SOCIAL PROBLEMS.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXIX, Issue 55, 21 February 1913, Page 6

SOCIAL PROBLEMS.

WELLINGTON, Feb. 18. A movement which is expected to have a great effect on the policy of the New Zealand Methodist Church in its relation to social problems has just been set on foot in to the formation of the New Zealand Methodist Social Union, which, like the English organisation which it follows, hopes to do much to direct the thoughts of the younger men in the Church to the social problem. The union was formed at a meeting held at the Y.M.C.A. ai few evenings ago in response to the call of Rev. A. J. Seamer. It adopted as its motto, ''Study to S"".'ve." and declared its objects to be the collection and study of social facts and the pursuit of social service with the view of securing social recognition of the golden rule and the mind of Christ as the supreme law of society and the sure remedy for all social ills. The methods which were adopted were*. (1) Mutual study ol selected textbooks: (2) investigation of New Zealand soc ; al and industrial problems; (3) publication of newspaper articles and pamphlets; (4) iostenng of philanthropic work in connection with the Church. Though the union has no official connection with the Conference, there is a strong official bond of association. The conference pres'dent (Rev. fi. Lawvv) has been elected president, and the union has already a strong membership, whkh includes probably half the members of the conference. Most of the" younger men. both lay and clerical, have joined the union. Branches of the union, are to be formed in different parts of the Dominion. The annual members' meeting will be held during the session of each ''Methodist Confernce and district meetings duriri" the session of each Synod. When deemed advisable, public meetings will be arranged. Books chosen, for study are Stoddart's "New Socialism," Ramsay Mftcfionald's "The.Socialist Movement," and. a'so "Syndicalism" and "Co-operation" in Jack's ./'People's Book?,"- The union is: taking up a special work during the year,,being an investigation of the standard of living in its relation to income.