NEW LADY STUDENTS' HOSTEL.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1329, 17 May 1918, Page 2

NEW LADY STUDENTS' HOSTEL.

INNOVATION AT CANTERBUEY COLLEGE. For some time past the Canterbury College Board of Governors have felt that they might widen the scope of their advantages considerably if they could provide a hostel where lady students might lodge, and where they would be able to pursue their studios in an atmosphere more fitted for the purpose than that which a mixed board-ing-house is able to provide. The matter was dulj' considered at various meetings, and the outcome of their deliberations was the purchase of the commodious house and grounds at the corner of Park Terrace and, Chester Slreet, and which is being made ready as fast as possible for its new purpose. A matron is being sought, and she will be placed in charge of the hostel, where not only students of the college may lodge, but also those who are, say, student teachers at the Normal School who are taking a course of lectures at the college. It is an innovation which must be warmly commended, and without doubt will be a great advantage to country girls who desire to become students at the college. The house, which belonged to the late Sir John Hall, is estimated to provide accommodation for about 2:j girls, and contains some 18 rooms, irrespective of kitchen, bathrooms, pantries, etc. Part of it is of considerable age, and part has been added at a later date, but the timber and workmanship of nearly half a century ago has stood the test of time quite as well as the newer portion, the whole being in an exeello'it state of preservation and repair. The rooms are big and lofty, those evidently used for bedrooms being provided with capacious built-in wardrobes that will no doubt be the delight of the incomers' hearts; the top story is enclosed in a glassed-in verandah that will be as good as another dormitory, and there are any number of parftries, linen cupboards, and such accessories. Booms that will lend themselves admirably to such purposes as study, dining-room, etc., are not lacking, and a feature is the number of fireplaces, almost every room being provided with one. Like most houses that have been added to, there are-many quaint connecting passages, and the house altogether lias a delightful, leisured, rambling air that is very attractive.

About an acre of ground surrounds the building, including a pretty front garden and a nice piece of lawn. An unused piece of land at the side will probably be converted into a tennis ground for the students. A compact little detached building has had various uses suggested for it, but what it will probably become is a laundry for the exclusive use of the students, where, if they so desire, they may save washing bills. There are the remains of an orchard towards the rear of the house, and an excellent space which it is proposed to make a kitchen garden. It is not possible to say just now when the building will be ready for the accommodation of students, but applications for the matronship close oil June 3, and after that the board hopes to "get busy" with the actual fixing-up of the hostel.