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The Spike or Victoria University College Review June 1926

Christian Union

Christian Union.

"Some were looking up towards the heavens in a thoughtful posture, and in the midst of a speculation stumbled and fell out of sight."

Joseph Addison.

Those of us who were fortunate enough to get to Temuka, returned with a new vision of our work in College. We heard accounts of the colour problem as it presents itself in China, Africa, India and Europe from missionaries and others who had actually lived there and who knew the situation at first hand. The position in other lands as it revealed itself to us in these addresses, and our discussions seemed to stimulate our enthusiasm to do what we could for our own Union in our own College.

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It was at Conference that we made our first acquaintance with Mr. Donald Grant, our new General Secretary. There we learnt from him something of the conditions of students in Europe, and of the work of the International Student Service. Those who did not make his acquaintance at Temuka, had an opportunity of meeting him at our first General Meeting, and of hearing his impressions of Europe. At the last week-end at Hutt Park, we were given another opportunity of meeting him and discussing our problems with him. We are very fortunate indeed in having a man like Mr. Grant as General Secretary.

By far the most important event of the year is the visit of Dr. John R. Mott, the Chairman of the World's Student Christian Federation. He addressed a meeting in the Taranaki Street Church on "Present Day Trends in Asia, and their Significance for Students." The only students' address he was able to give was delivered at Training College the following afternoon. The Executives of the Training College and University Unions had an opportunity of meeting him on the same afternoon, and of discussing with him the problems and difficulties with which they are faced. All those who were present at his meetings must have felt what an inspiring man he is, and especially those who were fortunate enough to spend a few days with him at the Waikanae Leaders' Conference or at the Dunedin Missionary Conference. Perhaps one of the thoughts that struck us most was the way in which his whole life was centred round Christ Himself. It made us feel more deeply, than perhaps ever before, the necessity of giving Christ the central position in our lives.

Now that Dr. Mott has left us, we must endeavour to take full advantage of the help he has given us by taking a keen and active interest in all the activities of our College Union. In addition to the usual Study Circles, a special Circle has been formed to study J. H. Oldham's "Christianity and the Race Problem," under the leadership of Mr. J. T. V. Steele. Intercession groups are held on Wednesdays in A3 at 8 p.m., and on Sundays at 8.30 p.m. in the Y.W.C.A., Boulcott Street. General meetings are held on alternate Wednesday evenings at 8.15 p.m. The speakers and subjects arc advertised on the notice board from time to time.