Weir 21 Today

Special Anniversary Issue

It is now 21 years since Weir House was officially opened in 1933. During that time, almost one thousand students have enjoyed the facilities which it has to offer. Commanding as it does a magnificent view of the City and harbour, and offering living and study conditions at least the equal of any other University Hostel in New Zealand, it can, in a material sense, be regarded as a fine acquisition to the University.

But can Weir House claim to be a success? An assessment does not rest upon material facilities alone. Because of the unparalleled opportunities which it provides for its members and because it allows ninety intelligent and virtually handplcked young men to live together in an atmosphere of study, discussion and learning, Weir can be reasonably expected to play a considerably larger part in student affairs than its numbers would suggest.

Before [unclear: reaching] a conclusion on this basis let us first consider two points which are often overlooked. Weir House is often criticised because it does not have what many consider to be a sufficiently active corporate life of its own. We often hear the cry for Weir House Cultural Clubs and sports teams This outlook, too strongly perused, leads to a misplaced conception of the place of the House in the College.

We must not forget that its residents are using its facilities to lead a full and active University life, not a full Weir House life. I therefore suggest that the energy of its residents should be devoted to the cause of College activities and that in general a Weir House corporate life should be developed around matters peculiar to Weir House as such.

The second point is that the contribution of Weir House should not be based upon the performances of its members only while members of the House. Existing circumstances limit the term of residence to three years in most cases and result in the average age being no more than 20 years. Few students, therefore, are able to play a leading part in Student affairs while still members of the House. Many, however, play conspicuous parts, while others have gained academic distinction after having joined the ranks of the Old Boys. Weir House can rightly claim much credit for this.

An examination on this basis reveals that the House can look back on it's first 21 years with considerable pride. It hits enabled a large number of students to benefit to an extent which would otherwise have been impossible. Its members in the past have played a very notable part in Student affairs and continue to do so. Its academic achievements are far in excess of its numbers, while it can claim several Rhodes Scholars. In short. It has produced several internationals, two former residents being members of the 1953 All Blacks.

Its great difficulty is that it is too small, or rather that there are not several other such hostels to cope with the ever-increasing demand for admission.

This not only severely limits the number who can benefit, but also cramps the ability of the fortunate few, by limiting the period of residence to their first few years of study.

We cannot, however, blame Weir House for this.

—P. M. McCaw.