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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 18, No. 2. March 18, 1954

. . . S.C.M. Conference — "God Who Acts"

. . . S.C.M. Conference

"God Who Acts"

The S.C.M. Conference this year was held at Wesley College, Paerata, near Auckland. It would have been difficult to find a more pleasant setting. The opening service was held in the chapel on the evening of the first day, and the full daily programme began the next day.

According to the programme our day began at 7 a.m.; but those who weren't already up, whether for swimming or fatigue-duty, rolled out a good bit later. At 9 o'clock our Camp Devotions were led by Jack Lewis. Auckland S.C.M. Chaplain, and Chaplain of Conference, who had also written our study book, and from 9.30 to 11 we separated into our study groups—about ten in each—to prepare, and then to discuss, the day's study. The theme was "God Who Acts," studies based directly on the Bible, and helping us to get a view of the unity of that history of God's revelations of Himself to man; emphasis was on the completeness of the final revelation in Christ, and on the relevance and urgency of His purpose for us to-day.

We relaxed and continued discussing over morning tea, then met again for Luke Jenkins' Tutorials on Revelation, another view of the Conference theme, more specialised, but broadening our approach to it.

Wednesday morning was an exception. Study finished abruptly, and everyone rushed down to the main road to take up positions on either side. The Royal party was going past that day. We were prepared to sing Gaudeamus, but though we managed it for Mr. Holland, it petered out and was forgotten when we saw the Queen and the Duke themselves.

Afternoons were "free." which means fully occupied. There was cricket, tennis, and swimming, and concert items had to be planned. We went for long rambles in the fields, becoming suddenly active when we looked at our watches or realised we were in a bull paddock. Several days we could listen to music recording, or join in play reading, and of course there was Convention. This is the S.C.M. Parliament—each College has voting representatives—plus a number of decided and vociferous members. And then there were those normal discussions which arose and were pursued any time of day (or night) on subjects ranging from lipstick and tea to Pacifism and Alcohol.

At five we met again in Study Groups to pray together. Each of us could take part, asking God's help in difficulties of ourselves and others, thanking Him for what He had done for us, and realising how we had failed Him. Then we all moved towards the Chapel for general Intercessions, led by the Rev. W. Gardinor Scott.

In the evenings there were addresses—"World Affairs," by Professor Airey of A.U.C.'s History Department; "Science and Religion," by Doctor Farley, also A.U.C.; "Man and Woman." by Joan and Bruce Cochrane (Mrs. Cochrane was our Camp Hostess as well); on Saturday a panel, which we presented with a large variety of questions. After supper discussions with the speakers continued vigorously, though with reduced numbers, well on past light south: it's odd but the later the hour, the better the argument! Close of Day was taken by students in the Chapel.

We watched the Old Year out and greeted the New Year round our camp fire, taking part in a midnight service, and then singing hymns and carols as long as the blaze lasted. There wasn't much sleep fitted in that night—nor on our last day when there was square dancing on the lawn till nearly 3 a.m.

Our Sunday services were all held in the College Chapel. There was a seven o'clock Communion service for Anglicans, followed by the Communion service according to the Methodist order, to which the non-Anglicans were invited. That we should have to separate like this for the central service of our faith, which should express the unity of the Church, is an evil recognised and prayed about within the S.C.M. in the evening a poetical play by R. H. Ward, "The Destiny of Man." was performed.

Conference was nearing its end. On Monday evening the closing service was held, and on Tuesday the College was resuming its normal orderliness and peace again.

We had had a grand time, and our fun was increased by the fellowship we had enjoyed by studying and praying together.

—G.C.

The City of Vienna has made it [unclear: oratory] for students to visit [unclear: concifs] and operas in the future in an apparent effort to stir up a greater interest in music among the students, the city fathers have allotted a considerable amount of money for special opera performances and concerts which the students are to attend as part of their general education. Besides these free-of-charge performances, tickets at sharply reduced prices will be available for students, anxious to widen their musical knowledge, with the city government paying the difference.

(A.P.)