Christian Union

The Union has a full round of activities, keenly maintained, to report for this period General meetings have been less frequent than in past years, averaging one every three weeks:—

May 27th, Christianity and The Present World Situation by Dr. Gibb.

June 17th. Prayer: Its Nature and Purpose, by Rev. J. R. Glasson.

July 22nd, About a Missionary Campaign, by Mr. J. Hercus.

September 9th, Ezekiel's Message to this Generation, by the Rt. Rev. the Bishop of Wellington.

September 15th, Annual Meeting.

The attendance has varied from fifteen to seventy. In most eases the address has been followed by a discussion.

For the study of "Building on Rock," two leaders' circles were held; the men's circle took the leadership thereof in rotation; the women leaders met under the leadership of .Miss A. Moncrieff. Of the three tutorials, the Old Testament Circle was held by Miss England each Sunday as previously, at 10a.m.

The Mission Tutorial replaced the Bible Study Circles for a fortnight in July and August. Under the leadership of Mr. E. J. Hercus, M.A., its four meetings proved a most powerful kindling of the missionary sense in our work. The Devotional Circle has been led by Mr. M. A. Tremewan weekly, and has been followed regularly by an intercession for the work of the Student Christian Movement and our individual need The Terminal Intercession leaflets prepared by the New Zealand Executive have proved very valuable, and were distributed to the number of 120. Whenever possible, small groups have met for prayer during lulls in College work on week nights.

The Days of Prayer for students were celebrated on February 24th (W.S.C.F) and August 7th (Australia and New Zealand S.C.M.) On each day the movement was remembered in the city churches during the service and the prayers; meeting of past and present students were held in the afternoon, and the intercession service was conducted at 8 p.m. On February 24th Miss Grant spoke to some forty Students at the Y.W.C.A. rooms on "Student Work in Europe and China." The subsequent service was held at the Terrace Congregational Church. On August 7th about fifty-five were present to meet Dr. Greig a medical missionary of 32 year's service in Munchuria, and Rev. Jas. Baird, B.A., who spoke from a wide experience on the " Ideals of the Student Christian Movement." After tea members proceded to. St. Paul's where Rev Johnson appropriately to the occasion, and the usual intercession followed.

The Social Teas Sunday afternoons at the Y.W.C.A., Boulcott Street, have been maintained by the Union through most of the year, and have been well supported and appreciated by the student body. Supper has been provided after of the general meeting.

Several Retreats have been held during the year the women going to Plimmerton and the men to Muritai. The Committees of the two branchesspent the week end preceding the session in this way with much profit.

Outside College attempts have been made with more or Iess success to give members the opportunity for practical service. At Scot's College and Wellington Boy's College the president in conjunction with Mr. O. E. Burton has addressed several meetings with a view to forming branches of the Christian Union there. It is believed that these are now on the way to permanency.

Monthly Sunday morning services for seamen are maintained as brightly as ever upon ships in port by the members of the Union. The average attendance of men and women is thirty-five, and often a large number of the officers and crew take part. Opportunities are found to show hospitality to lonely men in port Members are conducting educational class at the Y. M.C. A. Hostel among public service cadets. and at Canon Taylor a Mission.

These opportunities for service are reacting very helpfully upon the general life and activity of the Union and the College. The Executive would be reluctant to drop or curtail them, and feels that they are capable of considerable extension.