A few weeks ago it was announced that tests on a section of wall in the Hunter Building had proven the feasibility of making the building safe in the event of a major earthquake. The announcement caused rejoicing among those who consider Hunter an architectural monument, and within a few days a congratulatory editorial in the "Evening Post" expressed the fervent wish that the university authorities will at last fall into line with the conservationist element.

Rejoicing was less evident among those who work and study in this particular arrangement of bricks. It has always seemed strange to me that some people can enthusiastically debate the future of a dangerous edifice without expressing any concern for the human beings who are condemned to occupy it while they talk.

I believe that a decision was made in 1974 to evacuate all departments from Hunter by July 1977. Alternative accommodation was found for Law, Education, and most of Physics. This apparently satisfied the consciences of the authorities, for by 1978 it was announced in parliament that the evacuation was complete "except for a few elements of the Physics Department". Those elements are still there and expanding year by year.