The End in Sight

So the University Council looks certain to vote for the demolition of Hunter. This won't happen for some time, for although the building usage has been decreased it still provides useful space that cound not be readily replaced.

However, there are certain questions that will not tax the minds of the Council members. Among them ; why is there such a discrepancy between the City Council and University costs of retaining Hunter?

Salient knows for sure that an English firm, Fondedile Foundations, have said that they believed that their methods of retaining old buildings could be used on Hunter. Given that such a [unclear: proiect] is a new undertaking in New Zealand, then why was no information concerning overseas methods presented to the University Council or its Site Committee? Why have so many of the officers of the Council been so half-hearted. Has their basic assumption always been that the building should come down?

There is no doubt that on this sterile, rabbit warren campus, that Hunter building lends the only bit of character to the whole place. There will be no reprieve for Hunter at the Council meeting today, the matter has done the rounds of the committees for two years. The only last barrier to its demolition will be the concerted and unified voices of present, and past students saying that they want the building to be retained. If necessary this might mean an occupation of the building or other direct action.

If you are interested in saving Hunter then go up to the Council meeting today on the 6th Floor of the Easterfield building at 2.30

If you are interested in saving Hunter then go up to the Council meeting today on the 6th Floor of the Easterfield building at 2.30 and watch the platitudes roll out of the mouths of Council members each attempting to outdo the others in their regret at Hunters' passing. It is unlikely that after today's council meeting the only bits of Hunter to remain will be the memories, the stained glass window, and a suggestion that perhaps a few of the old bricks might be salvaged.