Mr. Bankesrose to submit his resolutions on the mode of conducting Public Works. He observed, that under the present system, when any building of more than ordinary extent and importance was erected, it was placed entirely under the superintendence of the surveyor general of public works. It often happened that the person filling this office, though well qualified to conduct the ordinary business of repairs, might be deficient in architectural knowledge. To secure to the public the advantages of the best architectural skill, and to guard, at the same time, against the improvident practice of paying architects by a percentage on the sums expended, he submitted the following Resolutions:—1. "That, wherever it becomes necessary to erect any great, and extensive Building at the Public expense, except such Buildings as are now placed under the direction and control of the surveyor-general of his majesty's works, &c. the said surveyor-general of his majesty's works, with the approbation of the lords of the treasury, shall, in such manner as may appear most expedient, invite a competition of architects to prepare and submit to him designs and plans accommodated to the purposes of such Buildings. 2. That, when the plan and elevation for any such Buildings shall have been approved, the work should be performed by contract, under public advertisement, care being taken, under the direction of the said surveyor-general, that there shall be a constant and effectual superintendence of such architect as he shall appoint, to provide the necessary working drawings, &c. and to secure the execution of the whole, in strict conformity to the terms and specification agreed upon. 3. That, for such superintendence, &c. an adequate, but moderate and fixed compensation should be assigned; and that the usual mode of paying for such superintendence, by a percentage upon the money laid out, appears to be ill calculated for checking and con- 1438 trolling expense, inasmuch as it tends to afford to the surveyor or superintendent a direct interest in augmenting, instead of restricting, the sum to be disbursed."
§ The Resolutions were agreed to.