UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN UNION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2325, 22 September 1898, Page 21

UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN UNION.

The annual meeting of the Otago Students' Christian TJnion was held on Saturday morning in tliG Mental Science Room, University Buildings, the retiring president (Mr J. R. Shore) omipying the chair. The president's report showed that there had been decided progress during the year. Much help had been obtained from the visit of the travelling secretary, Mr W. H. Sallmon, M.A. As a result of his visit two otber unions had been formed — one among the Normal School students, and one at Braemar House. Over 20 new members joined the University Union during the present session. Reports were presented by the conveners of the various committees. Among other things it was stated that three circles had met for Bible study during the winter, using as text books Laidlaw's "Foundation Truths" and Sallmon's "Studies m the Life of Jesus." The union have now 62 members — 58 active and four associate. Members of the union had conducted the service ones a month in the Walker street Mission Hall, and had held a weekly Bible class for the Y.W.O.A. The Volunteer Band had met once a fortnight for the systematic study of foreign missions, using as a text book Thornton's "Africa Waiting." Missionary addresses had been given in both town and country. During the year Dr Charles North* 8.A., B.Sc, had sailed for the foreign field, and another student had joined the band, leaving a membership of eight. The report of the Treasurer, Mr J. Collie, M.A., Bhowed a credit balance of £2 lls Id. On the motion of Mr F. W. Dunlop, 8.A., the reports were adopted. On the motion of Mr J. Blaikie, seconded by Miss B. L. Brown, the following office-bearers wore elected : — President, Mr W. Spence ; vicepresident, Miss I. M'Kellar; treasurer, Mr Budd ; recording secretary, Miss G-ordon ; corresponding secretary, Mr Ivo E. Bertram, B.A. It was agreed that Miss F. Hodges should act as corresponding secretary pro tern. On the motion of Miss C. E. MacGregor, 8.A., a vote of thanks was passed to the retiring executive. The meeting closed with prayer.

— On the banners of the various regiments which constitute the British army are emblazoned the names of no fewer than 105 battles. But many actions of great importance, both as regards military results and the roll of killed and wounded, are not so commemorated. ■ — The Chinese are perhaps the most lightlytaxed people in the world. In China all the land belongs to the State, and a trifling sum per acre— never altered through long centuries — is paid as rent. This is the only tax in the country, and it amounts to about 2s 6d per head yearly. — In stipends, salaries, and wages to their numerous officers, clerks, and staff, tho Corporation of London spend yearly upwards of £100,000. — The value of all the gold, silver, copper, iron, coal, and lead mined every year in America is exceeded by the products of the forests. Even the combined wheat and cotton crop is less in value than tho forest product.