page 2

Belly Rumbles in Weir

A University course is tough enough on the minds and bodies of students as it stands; yet residents of Weir House have had a near-on insuperable obstacle dumped down between them and their degrees and careers.

Victoria's only real residential college, which has for years cherished a tradition of mediocre food, has sunk to an all-time low—virtual absence of food. Bed and breakfast is the best that the Southern Hemisphere's finest student hostel can rise to.

During the war, shortage of labour was the excuse for curtailed service in the matter of cleaning rooms and washing dishes. Now the house can't get domestic labour at all. There is no excuse, there is a reason. What is it?

Living conditions of the staff cannot be blamed—a special bungalow is set aside for their use. Working conditions in the kitchen compare favourably with the best of Wellington's hotels.

Weir's 90 residents have to a man stated their reason for the lack of staff which necessitates the bed and breakfast letdown—domestic workers will not come to Weir while the present Matron remains. The Labour Department and employment agencies would fill Weir with staff to-morrow, but ....

Unanimously residents asked the Matron to resign. Through the Warden and House Committee the position was put to the authorities. Through Stud. Ass. Rep. on the Council, the governing body of the college was asked to act.

Result—rumours of removal of the House Committee.

Great tribute has been paid to William Weir during the Jubille—and rightly; but Mr. Oram would spend his time more profitably by reorganising Weir's domestic set-up, instead of having rosy visions of Kelburn Parade lined with the Hostels of 2000 A.D.

This is the concern of all students. V.U.C. is proud of Weir's contribution to corporate life of the College. The great focal point in Weir for the discussion of controversies ancient and modern is (was) the dinner table. Every ex-Weir resident will testify to the great boost that these regular mental conflicts gave to his student life.

Ex contubernio robur—Strength through followship—is no longer true of Weir.

If you have ever tried to eat out in Wellington on Sunday you will know what Weir residents are up against. Now the meals are up to 2/6—try living at that rate on a first or second year law clerk salary.

P.F.J.