Foundation stone for Victoria’s first building laid

Victoria College (now Victoria
University of Wellington) was founded in 1897 to mark Queen Victoria's 60th jubilee year. In
contrast to the strong physical presence the University has today, the College saw
out its first few years with no permanent accommodation. The founding
professors and early students had to make do with rented rooms at the Girls'
High School in Pipitea Street
and the Technical
School in Victoria Street.

The
eventual siting of the College in Kelburn was the result of an offer from
wealthy Wairarapa sheep farmer Charles Pharazyn. In February 1901 Pharazyn offered
to donate £1000 if the College was built on Kelburne Park Reserve, a 6-acre
site. He claimed that his offer was an expression of his attachment to Wellington rather
than the result of his large interest in the Kelburne Karori Tramway Company.
The Company's cable car opened the following year and over the years has transported
thousands of Victoria's
students.

Governor Lord
Plunket laid the foundation stone for the building in the presence ‘of a large
number of ladies and gentlemen interested in the cause of higher education'. He
also opened the building on its completion in 1906. It was eventually named the
Hunter Building in 1959 in memory of Sir Thomas
Hunter, the first Principal of the College. The building was restored and
strengthened in 1992-3 and continues to be used today.
The University is now spread over four campuses throughout the city.

Image: Hunter Building in 1908 (Timeframes)