Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2021L01306:reg:30:p2
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2021L01306
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 30 (pt 2/2)
Character Range: 67273–68922

Because the FCC had indicated to the government that it could not even properly consider the current proposals for the museum until April 1927 at the earliest, the government decided as a time- saving measure in February that the Public Works Committee should examine the plans drawn up by Robertson of the Works and Railways Department. Robertson's scheme was for a single-storey museum building surrounded by a gallery twelve to fifteen feet wide, with an entrance from what is now Liversidge Street. The project was to include a small lecture theatre, and single- storey administration and research blocks were to be placed at the front and sides of the museum building at its McCoy Circuit end, creating a T-shaped complex. There was to be another entrance from McCoy Circuit. The buildings were to be built of brick or concrete, with part of the exterior of the complex faced with 'some sort of stone'.33

  Appearing before the Committee to give evidence, Butters savaged the Works and Railways' design. He stated that the museum, occupying as it did a dominant position in the city and located near the proposed university, should be 'of a permanent and impressive character'. He strongly opposed the Works and Railways' proposal to construct the building in brick and concrete, recommending that the whole building be redesigned 'to give it a more imposing appearance'. In the face of Butters's forcefully expressed opinions, the Committee determined on some major design changes for the building. Acting on suggestions put forward by Butters, and with MacKenzie's concurrence, the Committee recommended that the two wings of the building be