proceedings of section h. 565 



Comparisons. 



With all these physical advantages, with our means of educa- 

 tion and training, and with our comparatively well-to-do though 

 somewhat uncultured community to exploit, how does our work 

 compare with that of the older, more populous, and more wealthy 

 countries of the world ? It would be ignorance, self-esteem, and 

 perhaps Australian " blow," to claim superiority or even equality 

 in these things. All modern developments in architecture had 

 their source in the Grecian or the Gothic. We may evolve, but 

 we cannot originate; the genius to do this is non-existent, or, if 

 it does exist, it is silent; while in the older countries association 

 with the great masterpieces of these styles, the command of 

 ample funds, and the artistic instincts of the peoples, have all 

 encouraged and stimulated the architect to produce the modern 

 triumph. We here cannot boast of the same advantages, nor... 

 I think, can we reasonably claim quite the same results. 



Still, we have no need to be discouraged; the unsightly 

 structures and failures of our comparative past are more easily 

 and quickly replaced than elsewhere by something better; the 

 public is being educated, and the architect is receiving distinctly 

 more encouragement to work in the higher levels of his art. 

 Good training for the student, high ideals by the architect, and 

 generous encouragement by the client and by the Legislature will 

 sooner or later enable us to take a recognised position of equality 

 in the world of science and art. 



I expect to be charged with discursiveness in this address, and 

 I plead guilty to travelling over so wide a range of subjects; but 

 they are all intimately associated with our twin professions. I 

 have touched on matters of a controversial character, and on 

 which differences of opinion must exist, and should exist, if our 

 interests are to be fought for and secured, and it surely is worth 

 our while to deal with these with the prospects before us. Our 

 present disabilities must in course of time be dealt with, as the 

 importance of obtaining the highest skill becomes necessary. The 

 opportunity to rise, to do, to create, is here. Let us not lack 

 endeavour, but take inspiration from the assured glorious future 

 of Austi'alasia. 



