SELWYN COLLEGE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3912, 5 March 1929, Page 74

SELWYN COLLEGE.

APPEAL FOR UNIVERSITY HOSTEL. (See Illustrations in This Issue.) In October, 1925,. a letter was addressed to the Selwyn College authorities asking for an extension of. the hostel at Selwyn College in order to accommodate more University students. The letter was signed by Messrs H. Livingstone Tapley (then Mayor of Dunedin), T. K. Sidey, M.P. (chancellor of University of Otago), William Downie Stewart, LL.B., M.P., Sir H. L. Ferguson, M.D. (dean of medical faculty), Messrs William B. Benham, D.Sc., F.R.S. (dean of faculty of arts and science), W. P. Gowland, M.D., F.R.C.S. (professor of anatomy), D. W. Carmalt Jones, M.D., F.R.C.P. (professor of systematic medicine), Charles E. Hercus, M.D. D.P.H. (professor of bacteriology), George E. Thompson, M.A., Litt.D. (professor of modern languages), A. Murray Drennan,, M.D. (late professor of pathology), W. J. Morrell, M.A. (vice-chancellor, University of Otago), and R. I. Ritchie M.B , M.R.C.S. (tutor in obstetrics, University of Otago). The letter, in its full form, sets out the position as follows: — “It is within the knowledge of the synod that Selwyn College, a purely theological foundation, has year by year been assuming more and more the character of a university hostel of a wide scope. At present the college accommodates 31 students. Of these, three are theological students who receive their training in the college; the remainder are students pursuing University studies in arts, medicine and dentistry. “ Since it is clear that the synod must shortly take steps to repair extensively, or to rebuild, portion of the college, the signatories to this letter, who are citizens interested in the welfare of the University, deem it a proper moment to approach the synod and urge its members to shoulder the responsibility that has been thrust upon them by force of circumstances, or by a process of evolution, and provide adequate and suitable accommodation for the students who have made the college their home. “In effect, we ask the synod to make Selwyn College capable of carrying out adequately its function as a residential college, and of exercising the influence it should do in moulding the characters of the young men who are in residence there during the most impressionable period of their mental development, and affording opportunity for the mutual education which is the soul of university life, but can only be obtained in the close communion involved in residence under the same roof. It is only necessary to remind members of the synod that the university colleges or hotels attached to —indeed, forming part of—the old univerities at Home are in origin largely ecclesiastical institutions, to show that in establishing a hostel the synod would be discharging one of the functions of the Church.

“ Already in Dunedin there are two university hostels—Knox College for men and St. Margaret’s College for women—both of which have been established by the Presbyterian Church. But these admirable institutions can accommodate only a few of the many students who would gladly avail themselves of the advantages of community life. There is real and urgent need for further hostel accommodation, and it would redound greatly to the credit of the Anglican Church in this city if it would bear its share in the good work of fostering the university life.

“ We believe that on investigation the synod will find that a hostel accommodating 60 students can be established and run on sound financial lines. There are 250 male students living in lodgings in this city, and a large number of these would gladly avail themselves of the advantages afforded by hostel life.

“ In conclusion, the signatories to this letter would congratulate the synod upon having already at their command, in the person of Mr Whitehead, a man peculiarly fitted by natural gifts to ensure the success of the hostel we hope they will establish. Mr Whitebead is held in the highest esteem by the students themselves, and his influence for good upon them is gratefully acknowledged by all those, with knowledge of his work, who have the interests of the University at heart.” In response to this appeal, the college was removed from the control of the chapter and an independent governing body appointed. This board asked two of its members, Sir James Allen and Dr Hercus, to secure the assistance of others and appeal to the public for financial support. An examination of the present buildings at Selwyn College was made, and nearly the whole must be rebuilt’. Plans have been prepared which provide for the completion of the wing with gateway facing Castle street, and for the construction of additional quarters for students, library, dining hall, common room, kitchen, heating, and lavatory, and other necessary arrangements. The present accommodation will be doubled, and so between 70 and 80 students will be provided for. The estimated cost of these new buildings is £13,000. Of this, nearly £6OOO has been raised. A contract involving an expenditure of £4OOO has been let, and this work is now under way. A further £7OOO will enable the building shown above to be completed. When this is done, the committee has in view the erection of a further block- at right angles to this one.

The members of the committee are: Sir James Allen, Sir H. Lindo Ferguson, Dr C. E. Hercus, Mr F. W. Mitchell, Mr C. W. Rattray, and Mr G. R. Ritchie, and

they confidently appeal to the public for sympathy and financial support. Since its foundation, 35 years ago, Selwyn College has admitted University students of any denomination as residents. In this way it has rendered valuable setvice to the University of Otago. As the Royal Commission, which recently reported on university education in New Zcaland, said: “We cannot think of any form of benefaction directly affecting student life which would have a more wholesome influence than the building and equipment of a students’ hostel.”