CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18295, 11 January 1923, Page 9

CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE.

STUDENTS' ANNUAL MEETING. EUROPEAN RELIEF WORK. The annual conference of the New Zealand Student Christian Movement, which has been held at Solway, Masterton, was attended by about 200 students and graduates. A general advance and development of the work in the university colleges, training colleges and secondary schools of the Dominion was planned for the coming year. The budget for the year was estimated at £1400. Of this sum over £400 was promised by the delegates.' ■ ..« ■ -■•• - Addresses were given bv Canon K. E. McLean, Revs. W. B. ; Black, W. H. Davies, D. D. Scott, E. R. Harries, E. P. Blamires. Messrs. W. Sheat, H. J. Mackie, G. T. Bellhouse and Miss Law. Two lectures by Rev. D. D. Scott on the authority and inspiration of the Bible attracted wide attention. Not a few considered that as large sections of the Old Testament represent times when the conception of God was! distinctly sub-Chris-tian, much greater care Bhould be exercised in the choice of Old Testament narratives for Sunday-school purposes. Some advocated the dropping of the bloodthirsty stories of battle and conquest and the substitution of stories of the Christian saints, heroes and martyrs. . The question of relief for the starving students in Europe was discussed. In a resolution which was passed on the subject the conference expressed a recognition of the contribution which European Students' Relief has made toward the idea of international understanding. The situation in Russia and Central Europe Was so desperate as to be a direct challenge to New Zealandeirs to do their utmost to continue to bring relief. It therefore was recommended that European Student Relief work .be carried on with a new impetus and an exhortation to personal sacrifice, on the same constructive lines as heretofore. The conference expressed its satisfaction that the gifts sent had not onlv. reached their destinations intended, but had been wisely administered, investigations having showed that the loss did not exceed one-half per cent. The opinion was expressed that it w as advisable that organisations for student relief should co-operate as much as possible with those organisations making a general appeal for relief. A sum of over £130 was promised for the relief funds. 7'he following resolution was passed: — "That this conference protests asrainst tho dismissal of Mr. A. W. Page. M A., late of the Christchurch Boys'- High School, for adding to his oath of allegiance the words 'so long as such undertaking continues not to conflict with what I con-, sider to .be my duty to God.' This conference considers that he. should be reinstated, and- thati" the regulations should be amended so as to permit a, teacher to express a conviction that his. duty to Ood is his first consideration." It was decided that copies of the resolution be forwarded to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Education. It was also decided to seek the co-operation of. the churches. .1 ■ International relationships were keenly discussed. '"• Mr. W. Sheat said that New Zealand patriotism at present could be summed up as. "My country, right or wrong." This statement had been openly espoused by some members of Parliament. Surely, however. Christian students ,could see the immorality of this. The Rev. W: H. Dayies, of Canton, stated that great damage had been done bv the arrogance and selfishness of some British people in China. Mr. A. W. : Page emphasised the necessity of knowledge, and strongly recommended , the reading of suitable" literature.. ' A number' of findings, dealing with social and industrial matters, were brought- forward. These generally 6X7 pressed the" supreme worth of human personality above everything else, the brotherhood of all men, and the necessity, therefore, to organise society on a basis of co-operation and service. ■•■'-