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Salient. Victoria University of Wellington Students' Newspaper. Volume 31, Number 17. July 23, 1968

Doug White Acts On Student Union Extensions

page 2

Doug White Acts On Student Union Extensions

Doug White, President of the Students' Association, has sent a memorandum to the Rt Hon J R Marshall and Messrs Riddiford, Young and Nordmeyer, MPs, outlining the need for immediate action on the Student Union Building extensions.

Doug said that in 1961 it was decided that the Sub would be extended by the addition of another floor when the need arose.

The Students' Association realised the problem that could arise in the future and had voted to tax themselves an extra $2 a head to ensure that students of the future would not be handicapped by a lack of amenities.

"This $2 levy," said Doug. "has since been held in trust."

The problem of overcrowding was brought to the attention of the Vice-Chancellor, Dr J. Williams, in September, 1967. He replied that the government would not approve any extensions of buildings unless work had already started.

This year the matter was again brought up and the University Grants Committee advised that it was not possible to give any indication at that stage as to when subsidy money will be available.

"If it is at all possible to fit this project into the current financial year's programme, this will be done, in which case you may be able to arrange for the calling of tenders towards the end of the financial year."

"We should not like you to construe this as being any kind of commitment, however."

The estimated cost could be met with available finance together with the probable Government subsidy.

"There is some degree of urgency as projections show that the present upward trend in student numbers will increase," said Doug.

The student population when the Sub was opened numbered 3497, today the roll exceeds 5000 students.

Dan Riddiford

Dan Riddiford

Otago has similar problems, but a decision on extensions to their Sub is expected soon.

Doug said that the extensions to the Sub are vitally necessary at the moment and immediate action should be taken before the problem escalated.