Rochester Hall Difficulties

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31922, 25 February 1969, Page 18

Rochester Hall Difficulties

The authorities of Rochester Hall had been placed in a most unenviable situation, said the Vice-Chancellor (Professor N. C. Phillips) at yesterday’s University Council meeting.

His comment was on negotiations for an assurance of a Government subsidy for dining hall facilities—part of the planned first stage of a new Rochester Hall at the Ham university site. Although a subsidy of $lOO,OO had been assured for the whole project, for the first stage, the only subsidy funds that could be obtained were for accommodation for 41 beds, it was reported. The hail authorities wanted to build accommodation for 41 beds and dining facilities. The University Grants Committee said it could not anticipate Government approval by assuring the Rochester Hall authorities a subsidy would be forthcoming for dining facilities. The committee said it was understood that dining facilities would be obtainable at the Students’ Union.

The hall authorities were placed in the dilemma of deciding whether to proceed with provision of accommodation for 41 situated in a paddock at Ham, Professor Phillips said.

There had, he said, been some talk about students

being able to obtain meals at the union building for a short interim period. But it was not practicable. The Students’ Association had not been asked about it, and the building was often let at the week-ends. The executive committee of the councU felt the authorities should not use their own funds to finance both bed accommodation and dining hall without an assurance of a subsidy for the dining section.

It was decided that the University Council should cooperate with the hall authorities in an effort to achieve a just solution.

Tea Break For years, the staff of the Lyttelton Borough Council has paid for its own morning and afternoon teas, and “shouted” for visitors. In future, the council will pay $2O a year towards the tear making necessities and biscuits. “If they want more, they will sing out,” said Cr I. G. Henderson, whose motion to this effect was carried at a council meeting last night