HIRE SERVICE BIG HELP TO GRADUATES

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31983, 9 May 1969, Page 2

HIRE SERVICE BIG HELP TO GRADUATES

Thanks to a small band of women, about 720 students from the University of Canterbury who were capped yesterday had the appropriate academic dress for the occasion. Of the 800 graduands, 720 hired gowns from the basement of the Education Department on the University’s central site.

The Canterbury branch of the Federation of University Women has, for a number of years, provided a service for the hiring of hoods, gowns and trenchers for graduation. The federation uses the proceeds from the service for projects to assist the university. Last year, $2OOO was given towards halls of residence.

Profits this year will go to Lincoln and towards a hall of residence for women students at Ham.

The service ran extremely smoothly this year, because of expert planning by the convener of the hoods and gowns subcommittee (Miss M. F. Morey), said the branch president (Mrs A. Gough) last evening. TWO SHIFTS There were not nearly enough gowns to cater for the increasing number of students being capped, and it was necessary to run a shift service. Graduands being capped at the morning ceremony had to have their gowns back in time for those wanting them in the afternoon. “Some graduands had to make several trips,” said Mrs Gough. "If they were capped

in the morning but wanted to wear academic dress to the graduates ball, they had to return it before lunch and collect it again after the afternoon ceremony.”

Most of the stock has to be returned by this morning again, so that it can be sent out to Lincoln for the ceremony there this afternoon. "On Monday and Tuesday, we will have graduates coming back again to get academic dress for photographs as we haven't enough hoods and gowns for all of them to be photographed this week.” GOOD TIMING Apart from a shortage of trenchers in some sizes, hard work and good timing ensured that all those who wanted to hire stock had it for the

capping ceremonies. Miss Morey and other members of the federation have been preparing for the event for about six weeks. As soon as the list of graduands was released, notices were sent out informing them of the service. Throughout the week, Miss Morley has been on hand to cope with the demand and she has been assisted by other members, working on a roster system. During the winter term, members will sort out the hoods, gowns and trenchers, and mend any if necessary, in preparation for next year. Graduands pay a deposit of $lO to hire academic dress, but this is refunded if the articles are returned in good order. The hire of a hood costs $1.50, a gown $1.50, and a trencher $l. The photograph shows Mrs A. Moore fitting out Miss Chery! Cox, who was capped a B.A.