HELP FOR ST. JOHN'S COLLEGE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 258, 29 October 1907, Page 6

HELP FOR ST. JOHN'S COLLEGE.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —It was announced by Bishop Neligan at the close of the meeting in the "Choral Hall last Friday evening that an anonymous donor had offered £500 for the-building scheme for St. John's College, on condition that three other persons would contribute a like amount. This is just the kind of offer that is wanted to make the scheme a success. Some of the friends of the college have been praying daily for the last two months since the Bishop launched his scheme that such an offer might be forthcoming, and many no doubt are now praying that others may follow the worthy lead. St. John's College Association of Old Students at their annual meeting the other day, unanimously agreed to give the Bishop their hearty support, and many of its memb?rs are pledged earnestly to pray for the success of his scheme. The Bishop is aiming high, and nothing less worthy should be attempted. A great benefactor of all good works, the late Yen. Archdeacon Williams, gave it a good. start by promising £1000. When the four donations of £500 are forthcoming, as I believe they will be, more than half the money needed will have been guaranteed. When these are followed by many other donations from our wealthier brethren in hundreds, the rank arid file of us will then come in with our tens. Some people say that the success of the V.M.C.A. has killed the prospect, of success at St. John's. Let us rather believe that it will stir up a healthy emulation. There is plenty of money in tho community for both, arid for other great needs as well. It is not to be found indeed without self-denial; but it is the self-denial which makes the offerings worthy. The foundations of the scheme are well laid. They have been approved by a body of expert business men. The Bishop himself is a skilful educationalist. He has shown this in the Girls' High School here, as well as in his .'ate parish in London. He has promised to work his best for this if he gets a good lead; and we know what his best means. He is shortly visiting England, and will be much cheered if he can go away feeling that the scheme for St. John's is sure of success. Some people tell us that mistakes have been made in the past at St. John's. But no great successes were ever reached without mis takes, and if we wait to do our share in any great work till we meet with men as leaders who make no mistakes, we shall never do anything at all. Auckland has now before her a great oppor-

tunity. She has a giant at work for great ends calling for her help, and I believe that she will give it him with no niggardly hand. —-I am, etc., WM. N. de L. WILLIS. An old student of St. John's. The Vicarage, -Cambridge, " ~ October 25, 1907. "> " -"-