"A Project for Exec.?"

In this issue of Salient we have an article concerning "University Accommodation in Finland," by the associate editor of Ylioppilaslehti. This report by Eemie Plimies reminds us of our own problem—the shortage of suitable accommodation for the university students of Victoria. And Salient was able to witness just how bad the situation is: during enrolment week, and even afterwards, the Students' Association office was flooded with hundreds and hundreds of calls seeking help and information regarding board for students.

However, Eemie Piimies's article may well give birth to a new idea which can help us. When the Students' Union Buildings are completed, and once the teething troubles are over, the Students' Association executive will have had a large project out of its way. The Students' Association may consider following the bold footsteps taken by the students in Finland—get Victoria University students build low-cost dormitories for themselves. Admittedly, we hear of plans being drafted for new hostels—but it may be many years before these phantom shapes will attain material dimensions.

Furthermore, it is more than probable that such building projects will cost less if they were to be left in the hands of the students.

Salient hopes that this suggestion will be pondered upon by all students—executive and non-executive members alike. For the shortage of accommodation in Wellington leaves us a challenge. Will we take it on? For who can say, perhaps, student apathy is the result of unhealthy living quarters!