A HOSTEL FOR WOMEN STUDENTS.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12604, 21 September 1906, Page 8

A HOSTEL FOR WOMEN STUDENTS.

(ntOK OPR OWN COBBESFONDEJ.T.)

WELLINGTON, 20. At v meeting of the Victoria College Council leet night, a lotter was read from Mrs Wallis, wife of tho Anglican Bishop, asking for the Council's approval of her scheme for establishing a hostel for women students, which would, she said, bo undenominational, but tJw lady principal would bo an Anglican. Thereupon Sir Robert Stout and otihera rose and deprecated the attempt to g/ct subscriptions and support from other churches, regretting that such an institution could not bo established without raising the religious question. "Why," asked Sir Robert, "should the promoters insist on the head being an Anglican?" The best person for the position might be a Catholic or a Wesleyan, or a Presbyterian. It was much to be regretted that the question of religion should be introduced. If it was going to be made Anglican by having an Anglican head, why should the Anglican. Church, appeal to ether churches for help? Dr Findlay eaid they were not appealing to the other churches, but to individuals, who were told the lady bead would be an Anglican. Sir Robert Stout said the Council was secular, and ought not to be asked to consider a church provision. The motion was altered to read that the Council approve of the scheme, but oppcsitio.il was still shown to its sectarian character by Sir Robert Stout. Mr Wilson, and the Rev. W. A. Evans.

Eventually the motion was withdrawn, and tbo letter merely allowed to lie on the table.