[unclear: ind] the Country

[unclear: Aland] University hostels face much [unclear: jame] predicament. O'Rouke and on Hall charges have risen 68% and [unclear: espectively] over the period 1975-1979, figure is for single rooms only.)

[unclear: ikato's] two halls of residence, Bryant [unclear: nd] Student Village have had increases [unclear: 7] over this period, and in the period 1979, increases of 7.35%.

[unclear: ssey's] situation is rapidly reaching the heights Wellington, Auckland and Waikato have had to deal with. In 1975 their hostel charges were the lowest in the country — $16.60 for a room. This charge rose very slowly through the years until 1979 when the biggest rise occured. For this year the percentage rise was 15-17% for Type A and B hostels. If Massey is to keep up with current economic trends, and, to combat rising electricity, food and labour costs, it will have to follow the other hostels. Thereby rescinding its position of providing the cheapest University hostel accommodation.

The South Island Universities too have seen increasing hostel charges on par with Massey over the years 1978-1979. Canterbury University's five hostels have an average percentage increase of 19% (single room) and 20% (double room).

Lincoln's University halls record 13% (single room) and 11% (double room) increases in just one year, a trend not unlike Massey and Canterbury. Otago University has an assorted medley of student accommodation which caters for University, medical and dentistry students. Combined, the price for single room accomodation rose (average) 12% for 1978-1979. Overall, hostel charges at Otago's halls have risen 64% over five years, a change not unlike all other six New Zealand Universities.

There seems to be no way out of this depressing situation. As living costs rise, we see a new depressed bursary level. Prospective students, whatever their choice of university and hall of residence will have no choice but to apply for the $17.00 hardship allowance at the very beginning of 1980. The fact that they will be residing at a hostel will need to be heavily stressed on application if students hope to cope with new hostel costs.

Students, it seems, will be bearing more than their accustomed share of hardship, care of the National Government's economic mismanagement. Hostel fees, and in fact the future of hostels themselves, will be under close scrutiny in 1980. If costs are to be borne by students in the amounts we have seen in the last five years, prospective 1980 hostel dwellers must be warned to come armed with Daddy's chequebook or, at least, superb holiday earnings. (If you can get a job.) Wouldn't it be easier just to let the rich kids come to University.

Kathryne Fleming.