The Hostel for Women Students.

Following upon the statement published in our last issue, we are now enabled, by the courtesy of Mrs Wallis, to report the progress made by the committee in the carrying out of the scheme already outlined. Mrs Wallis writes as follow :—

On a former occasion my remarks were concerned with the nature of the hostel, an explaining its objects and methods. Now, I am glad to say I can report progress in a very satisfactory manner. The committee has been hard at work during the last few weeks, considering sites and plans, but at last those preliminaries are settled, and it is hoped to being the actual erection of the building in about three weeks. The site in Mackenzie terrace at first selected was found, on closer inspection, to be unsuitable, as it would need so much wall to hold up the surrounding banks as to make most of the rooms very dark. Another site has now been obtained which is better in every way. It is in Woolcombe-street, quite near to Mount-street, within a short distance of Victoria College. Owing to the general character and price of land in wellington, the house will have to be long and narrow in shape, but very convenient plan has been drawn by Mr. Young, the architect. The committee is arranging with him to have as many conveniences in the house as possible, and to make it comfortable and cheerful. There will be a large dining-room, a common room, and a visitors room on the ground floor, as well as some bed-rooms. The principal's sitting-room is also on this floor. The first floor will be entirely taken up with bed-room and bath room and one bed-room is being arranged for use as a "sick-room" should the necessity occur. There is also a verandah and balcony running round the front and part of the north side of the house, which we hope will be a "sun-trap" on fine winter days. The committee intends to make a "function "of the ceremony of driving the first pile, and they hope as many students as can spare the time will be present. The date will be announced later.

If any present students at the college wish to engage rooms at the Hostel for next year, it will take be advisable for them to apply soon to Mrs Salmond (the secretary), Kelburne, as those who apply first will get the pick of the rooms.

I should like to close this sketch by expressing the committee's sincere hope that senior students will take advantage of the Hostel, as it is to them that it will owe much of its success. A good wholesome esprit de corps, such as that which now pervades Victoria College, is essential to the well-being of a Hostel of this king, and this spirit can best be engendered by seniors, so that we members of the Hostel committee earnestly trust that we shall receive many applications from students of "light and leading" at the College.

Margaret E. J. Wallis.