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BOOK REVIEW.
MAYES' AUSTRALIAN BUILDERS' AND
CONTRACTORS' PRICE BOOK AND
BUILDERS' GUIDE.
10th Edition: 463 pagep—Index.
N.S.W. Bookstall Co. Pty. Ltd.
Price 21/'-.
There is a tradition behind this publication, for
it is recorded in the introduction that it was first
published in Victoria in 1859 by the father of the
present author, Mr. Ernest Mayes, who, as a build'
er and contractor, knows exactly the type of information
that should be included in such a volume
to be of real value to members of his calling.
There are many volumes on the market dealing
with building construction, quantity surveying,
pricing and general information for the operative
building. Many of these, unfortunately, although
excellent and standard works, have not been designed
for Australian conditions, and although the
practice set forth, may be only slightly modified to
suit local conditions from the point of view of
pricing, they are usually entirely valueless, thus,
the importance of a special book produced for
Australian conditions and right up-to-date in its
information, is of considerable value for reference.
The section devoted to concrete work has been
written by a Mr. Malcolm Stanley and is quite
comprehensive. Special information concerning
cement is also compiled by the Australian Cement
Manufacturers' Association; comprehensive joinery
lists are likewise included; special data concerning
wall panelling, staircase construction, wood
turning, etc.
The bricklayer appropriately occupies many
pages which include a tremendous amount of information
of real value.
Electric lighting and installation is also comprehensively
handled, also items of electric apparatus
such as drills, etc., which to-day are being
more and more employed by the progressive
builder. A list of the electric supply stations
throughout Australia is also useful reference.
As is appropriate to a modern publication dealing
with building, the subject of glass bricks occupies
'several pages—the various designs obtainable
being illustrated.
_
Glazier, Plumber, Paper Hanger, Mason, Smith
and Iron-work, Roof Tiler and Slater are also individually
treated.
The subject of Septic Tanks, Wood Stave Pipes,
Artesian Well Boring and Machine and Diamond
Drilling all receive attention.
A section entitled Legal Notes, devotes itself to
matters relating to building contracts and sets forth
various matters that are likely to arise. While, this
is undoubtedly useful reference, it should, however,
be used with caution, for the Law is a matter for
the expert.
Various sections are devoted, to mensuration
and useful, tables of data to which the builder is
likely to have to refer. A ready-reckoner is also
of value in the computation of wages.
Although, possibly, the layout of the book could
be somewhat more systematic, possibly modelled
on the exact sequence of the various trades as in
a specification—there is no doubt that it contains
a wealth of information.
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