to express my gratification at the publication of so useful and desirable a periodical, and have very little doubt, if continued as promised in the address, of its becoming a work of great circulation, and one which will effect much benefit to the numerous classes connected with the building art, more particularly to the workman, providing you publish it at a price within his means, for at present, it is much to be regretted, this great class of persons are wholly denied the advantages derived by perusal of works on this science, owing to the high price at which they are from necessity published. I would therefore suggest you give this the fullest consideration, as I feel sixpence will be too high to giveThe Builderthe circulation you desire. Another point requiring attention will be as to the advertisements, both as to quantity and description. If general advertisements are received, it will not so well admit of the title you give to the paper, which should exclude many such as are in the Precursor; and I fear, without much less space is devoted, or that the number of advertisements is compressed by smaller type, you will experience a disappointment in the success of your undertaking. I again beg you will accept the thanks and best wishes of an“Architect.”
“Sir,
“As you have invited opinions of your precursor number ofThe Builder, I take the liberty, as an architect, to express my gratification at the publication of so useful and desirable a periodical, and have very little doubt, if continued as promised in the address, of its becoming a work of great circulation, and one which will effect much benefit to the numerous classes connected with the building art, more particularly to the workman, providing you publish it at a price within his means, for at present, it is much to be regretted, this great class of persons are wholly denied the advantages derived by perusal of works on this science, owing to the high price at which they are from necessity published. I would therefore suggest you give this the fullest consideration, as I feel sixpence will be too high to giveThe Builderthe circulation you desire. Another point requiring attention will be as to the advertisements, both as to quantity and description. If general advertisements are received, it will not so well admit of the title you give to the paper, which should exclude many such as are in the Precursor; and I fear, without much less space is devoted, or that the number of advertisements is compressed by smaller type, you will experience a disappointment in the success of your undertaking. I again beg you will accept the thanks and best wishes of an
“Architect.”
Now as to price, we think the best answer we can give is the present number. We have been advised to steer clear of too low a price at the commencement, because of the admitted difficulty of alteration in such cases, when found necessary to raise it. We hope no such necessity will arise in this; that the largeness of the subscription-list and of the number of purchasers will fully compensate us for any sacrifice we may make in the outset. With regard to advertisements, it was our wish to confine the list to such as bore directly on building, but to be stringent in this respect would be to deprive the paper of a large power of usefulness. Builders want almost every thing, and are consumers to an immense amount of all sorts of commodities; wherefore, then, should we refuse our columns to advertisements that inform the workman and the master alike of the ready means of supplying their general daily wants? But we make this promise, that the space given to advertisements shall not defraud the inquiring reader of his full share of information and of matter of trade interest; nor shall our friends the advertisers be treated with less consideration for this resolve—the more they bestow their favours upon us, the more shall we study to cater for their advantage, and for every page they add to our sheet we shall in some way or other give a page to the reader, so that the mutual workings of both parties shall be for the mutual good.
We give the next letter, though of some length, entire. It, like the first from which we made an extract, embodies so much of our views and plans, that we would give Mr. Harvey the full credit of his own clear perceptions, by letting it be seen how well he understands the subject upon which he writes, as will be exemplified in the carrying out.
“Sir,“The general invitation conveyed through the ‘precursor number’ has induced me to offer a few remarks in reference toThe Builder.“‘Thediscoveryof the disease is half thecure;’ so in this instance, the primary point to ascertain is, what class stands most in need of the kind of publication contemplated inThe Builder. When the vast number directly and indirectly connected with building and mechanical pursuits is considered, there is certainly much cause for encouragement in such a project: at all events, it may be fairly concluded that there is a goodsite; and if thefoundationbe well studied, there is but little fear of erecting adurable structure.“I have no doubt thatThe Buildermay be rendered worthy the patronage of all the numerous grades named in the list given in the ‘precursor number;’ but bearing in mind ‘the old man and his ass,’ I am of opinion, that out of these several grades, some particular class should be specially borne in view, and that upon the selection of this class mainly depends the success ofThe Builder.“Upon a review of such literary works extant as may be deemed the property of that body to whomThe Builderis addressed, I think it will be found that no class of men are so ill provided for asjourneymen mechanicsgenerally, and this is the class that I would recommend to your preference in the conduct ofThe Builder; to this classThe Builderought to be considered invaluable in the dissemination ofpractical knowledge,—extracts from works made inaccessible by their cost,—experiments,—hints on construction,—design,—enrichment, and similar topics; which at the same time would be very acceptable to the more enlightened portion of the building community, and produce inquiry and improvement in the minds of the less experienced and youthful.“With this view but little will be expected or required ofThe Builderin the character of anewspaper. Further than the limited notice of occurrences appertaining to its title, I would suggest the insertion of themarkets, or current prices of building materials, &c. &c., and in particular, that an allotted space be given up to the subjects just referred to, to the exclusion of advertisements or any other matter. Probably once a fortnight might suffice for such a work; this point, however, with its price, I will not now enter upon, having already, I fear, trespassed too long on your attention.“Be assured of my interest in the success ofThe Builder; to the aid of which my humble tribute will be given with much pleasure.“I am, Sir, your obedient Servant,“Sidney Harvey.”
“Sir,
“The general invitation conveyed through the ‘precursor number’ has induced me to offer a few remarks in reference toThe Builder.
“‘Thediscoveryof the disease is half thecure;’ so in this instance, the primary point to ascertain is, what class stands most in need of the kind of publication contemplated inThe Builder. When the vast number directly and indirectly connected with building and mechanical pursuits is considered, there is certainly much cause for encouragement in such a project: at all events, it may be fairly concluded that there is a goodsite; and if thefoundationbe well studied, there is but little fear of erecting adurable structure.
“I have no doubt thatThe Buildermay be rendered worthy the patronage of all the numerous grades named in the list given in the ‘precursor number;’ but bearing in mind ‘the old man and his ass,’ I am of opinion, that out of these several grades, some particular class should be specially borne in view, and that upon the selection of this class mainly depends the success ofThe Builder.
“Upon a review of such literary works extant as may be deemed the property of that body to whomThe Builderis addressed, I think it will be found that no class of men are so ill provided for asjourneymen mechanicsgenerally, and this is the class that I would recommend to your preference in the conduct ofThe Builder; to this classThe Builderought to be considered invaluable in the dissemination ofpractical knowledge,—extracts from works made inaccessible by their cost,—experiments,—hints on construction,—design,—enrichment, and similar topics; which at the same time would be very acceptable to the more enlightened portion of the building community, and produce inquiry and improvement in the minds of the less experienced and youthful.
“With this view but little will be expected or required ofThe Builderin the character of anewspaper. Further than the limited notice of occurrences appertaining to its title, I would suggest the insertion of themarkets, or current prices of building materials, &c. &c., and in particular, that an allotted space be given up to the subjects just referred to, to the exclusion of advertisements or any other matter. Probably once a fortnight might suffice for such a work; this point, however, with its price, I will not now enter upon, having already, I fear, trespassed too long on your attention.
“Be assured of my interest in the success ofThe Builder; to the aid of which my humble tribute will be given with much pleasure.
“I am, Sir, your obedient Servant,
“Sidney Harvey.”
The next letter is from a plasterer, and we make it the occasion of reiterating our intention to give designs of ornaments for plasterers. There is a field of novelty and propriety open to them which we venture to say has scarcely yet been touched upon. Hitherto architectural ornament in plaster-work has been principally confined to imitations of marble, or stone-work and wood. Now this is a perversion and a deception, and a better principle will inevitably obtain, since just and sound views of the principles of design and ornament are beginning to be inculcated. So beautifully plastic a material has its own peculiar province in decoration, and we shall take occasion, as we advance, to throw out practical suggestions for ascertaining and working in it.
“Sir,“It is with much satisfaction I have read the precursor ofThe Builder, which I think will be well received by all persons in that line of business, for nothing can possibly be so much wanted for the trade in general as a publication of the sort you are about to send into the world. I have been a practical plasterer these thirty years, and have often expressed a wish that a useful intelligent paper might be published. I shall be most happy to become a subscriber. I am fearful there will be thousands read the Precursor, like myself, that will be proud to subscribe, but will not take the trouble to express themselves by letter, and then you may fancy it will not be taken up with spirit, though I am convinced, by the many persons,indeed all, that I have conversed with, that it is their intention to become purchasers the moment it is fairly out. Wishing you success,“I am Sir, your obedient servant,“B. J. Maskall.”
“Sir,
“It is with much satisfaction I have read the precursor ofThe Builder, which I think will be well received by all persons in that line of business, for nothing can possibly be so much wanted for the trade in general as a publication of the sort you are about to send into the world. I have been a practical plasterer these thirty years, and have often expressed a wish that a useful intelligent paper might be published. I shall be most happy to become a subscriber. I am fearful there will be thousands read the Precursor, like myself, that will be proud to subscribe, but will not take the trouble to express themselves by letter, and then you may fancy it will not be taken up with spirit, though I am convinced, by the many persons,indeed all, that I have conversed with, that it is their intention to become purchasers the moment it is fairly out. Wishing you success,
“I am Sir, your obedient servant,
“B. J. Maskall.”
We will insert two more of what we may term the professional, and conclude with a complimentary note, lately received, from a gentleman whom we have not the pleasure of knowing, and extracts from the first that came to hand, as proofs, along with a great number of others, of a deep interest being taken inThe Builder, as we predicted would be the case, by the amateur.
“Sir,“You invite a reply from your readers of the ‘Builder’s Magazine.’“To make a newspaper answer, it must be numerously circulated. I should advise to make it aweekly paper, to suit every mechanic or person engaged in the trade. I should recommend that it be like theIllustrated London News, to contain sketches of works in progress, new buildings, amounts of contracts, and other news relating to building. Also, to make it general (for nearly every workman takes a weekly paper), it must contain the heads of the news for the week. This would answer, without doubt, and I should like my name as a weekly subscriber.—Yours, &c.“J. Nesham.”
“Sir,
“You invite a reply from your readers of the ‘Builder’s Magazine.’
“To make a newspaper answer, it must be numerously circulated. I should advise to make it aweekly paper, to suit every mechanic or person engaged in the trade. I should recommend that it be like theIllustrated London News, to contain sketches of works in progress, new buildings, amounts of contracts, and other news relating to building. Also, to make it general (for nearly every workman takes a weekly paper), it must contain the heads of the news for the week. This would answer, without doubt, and I should like my name as a weekly subscriber.—Yours, &c.
“J. Nesham.”
“Sir,“I approve much the plan of your proposed publication, and cheerfully offer myself a subscriber in whichever form it may appear; but would prefer it as a weekly magazine and advertiser, in which character I hope soon to see it, and wishing it all possible success.“I am, Sir, yours respectfully,“Thomas Allen.”
“Sir,
“I approve much the plan of your proposed publication, and cheerfully offer myself a subscriber in whichever form it may appear; but would prefer it as a weekly magazine and advertiser, in which character I hope soon to see it, and wishing it all possible success.
“I am, Sir, yours respectfully,
“Thomas Allen.”
“Sir,“I have only just had time to look into your valuable and most interesting work,The Builder, which I took up by accident this morning. I am so convinced of its excellence, that I should feel greatly obliged if you would allow me to become a subscriber of the unstamped number, from the first, and supply me regularly with it, if you are in the habit of sending it to this neighbourhood.“I am, Sir, &c.“J. R. W.”
“Sir,
“I have only just had time to look into your valuable and most interesting work,The Builder, which I took up by accident this morning. I am so convinced of its excellence, that I should feel greatly obliged if you would allow me to become a subscriber of the unstamped number, from the first, and supply me regularly with it, if you are in the habit of sending it to this neighbourhood.
“I am, Sir, &c.
“J. R. W.”
“Sir,“Last Saturday evening I bought the precursor number ofThe Builder, and was so pleased with the contents, that I called again at your office to say that I meant to take it in myself, and that I had shewn it to a bookseller, who told me that he also would order it at once for his shop. At that time I had only taken a very cursory glance at the number, but on further inspection, I feel convinced that it must have a very great sale, and I am sure I heartily wish you every success. My answer to your question, as to whether a magazine or simple newspaper would be the better form of publication is this,—that though many would prefer it as a magazine only, yet many more would rather see the news of the week blended in its columns. I am no artist, I am no mechanic, but I am a very great admirer of architecture, particularly of country houses and rustic cottages, churches, gardens, &c.“I wish your new work was called ‘The Builder and Landscape Gardener.’ Views of parks and garden grounds, &c., ornamented with their castles, halls, cottages, &c., both of this and other countries, are at all times highly instructive and interesting.“To the greatest talent is united in your work that kindly feeling towards those who have to labour for their daily food that will carry you on triumphantly. That your undertaking may meet with a deserved and most abundant reward, is the sincere hope of yours, &c.,“M. B.”
“Sir,
“Last Saturday evening I bought the precursor number ofThe Builder, and was so pleased with the contents, that I called again at your office to say that I meant to take it in myself, and that I had shewn it to a bookseller, who told me that he also would order it at once for his shop. At that time I had only taken a very cursory glance at the number, but on further inspection, I feel convinced that it must have a very great sale, and I am sure I heartily wish you every success. My answer to your question, as to whether a magazine or simple newspaper would be the better form of publication is this,—that though many would prefer it as a magazine only, yet many more would rather see the news of the week blended in its columns. I am no artist, I am no mechanic, but I am a very great admirer of architecture, particularly of country houses and rustic cottages, churches, gardens, &c.
“I wish your new work was called ‘The Builder and Landscape Gardener.’ Views of parks and garden grounds, &c., ornamented with their castles, halls, cottages, &c., both of this and other countries, are at all times highly instructive and interesting.
“To the greatest talent is united in your work that kindly feeling towards those who have to labour for their daily food that will carry you on triumphantly. That your undertaking may meet with a deserved and most abundant reward, is the sincere hope of yours, &c.,
“M. B.”
The suggestion contained in the last extract, as to the title, is one upon which we are glad to make a few remarks, because the same suggestion has been embodied in the observations of other friends, in different ways.
We have confined ourselves to the simple term “Builder,” as best descriptive of all classes and crafts concerned in the art of building itself, and the arts with which it is intimately allied. Were we to attempt to give a title that should specifically explain the branches of art and science to be treated in this work, we should occupy half a page. Not only setting up houses or edifices, but, as we have said before, preparing the materials—aye, even to the very question of the planting and the culture of the oak and the pine, on which the future carpenter is to exercise his ingenuity. As to the brick-field, the quarry, the limekiln, the mine, the forest—consider what enters into the composition and completion of a building, what machines and implements are employed in working and preparing the materials, and its erection—what in the furnishing and fittings—what in the garden and other appurtenances. Consider all these, and you have engineering and machinery, cabinet-work and upholstery, and finally landscape art, included. And as to building science, or architecture, consider also its extensive range: the cottage, the middle-rate dwelling-house, the mansion, the villa, the palace—there is the labourer’s house of the country, and the labourer’s and workman’s house of the town; the farmer’s dwelling in the one, and the tradesman’s in the other—the farm-yard buildings and the corresponding workshop, warehouse, and factory—the country “box” and the citizen’s suburban retreat—the mansion of the country squire and that of the wealthy town merchant—the parsonage, the church—the humble village church!—the street of the pretty country village, the formal lines and gay shops of the crowded city—the traveller’s way-side inn, the town hotel—the petty sessions house, the county courts, prisons, workhouses, almshouses, asylums, barracks—the halls of our cities, the concert-rooms, the theatres, the great market-houses, the exchange for our merchants, the parliament-houses, the palace, the cathedral!
Our subterranean structures, in drains and tunnellings; our pavements and highways; our bridges, aqueducts, and viaducts; our railroads, our lighthouses, harbours, docks, ports, defences. Consider these, and we have not half exhausted the list—we dare not longer particularize—consider these, and the numerous crafts and callings engaged in them, and it will be at once seen that we should only weaken the force and destroy the comprehensiveness of our title,The Builder, by any attempt to make it more comprehensive.
The following excellent letter has come to hand since the foregoing summary was penned:—
“Sir,“The delight with which any one connected with the erection of an edifice seizes a book or paper, bearing the title (The Builder) heading your new publication, can be duly appreciated by those who have carefully studied the ‘Practical Builder,’ as published by Mr. Peter Nicholson, in the enlarged edition of 1822.“In the perusal of which the idea of a work similar to the one shewn forth in the precursor number ofThe Builder, has very often engaged my most serious attention, leaving no doubt on my mind of the very favourable reception the work would have from all parties engaged in the Building department.“Begin and continue on the broad principle of practical utility, making most prominent, works already executed, or in the course of erection, with a copious description, as also, plans, elevations, sections, and details of the most prominent features of the building or structure, illustrated, and the work, from its great utility, will take a place amongst the magazines of the present day, second only to the great magazine of the north.[1]“A large and beautiful field lies open before you, and by bringing before the public some of the noble metropolitan structures, the beautiful street architecture, and suburban villas, you will create a love for reading and study amongst a most important class, that will forceThe Builderon, till it has attained the ‘Corinthian order’ as a magazine, and the companion of every artizan.“A magazine has always occurred to me as the best mode to bring the architecture of this country in its best form before the public, always acknowledging the name of the professional gentlemen employed in the erection illustrated; so much so, that I have often been tempted to suggest the idea to some of the London publishers, as there the erections are as a source inexhaustible.“ThoughThe Buildermay be an instrument of much good, if correctness of plans and details are guaranteed, its fall will be as certain, if it should be a medium of ‘book-making,’ so often seen thrown before the public.“It will likewise add to the value ofThe Builder, by continuing the portraitures of men so eminent in architectural skill as the noble-minded William of Wykeham, already illustrated in the Precursor number.“I would respectfully suggest the propriety of detaching the advertisements fromThe Builder, so far as to allow a separate binding of the work.“Reviews of architectural works are also highly commendable inThe Builder, as they increase in quantity of late years; and a guidance to purchasers therefore is valuable.“With best wishes for the prosperity of the undertaking, in a continual increasing circulation, I must beg the forwarding to your correspondent here, such of the numbers as have been issued.“I remain, most respectfully,“Joseph J. Roebuck, Joiner.”“Manchester-Road, Huddersfield, Feb. 13, 1843.”
“Sir,
“The delight with which any one connected with the erection of an edifice seizes a book or paper, bearing the title (The Builder) heading your new publication, can be duly appreciated by those who have carefully studied the ‘Practical Builder,’ as published by Mr. Peter Nicholson, in the enlarged edition of 1822.
“In the perusal of which the idea of a work similar to the one shewn forth in the precursor number ofThe Builder, has very often engaged my most serious attention, leaving no doubt on my mind of the very favourable reception the work would have from all parties engaged in the Building department.
“Begin and continue on the broad principle of practical utility, making most prominent, works already executed, or in the course of erection, with a copious description, as also, plans, elevations, sections, and details of the most prominent features of the building or structure, illustrated, and the work, from its great utility, will take a place amongst the magazines of the present day, second only to the great magazine of the north.[1]
“A large and beautiful field lies open before you, and by bringing before the public some of the noble metropolitan structures, the beautiful street architecture, and suburban villas, you will create a love for reading and study amongst a most important class, that will forceThe Builderon, till it has attained the ‘Corinthian order’ as a magazine, and the companion of every artizan.
“A magazine has always occurred to me as the best mode to bring the architecture of this country in its best form before the public, always acknowledging the name of the professional gentlemen employed in the erection illustrated; so much so, that I have often been tempted to suggest the idea to some of the London publishers, as there the erections are as a source inexhaustible.
“ThoughThe Buildermay be an instrument of much good, if correctness of plans and details are guaranteed, its fall will be as certain, if it should be a medium of ‘book-making,’ so often seen thrown before the public.
“It will likewise add to the value ofThe Builder, by continuing the portraitures of men so eminent in architectural skill as the noble-minded William of Wykeham, already illustrated in the Precursor number.
“I would respectfully suggest the propriety of detaching the advertisements fromThe Builder, so far as to allow a separate binding of the work.
“Reviews of architectural works are also highly commendable inThe Builder, as they increase in quantity of late years; and a guidance to purchasers therefore is valuable.
“With best wishes for the prosperity of the undertaking, in a continual increasing circulation, I must beg the forwarding to your correspondent here, such of the numbers as have been issued.
“I remain, most respectfully,
“Joseph J. Roebuck, Joiner.”
“Manchester-Road, Huddersfield, Feb. 13, 1843.”
[1]Chambers’s.
[1]Chambers’s.
[1]Chambers’s.
“Sir,“Judging from a perusal ofThe Builderthat it is your intention to give to the building world the first information upon all matters connected with its interests, I beg therefore to apprize you that at this moment, a bill is preparing very secretly (at least the ground-work for one) for Parliament, upon which it is presumed, as secretly will be obtained, a New Building Act.“Whatever objections there may be (and I readily admit there are many) to our present Building Act, yet I do not think it requires altogether to be superseded.“From private information I learn, that the majority of clauses in the intended new bill, are exceedingly arbitrary, and calculated only to oppress the Builders without the least additional benefit to the public, and indeed, I am of opinion that if adopted, it will prove a source of great inconvenience and expense to all parties in any way connected with building. I should, therefore, recommend a Meeting of speculative Builders immediately, to take into consideration the best means to oppose the bill in Parliament.“I shall be most happy to give my best assistance in this matter, as also to forward the views of the proprietor ofThe Builder.“I am, Sir, your obedient servant,“John Reid, Surveyor.”“90, Canterbury-buildings, Lambeth,“February 14th, 1843.”
“Sir,
“Judging from a perusal ofThe Builderthat it is your intention to give to the building world the first information upon all matters connected with its interests, I beg therefore to apprize you that at this moment, a bill is preparing very secretly (at least the ground-work for one) for Parliament, upon which it is presumed, as secretly will be obtained, a New Building Act.
“Whatever objections there may be (and I readily admit there are many) to our present Building Act, yet I do not think it requires altogether to be superseded.
“From private information I learn, that the majority of clauses in the intended new bill, are exceedingly arbitrary, and calculated only to oppress the Builders without the least additional benefit to the public, and indeed, I am of opinion that if adopted, it will prove a source of great inconvenience and expense to all parties in any way connected with building. I should, therefore, recommend a Meeting of speculative Builders immediately, to take into consideration the best means to oppose the bill in Parliament.
“I shall be most happy to give my best assistance in this matter, as also to forward the views of the proprietor ofThe Builder.
“I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
“John Reid, Surveyor.”
“90, Canterbury-buildings, Lambeth,“February 14th, 1843.”
The foregoing letter came to hand as we were going to press. We have only time to assure our correspondent that we will pay immediate attention to the subject it refers to, and we invite further information from all those who may be in the way of procuring it. At the same time we would urge a calm and steady purpose in the pursuit of this or any similar object of our vigilance.
Legislation on matters affecting building interests, above all things, should be deliberate and not capricious. Much mischief may be done by over anxious meddlings, indeed, we may say in this respect with Shakspeare in Hamlet,
“Better bear the ills we have than fly to others that we know not of,”
“Better bear the ills we have than fly to others that we know not of,”
or run the risk of so doing.