One of the greatest things that a University can offer to its members is the benefit that comes from fellowship and association and all that is implied by these two words. The Weir House motto, "Ex Contubernio Robur" attempts to express this idea. "Strength through Living together".

Our Vice-Chancellor (Dr. Williams) has said on many occasions that in his experience both from his observations of Universities abroad and from his conversations with visiting University men, Victoria is the most poorly provided for University in the Commonwealth in respect of facilities for corporate student life. That statement has never been challenged. Even a comparison with the other Universities and University Colleges in New Zealand would show how sadly we are in need of very much more than we have.

Background and History

Since the establishment of Victoria College the student body has recognised the very great need for recreation and a corporate existence. In 1907 a gymnasium was planned and in 1909 it was built very considerably from funds provided by students and graduates. That building, which now stands above the tennis courts, can no longer provide for our requirements.

In 1929 the first meetings were called to give consideration to a new building which would include rooms for club meetings and functions. But it was not until 1936 that the first plans were prepared for a four-storey building which provided for a gymnasium, men's and women's common rooms and cloak rooms, lounge, committee rooms, Executive rooms, office, cafeteria and hall.

The second World War prevented any progress until 1946 when the Government of the day agreed to certain subsidies for a student building.

Three years later, in 1949, an appeal was made to the citizens of Wellington and £10,000 was received and credited to an account which had been open for some time. Again in 1953 the Association and the University Council sought an architect to prepare sketch plans and the Structon Group was appointed.

Increased Levy

For several years before 1956 each student enrolled at Victoria was taxed to the extent of approximately 5/- each year. This, together with the generous contributions of friends of our College, caused the bank account to grow steadily.

In 1956 at a Special General Meeting the Association agreed that from 1957 each student would contribute a £1 for that year and for each succeeding year.

Government Subsidy

This gesture was well received both by Council and by Cabinet and early in 1957 the Hon, R. M. Algie (Minister of Education) wrote to the University College advising that his Government was pleased (1) to agree to the sketch plans submitted (2) to give authority for the preparation of working drawings (3) to agree to subsidies of £2 for each £1 that we could raise, with a limit of £100,000 from the the Government; (4) to agree to a further subsidy of £1 for every £2 of our money with a limit of £15,000 from Government (5) to agree to the Council's borrowing £50,000 on certain conditions.

This announcement was a very great encouragement to us and so was the Minister's letter addressed to me as President of the Students' Association which complimented us on our decision to make such a considerable contribution to the Building Fund by taxing ourselves of a £1 each year. It is interesting to note that with the increasing student roll this contribution from 1957 to 1965 will represent a sum of approximately £28,000.

Situation and Provisions

This building will be erected on the site of the present tennis courts.

Gymnasium

On a separate site, to the south of the present gymnasium a new gymnasium with changing rooms, showers and instructors' rooms will be built. It had been intended originally to have the gym. immediately above the theatre in the Union Building block but for technical and financial reasons this will not now be so.

Costs

When the Government agreed to the subsidies and sketch plans in 1957 negotiations were carried out in terms of a project estimated to cost approximately £260,000.

With the moneys banked, together with promised subsidies and a loan of £50,000, we shall be short of the required figure by £30-35,000. It is hoped that a considerable portion of this will be forthcoming as a consequence of a second appeal which will not be opened until physical progress is evident on the site and those who have contributed already are assured that their generous gifts, made several years ago, are being put to the purpose for which they were intended.

Recent Progress

Progress since 1929 has been slow and often disheartening, but it is true to say, I feel sure, that this year's freshmen are likely to enjoy the pleasures of the new building towards the end of their course at Victoria.

It is expected that the detailed working drawings will be ecompleted by the end of March and that the quantity surveyor's estimates will follow shortly after. When these steps are completed it will be necessary to have the Minister's approval given to the working drawings. At the February meeting of Council the Chancellor (Mr. T. D. M. Stout) and the Vice-Chancellor were given authority to call for tenders when the steps, mentioned above, are completed.

The Future

I fail to see how any Minister of Education or his Government could find a good and sufficient reason for preventing the realisation of our dream. In recent months the Vice-Chancellor reported to Council on the needs in our building programme during the next ten years. Much publicity was given in the Press to this report, which had the Student Building at the top of its list. Not only has the Vice-Chancellor made public comment on the lack of facilities at the Universities and the need for greater provision but so also has the Minister of Education, who seeks to increase his Department's estimate by £ 1m. The Wellington Branch of the University Teachers' Association of New Zealand at its meeting in March made stern comment on the appalling lack of facilities.

What is held in store for us is not easy to determine. We do hope, however, that we shall have two fine buildings that we shall be proud to call our own. We, as students, and those who were our predecessors, have worked hard and long for something which is much needed. It is our wish that that the Association shall exercise control over the functions and facilities of these buildings and that we shall be able to conduct our own corporate life in our own way.

The suggestion that Council should appoint a Warden to the Union Building is wholly unacceptable. Throughout the 60 years of the Association's existence there has been no such need for supervision. From my reading of our history we have every reason to be proud of the manner in which our students have managed their affairs and the facilities at their disposal.

The possibilities which the new buildings offer are considerable. Our student life has been severely limited in the past and I feel sure that the character of Victoria will be greatly enhanced with the new provisions. The opportunities for students to meet and recreate themselves, to exchange thoughts and ideas and to live a corporate life will be great.

We shall come nearer to the collegiate ideal and the traditions of the European University system which have proved to be worthy over the centuries. It is a kind of life which brings with it immeasurable benefits to those who are so fortunate to enjoy it.

John Marchant, President.