Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort - Architect

born 13 March 1825 - died 15 March 1898

Drawing Class

Drawing Master - Mr. B. W. Mountfort.

It is proposed to open a drawing class for pupils of both sexes, at the Grammar Schoolroom, on Mondays at twelve o'clock. If as many as twelve pupils offer the charge will not exceed £1 1s per quarter.
Persons wishing to join the class are requested to give early notice to the Rev. G. Cotterill, from whom further information may be obtained.
Lyttelton Grammar School, August 4th, 1856.

The Lyttelton Times, Wednesday 6 August 1856.

Removal

B. W. Mountfort begs to inform his friends and the public that he has removed from Cashel Street to Colombo Street, next door to Messrs. Gould and Miles, where he has on sale a new and varied assortment of books and stationery

The Lyttelton Times 11 February

Our new Council-chamber is fast rising, and will certainly be something for Canterbury to be proud of. The dimensions are something like 65 feet by 35 feet; the style, pointed and freely treated; the two-light windows on either side are deeply recessed behind an arcade, to which shafts, of a stone resembling Purbeck marble, will give an excellent effect. The timber roof, or rather ceiling, may be described as "ridge and furrow," in the form of a well pronounced pointed arch. It is to be divided by ribs into bays at each window, over which the ridges and furrows terminate in section, the principal ribbing arches being carried on columned corbels.

Mountfort's Provincial Council Chamber was the first New Zealand building to receive statutory protection with the enactment of the Canterbury Provincial Buildings Vesting Act in 1928. In 1937 the Act was amended to extend protection to the whole complex.

There is much of novelty in the design of this roof; and one thing is certain, it will imperatively demand colour; and here will be the difficulty; it would really be worth while to send to England for an artist who would do it well; for to mar such a piece of work by any paltry makeshifts, for the sake of temporary effect, would be a thousand pities.




A range of buildings, to be used as refreshment or retiring-rooms, is also going forward. Mr. Mountfort is the architect, and may be congratulated on such a success as I venture to say this building will be. The same artist has also in hand the buildings for the Supreme Court, which will be erected on a block of land adjacent to the present Government Buildings, and which will eventually continue the facade along the river.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXIII, Issue 150, 12 December 1864, Page 6

The " Lyttelton Times" says:— "The ceremony of laying the foundation stone of St. Mark's Church, Opawa, took place on Saturday, the 6th instant. The weather, which had been lowering and overcast all day, changed for the worse, and during the whole of the ceremony the rain fell in torrents. There was not a very numerous attendance, owing, probably, to the inclemency of the weather. The Right Reverends the Lord Bishops of New Zealand, Christchurch and Waiapu ; the Venerables the Archdeacons of Christchurch and Waikato, the Revs. F. Tripp, G. Edwards, G. J. Cholmondeley, and several others were present, together with some ladies and gentlemen. The church is to be built from the designs of Messrs Bury and Mountfort, and will be wood, with a stone foundation. The design is Gothic; the length of the nave will be 50 feet by a breath of 20 feet, and in the end facing the door will be a large ornamental window. The size of the chancel is to be 15 feet by 16 feet, with a vestry room 8 feet square, and a porch 8 feet by 6 feet. The elevation of the building is 28 feet, and there will be a bell-tower of the height of 16 feet surmounting the end over the entrance. The building will contain about 200 persons. Messrs Hepburn, Bennet, and Co., are the contractors.

North Otago Times, Volume IV, Issue 65, 18 May 1865, Page 2

We take the following items from the "Canterbury Press," of the 24th: "We understand that the Freemasons of Christchurch have subsidised for the purchase of a stained-glass window, in memory of the late Archdeacon Mathias, to be placed in St. John's Church, Latimer square. The design will be furnished by Messrs Bury and Mountfort.

By the Indian Empire some very beautiful stained-glass windows have arrived for the Roman Catholic Church, at Brackenbridge. These windows are from designs by Messrs Bury and Mountfort, architects, and are to the order of the Hon. F. A. Weld. They are three in number, and are intended to be placed behind the altar. The centre one has the figure of our Saviour, in highly-colored glass, with the legend "Mater dolorosa, ora pro nobis," in legible old characters, underneath.

On the right, proper, is a figure of St. Joseph with a lily in his hand, "St. Joseph, ora pro nobis;" on the other side is a figure of St. Philomena, with the same legend beneath. Stained glass, of a very neat design, has also been received for the quarry lights of the side-windows of the church, nave, and porch. The glass for the quarries is of solid plate, of the very best description, from the manufactory of the Messrs Chance, and that of the main windows from the manufactory of Messrs. Heaton, Bulter and Boyne, of London. The windows are at present at the offices of Messrs. Bury and Mountfort, who have kindly consented to allow them to be inspected by the public."

Otago Witness, Issue 718, 2 September 1865, Page 11

A very interesting model of that portion of the Waimakariri river liable to overflow is now being shown at Messrs Bury and Mountfort's offices in this town. The model is constructed of cement, and is the work of Mr Mountfort .

It seems to be most carefully and elaborately done, and is not only an exact model of the river and banks, but also shows the position of the defence works proposed by various engineers. The model proves that Mr Bray (who used to be laughed at) was correct in apprehending danger to Christchuruh from the Waimakariri, for there can be no doubt from the low level of the country in the vicinity of the overflow that any time, Christchurch might be flooded, as this low level leads direct into the head waters of the Avon.

Timaru Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 298, 4 April 1868, Page 2

We take tho following from the Christchurch "Press" :— "Mr B. W. Mountfort, having been commissioned by the Westland Government to design memorials for erection in the Greymouth cemetery, to the late Messrs Whitcombe, Townsend, and Dobson, has executed his trust with his usual ability. The memorials consist of slabs coped into varied cruciform design s— that of Mr Townsend approaching in boldness the importance of a tomb. Correct taste and adaptability to their purpose identify these memorials as the work of an artist who has already done so much to create a taste for true art in Canterbury."

West Coast Times, Issue 892, 1 August 1868, Page 2

Star, Issue 197, 30 December 1868, Page 3
(Charles Clark was an auctioneer with a business in Gloucester Street)

Roman Catholic Cemetery, Rangiora. — A handsome churchyard cross has been erected in the cemetery adjoining the Roman Catholic church, Rangiora. The cross is fifteen feet in height from the ground, being raised upon an artificial mound and Calvary three feet high. It has been carved out of a black pine tree twenty feet in length, the upper twelve feet of which show above the Calvary. The shaft is octagon, twelve inches square at the base, tapering up to eight inches at the head; at nine feet from the ground the shaft is surrounded with a carved moulded cap, above which rises the cross proper, which is also octagonal, the chamfers being stopped out near the intersection. At the intersection on either side is a sunk quatrefoil, in one of which is carved the Agnus Bei, and on the reverse side the sacred monogram. This appropriate symbol has been erected after a design by Mr B. W. Mountfort, of Christchurch.

Star, Issue 1356, 2 July 1872, Page 2

St Matthews Anglican Church at Courtenay was designed by Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort in 1872 and consecrated in May 1875. It was demolished in 1937.

A model private office is just being completed for the general manager of the Trust and Loan Agency, Mr C. C. Bower, in connection with the Company's business premises in Hereford street west. The room is 17ft 3in square, with a height of 27ft to the top of the lantern by which it is lighted and ventilated. It has a coved ceiling of ornamental panels in plaster, with which the walls and dado are in keeping. The mantelpiece, which is of marble, and with the hearth designed in the Gothic style, is relieved by stone corbels. The lantern is filled with 16 squares Of cathedral glass, diffusing a mellow and soft light. The new office communicates with the rest of the premises, but is approached from the rear through a handsome hall of similar elegant design, the six panelled doors of which are highly ornamental, and constructed of rimu from the Oxford bush, having the appearance of Spanish mahogany. The work is being carried out by Mr W. B. Parker, builder, from the plans and specifications of Mr William Mountfort, architect.

Star, Issue 4608, 2 February 1883, Page 2

Christchurch November 6
It is the wish of the Royal Commissioner of the Colonial and Indian Exhibition that all exhibits should he placed in show cases made of native woods, and by direction of Dr von Haast, Mr B. W. Mountfort, architect, of this city, has prepared a design whereby the principal New Zealand timbers are shown to the best advantage.

North Otago Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 5004, 7 November 1885, Page 2

Mr. FitzGerald, who was leaving for England .. [took with him] ... a marquetrie table, designed by Messrs Mountfort and Luck, and made by Mr. Willcox. It was thirty inches in diameter, with a chess board slightly raised in the centre, and bearing the Fitzgerald arms and the Canterbury arms. The whole was in New Zealand woods, the inlayings displaying seventeen varieties and containing 1500 pieces.

Illustrated Guide to Christchurch and Neighbourhood, M. Mosley, J. T. Smith & Co., 1885

The ruins of the shops gutted by the fire in Colombo street last week are now being removed. They will be replaced by a block of buildings, for which Mr B. W. Mountfort is preparing plans.

Star, Issue 5736, 29 September 1886, Page 3

Interior Napier Cathedral

Probate of the will of the late Mr. Thomas Robinson Woolfield, who was formerly in business in Liverpool, but about 50 years ago went to reside at Cannes, where he died on the 28th April last, in his 89th year, has been granted to the executor, his nephew, Mr Richard Peele Mossop, of Holbeach, Lincolnshire, solicitor. The testator devised and bequeathed all his property in England in trust for his wife, Mrs Catherine Woolfield, absolutely, but in the event of her decease in his lifetime, as to one-fifth of his residuary estate for the three daughters of his brother Charles; as to one-fifth for the children of his brother Samuel; as to one-fifth for his brother John Clowes; as to one-fifth for the daughter and two sons of his sister Susannah Mountford (sic); and as to the remaining one-fifth for the three daughters of his sister Louisa Nicholls. By a will dated 26th November, 1884 the testator appointed his said wife the universal heir of his property in France, and his nephew, Mr. Leopold Hansbery, Mr. John Taylor, banker and his H.B.M's Vice-consol at Cahnes (sic), executors. The value of the personal estate in England is £4415.

Liverpool Mercury etc (Liverpool, England), Thursday, August 30, 1888; Issue 12680.

OBITUARY.

Mr B. W. Mountfort.

The death of Mr Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort, on Tuesday, has removed another of the few original Canterbury Pilgrims still left. Mr Mountfort arrived in Canterbury by one of the first four ships, and, taking no prominent part either in politics or local matters, carried on the profession of architect nearly up to the time of his death.

He was Provincial Architect for many years, and followed on as resident architect of the Christchurch Cathedral, when Mr R. Speechley, who represented Sir Gilbert Scott, the designer of that edifice, left New Zealand.

Mr Mountfort designed most of the churches and many of the public buildings in and around Christchurch, and had for some years prior to his death held the appointment of architect to the Board of Governors of Canterbury College. At one time the deceased gentleman took a great interest in Freemasonry.

He was one of the earliest members of the Diocesan Synod, and ever displayed great energy in connection with the affairs of the Church of England, of which he was a devoted member.

For the last few years of his life Mr Mountfort resided at Phillipstown, where he held office as churchwarden at the Church of the Good Shepherd until his death, which has occurred at the ripe age of seventy-four. His son, Mr Cyril J. Mountfort, adopted his father's profession, and is at present practising as an architect in Christchurch.

The Star, Issue 6130, 17 March 1898, Page 2

above - Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort grave in the cemetery of Holy Trinity Church, Avonside. Photos Jan. 2010 AGR.

The building at the back of the Cathedral, used for many years by the late Mr B. W. Mountfort, as an office, was yesterday removed. Its future resting-place will be Lancaster Park, where it will do duty as a dressing-room at the new tennis courts.

The Star, Issue 6266, 25 August 1898, Page 3

Children of Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort and Emily Elizabeth Newman

Wilfred Lewis Mountfort
born 23 November 1851, reg.1851/653, bapt 22 February 1852 (Architect - Lyttelton) buried 19 September 1895 aged 43. Married Christina Crocker 7 September 1876.

Cyril Julian Mountfort
born 5 October 1853, reg.1853/725 (as Mountford), bapt 25 January 1854 (Architect - Stowe Fleet on the Heathcote) buried 24 November 1920 aged 68.

Arthur Albert Mountfort
born 21 July 1855, reg. 1855/998, bapt 5 August 1855 (Architect - Christchurch District)

Edith Miranda Mountfort
born 15 May 1857, reg. 1857/1420, bapt 28 February 1858.

Hilda Mountfort
born 6 January 1859, 1859/1717 (as Mountford) bapt 3 April 1859 (Architect - Christchurch)

Ranulph Whitehouse Mountfort born 11 May 1861, reg. 1861/2712, bapt 1 December 1861 (Architect - Christchurch), married Florence Payne at St Matthew's Church, Auckland 23 February 1888.

Aylmer Woolfield Mountfort
born 28 February 1863, reg.1863/3657 (as Aymer), bapt. 3 July 1864 (Architect - Christchurch)

Alice Octavia Mountfort
born 6 December 1864, bapt 27 January 1865 (Architect - Hereford Street East), buried 30 January 1865 aged 7 weeks

Emily Laura Mountfort
born 22 November 1865, reg. 1866/5404, bapt 28 January 1866 (Architect - Hereford Street East), sponsor includes Walter Mountfort), buried 24 April 1866 aged 5 months.

source - Christchurch Library.

Emily Elizabeth Mountfort buried 28 July 1897 aged 68


Reference - Historic Places Magazine March 1998 - pages 23 to 27.

The Magdelen Asylum

Architect - Francis William Petre, 1847 - 1918.
A drawing of the building photographed by E. Wheeler and Son, Christchurch.

The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Canterbury Provincial District]

The Magdelen Asylum.

Among the numerous institutions which have been founded in modern times for the uplifting of fallen humanity and the purification of society, few if any have stronger claims for support than that which is known as the Order of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, which received the formal recognition of the Holy See about sixty years ago, and now has over 170 houses in various parts of the world. Mount Magdala, the branch of the Order in Christchurch, was rounded in 1886 by the Very Rev. Father Ginaty, who was, at that time, Missionary Rector in the city. The foundation stone was laid by His Eminence Cardinal Moran, on the 18th of February, in the same year, and the institution was formally opened by the Right Rev. Dr Grimes on the 22nd of July, 1888. Ever since that date the noble women who have voluntarily relinquished the pleasures and the allurements of society, in order to devote their lives to the reclamation of their fallen sisters, have laboured assiduously in that cause. Mount Magdala is situated about five miles outside the city in a westerly direction and just off the Lincoln Road. The number of inmates varies considerably, for many of those who are taken into the asylum soon tire of its routine and restraint, and consequently leave it after a short time, not infrequently, however, to come back again and promise to forsake the haunts of vice for ever. The Sisters do all in their power to make the institution self-supporting and independent of outside assistance. Their principal source of income is their laundry work, at which they are exceptionally expert. On two or three occasions the Government has given a small grant to the institution to enable the Sisters to increase its usefulness and carry on its work more successfully.

My submission opposing The National Conservatorium of Music Joint Venture Limited's application to establish, operate and maintain the University of Canterbury National Conservatorium of Music within the Christchurch Arts Centre.

Harmony

The buildings of the Arts Centre were constructed over a period of more than fifty years starting in 1877 and designed by at least eight architects. However these buildings stand in harmony with each other, not by accident or good fortune but by a deliberate intent to achieve this goal of unity.

I have seen this group of buildings that make up the Arts Centre described as “magnificent” and as “gems“, and they are - without any doubt. These buildings are one of the precious icons of this city. Along with Christ Church Cathedral, the Provincial Council Buildings and the Canterbury Museum, the Art Centre helps to provide the people of Christchurch with an identity. These buildings of international quality are our great buildings, they help define us, like the great buildings of other cities help to define their people. These are our equivalents to London’s St Paul’s Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower or the Sydney Opera House. If this city was hit by a disaster and these buildings damaged I believe every attempt would be made to restore them. What would this city be without this group of buildings? We should all be proud - they are part of our past and deserve the very best care.

The buildings of the Arts Centre are a monument to the architects Benjamin and Cyril Mountfort, Cane, Armson, Hurst Seager, Collins and Harman all of whom have designed buildings that intentionally harmonize with each other. They are also a monument to the builders, artists and craftsmen who created the architect’s vision in stone and wood.

Endless visitors and residents have wandered about and marvelled at their beauty, grandeur and history. Conduct an image search on Google for “Christchurch” and of the 4.5 million imagines located the sixth image shows the Art Centre. They are of the greatest importance to the fabric of our city. A new building has no right to intrude.

If the buildings of the Arts Centre are gems, to place this Music School building among them is akin to placing a lump of black coal in the crown of gems. It would dominate the site and bear no resemblance to the existing structures, there is no synergy with these buildings. It would detract from its legacy rather than add anything of value to them.

An example of conflicting visions can be seen in the mix of modern architecture by Warren and Mahoney garishly attached to the 1908 St Augustine’s Anglican Church in Cracroft Terrace. The external appearance of the 1970's extension conflicts with the older building and is now largely hidden from view by large trees on the road frontage.

below - St Augustine’s Anglican Church showing the 1970's
Warren and Mahoney extension just visible to the right.
Trees help to screen the view from the road of this unattractive addition.

Why is this the only inner city site for this building? Why does it need the prestige of the Arts Centre to operate? Does Canterbury University’s School of Law need a location on the site of the Provincial Council buildings? Does the College of Education or Science require a building in the Botanical Gardens adjacent to the Museum?

The skills and systems exist to construct a building in keeping with the existing style. An example of this can be seen in the Administration Building erected at Christ's College, created in the same style in stone.

below - At Christ's College the modern addition (in the right of this photograph) reflects the style of the adjoining buildings and is integrated with them to promote the site's heritage. Importance has been placed here to create this harmony between the new and old.

If this site was ever built on it needs a smaller building designed to sit in harmony in our precious Arts Centre. The same level of respect and attention to detail shown in the earlier buildings should be paramount should a new building ever be erected in the Arts Centre, regardless of its intent. If we are not now able to construct a building in harmony with those on this site any construction work must be left to another time when the skills and resources are available.

In summary, I ask the key stakeholders to pay attention to the common thread of the opposition. To erect a modern, garish intrusion on this much loved and cherished location offends not only the individual, but the very fabric of Christchurch's heritage. Think twice before destroying this part of our heritage.

below - The Centennial Memorial Wing of the nearby Canterbury Museum.
Importance is shown here to reflect the earlier design by Benjamin Mountfort and to integrate with similar style buildings at the Arts Centre and Christ's College.

below - Sydenham Heritage Church – an example where design from different periods collide in a garish and disrespectful manner.

below - windows from different buildings within the Arts Centre.
Architectural features such as the heads of these windows from older buildings were used to create a sense of unity with newer buildings as the College developed over a period of more than fifty years.

The Clock Tower Block

Architect - Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort
Contractor - Samuel Hurst Seager

The Star, Issue 2856, 8 June 1877, Page 2
The Governor's Visit

The College Buildings.

The building which has just been opened is a most handsome one, and in every respect worthy of the body entrusted with the control of the Canterbury College in all its departments. It is of the Gothic order of architecture, built from plans drawn by Mr B. W. Mountfort, the contractor being Mr S. H. Seager (note 1), to whom very much credit is due for the great expedition he has used in putting up the building, seeing that he has completed it two months before the contract time. The amount of the tender was £6370, but the few "extras" required will bring the total sum up to something beyond that.

The first stone of the building was laid in June last, and the contractor had until the beginning of September next to finish it — so that in this respect he deserves very exceptional praise. And taking the building as a whole, it may also be said that be deserves very great praise in that respect also. The outer wall is built of "rubble," obtained from Mr Tait's quarry (note 2); and the facings, moulded strings, corbels, and cornices are all of white rock. The building has a frontage of 80 feet to Hereford street. The western portion recesses back some 15 feet, and has a depth of 23 feet.

The latter portion of the College contains a tower and main entrance, the latter being composed of an elliptical arch, supported on triple columns and foliated caps, the whole forming a very handsome appearance. It is surmounted by a concrete archway, having a span of 11 feet.

The entrance hall is very roomy, and is tiled with white and red tiles, from the local factory of Austin and Kirk (note 3). On one side of the hall is the registrar's room, on the other side the janitor's, each being 16ft by 14ft. The class room downstairs is 36ft by 22ft; it is lofty and well ventilated. In fact the entire building is ventilated by Sheringham and Dr Arnott's valves.

The ceiling of the lower classroom is of concrete arches supported on wrought springers. The gallery consists of eight tiers, and ia fitted for the reception of benches. This room is well lighted by eight Venetian windows. A very wide, lofty, and exceedingly handsome staircase, leading from both sides of the entrance hall, conducts the visitor to the upper storey, which contains five rooms. The largest of these, except the classroom, is the Governors'-room, which is 24 feet by 14 feet. It contains a large and comfortable looking fireplace, which, like all the others in the building, is composed of Reece's Kaipara stone.

The roof girders are supported by moulded brackets and handsome carved corbels. Adjacent to the Governors' is the waiting-room, from one corner of which there is a staircase leading to the tower. The interior of this is intended for the works of a clock, with which it is shortly proposed to fit the tower. After passing through two professors' rooms, which are of the same size as the registrar's room below, we find ourselves in a very spacious classroom of the same size as that below, only containing nine instead of eight tiers for the reception of benches. The ceiling of this room is coved and plastered with wrought beams, and moulded and swept brackets. The two class rooms, the entrance hall, and the staircase, are all lined with bricks and bands of white rock stone; the whole coloured and tuck pointed, and being surmounted by a course of moulded bricks and bold corners. There is an entrance for the students from the back of the building, and this entrance leads to the back of the class rooms. The entire building is roofed in with slates, and finished with ornamental ridging.

When completed the College will run back as far as the girls' high school, and there will be an eastern wing similar to the western one which now exists, which will give the building a very finished appearance. The additions will be made as funds permit, and when completed the College will contain four class rooms, &c. The building is a very handsome addition to the architecture of the city, and will, no doubt, be found to be of very great benefit for the purpose for which it is designed.

Photo above of B. W. Mountfort from The Weekly Press Jubilee Number 15 December 1900

Note 1. father of the architect Samuel Hurst Seager (1855-1933)

Note 2. Granite from Mr Tait's quarry was used for the plinth of St Paul's Church at the corner of Cashel and Madras Streets. The Star issue 2615, 11 August 1876, page 3.

Note 3. In 1886 Austin and Kirk became, with others, the New Zealand Brick, Tile and Pottery Company. The tiles were later replaced with English imports.

The Star, Issue 3463, 17 May 1879, Page 4
Canterbury College Additions

(By the Special Reporter of the Lyttelton Times.)

To-day the new wing of the Canterbury College will be completed, and deserted by the workmen, the painters for some little time past having had an undisturbed possession. The addition adds wonderfully to the appearance of the buildings, with which it is, of course, strictly in keeping, although in not a few of its details there has been a considerable departure from the design of the older portion of the College. The extra accommodation afforded will be a great relief to the professorial staff, who have of late been much hampered for want of an adequate number of rooms, and have had to keep their list of subjects in narrower limit a than was considered desirable. The new wing, which lies to the south of the main building, was commenced by the contractors, Messrs Greig and Hunter (note 1), about ten months ago, the amount of their contract being £4075. The contract time has been somewhat exceeded, but the delay is abundantly compensated for by the excellence of the workmanship, which, on the authority of Mr Ness (who acted as inspector of the work on behalf of the architect, Mr Mountford) (sic), we are enabled to state is thoroughly satisfactory in every particular. On the ground floor of the new wing, and immediately adjoining the older portion, is the library, a very line room, having a clear floor space of 28ft by 20ft, and lighted by an unusually handsome bay window, the width of which is 12ft. From floor to ceiling the height of the room is 17ft. To the left of the library is the lower class room, 31ft by 22ft, which is, we believe, to be used by the Rev C. Turrell. The room is arranged, with regard to the seating of the students, much after the manner of the Science lecture Theatre used by Professor Bickerton. From this room, access is gained by a spacious staircase, designed in the same manner as that in the entrance hall of the older building, to the upper floor. Here, next to the original building, and communicating therewith, is a professor's room, 20ft by 11ft, and a laboratory, 20ft by 16ft, these apartments being intended for the use of Dr. Powell. The laboratory is immediately over the library, and the bay window mentioned is carried up, enlarged on the upper storey by means of corbel projections. The upper floor also includes the upper class room, built over the one on the ground floor, of which it is a copy, with a slight additional floor space.



A novel effect has been obtained in some of the rooms, by glazing the upper portions of the windows with tinted glass, though it is probable that the general opinion of this effect will be that it is more curious than beautiful. In these places where the woodwork of the dados is much likely to be rubbed against, varnish has been dispensed with, and instead the woodwork has received an oil dressing. The woodwork throughout has a massive appearance, and is in point of fact very strongly constructed, the steps of the staircase, for example, being solid. The brickwork, very much of which is visible in the interior, is an excellent specimen of workmanship, and the whole of the stonework has been finished with the utmost care, not a bad joint or slipshod piece of dressing being anywhere perceptible. Externally, the new wing, as already intimated, is in keeping with the main building, and its design is decidedly effective.

note 1. Grieg and Hunter's other work included:
1879 - Boys' High School - tender price £8889 8s 6d
1880 - new Girls' High School - tender price £4567 8s 9d
1880 - Bridge over the Heathcote in Wilson's Road
1882 - The New Zealand Grain Agency Co. building High and Cashel Streets
1883 - Armagh Street Bridge
1884 - Building for Mr F. Hobbs in Cathedral Square - three storeys, nine shops, offices etc - £12,000
1885-6 - new building for Ballantyne and Co, Cashel Street. Three storey building in brick and stone, J. C. Maddison architect.
1886-88 - Magdalen Asylum, Lincoln Road
1886 - their tender for Sunnyside Asylum declined
1891 - Sunnyside Asylum, south main entrance block and new male day rooms - £3514

The Girls' High School later the School of Art

Architect - Thomas Cane
Builder - Daniel Reese

The Star, Issue 2620, 17 August 1876, Page 3

A special meeting of tho Board of Governors was held in the Public Library yesterday afternoon; present — His Lordship the Bishop (in the chair), Ven. Archdeacon Willock, Revs Chas. Fraser, and W. J. Habens, and Messrs (J. V. Colborne) Veel, Potts, (J. N.) Tosswill, (H. J.) Tancred, Hamilton, Webb, (J. W.) Fereday, and Dr Turnbull.


The following report of tho Committee was brought up and read by the Secretary :— " The Committee report receipt of telegrams from Mr Montgomery, stating that £2000 had been granted for the Girls' High School in addition to the former grant of £3000. A Sub-committee has been appointed to confer with the Provincial Architect, and arrange for new plans to harmonise with the College building.

Rev. W. J . Habens was a Congregational Minister .

The Star, Issue 2868, 12 June 1877, Page 3

It has long been felt that a class of education was required for girls in Canterbury that could only be obtained by the establishment of a Girls' High School such as that which at present exists in Dunedin, and the Board of Governors acted wisely in carrying out the opinions hold by them upon this subject. The building has now made satisfactory progress towards completion, an event which will probably take place in about two months.

above: The first Girl's High School building
The first school designed by Thomas Cane proved too small, so in 1879 William B. Armson drew up plans for a new school in Cranmer Square which opened in 1881. From 1882 it was the Canterbury College School of Art until 1957 when it become the first University Department to move to Ilam.

A few particulars, therefore, about the school at the present time may not be uninteresting. The building is designed in the style prevalent in France and England in the middle of the thirteenth century. The walls are built upon concrete foundations carried deep into the ground, as the site was found to be loose and treacherous. There is also in the basement a vault, formed to receive the boiler for heating the apparatus that will be used to keep the place warm in the winter time, particularly the class-rooms. The corridors and staircase are intended to be warmed by hot water in wrought iron high-pressure pipes. The other rooms, namely, the lady principal's and the professors' rooms, will have open fireplaces, as well as the apartments allotted to the custodians. Very great attention has been paid to the system of ventilation, which it is considered will be thorough and effectual. The walls are built of rubble stone from Tait's quarries, similar to that used in the construction of the Museum and College buildings. The dressings are of white stone obtained from the quarries of Mr D. Reese, at the Ram Paddock, Waipara. The stone is very dense, and of beautiful texture, allowing of the most delicate moulding and carving, and from the analysis furnished by Professor Bickerton, it is hoped it will be as lasting in future time as it is plentiful in the present. The entrance porch will be entirely of stone, with arched ceiling and elaborately wrought cornice, pinnacles, and arcaded parapet. The roofs will be crowned by a light spirelet of elegant design, and the ridge of the roofs will be surmounted by elaborate light iron foliated and traceried creating.

above: the School of Art with the 1893 addition to the left.and the Biological Laboratory to the right.

It is expected that the entire building will be finished and ready for occupation by the beginning of September, and seeing how well it is progressing there is every reason to believe that this desire will be accomplished. The site chosen is especially favourable to a well arranged building, and when the ultimate extensions are carried out, which will doubtless be required, this new school will certainly be one of the most striking of the many handsome buildings in the province of Canterbury, both for the picturesqueness of its arrangement and the delicate execution of its details, which have had the unremitting personal attention of the architect, Mr Thomas Cane. The builder is Mr Daniel Reese, and the Clerk of Works, Mr W. J. Drowett.

Proceeding now to give a few detail as to the size of the various rooms, &c, we will begin with the basement and the ground floor. The concrete footings and the foundations are three feet wide, and average 6ft deep from the ground line. The furnace-room is 9ft by 6ft 6in inside in the clear, and is 6ft high. This room goes to a depth of 9ft 3in under the ground line, and has concrete walls 2ft thick. The rubble walls to the bed of the base-course, are 2ft thick; above the base to the under side of the first floor joists they are 1ft 9in thick, and thence to the roof-plate they are 1ft 6in thick. On the ground floor are two class-rooms facing Antigua street, each in the clear 28ft by 22ft, and 14ft high from floor to ceiling. The hall is 10ft wide and 11ft high. The caretaker's room and the kitchen are each 13ft 6in by 10ft, while the Lady Principal's room is 13ft 6in by 13ft. The cloak room is 9ft by 6ft 6in.

above: Canterbury College and School of Art, Christchurch, NZ

All these rooms have a height of 11ft. The staircase is 4ft wide in the clear, and the porch 14ft by 6ft, floored with Minton's tiles, the ceiling above being white stone, arched. The walls of the porch are 1ft 6in thick. The windows looking from the class-rooms into Antigua street, from the bed of the sill to the top of the arch, are 10ft 6in by 7ft to the outside jambs, and are mullioned and transomed. The windows fronting Hereford Street are also mullioned, and are 8ft by 6ft.

The entire length of the building as it faces Antigua street is 57ft 3in, while the frontage to Hereford street is 56ft 6in. On the first floor there are two more class-rooms facing Antigua street, each 28ft 3in by 22ft 3in, and one fronting on Hereford street, 24ft 3in by 20ft 9in. There is also a professor's room, 14ft by 12ft 6in, and a cloak room, 14ft by 7ft 6in. All these rooms are very lofty, being 15 ft in the clear from floor to ceiling. The hall upstairs like the one below, is very spacious, being 10ft wide. The windows giving light to the upper part of the building are 11ft 6in high, by 6ft 6in in width. They are of the circular mullion order, with carved caps, and a traceried opening over. The entire height of the school from the ground line to the ridge is 43ft, the roof having a cresting 1ft 4in high. There is a turret which is 7ft in diameter at the intersection of the roofs, and 4ft 6in at the base of the columns. The height from the ridge to the top of the finial of the turret is 30ft, the total height of which is, from the ground line, 73ft. The contractor is deserving of great credit for the manner in which he is pushing the work forward; while to Mr Cane, the Architect, every praise is due for his very fine design, and the great attention he is paying to the building in order to ensure its being carried out correctly in every detail.

above: The second Girls' High School in Cranmer Square.
(Fifty Years' Progress in Canterbury 15 December 1900 page 52)

Thomas Cane was born in Brighton, Sussex in 1830 and died in Christchurch on the 16th March 1905.
Other work includes:
1876 - Lyttelton Time Ball Tower. Builders Messrs Brassington and Kennington.
1877 - Re-building portions of the Printing Office of the Lyttelton Times and alterations to portion of the remaining building.
1877 - new school at the Scotsburn district.
Junitor's house at Timaru Public School.
1877 - Rangitata Island School.
1877 - Schoolmaster's house at Timaru.
1878 - Master's House and dormitories at Christ's College.
1878 - the nave of the Winchester Church - in wood..
1878 - School and Master's house etc at Hunter, Upper Makikihi
1878 - Temuka Parsonage.
1882 - Caversham Hotel, corner of Madras Street and Ferry Road - French Renaissance.
1888 - Ice Rink for Mr. R. H. Donnolly with frontages on Armagh and Gloucester Streets. Opposite the Treatre Royal. Contractor Mr Dan Reese.
1900 - St Martin's Church at Duntroon - Gothic

Drowning at Sumner.

Drowning at Sumner.

Yesterday the only surviving eon of Mr J. Colborne-Veel, Secretary to the North Canterbury Board of Education, was accidentally drowned at Sumner. The deceased, who was about fourteen years of age, was about noon strolling along the beach in company with Master Frank Hart, aged about eleven years, son of Mr George Hart, of the Press. The two boys got into a punt which was tied up at Burns' jetty, and after some minutes the rope fastening the pant became undone. The tide was running out with great strength, and the punt having drifted from the shore was carried into the stream.

In the boat were one oar and half a paddle. Master Veel tried to scull the boat in, but unfortunately dropped the oar overboard. He wished Hart to jump in and recover it, but Hart, fortunately for himself, had not sufficient confidence is his swimming powers. The deceased then endeavoured to make shift with the half paddle, but his efforts only resulted in the punt getting athwart the stream with imminent danger of being capsized.

The deceased then sprang out with the intention of swimming ashore, where he might give the alarm, but was unable to hold his own against the tide.

Young Hart, seeing him sink, whistled for Mr Milner's black dog, which was on the beach, and the intelligent creature seemed at once to understand what was required. Swimming out to where deceased had sunk, it caught hold of him, and being unable thus to save him, seized his coat collar. The weight of the body and the strength of the stream were too much for it, and after being dragged beneath the surface for a foot or two it was compelled to let go its hold.

Deceased was seen to rise to the surface several times before finally sinking. Subsequently Mr Monck saw the punt with young Hart in it drifting along rapidly near Shag Bock, and taking his boat rowed out and rescued the boy.

Deceased's body was found about 2 o'clock by Mr Joseph Day; it had been carried about three hundred yards from where the accident happened. The body was removed to Mr Tool's residence at Sumner, where an inquest will be held.

Star , Issue 4627, 26 February 1883, Page 3

The Boys' High School

Architect: William Barnett Armson (1834-1883)
Builder: Greig and Hunter

The Star, Issue 3093, 4 March 1878, Page 3

A meeting of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College was held at eleven o'clock on Friday morning ... A contract for levelling the site of the Boys' High School had been entered into, and the cottage on the site had been sold.

The Committee had appointed Mr Armson as the architect, who had prepared sketch plans of the proposed building, and these would be submitted for the consideration of the Board.

The Star, Issue 3463, 17 May 1879, Page 4

It was intimated in our columns a short time since that the work of building the Boys' High School in connection with the Canterbury College had been commenced. The contractors for the new wing of the College, Messrs Greig and Hunter, have also undertaken this large work, their contract price being £8889. Operations were commenced on April 2 by sinking the trenches for the foundation, which in this case have to be carried down to the shingle, a depth below the floor line of 8ft 6in. Upon the shingle, a footing of concrete, 18in thick, was laid, and upon this the rubble stone walls were commenced. These have now been brought to the general surface of the ground over the whole block, which is 80ft by 70ft, and it is anticipated that the building will be completed within 15 months.

above: The Boys' High School, Christchurch.
(Fifty Years' Progress in Canterbury 15 December 1900, page 52)

The architect for the Boys' High School is Mr Armson, and from the plans prepared by that gentleman, a thoroughly comprehensive idea of the building can be obtained. Commencing with the ground floor, in the centre of the Worcester street frontage is a porch, 20ft by 7ft., the building being recessed to this extent. Within the porch is a spacious hall, 34ft. 6in. by 20ft., and beyond is a lavatory, 16ft by 13ft (?), and the lobby of the rear entrance, 12ft. 6in. by 6ft. On the right of the main entrance is room No. 1, 30 ft by 25ft., and room No. 2, at the rear, has the same dimensions. On the left of the entrance is a master's room, 16ft by 16ft.; room No. 3, 25ft by 20ft., and the refectory, 19ft by 16ft. At one corner of the master's room is an octagonal projection, forming the base of the turret which — with its white stone spire — will be one of the distinctive features of the building. Its height from the ground will be 57 feet. A winding staircase within the turret forms one means of access to the upper storey. Beneath the lavatory mentioned as being placed at the rear of the entrance hall, will be a boiler house, 15 by 13 feet, which will be reached by a flight of steps from within the building.

above - The Boys' High School about 1905.
(Gordon & Gotch Ltd)

The arrangements of the upper floor includes a spacious landing and a magnificent room for students, 60ft by 26 feet, this apartment being along the end of the building to the right of the main entrance. There is also Room No. 6, 26ft by 20 feet, and another master's room (over the lower one) 17ft by 16 feet.

In designing the building Mr Armson has employed the Gothic order of architecture, and there can be no hesitation in asserting that the finished building will be an ornament to this city. In one instance, a large oriel window has been introduced to make a break in the outline, and one or two recessed portions will serve a like purpose, as will the buttresses which are placed here and there. The walls will be in ashlar rubble stone work (like the Canterbury College) with dressing of white stone, so that there will be a certain harmony between the Boys' High School and the educational buildings already existing in the neighbourhood. It may be mentioned that above some of the Gothic windows there are pretty rose windows introduced, and that in various ways the details of the stone-work have been enriched. This is particularly noticeable at the main entrance, where the pillared porch is admirably treated. In the entrance hall, again, a fine effect is attained by the introduction of a staircase of really elaborate design, and this the contractors believe will appear still richer in the finished work. The ventilating ducts of the building will be led to a central position in the roof, which will be crowned with a spire or ventilating turret, rising to a height of 76 feet from the ground line. Mr W. Ness is acting as inspector of works on behalf of the architect.

The Star, Issue 3536, 11 August 1879, Page 3

The building in Worcester street west, which is to form the Boys' High School, has been very rapidly proceeded with since the description of the plans appeared in these columns. Upon the massive foundations of concrete and rubble, work, the walls, both external and internal, have been carried to a general height of about 10 feet above the floor level, or 13 feet 6 inches above the ground line.

The flues for the transmission of hot air throughout the building are being built into the masonry as the work proceeds, wood being used in preference to metal, as less liable to expansion. The circular staircase of the tower is also being carried up simultaneously with the walls, the characteristic feature of the whole work being its great solidity.

The Great Hall

Architect - Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort
Contractor - England and Martin

The Star, Issue 4090, 31 May 1881, Page 2

Canterbury College.— The tender of Messrs England and Martin has been accepted for the erection of the College hall and staircase turret. The cost is to be £6290.

above: a popular prospective of the Great Hall and Canterbury College.


The Star, Issue 4105, 17 June 1881, Page 3

The concrete foundations for the additions to the buildings of the Canterbury College, are now being laid by Mr Finlay, the contractor for that portion of the work. These foundations, which are rapidly approaching completion, are of a very massive description, and vary in depth from 8ft to 10ft. The excavations for all parts of the work have been carried down to the shingle, so as to secure a firm resting place for the structure. The foundations for the whole of the proposed additions are in course of being laid, but only a portion of the new building — the large hall — is to be erected at present. The contractors for the hall are Messrs England and Martin; and the designs for the whole of the additions were prepared by Mr W. B. Mountfort.

The hall, which is to be placed at the western end of the present buildings, will be constructed of grey stone with white stone facings. From the drawings it appears that the style will be similar to that of the existing edifice, though of a somewhat more ornate character. The hall is 80 feet long by 35 feet wide, the interior height being 43 feet from the floor to the centre of the arched ceiling. The west elevation is pierced with six three light windows, separated by ornamental buttresses.

At the south-west corner of the building is shown a handsome turret, 76 feet in height, with a slated roof. This turret is intended to contain a staircase which, when the whole of the additions are completed, is to give access to a lecture-room situated to the south of the hall.

At the north end of the hall is a handsome five-light window, with ornamental stone mullions; and it may be here observed that the whole of the windows have similar mullions. They are to be filled in with lead lights, glazed with rough-rolled cathedral glass in two tints. The hall will be entered from the quadrangle at the back of the present buildings, through a handsome porch placed on the east side.

The roof will be covered with Duchess slates, surmounted by a ridging of glazed tiles, along which ornamental louvres will be placed at intervals. The details provide for seven large double principals of 10 by 4 red pine timber, the side posts supporting these being carried by 4in curved braces. The interior of the hall is surrounded with a varnished dado, about three feet in height, above which runs a belt of ornamental brickwork about two feet in width. Above this band, the wall space is of ashlar work of white stone, surmounted, at the junction of the walls and ceiling, with a carved white stone cornice. A handsome fireplace, of cut stone, furnished with a carved bracket and recess, is provided for on the east side of the hall. The design for the ceiling presents a most effective appearance. Above the braces supporting the side posts, a large moulded cornice runs round the whole room, and above this is an upright panelling, formed of alternate white pine and rimu V-jointed boards placed diagonally. From the top of this panelling springs a circular ceiling, finished in ridged panels of rimu and white pine, somewhat after the style of the ceiling of the Provincial Council Chamber. The woodwork, when oiled and varnished, is expected to have a really good effect.

The ventilation of the hall has been carefully attended to. The inlets for fresh air are arranged below the sills of the windows. Above the curved braces of the roof-principals, and behind the upright panelling before mentioned, are to be placed ornamental ventilating coffers, two in each bay, constructed of rimu and white pine boards. A large ventilating trunk 16 inches square, is to run throughout the whole length of the building between the ceiling and the rafters, the inlet to this being a lozenge-shaped aperture above the north window, and the outlet by a flue leading up to the finial of the south gable.

The additions not included in Messrs England and Martin's contract, but for which the foundations are now being laid, comprise a professor's room and robing room on the ground floor, and a lecture room in the upper storey, to which, as before mentioned, access will be secured by means of the staircase turret to be erected at the end of the large hall.

The Star, Issue 4461, 11 August 1882, Page 3

The additions which have for many months past been in course of erection at the west end of the Canterbury College buildings, are on the point of completion, and the College may be congratulated on possessing a hall second to none in the Colony.

A description of the work, from the architect's plans, appeared in these columns shortly after the laying of the foundation, so that lengthy comment upon it is superfluous. It is only needful to say that the design then set forth has been carried out in the most satisfactory manner, and to notice one or two matters of detail of which a better idea can be formed from an inspection of the finished structure than from scanning a set of plans.

The exterior of the hall is, as was stated in our previous description, similar in design to the older portions of the building. It is fairly imposing, and neither overloaded with ornamentation, nor too severe and plain. One small matter deserves notice. The ridge tiles of the roof, which were found admirably suited to their purpose, are of Canterbury manufacture, having been made by Messrs Condliffe and Co., of Whitecliffs.

The interior of the building has not the splendour of the Provincial Council Chamber, hitherto used for the purpose for which the hall was erected. Its appearance is, however, decidedly effective, though in quite a different way, and to some tastes is, no doubt, more pleasing, owing to the presence of light and subdued tints in lieu of gay colours and strong contrasts.

The hall is a lofty one, the height from floor to ceiling being 48ft. It may be here stated that the length is 80ft, and the width 38ft. At the southern end is a stage, 38ft wide by 11ft in depth. Above the stage is a gallery, partially recessed, and measuring 20ft in width, by 9ft deep. One of the most effective features of the room is the dado, 8ft 6in in height, formed of upright panelling of various native woods, and topped with a lozenge-pattern border of the same. The course of sunken panels above the dado, showing the bare brick lining of the wall, does not as yet present a very sightly appearance. This will be remedied in time, however. The panels are intended to receive tablets commemorative of those persons connected with the college, who may be deemed worthy, from various reasons, to have, if not a niche in the Temple of Fame, at least a memorial on the walls of the College Hall.

On the piers between the windows on the western side, and at corresponding intervals on the opposite wall, are placed brackets, each with a sunken panel, or shield, beneath, and a little carved niche, or canopy above. These are intended for the reception of statuettes of the various philosophers and sages of all past time. They will be filled up, it is to be presumed, by the generosity of those friends of the college who may be desirous of at once honouring the memory of some great man, and adorning the walls of the hall.

The wall above the dado is of white stone, surmounted by a handsome carved course. The ceiling, of different sorts of native wood, presents a most effective appearance. The central portion is segmental shaped, and the panelling is disposed on a plan similar to that of the Provincial Council Chamber.

The large windows, of cathedral glass, were, it may be noted, put together in Christchurch by Messrs Taylor and Oakley, from the designs of the architect, Mr Mountfort.

Ventilation has been well provided for. Beneath each window are apertures to admit the fresh air, while that which has become vitiated is carried off by means of a large trunk passing longitudinally through the roof, and connected with flues communicating with the hall. The turret at the south-west corner of the building contains a winding staircase of stone, giving access to the gallery at the end of the room.

The designs for the building were prepared by Mr W. B. Mountfort, and the contractors for erection were Messrs England and Martin, the stonework having been sub-let by them to Messrs Findlay and Kitchin. The whole was done under the direction of Mr Anthony, Clerk of Works.