Synopsis
Victoria House in Wellington was New Zealand's first hostel for women students. Built in 1908 at 282 The Terrace, it was an unpretentious establishment. The bedrooms were small, sparsely furnished and cold; the food, like the student allowance, was carefully budgeted. But the students had fun – dancing in the common-room of an evening, and enjoying the heady freedom of being 'away from home'.The present Victoria House, to which male students were admitted in 1972, has comforts and amenities these early women would not have dreamed of. It has expanded well beyond its work-a-day beginnings. But prudence and sound management remain essential features, along with the 'orderly cultured atmosphere' defined by its founder, Margaret Wallis.
Drawing on conversations with former residents, and on carefully preserved records, Frances Porter has written a lively history. For over nearly a century, Victoria House has offered a space for young people on the cusp of independence to extend their lives.
Endorsements 
'This is a tale of soaring vision – and scraping reality.' New Zealand Books
Contents
Introduction
1. Dancing in blue stockings 1906–32
Photographs: group 1
2. Making do and getting by 1932–52
Photographs: group 2
3. With mortgage and paint brush 1953–64
Photographs: group 3
4. From hostel to hall of residence 1964–72
Photographs: group 4
5. Managing a facility 1972–83
Photographs: group 5
6. Collapsing, retrofitting, building 1984–93
Photographs: group 6
7. Maintaining and going on 1993–2000
Appendix 1: Presidents of the Women's Council
Chairs of the Executive Committee
Appendix 2: Wardens of Victoria House
Appendix 3: Captains or Head Girls of House
Committees
Presidents of Victoria House Residents'
Association
Appendix 4: Deputy Wardens
Appendix 5: Kay Dean Fellowship
Appendix 6: Caitlin Ash Scholarship
Appendix 7: Kaitaki (study co-ordinators)
Endnotes
Index
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