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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington N.Z. Vol. 11, No. 1. February 27, 1948

Gymcrack?

Gymcrack?

Well, even if it hasn't already it will pretty soon and it would take more than all the King's horses, etc., to put it together again, but all cracks aside, we don't want to have to put the old green monstrosity together again—what we want and what we need is our new Student Union Building.

On the left—The Green Monstrosity. On the right—What we could have, an English Sports Pavilion.

On the left—The Green Monstrosity. On the right—What we could have, an English Sports Pavilion.

For the benefit of Freshers and those who live in the seclusion of their ivory towers, it is as well to mention that the idea of a new Student Union Building is not entirely new. It may surprise some to learn that plans for the financing and construction of the building have been under discussion since a few years after the completion of the present gym, way back in 1909, when it was decided that two trustees should be appointed annually by the Executive and that a permanent allocation of four shillings from each Student Association fee should be instituted.

Doldrums—Rebirth

Then things lay fallow for a number of years till in the first issue of "Salient." 1945. we read a hopeful heading: "1945 Freshers May See Foundations Laid" — certainly a rather optimistic statement but at last things were beginning to move. The Building Committee, defunct since 1936 was again convened. Its members set to work enthusiastically and decided upon a new site, between Salamanca Road and the main entrance. Hitherto the site had been that of the old gym. Specifications drawn up by the new committee were dealt with at the next general meeting (see "Salient," VoL 8. No. 1) and were approved with a few amendments. There was some disapproval voiced over the raising of Student Association fee from 25/- to 32/6. the increase being put towards the building fund, but later this was passed. In the same issue it was stated that £8000 was in hand but that sum has been considerably increased by the raising of Student Association fee, by Extravaganza and Cappicade profits and by donations.

Government Subsidy

In July, 1946, Salient reported that the Government had just decided to support the fund with a subsidy of £2 for £1 with a limit of £40,000. a distinctly heartening piece of news, particularly since in the issue before, Salient had voiced the general opinion in stating that the main body of students didn't know what was happening as regards the building fund anyway, and that the only time they ever heard anything about It was at the Annual General Meeting (probably very poorly attended) and when drives for funds (few and far between) were in progress. Salient then urged greater co-ordination between Executive and students to provoke a more live interest, and stated that information about the plan would be welcomed and willingly published.

In a 1947 number Mr. Warner reminded us in his letter than two years before, the Executive had prepared a list of past students of the college in order to approach them for individual contributions to the fund, but nothing more was done, even though the letter was given a prominent place and the idea itself was sanctioned by the Principal. This scheme would certainly provide another method of raising funds, and is one adopted not only by Universities in other countries but by all kinds of institutions and should at least be given a try.

If we are to get our Student Union Building before the harbour waves are lapping at the site (see N.Z. Year Book for rate of submergence), then we must have other means of raising money than Extrav, and Cappi-cade profits—they won't always be as high as they were last year—and it remains to be seen if Mr. Daniell's suggestion that we raffle the old gym will have to be carried out. Meanwhile it is the business of every student to see that the Student Union Building does not degenerate into a mythical ivory tower but becomes an actuality—soon.

Present Plans

At the present time we have about £12,000 to £13,000 in hand. We need to raise this year about £8,000. The following committee is being set up to raise the money.

(1)A first division consisting of prominent citizens connected with or interested in the College, together with the President, the Accountant, and one other student as Secretary. This Committee is to approach personally people likely to make substantial donations, and to suggest to Division 2 names of persons or organizations whom we might approach.
(2)A second division consisting of President, the Accountant, the Secretary, and one member, from each college club, will be set up early this Term. This division will do the secretarial and routine work for the campaign and also will approach persons and organisations likely to give donations.

It is obvious that the second division will have a great deal of work to do. They must have the support or all Students in order to raise the money needed. Therefore all students must do their utmost when asked by the Executive to do so.

Be prepared to work to raise a Students' Union Building worthy of Victoria.

* * *

Nobody knows
Nobody cares
What sort of pyjamas
A bachelor wears.

May 2, 1945.