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Christian Union.

It may, without undue pride, be claimed that the Victoria College Christian Union is the oldest of the College Societies, for it was founded even before the inauguration of the College itself. In January, 1899, Mr. W. H. Salmon, of Yale University, who was at that time the Travelling Secretary for the Australasian Christian Unions, paid a visit to Wellington and presided over a preliminary meeting of intending students at Bishop's Court, when it was decided to form a Union in Victoria College. At a subsequent meeting officers and committees were duly elected, and the Union was affiliated with the A.S.C.U.

During the first term meetings were held every Friday evening at 8 o'clock, addresses on general subjects alternating with Bible studies. Soon after the beginning of the second term the Society unfortunately lost, by removal, its energetic President, Mr. C. N. Haslam, and the meetings had to be discontinued.

At the beginning of the next session, however, the Society was again formed, though it was decided, as the number of members was not great, that aggressive work was out of the question, and that it would be better to form one Bible Study Circle. Some very profitable studies in the life of Sc. Paul were held by this circle. In April, 1901, at the suggestion of Miss McLean, Lady Principal of the Girls' High School, a social to welcome new students was held in conjunction with the High School Christian Union. Addresses were delivered by the Rev. Mr. Paterson and Mr. McWilliam, the Travelling Secretary. The rest of the evening passed pleasantly in music and conversation. During this year studies were conducted by members in turn, and at intervals addresses were delivered by Miss Grigor, of Otago University, on "The Nelson Summer School"; by Mr. Jolly on "Drummond"; by Mr Harding on "The Inspiration of Scripture"; and by Miss McGregor on "What is a Christian ? " Early in the first term a branch of the Missionary Settlement for University Women was formed among the women students, and Miss Grigor was elected Secretary.

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At the annual business meeting held in September, 1901, the following were elected officers for 1902 :—President, Rev. A. N. Scotter; Vice-President, Miss A. Smythe; Secretaries, Miss Williams and Mr. Blair; Treasurer, Miss B. Lynch. It was decided by this executive that a more satisfactory way of welcoming new students than by a social would be by the issuing of a handbook, giving particulars of the College Societies, and other information necessary to those entering the College for the first time. The plan seems to have proved entirely successful. At the first business meeting this year it was decided to form several circles for Bible study, each circle to meet once a week at a time suitable to itself. General meetings are held every third Saturday evening, a short meeting alternating with a long one. The first address this session was delivered by His Lordship the Bishop of Wellington, and was full of interest and inspiration for all who listened to it. Another address is to be delivered this term by Mr. Waterhouse.