STUDENTS AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3193, 26 May 1915, Page 3

STUDENTS AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS.

SOCIAL SERVICE LEAGUE FORMED

The most recent of the fields of activity to be recognised as coming within the scop of the World's Student Christian Federation is that of social service. For some years past the student movement in older lands has been devoting attention with characteristic thoroughness and earnestness to the question of the contribution which students can make to the solution of the terrible social problems w.th which they are surrounded. The Student Movement in Australia has already organised Social Service Leagues, seeking, both by theoretical study and by practical work, to train men and' women to lead in all movements for the uplifting of society and the amelioration ot social conditions. The Auckland University League, formed three years ago, was the pioneer of the movement in Kew Zealand and a year later a similar league was formed at Victoria College, Wellington. For some two years past the study of social problems has been regularly taken up by women students of the Otago University, but it was not till last night that a Social Service League was actually formed here. The meeting at which the league was formed was preceded by the ordinary weekly meeting of the University Christian Union. Mr J. T. Macky presided, and there were over 100 students present. The address of the evening was given by Mr W. D. Stewart, M.P., on the subject of “ Social Service.” During the opening exercises the parable of the Good Samaritan was road by one of the students.

In introducing the speaker Mr Macky expressed the indebtedness of the union to. Mr Stewart for the assistance he had given it in its social service work during the past few years. Mr Macky expressed the thanks of the meeting to Mr Stewart, and said ho trusted that one result of the meeting would be that everyone present would take a keen interest in the league which it was hoped to form. >

About 50 students, principally ladies, remained behind to consider the question of the formation of a Social Service League. Mr Macky explained that the object of the loa.gqe would bo to unite all those interested in social service generally, and in the study of the special problems of our city. Mr J. A. Thomson moved, and it was carried—“ That this mooting proceed with the formation of a Social Service League.” The constitution of the league was then discussed, and adopted clause by clause. Its aims are “to foster the development of a spirit of service among students,” and “to encourage members to study social problems and undertake 'social work.” ” The following officers were elected :—President, Mr W. I). Stewart, M.P.; vice-presi-dents, Miss Ravvson and Mr G. F. Inglis; secretary and treasurer, Mr J. A. Thomson ; corresponding secretaries—Miss D. Tinewoll, Mr W. Rushbrook. The names of the Rev. E. A. Axclsen and J. T. Macky were subsequently added to the executive.