CHURCHES OF CHRIST.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20288, 22 December 1927, Page 6

CHURCHES OF CHRIST.

COLLEGE SESSION CLOSES. The close of the first year's work of the Church of Christ College, NorthEast Valley, was celebrated last night Mr J. Inglis Wright (chairman of the Board of Management) presided. The Chairman said that the occasion was a historic one for the Ihurches of Christ in Now Zealand, as it marked the culmination of years of prayer and planning. No longer was it necessary for young men of the churches to seek preparation for the ministry abroad. Many who had done this had not returned to New Zealand. He congratulated all concerned on the large amount of work accomplished in the necessarily brief opening session. There was very reason to expect speedy growth and important service from the institution. The Principal (Mr A. L. Haddon) reported that the work dona during the session was most satisfactory. The enrolment of day and evening students (totalling 19) was made up of those who were training for the ministry at home, for foreign missionaries, and for the work of religious education. A oleasing and practical way in which many in lie churches had expressed their interest was in the donation of over 400 volumes , th© college library. A Tirther gift of £ls for missionary literature had been made by the Mission Circle of St. Andrew’s Street Church (Dunedin). The present students showed above average ability, the most successful being Mr G. Todd, who gained honours in each of the seven subjects of the (hcological course.

Mr A. Sotting (hon. Treasurer) stated that the initial financing of what was

big undertaking for a comparatively small membership had been surprisingly liberal and spontaneous. Other speakers wore Messrs W. R. Beadle (evening student) and G. Todd (resident). Mrs Sotting and Mr G. F. Ward rendered items. At the close the board entertained the students at a social hour.

THE LICENSING ISSUE.

TO TIIE EDITOG. Silt, —Once again one is compelled to remark that it would he humorous wore tho subject and principles involved not so momentous and serious. How can anyone in h ; s sane senses write to your paper complaining of pledges given by candidates for Parliament being a dishonest, reprehensible practice? The very obvious fact emerges that the candidate is mucti move responsible than tho individuals or organisation asking the questions. If ho gives favourable replies to questions which he feels to be against tho welfare and best interests of his country, then his character, c*v rather Jack of it, can bo better imagined than discribccl. If tho course espoused is good for all. then his favourable reply shows Ins own good sense. There is no other aspect of the matter. If, however, tho candidates’ answers had_ been in the majority favourable to tho liquor traffioyhad they been in tho negative instead of in tho a formative —the silence from liquor supporters and the liquor traffic itself would have boon as profound as thoir present declamations arc stupid and ridiculous. The second .writer in Tuesdays Daily Times sneaks sarcastically of tho support which ho allogs prohibitionists would or ought to givo to nameless and gross atrocities in tho United Stales. Of course the Standing Committee of the Mew /lea. land Alliance has expressly voiced its whole hearted approval of the latest child murder and mutilation case there, and is going to extract pledges, secret and otherwise, next election from candidates who would favour an increase in such doings and to facilitate tho perpetration of them.- 1 am, etc., rjIBEKTT.