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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 8, No. 1. Friday, March, 2, 1945

'45 Freshers may See Foundations Laid

'45 Freshers may See Foundations Laid

Finance Fair

In the minds of future student historians, highlight for 1944 may well be the re-constitution of the Students' Association Building Committee, defunct since 1938. Plans are now under discussion but difference of opinion on the committee may lead to a redraft. Its new burst of activity has included a decision on the site, discussion of plans submitted by Mr. George Dixon and a series of arguments over number of common rooms, size of theatre, and a mooted architectural competition for plans.

Minutes of the committee first appeared in 1935, the recommended building site then being that of the present gymnasium. May, 1936, saw plans submitted by architects Swan and Young, After much discussion these were rejected, and from 1936 the committee ceased to meet. In 1944 the committee was again convened, its composition being as follows: Trustees: Messrs. Dixon and Carrad. Council representatives; Messrs Eichlebaum and Boyd (student representative to Council); Professorial Board, Prof. Gordon; Past Student, Mr. Macaskill; Present Student, Mr. Starke; Executive, Messrs Barr and Steele.

Of major importance is its decision re siting of the new building. Subject to expert approval, the recommended site lies directly between the College entrance and Salamanca Road (see cut, p. 4), Mr. Dixon's plans making provision for excavation into the hillside. Discussions re the size of cafeteria, duplication of the theatre and dance floor, number of committee rooms, concourse or no concourse, etc., have, however, reached a stalemate. This must be resolved by the Special General Meeting.

Financially

Financially, the situation is fairly good. Pound for pound the Govt, has agreed to provide £25,000. There is in hand £8,000. Increment each year totals practically £1,000, interest £240, ex Stud. Ass. fees £240, Extrav, (apart from war years) £300, McCarthy Trust £100, incidentals and donations £100. By the VUC Jubilee date, 18th April, 1949, a non-sanguine hope might be £15,000. With this sum doubled by the Govt, and a further loan of £20,000 backed by the signatures of prominent ex-students, the foundation stone might be laid. Given approval at the forthcoming general meeting of the Executive's motion to increase fees, this date might be improved.

The present Gym., on the opening day in 1909.

The present Gym., on the opening day in 1909.

And for the future——? Bexhill Pavilion, England.

And for the future——? Bexhill Pavilion, England.