The Express.
London, England, 1867-02-09 00:00:00

[STAMPED, ld. ADDITIONAL]

THE DESIGNS FOR THE NEW LAW COURTS.

The designs for the Great Hall ofJustice, which
is to become the most important public building of
the metropolis in the vast thoroughfare of the'
Strand, and will occupy a frontage extending from'
the church of St. Clement Danes to Temple-bar,
are now completed, and exhibited to the public, .
under certain restrictions, at the temporary build-1
ing for the purpose in Lincoln's-inn-squam. The
competing architects are Mr. G. Gilbert Scott, I
R. A. ; Mr. E. M. Barry, A.R.A. ; Mr. G. E.
Street, A.R.A., F.S.A. ; Mr. A. Waterhouse, Mr.
R. Brandon, Mr. T. R. Deane, Mr. William ,
Burges, Mr. H. F. Lockwood, Mr. J. P. Seddon,
Mr. H. B. Curling, and Mr. H. R. Abraham. Mr.
Gibson was invited to contribute, but retired, not
being able to complete a design. There are, there-
fore, eleven seta of designs exhibited, to each of
which is allotted a distinct section of the little
gallery, so that every architect has his own plat-
form, and divines of his plans and drawings to'
the best advantage, some having had large models
executed, and some models of the interior, showing
the arrangement proposed for the courts, which
much facilitate the understanding of the plans.
Mr. Gilbert Scott loads the exhibition with a
grand design in mediaeval style, which, to use the
eminent architect's own words, " redeveloped and
modified at all points, to meet the demands of the
age, exactly symbolises the English law." Practi-
cally he thinks it affords everthing, and this in the
best way, and in considering his work he tells us
he left the architectural treatment for four months
after he had planned his building to be considered ,
as a subordinate part of the design. We are unable
to see, however, why this should be in a work which 1
has such important relations /esthetically, and in
looking at Mr. Scott's drawing of the whole build-
ing, it appears to us that he has sacrificed too much
to the utilitarian view. His building is composed
in three divisions as it were—a central and princi-
pal mass, upon which he lavishes all his resources,
with a projecting portico, and deep arcades lined
with statues, two octagonal towers with open-
worked turrets and spires, and a central dome. At
each flank, so to speak, of this mass, and separated
by a street at each end, come subordinate piles of
building, that at the east end being disfigured by
a long row of chimneys. The interior is very
grandly designed, especially the domed hall, the
ceiling of .which would be painted in fresco, and
the sides ornamented with bas-reliefs. We must
confess to some disappointment in Mr. Scott's de-
sign, as far as its outward appearance is concerned ;
it wants dignity and impressiveness, even in the
most important part, the central mass, which,
though hnely ornamented, and in excellent pro-
portion of detail, is weak at the towers, which are
somewhat trivial and over ornate.

he would make use of ornamental metal work to a
large extent ; and this, we fear, would give a
certain triviality incompatible with the purpose of
the building.

Mr. T. N. Deane's design appears to meet all the
practical requirements of the Commission, but to
our unprofessional eye it wants the ornamental as
well as the useful.

It would be impossible for us to enter into the
discussion of the respective merits of the compe-
titors as to the distribution of the space,
and the various contrivances for sub-ways
and other communications witli the immense
building. The very complete drawings exhibited
by all prove how much attention has been given
by the architects to this part of their designs. As
to the cost of this vast national building, the sum
was, we believe, left within certain limits to the
architects, and none have exceeded a million and
a half, while some have estimated the cost of their
designs at a little more than a million. The sum
I named to parliament was 750,0001.

The following gentlemen are the judges of de-
signs :—The Right Hon. W. Cowper, M.P. ; the
Right Hon. W. Gladstone,M.P.. the Right Hoa.
SirAlexanderCockburn, Bart. (Lord Chief Justice),
Sir Roundel' Palmer, M.P., and Sir W. Stirling
Maxwell Stirling, M.P.

THE CASE OP POLICE PERJURY IN ST.

1.-A-leiiAi.

Last night a numerously attended public meeting
was held in the Vestry-hall, King's-road, St. Pancras, for
the purpose of laying before the ratepayers of the Isaiah
a full statement of the facts connected wi,h the charge of
perjury against the policemen at Camden-town, and ap-
pointing a deputation to wait upon the Home Secretary in
reference to it. Mr. J. Slack presided. Letters were read
from Mr. Harvey Lewis, M.P., and Mr. Thomas Chambers,
M.P., the members for the borough, the fonner stating
his inability to be present, in consequence of attendance
Ito parliamentary duties, and the latter declining to take
part in the proceedings, on the ground of his being a judge
of the Cenind Criminal Court. It will be remembered
that in August last two lads were arrested by two police-
men' named Hayes and Barry, on the charge of having
committed aburglszyin Gloucester-crescent, Regent's-park.
A gentleman named Ivory, who was acquainted with the
antecedents of one of the youths, discovered on inquiry
that although the alleged culprits were out late on the
night on which the burglary was said to have been corn-
nutted they had not been in Gloucestererescent, and
that their arrest had not been effected in that place, as
asserted land sworn to by the police, but in Eversholt-
street, some hundreds of yards distant. Legal proceedings
of a protracted character subsequently took place at the
Marylebone police court and the Central Criminal Court,
resulting in the acquittal of the youths and in the con-
viction for perjury of one of the policemen (Hayes); but as
evidence, which, it was said, would implicate both men in
• charge of conspiracy was forthcoming, the case was re-
ferred to the jurisdiction of the Court of Queen's Bench.
Mr. Ivory, who took the case of the lads in hand—that of
the police being undertaken by the government—incurred
heavy expense, and one of the objects of the meeting of
last evening was to reimburse him for his expenditure.
Mr. Ivory entered into a detailed statement of the facts
connected with the arrest and subsequent acquittal of the
youths, after which Mr. Beal proposed the following reso-
lution, which was seconded by Mr. J. A. Nicholay, and
agreed to unanimon•ly:—" That.this meeting much regrets
that the government has declined to undertake the further
prosecution of the policemen Hayes and Barry, more parti-
cularly as the expense of their defence at the Central
Criminal Court has been ilefr..yed from the police rates,
and resolves that a deputation be appointed to wait
upon the Home Secretary to endeavour to induce
him to reconsider his decision." Other resolutions
thanking Mr. Ivory for the generous manner in which he
took the whole expense of the case upon himself, and
appointing a committee to collect subscriptions to in-
demnify him for the amount of his expenditure, as well
as appointing a deputation to wait upon the Home Secre-
tary, were adopted. The proceedings terminated at a Mt,
hour.

Mr. Abraham's design is of the severer Italian
Gothic, without too much ornamental detail, a
central-domed tower, and a lofty tower, at an angle
with several minor towers, surmounted by quad-
rangular spires at varying distances around the
building. The general effect of the building is
good, some allowance being made for the tower
which seems unnecessarily high, and on the whole
the architect has made a bold and successful effort
to realise his intention, to show the high estima-
tion of the laws of the land by enlightened and
refined Englishmen of the nineteenth century.
We remark a certain Oriental look about this
design which is not quite agreeable.
Mr. Waterhouse's building is, again, in the
Gothic style, the prominent features being two very
lofty, and what we should call, truncated towers,
rising from each side of the general mass ; there
are also two other lofty towers and a clock tower, so
that the general appearance presents rather too
much of towers, and the high Flemish roofs. It
should be understood with regard to the somewhat birds provided by the Crystal Palace Company com
The annual exhibition of British and foreign
profuse employment of towers, that the inatruc- melbas to-day, and lasts till Friday.
It is one of the best
tions required certain towers to be provided as exhibitions of the kind perhaps ever witnessed, and must
the best and safest depositories for records ; two attract not only the large bird-fancier population of the
principal towers, we believe, were mentioned ex- metropolis, but numerous
other persona, interested in the
Keenly, one for the safe keeping offor he copies of wills. The other towers would passible
wills, the other science of ornithology. As the recent fire rendering it im-
ible to hold the show in the tropical department, as
be used for keeping the many important public in Previous years, the terrace dining-rooms have been
documents. We should add in reference to Mr. turned into a temporary aviary. They answer the purpose
Waterhouse's design, that it implies the removal admirably, giving light and air to the feathered occupants,
of tit. Clement Danes' Church, as well as Temple- and plenty of spice to the visitors. There are 1,100
bar. This last-named monumentof old London, and birds caged in the room, more than one half being of the
of the art of Sir Christopher Wren, we are sorry to canary class It would not perhaps be too much to say
say, appears to be doomed, at least to removal, that a more valuable collection of these pet birds was
though we hope not to destruction or to any dark never before seen.
limbo. Mr. Scott intercedes for it while proposing The Winter Evening Meeting of the House of
his new bridge across the Strand to the Temple, Charity,Sobarequare, was held on Thunalayevening. Divine
and Mr. Waterhouse proposes to place it across the service having been performed iu the beautiful chapel at-
new aide street that will lead down to the new Whed
*l' thi-eethlrbe,the company assembled in the council-
' wg
ofe thee ieteis'iltutto:fluireinen rive
it.bree:iloue e.yseafar the
boulevard on the banks of the Thames, which row"'
would be a very proper way out of the difficulty. most interesting of which were those connected with' the
Mr. E. M. Barry has designed a very richly cholera outbreak in time east of London. Notwithstanding
:nut' thel iO4,l)Clirl, le in thtehenumbeurnotaf ;fivialttinocns to be ornamented Gothic pile, with centre dome, Bur. the great pressure on the funds of the institution, by ma-
rounded with pinnacles and a lofty clock-tower.
ad-
The view of this building from the Strand is ex- out any debt upon the charity beyond i• that on the builosed tlitugh-
tremely imposing, and the architect has shown (2,30 W.) which was decreasing annually. Amongst the
more resource and sense of refinement than we company present were observed the Countem of Fife, Cap.
have generally remarked. tain Hon. A. Hay Drummond, R.N., and Mrs. Drummond,
Adniiral Ryder, Admiral C. Raabe and Mrs. Hamilton,
Mr. Street is even a more determined advocate
Mrs. Malcolm and Miss Gladstone Mr. and Hon. Mrs. J
of Gothic than in his National Gallery designs!, D. Chambers, Mr. J. la Mend, M.P.'', Mr. J. G. liathlu'ral;
and we regret to say that he fails to convince us of M.P., Le. A collection was amide at the meeting of 131.
its applicability in this particular form at least The committee of her Majesty's Commissioners
which he prefers. for the selection anal appointment of British jurors, area-
Mr. Brandon's design has a central hall, stir- date jurors, and delegates met retenlay in the Sheep•
mounted by an elegant spire, the interior of which shank.; Geller, of the South Keteington Museum. The
would resemble the nave of Westminster Abbey. following noblemen and gentlemen were present : His
It has a lofty clock-tower, at an angle standing Grace the Lranville ord Presidiscntatheilllielavitiisituf ittlinclr, K..Gry.,
separate from the building, and near the covered Corry, M.P., the highs Hen. H. A. Bruce, 111. P., the
bridge, which all the designs have, leading into Hon. and Rev... Best, Mr. Warrington Smyth, M.A.,
the Temple. Mr. Cole, C.B. (the secretary to her Majesty's Com-
Mr. Burgas has contributed by far the moat ,ntiasionerti)
t, and Captain Donelly, K.F. (secretary to
beautiful set of drawings to the exhibition, and his c.`":, ),,,,
ialuts:datit,enale:dr.
..,,t . nateetit&oufutiosnueb-r,
committee a
design makes • really magnificent building in the for the representationPl
oyf the Hisl'o'rvY:f Labour rat the
Italian gothic castellated style, with the towers exhibition was also held yesterday in tla Raphael Gallery,
machicolated and turretted. The idea suggested South Kensington Museum. The following noblemen and
b' such a building is " defence," which, though I gentlemen were present :—The le arl of Cmlogan en the
highly necessary in "Doe v. Roe," is by no meatus; vair.),Asthhole.rof ,Viarvictlkethi,ii..ll)lt7eitect.. Curren, the
in accordance with the calm attitude of the spirit! ybooing. Ashley
of law and justice. Mr. Burger has undoubtedly 1.1. C. Robinson, and Mr.
Itev.Ynr. Rod: `Mr. J. H. Pollen, Mr.
8. Reafgrave (secretary of the
distinguished himself in the competition, and done I sub-committee). Mr. Cole, CB., was also present.
enough to convince us that we ought to be guided I Osamtsz, FEB. 'l.—The Queen was this day
in these undertakings a good deal by the capability I pleased to confer the honour of Leiehthood upon Richard
a man may display, although his design may be Mains, EN., a Vice-Chancellor.- Gaattr.
unsuitable. THE VICTBRIA CROBS.—WAR-OFFICE, FEB. B.
Mr. Garling contributes two designs similar, but , The Queen has been graciously plenuel, by an instru-
different in some important respects, and to our 3ient under her 71 sign ratnuall‘ bejarg alateSitleleltiocf
taste his alternative design, omitting the two 10ruap,.,,,, ,2 „,:ytZe"reelerrt,',l oti,' '3/..i'ornrclarles iirei,ey:
Oriental-looking domes at the west end, is by far Auckland Militia, for his gall:am ,„.,,eurr at the seiemiar
the best. It should be called Italian riMaissance on the bunks of the Mangapiko River, iu New Zealand,
dier of the oth Regiment, who had fallen into a hollow
in style, though the three light windows are pointed on the lltl, of relsiE.ry, 144. ia a...ist.a:t. a sourish "M-
-end have something of the character of gothic. The '
among the thickest of the concealed Worms. I% Mist
facade, in its long repetition of similar parts in
doing so he became the target for mm vulky at a few feet
the windows, and brackets under the cornice, with distant. Five balls pierced his clothes nml saes, and he
the massive basement and buttresses below, cur- i was wounded in three places. Altluang, hurt, he coati-
Heavily was at the t' . • in charge of a party of soldiers of
mountexl by statues, has much of the sober beauty • nue.' to aid the wounded. until the ami ul the day. Major
indispensable to a grand building. The towers;
introduced at good intervals, and at the angles, j t
-Colonel Sir Henry Marahmen Havelock, Bart, 1'.11.,
the 40th anal aOth Regiment., under the onlers of Lietate-
are not ao ambitious looking as in some of the ' er.c..
designs, and altogether the building is impressive the senior racer en the epot, who hail moved
I rapidly down to the place, wheie the boor. were hotly en-
and at the same time handsome and in good taste. I gaged and Pres.-Q.
Mr. Carling dispenses with the central hall, and' SHREWSBURY Sa afoot.. —The four candidates for
adopts the corridor as a great means of inter-lthe regius piofessorship of Greek. le '..if la is now vacant at
communication; the recesses in his corridor, he; Cambridge,h
,were e.lp: ited
arebt StL. eel...hairy Selma. The
tars get
ite. :,. gentlemen
~Z . .0.. 11. H. Kennedy,
thinks, would afford convenient places for loungers ' diem, M. .. the Rev. h. M. Cope,
or those engaged in the business of the Courts.
The roof of the towers in both these designs is the METROPOLITAN BoARD .01, WORKS.—The weekly
!M.A.., and the Rec. A. Holmes, M.A.
meeting of this board was held year. nley, Si,- Jobe
sharply pitched roof of the French buildings,
which is now somewhat in vogue amongst our ITtiwaites in the chair. The report film the Finance Como-
I, for peorfmiardon.
wtoorkbo..zowb the suns
Ise
his architects ; but nothing can make it English, and ' mittee, adjourned from the Ist inst., was regain considered.
r p se
•
it is not suited to any civic structure in our towns. i The committee recommend that the aapplic.ation of the
pritiPcipal to brreivinetal by equnitanenual in.tal-
Mr. Seddon has bestowed immense pains upon !!,;lingim. for the
his design, which is Gothic ; he has furnished aI '
meats within
the
within a period of twelve years, anal the rate of in-
per rent.
tlarhrlargmzliteldoraf
~11.. the whinolethbeueilxdwinbgi,tir
oesnetrewopre-of 1
tercet
not
to
exceed
5
per annum. It was sag-
estenated front twelve to twenty years, end with this
senting the grand suitors' hall he proposes, and gated that the period fur repaying the money should be
awhiwchholew,oulhodwMevrtainier, tn. The meeting wu,
wyebe6nadvetrhais• fine
im immense pile
_ii_teb.zitrii:itemrxe
1z
,greed
I ''" . Tor the purpose of consaderatir,
building wants unity and compactness. the report Of the N'Ohs r';.id General le:reface Committee,
Mr. Lockwood proposes a quadrangular build- with reference to the salaries and classification of the sub•
ing with very lofty centre spire. In his interior ordinate offline, of the baud.