Mr. Robert Anderson Ballantyne, A.R.V.I.A., Partner in the firm of Messrs Clarkson and Ballantyne, is a son of the late Mr. T. A. Ballantyne, of Adelaide, South Australia. He was born at Adelaide, and educated at Prince Alfred College, in that city. Mr. Ballantyne came to New Zealand in 1883, and was articled to Mr. Frederick Strouts, M.R.I.B.A., of Christchurch. On the completion of his articles he practised his profession with success in Melbourne for five years, and was admitted an Associate of the Royal Victorian Institute of Architects. In 1893 he returned to New Zealand, and entered into a partnership with Mr. F. Strouts. This continued until 1899, when he joined his present partner, Mr. W. A. P. Clarkson. During his partnership with Mr. Strouts many large and handsome buildings were designed by the firm; for instance, the Hyman Marks' Wards at the Christchurch Hospital, Messrs Strange and Co.'s new buildings at the corner of Manchester Street; Messrs Ballantyne and Co.'s, the Jubilee Memorial Clock Tower, High Street; the beautiful residence of Mr. R. Heaton Rhodes, at “Otahuna,” Tai Tapu, and the residence of Mr. E. W. Roper, Papanui Road, besides many others.