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Christian Union

Another year in the life of our Union is almost completed, and next week will see the election of a new executive. Looking back on the year's activities, it appears to have been a year of adventure. A new and wider form of social service, combined study circles, an open circle for the discussion of Christian doctrines, and regular weekly intercession circles have been amongst the experiments made, and the success with which they have met amply justifies their existence.

The social teas which were held every alternate Saturday during the first term have been discontinued latterly, but we hope to revive them at an early date. Sunday teas which, until Easter, were held every week are now held once a month.

Bible Study Circles have met weekly throughout the year, but will be disbanding ere long, while the continuance of the weekly intercession circles, led by the students, testifies to the success with which "they have met.

The Students' Day of Prayer was observed on July 27th. After a tea, at which our President spoke on the "Aims of the N.Z.S.C.M.," we attended the service at St. Peter's Church. This year we departed somewhat from our usual custom by having our Intercession Service as part of the Church service.

Shortly before the vacation the Executive spent a week-end at Rona Bay, when we had an opportunity of making friends with Miss Gavin and of hearing her interesting account of life, as she found it, in India.

The General Committee Meeting of the N.Z.S.C.M. was hold in Christ-church, from August 28th to 30th, V.U.C. being represented by Miss Mackenzie and Mr. Powles. It is at such gatherings as these, where one has an opportunity of meeting with representatives from the other Colleges and of discussing with them their successes and failures, and their plans for the coming years, that one is inspired to make much greater efforts, realising the magnitude and the worth of the movement of which we are a part.

The Student Relief work has now been taken out of our hands, and is carried on under the auspices of the Students' Association, but Mr. Mackie, our Travelling Secretary, assisted in the organisation of a Work Day, held on August 16th, which unfortunately did not meet with the response hoped for from the students.

During the vacation we held a social, which from the point of view of enjoyment was an unqualified success, though, being holiday time, the number present was comparatively small.

Don't forget when you are making plans for your holidays that this year the Summer Conference is being held at Cambridge, from December 31st to January 6th. Those of us who have been privileged to attend a Conference are looking forward eagerly to this one, for the opportunity of spending such a week of fun and fellowship, made all the more real by the serious side with which it is intermingled, is too good a one to be missed.