The Spike: or, Victoria University College Review, October 1917

Christian Union

Christian Union

During the session the activities of the Union have followed more or less closely those of previous years, though the absence of so many of the senior students has naturally had its effect.

Fortnightly general meetings have been held, and have, in the main, been well attended. Bible study groups have met regularly from week to week; and mission study is at present occupying the attention of members. A class for the study of Old Testament literature has been conducted on Sunday mornings throughout the session by Miss England, and those who have attended regularly have been amply repaid in instruction and help received.

Some of the general meetings are worthy of special mention. That addressed by Bishop Sprott, on August 11th, is one of the bright spots in our year's work. It was the occasion of a most masterly treatment of a subject in which we are all interested, the question of the "Divinity of Christ." Dr. Sprott stressed the fact that Christian belief was not the mere belief of what this one or that had said years ago, but a sure confidence based on individual experience.

Miss Gavin, N. Z. Travelling Secretary of the A. S. C. U., has delivered two addresses to the Union during the year, one in each term. Miss Gavin's thoughts are always such as to provoke new thought in those who hear her, and we have found in these two addresses no exception to the rule.

Early in the first term Professor Easterfield spoke to the Union, taking as his subject the College motto. This address was in the Professor's usual excellent style, an unfolding to his hearers of some of the seldom realised implications of our "sapientia magis auro desideranda."

The Union is at present looking forward with keen interest to an address which Professor Hunter has promised to deliver on the subject of the present social situation.

The Annual Conference of the Student Movement in New Zealand is to be held this year at Marton, commencing on December 28th. There are reasons why students, in making their plans for the long vacation, should not overlook this gathering. It is a gathering at which all students are welcome, and it is moreover, at the present time, the only opportunity afforded the students of the four colleges of meeting together, and of exchanging ideas. For this reason, if for no other, Conference has a claim on the consideration of every student.

This year we are looking forward to hearing at Marton J. McKellar Stewart, Ph.D., Vice-Chairman of the Australian movement, who has been for some time past one of the leaders of student thought in Australia. It is hoped, then, that all students will consider the question of Conference—not only members of the Chiristian Union, but all who are in any way interested, for this is a Students' Conference where a thoroughly representative assembly is one of the essentials of success.