To the Editor of the Norra-Cuina Dairy News."
Srr,—I understand that it is ihe intention of the Central Govermment and of both the Chinese and. foreign—business peoples in this country to have an up-to-date mint in this city. To have this end in view, it is essential that there should be a public competition open to all architects practising in China in order that every member of the architectural profession shall have the opportunity to submit his best work, while the Chinese Government may have the choice of a design from the best talent.
It is to he regretted that, instead, only a few architects in Shanghai have been invited to submit designs for the work which is of such local and national, nay, international, importance. In addition it is found that only ten' days were al lowed for the preparation of designs, which time I consider to Lo insufficient to produce a matured scheme.
In addressing you this, it is not the intention of the writer to >st any discredit on the favoured few. but it is very desirable that opportunities should be given to all and sundry architects practising in China.
In alli civilized countries where important public competitions are taking place, a pane] of jury or assessors is elected from prominent professional and business men to make awards.
I am sure those who are interest-in the currency reform of China are in favour of an open public competition, and not a private one, in order to obtain the best. result.
I am, etc.
Shanghai. June 13.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.