THE RECENT FIRE AT MELBOURNE. 995 
As it took all those centuries to arrive at the most logical use 
of stone, it can hardly be expected that an immediate solution be 
reached for the successful treatment, zesthetically, of materials 
which, if truthfully used, would -upset all the traditional and 
much reverenced laws of proportion and beauty of detail. 
Mr. Ruskin, in treating upon the question, says “ that if iron 
and steel are to be used largely in building work, it means that 
new laws of proportion and detail must be invented to meet the 
case.” 
It may be predicted that a true metal treatment in architec- 
ture will be characterised by lightness and expression of sinewy 
strength, in place of the mass and repose of the styles of the past. 
The unsatisfactoriness of the present methods of treatment 
results from the concealment of the construction, producing an 
effect of lightness without strength. 
While for many reasons, including risk from fire, some cover- 
ing of the essential construction is unavoidable, this does not 
necessitate that such covering should be a fraudulent imitation of 
other material. 
(Reference to cases where metallic construction may be exposed 
and treated ornamentally in accordance with their character, and 
reference to iron roofs.) 
In the subordinate use of iron and steel construction in sub- 
sidiary portions of a building, such as staircases, lift framing, 
shutter frames, &c., where covering is non-essential, the problem 
is simpler, and there are already illustrations of its solution, as 
in the Equitable Insurance Building in Sydney, where artistic 
treatment is combined with truthfulness. 
In conclusion, it is safe to predict that iron and steel will be 
used more and more in the future, and architects must face the 
question of a treatment that shall be truthful and artistic as 
well as constructional. 
No. 9.—NOTES ON THE RECENT FIRE AT 
MELBOURNE. 
By Joun Sutmay, F.R.I.B.A. 
(Read Tuesday, 11 January, 1898 ) 
Passive through Melbourne a few days after the occurrence of the 
recent fire, I took the opportunity of carefully examining the 
ruins and gaining further information by seeing some of those 
interested in the properties. Soon afterwards my partner, Mr. 
Power, was in Melbourne, and he also made a careful inspection 
and in addition interviewed Mr. Stein the Chief Officer of the 
