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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 19, No. 2. March 10, 1955

Weir House—Quo Vadis?

Weir House—Quo Vadis?

Ex Contubernio Robur—how apt is this motto of Weir House and to what extent does it typify the House? What sort of place is Weir, and is it true that its students are noted only for their aloofness from the College, their amazing drinking habits and their perpetual difference of opinion with the Weir House Management Committee?

The freshman or critic who asks these questions could best find the answers by acquainting himself with the House and its residents but for the purposes of this article I shall direct my remarks to those who have come to Victoria for their first year.

As one who has had the privilege of several years in Weir I should begin by explaining that the House was built during the depression of the early '30s from moneys left under the will of William Weir, a benefactor of the College. According to New Zealand standards Weir House has first-class amenities and every opportunity is given to residents to successfully pursue their chosen course of study.

To a Weir student, the fellowship of 93 other students generally does give strength and, although many Housemen tend to regard the institution merely as a glorified boarding-house, it may be fairly said that a certain tolerance and appreciation of the ideas of others are not among the least of the benefits which residence in Weir gives. In sharing experiences with follow-students, in debating religion or philosophy till 2 a.m., in helping to organise a Weir sporting event or in participating in a House meeting, the Weir Houseman can and does learn much about that great art of living happily and successfully in a community.

The criticism that Weir House does not play a full part in College life does not stand the test of analysis, and at the present time a large number of executive positions in 'varsity clubs and societies are held by Weir Housemen. Weir should never forget that it is part of a larger institution with which it mutt endeavour to cooperate.

A previous edition of "Salient" referred, quite unfairly, to Weir House as "that great debauchatorium"—and yet the House boasts a higher than average pass rate in College final examinations. Remember, too, that there is a regulation prohibiting liquor in the. House.

And so Weir begins its twenty-third year. Depending largely on how each resident contributes to House life, so can be benefit from his stay here. We admit that we have our differences with the management committee but even those members of that committee who know what and where Weir House is do not appear to be prepared to folly appreciate the problems of the House.

I trust that this year may witness a long overdue improvement in the relationship of the management committee to Weir House.

To the Weir House freshman, we bid welcome. May your residence in Weir be happy and successful.

—"Incognito."