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The Spike: or, Victoria University College Review October 1914

Christian Union

Christian Union.

On account of the great European crisis, the activities of the Union have been somewhat handicapped; nevertheless, we have had some very successful fortnightly meetings, and the Study Book is proving well worth the study for those who have been following it through.

One of the most unique meetings held at College was that addressed on July 11th by Mr. Dan Crawford, Livingstone's successor in Africa. The Social Hall was crowded, a large proportion of the audience being students; and Mr. Crawford received a sympathetic and appreciative hearing. He delighted the audience by his raillery at students in general for the more formal aspects of their life. One could not but feel that here was indeed a man, one who had accomplished things, one who had really done something; and the simple story of his actual experiences and the results of his work among "his people" in Central Africa 'leads one to believe that if we cannot fully appreciate the greatness of his work now, succeeding generations who will see the onward march of civilization in Africa will have cause to be thankful that these people were first approached by men like Crawford, and were consequently more fitted to receive the mixed blessings of a somewhat mixed civilization. We recommend Mr. Crawford's book, "Thinking Black," not only for its breeziness and originality of style, but also for its record of a work which, in some ways, eclipses that of David Livingstone.

page 37

The Annual Social, held on July 25th, was a great success, because it was a "social." The students present thoroughly enjoyed themselves, the evening passing with a surprising swiftness, as things were "kept moving" so busily. During the supper, a welcome to Mr. Burbidge on his return to New Zealand was signed by all present, and forwarded to catch him on his way out.

Our next meeting was to have been addressed by the Travelling Secretary, Mr. Young, but as the war excitement was at its highest at this time, formal meetings were out of the question.

Owing to financial considerations, the General Committee deemed it inadvisable to go to the expense of calling Mr. Young over to the meeting held in Melbourne this month; and so members of the Union quietly subscribed sufficient to allow Mr. Young to attend this important meeting. It is such spontaneous acts as these which show the interest taken by all in anything which will improve the work of the Union, for the idea came from outside the Executive, and was therefore the more welcome.

Conference this year is to be held at Waimate, and those who attended Woodville will need no further urging to attend this year's camp. To all those who have never attended one, the writer of this report, who, prior to his first experience (last year), was somewhat sceptical, heartily recommends them as being, from many standpoints, the strongest and healthiest thing Possible.

Like other College bodies, we have given of our best to the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Many of our members have gone with the Advance Party to Samoa, or are at present in training at one of the concentration camps.

It is a noteworthy fact that the last three 1851 Exhibition scholars (Messrs. Rigg, Burbidge, and Hercus) have been very active members of the Union. It is sufficient answer to many students who excuse themselves from taking part in the Union's activities on account of lack of time, that these men found it worth while to give up so much of their time for the Union. We are pleased to say that, at the time of writing, Mr. Burbidge has arrived at Fremantle, much improved in health. We hope that he will be able to resume his studies at Cambridge when he has fully recovered health and strength.