University Halls

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30916, 24 November 1965, Page 20

University Halls

The fire which damaged beyond repair part of Rolleston House, one of the long-established student hostels of the University of Canterbury, is a major setback. Ironically, the fire occurred when the university is “going to the country” for funds to build three new church halls of residence. The loss of this building, which housed 20 students, may be measured by the fact that the three university hostels and two church hostels provided only 309 places this year. As students have now gone on vacation the loss will not interfere with studies this year; but alternative accommodation for even 20 students next year will be difficult to find, as has been made clear in the many speeches made in support of the church halls appeal.

The university was considering the disposal of the valuable Rolleston House site to provide funds for a new house at Ilam. The fire will give urgency these deliberations. Although insurance will offset some of the loss, nothing but a vigorous hostelbuilding programme will meet the demand for accommodation from the rising rolls of students from outside Christchurch. The aim of the church halls appeal is £loo,ooo—of which more than £60,000 has now been promised—by early December; the loss of the Rolleston House building should be a reminder to the public—and to the Government—that student accommodation in Christchurch is becoming both an urgent and an anxious problem for the university.