The Christian Union

Our activities opened this year with a retreat at Hutt Park, Petone. For the entertainment of those present a few eager enthusiasts took upon themselves the burden of producing a short play entitled, "Winnie, Walter and Waiter." Scene—Restaurant. The exact effect that the play produced on the audience would be hard to describe, but the actors came through the ordeal feeling well pleased with themselves. Indeed Winnie made "herself" very popular. This does not mean that Walter and the Waiter did not acquit themselves nobly. The Waiter, a dashing fellow, handled "wun whopper whale" in a manner which would have done credit to Sandow. As for the "wusty" Walter, he showed himself well versed in the part he played. Taking everything into consideration the week-end was a great success.

The Executive decided on a new venture when it held a "Campaign" in the first term. The Campaign took the form of four addresses given respectively by Miss E. A. Sewell, Mr. John Allen, Miss Moncrieff and Mr. W. H. P. Mackenzie. The address of Mr. Mackenzie in particular gave a great stimulus to our religious thinking, giving us as it did a very modern view of Christianity.

The majority of our circles had made a good start by the end of the first term. We are pursuing several different studies this year, the one on "Social Problems" being the most popular. The social problem being studied is that of the Maoris. It is intended to get several persons interested in this study to give short addresses on it. It is rumoured that the circle on "Theological and Doctrinal Questions" have entered their study with enthusiasm and have had some long and weighty discussions on the questions under consideration.

Shortly after the first term commenced we held an "Opening Rally" down the South Karori Road. Old Father Sun gave us his best smile all day, so there was a good attendance of members. During the afternoon, four of our members entertained us with a short play. After tea we all gathered round the camp fire and entertained ourselves with songs, reading, etc. The proceedings were enlivened by smoking on the part of the five.

News of the postponement of the Pan Pacific Conference was received with regret at the end of the first term. Delegates of students from nearly every country bordering the Pacific were to have been present. It was originally intended to hold the conference at Peking but owing to the unsettled state of affairs in China it was decided to change the place of the Conference to Honolulu. Plans to hold the conference at Honolulu failed also so it will not be held until a later date. The presence of Mahatma Ghandi at the conference was practically assured. When we realize that men like him were to be present we can gather some idea of the importance of such a conference. The chairman was to have been T. Z. Koo, a former travelling secretary of the W.S.C.F. and representative of China at the Geneva Opium Conference. Our disappointment at the postponement of this conference from which we hoped so much can easily be imagined.

Towards the end of the first term, a Student service was held at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, the preacher being the Rev. J. Howie. Two page 52 of our students and two from Training College took part in the service, which was broadcasted. Members of the Auxiliary, and representative from various secondary schools, were also present.

We are at present looking forward to a week-end at Hutt Park. By attending these camps anyone interested will be well rewarded as there are many opportunities for frank discussion and happy friendships with members of other faculties at College and in other pursuits of life.