page 34

Christian Union.

At the beginning of the term we had a visit from Mr E. K. Mules, one of the travelling secretaries of the Australasian Student Christian Union. He presided at the different Bible-study classes during the week he was in Wellington and on Angust 4th, at the usual fortnightly meeting, gave an address on "The Work of the World's Student Christian Federation." He spoke of the great obstacles which faced the federation in the different Universities of the world. In South Africa, for instance, there was the great racial problem, in Germany the barrier of materialism and rationalism, in Russia the upheaval caused by the revolution. In spite of these difficulties, however, most encouraging progress had been made.

On August 18th the Rev. J. K. Elliot addressed the meeting, taking as his subject "The Aim of Life." He said that many men took as their object in life, pleasure, fame, or money-making, but none of these gave real satisfaction. We must remember that "Man's chief end is to glorify God," and that it is only by doing this that we can ever hope to attain to true happiness.

On September 1st the Rev. W. A. Evans spoke on the subject of "Sociological Theory in Relation to the Teaching of St. Paul." He showed that Paul was never a slave to the letter of the law but used his own judgment: so, in our dealings with our fellows we must not tie ourselves down to conventionalities, but assist them as we best see fit.

On September 15th Mr James Moore gave an exceedingly interesting account of his mission work among seamen. When he landed in Wellington eight years ago, he found no building and no funds for carrying on his work. He had to hold meetings wherever he could get accomodation: in sheds, shops, and attics.

page 35

However patience was rewarded, for two years ago Mrs Williams gave the Mission a splendid building close to the wharves. As a proof of the good work done, drunkenness among sailors has gone down 50 per cent., although the tonnage of ships has increased 50 per cent. During the time the Mission has been established as many as 35,000 men have passed through it.

A Mission Study Class has held regular meetings through-out the session. The studies were based upon Prof. H. P. Beach's book "Missions in China" through which the class has been enabled to gain a clear and concise knowledge of the Chinaman's land, and his social, business and religious life; and also of the work carried on by Missionary Societies of the present day.