Progress at Otago

New Zealand universities are, as a whole, very poorly off for student facilities. Dr. Williams, Vice-Chancellor of Victoria University of Wellington, at his address to the 1958 Freshers, stated that, as far as he could tell, Victoria had the worst student facilities of any southern hemisphere university. Plans for improvement are under way in most centres—the most successful at the moment being at the University of Otago. This university houses the New Zealand Medical School, the Dental School, and also has the usual faculties of Arts, Science, Law, and Commerce. The total Student roll in 1958 was 2,200.

In 1936 the students felt that further buildings were required for the university to function as a community. It was planned to have a new student union building with facilities for different clubs, and a canteen, a common room, a multi-purpose hall, and student offices.

The scheme was thus set under way like a "slow boat to China", for it was not until 1948 that a committee was set up to consider such matters as site and finance. Two years later, the University Council, with the approval of other interested bodies, made the first definite move after 15 years, by the appointment of architects.

But a series of sketch plans prepared by the architects proved unsatisfactory to the students, whose discontent reached a climax at a stormy meeting of the student council in March, 1952. The Executive had attempted to impose a special levy of 10/-a head because of the urgency of the building programme. At this meeting the then Executive resigned en bloc, which did not perturb the students, who promptly elected another one. This Executive was declared on legal advice to be invalid and the previous Executive was reinstated. 1954 saw a further rebellion by students, this time against the architects, which resulted in the University Council deciding that the plans should be modified to suit the wishes of the students more.

The New Zealand Government had originally agreed to subsidise the Union buildings up to £75,000, but by application of pressure the Government agreed to a total subsidy of £112,500. With the funds raised, largely under the auspices of the University Development Society, the estimated price of £170,260 was exceeded In £740. With this amount in hand, the Union building committee signed a contract with a local firm of builders to erect a building along the lines of the approved plan. Building began II almost immediately with a period of 18 months set as the completion date.

The main rooms of this building are to be the hall, canteen, common rooms and offices.

The multi-purpose hall, of 5,000 square feet, allows for over 700 to be accommodated in movable seats, which can be conveniently stored, when not required, under the stage. This will make room for dances, table tennis and other lights sports. No provision, however, has been made for the use of the hall by the Indoor Basketball Club.

The main common room will seat over 200 in lounge-type seals, arranged in alcoves with island-sealing in the centre areas. In addition to this mixed common room, there will be a smaller women's common room.

The dining room has been designed to provide a quick service for students, who will be able to buy a wide range of meals. It consists of a main area seating 200 and an annexe with its own kitchen which can be used by various clubs to provide supper at their functions.

Student offices, staff common rooms, graduates' rooms, etc., will also be included in the building.