Budgeting for the Future.

To-night, in case there is anyone who has not yet heard of it, at a Special General Meeting of the Students' Association (this means you), there will be decided a question which should have considerable influence on the future development of Victoria University College life. Superficially it is a comparatively small matter—a matter of four shillings to be exact. But the implications and expected results are a much bigger thing and quite far-reaching. The Building Fund—that for so long fantastic mirage—is vitally concerned.

As you all know, the present Stud. Ass. fee is one guinea. The proposal that you must consider, discuss and vote upon is that this should be raised to twenty-five shillings. The Executive are not submitting this suggestion without some justification. Their reasons are two. The first and what should be the most weighty argument is in connection with the new Student Union Building Fund which it is proposed to augment out of the increased revenue. Everyone will realise that the old Gym., despite its wealth of tradition and notable associations is, quite candidly, a hell of a place to be considered as the centre of Varsity social and club life. One of these fine nights when the floor above is crowded, as it was at the Freshers' Dance, there is going to be a rending of ancient timber and a bit of a mess on the floor below. The need for action is imperative and if Students themselves are going to do anything towards it personally, now is the time, and this suggested increase is a method of raising a quite substantial amount yearly without very much extra burden being placed on the individual.

The second reason is that the guinea these days is not worth what it used to be. Costs have increased all round without any corresponding increase of income. It is submitted that in these brightening days a higher contribution to compensate for this.

On the other hand, there are objections to the increase. There is the question of whether present students should feel disposed to pay for benefits which they may never use. There is also the argument that the present fees are a sufficiently heavy burden for many. Again, you may say that more money should be expended on present-day club activities out of money paid by present-day students.

Whatever you do, though, do some heavy thinking on the subject. Be sure you come along to the meeting bringing some idea of your attitude to the proposal—preferably constructive criticism. This is your opportunity to voice your opinion and exercise a not unimportant vote. Be sure you make the best use of it—there's no use in howling after the verdict is given—all your moaning must be done to-night.