Shortage of student accommodation is greater this year than any previous time.

This is despite a massive publicity campaign involving press, radio and television appeals. There has been at least three applicants for every hostel bed available to students. The demand for flats and private board has risen spectacularly.

Increased enrolments coupled with a decrease in the number of flats available to students account for the shortage.

Business premises encroaching on to the north end of The Terrace, Wellington's new motorway, and the expansion of the university itself, are all eating up space occupied by student flats.