DR. J. K. MOTT.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18675, 26 April 1926, Page 8

DR. J. K. MOTT.

A WORLD ORGANISER. PROBLEMS OF THE PACIFIC. Passing through Christchuroh on his way to Dunedin, Dr. John B. Mott spent three-quarters of an hour in tho City 011 Saturday. Known throughout the world as an organiser, Dr. Mott conies to New Zealand in a threo-fold capacity, as chairman of tho World's Student Christian Federation, of which ho was general manager from 1895 to 1920, during tho first 25 years of its existence; as chairman of tho International Missionary Council, which uuites all the missionary societies of the world, and which dates back to tho conference at Edinburgh in 1910, over which he presided; and as a member of tho World Committee of the "y.M.C.A. In the interests of theso threo international organisations, Dr. Mott, an American by birth and a cosmopolitan on account of his interests—he spends scarcely six months of tho year in the United States—has, perhaps, a better knowledge of more peoples and national movements than any other man living. He has been described as belonging to that typo of man called "the practical mystic," and at 01 years of age ho is at. the height of his powers as head of that Federation which is the most innational movement in existence. Dr. Mott was able, despite his short stay in Christchurch, to spare ten minutes to a "Press" reporter who called on him at the Clarendon Hotel, where he breakfasted. His present mission is with special reference to the situation in the Pacific basin. He has come to Now Zealand after visiting, since December last, Japan, Korea, China, Hong-Kong, the Philippines, the Straits Settlement, the Dutch Indies, where he spent a considerable time, and Australia, From New Zealand he returns to America and Canada, and in July aud August will preside at three great conferences in Europe, a meeting of the leaders of the Missionary Society in Sweden, tho first meeting of tho world's executive of the Y.M.C.A., since tho war, in Finland, and the biennial meeting of the Student Christian Federation in Donmark. At all these conferences he will report on the present situation and outlook in the Pacific, and discuss _ the future policy of theso organisations in cooperation with the countries of the Pacific basin. "Critical Time Ahead." "The centre of gravity has shifted from the Atlantic to the Pacific," said Dr. Mott, "in the sonso that the gravest problems are looming here. I deem it of the utmost importance t<f these three I world societies that they should con- | tributo their maximum of help to the Pacific daring the critical times ahead. "First and foremost, my visit is to to enable mo to confer at the four University Colleges, and also to meet the leaders of the New Zealand Student Christian movement. Secondly, I shall attend, at Dunedin, the conference of all the missionary forces of New Zealand —denominational and inter-denomi-national—where will be discussed those most pregnant problems before tho churches in regard to New Zealand and the whole world field of missionary service. Thirdly, I shall meet tho Boards of Directors of the Y.M.0.A., and the national leaders of the movement in the Dominion, and help them to decide, from tho world-wido experience of other nations, how to better the life of thfe young man." [ Dr. Mott has visited New Zealand on tw'o previous occasions, in 1896 on his pioneer tour in tho interests of tho Student Christian movement, and in 1903, when his visit was of a fraternal nature, its object being to roview progress made and to outline new plans. "Any visit now," lie added, "is with specific reference to considering, with the leaders of the Christian forces of New Zealand, and all others interested, the larger opportunities which confront your country, and to obtain the help of your beßt men and women in the world-wide work. I see New Zealand with a chance of making a larger contribution to world work than perhaps was over dreamed of—and she will do it, I am sure." Dr. Mott, who is accompanied by his wife and younger son, and Mr Donald Grant, general secretary of the Student Christian Federation. in New Zealand, will return to Christchurch on May Ist, when hewill meet the University authorities, a gathering of tho Student Christian movement, tho Y.M.C.A., and clergy and ministers. gsg - ' I