Accommodation

Following the SRC debate on March 15.—It is clear that there is a serious shortage of accommodation for student activities of many kinds and [unclear: that] certain worthwhile schemes are unable to be developed because of lack of space. A realistic assessment of needs must be made and set against a realistic assessment of space available. Some speakers in the debate had an exaggerated idea of how much room-there actually was at Ramsey House, for example, while others were unaware of some proposed changes of use of some areas within the Union itself.

Nevertheless the debate clearly challenged the Christian community to take another look at the space at present at its disposal (The Chaplains Room, the SCM Cabin and Ramsey House) in the light of its own needs and the general need of the university. That the Christian community is sensitive to these needs is demonstrated by their willingness not so long ago to give up the Quiet Room in order that it might be converted into offices for the Student President and the Accommodation Officer. Also the Chaplaincy Board, at the suggestion of the Anglican Diocesan University Committee, is considering proposals for a co-operative Chaplaincy Centre which, if it eventuates, would further add to the space available for student use.

But the Chaplains and the Christian community must not dodge the challenge of that debate by citing their past record; they must keep the situation continually under review and make a positive contribution in the future.