67 
cement concrete, vintoid, or red earthenware squares. There should, 
if possible, be a broom-cupboard, or otherwise suitable pegs. 
The other rooms would be designed to suit the individual tastes 
of the owner, and it is not possible to deal with them in ertenso 
in this paper. I think, however, that economy of labour, and sim- 
plicity of design should govern the general rooms. For small rooms 
it is not necessary to have them as lofty as the larger ones; 10 feet, 
•or even nine feet, would often be sufficient height. The position of 
doors and windows and fireplaces should be carefully studied with 
an eye to the emplacing of furniture. Windows should extend 
as far down to floor and up to the ceiling as possible. The air above 
window openings is more or less stagnant. The style of window 
should he varied to suit the rooms. A simpler treatment of wood- 
work should he adopted; the prevalent moulded architraves, skirt- 
ings, and cornices could more fitly be plain to avoid harbouring 
dust and to look less vulgar than many T have seen. The centre- 
flower in the ceiling, and the coved cornice, might well be dispensed 
with. The modern way of treating the ceiling and deep frieze in 
continuation to the picture rail is a good and pleasing practice. 
The treatment of the Avails can be simple or more elaborate, all ac- 
cording to taste and fitness. 
In a. wooden house, the walls and ceilings, instead of being plas- 
tered, might be of Australian timber boarding, divided into panels 
by plain strips if funds will permit. Where plastered or boarded 
the ceiling might also display the ceiling joists with good effect. 
The trade size of doors is of unpleasant proportions, the metre 
unit gives a better appearance. The four panels have also had a 
long run; let us have something fresh. On the continent of Europe 
doors very often have curved heads and look well. Folding or 
sliding doors are often more convenient than doors in one leaf for 
large rooms. Bedroom doors should liaA^e opening fanlights. 
The fixed lavatory with water laid on is, to my mind, a good 
innovation for bedrooms, as the principal washing is done in the 
bath-room. With a neat tiled back it could be made a pleasing fea- 
ture in a room, and save labour. 
In houses Avith a drainage system there should be a slop sink 
in proper closet. 
The dining room should have near communication with the kit- 
chen. One should not have to pass the front door nor walk a 30ft. 
passage to bring in meals. 
Although many people have another opinion, I hold that a 
visitor should he able to go into the dining or drawing rooms without 
passing a bedroom door, and I know no good reason for placing the 
principal bedroom in the front of the house, unless it is for the 
OAvner to be handy to attack an intruding burglar, avIio, by the way 
seldom enters by the front door. 
