STUDENTS’ CONFERENCE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9653, 5 January 1910, Page 5

STUDENTS’ CONFERENCE.

CLOSING DAY. Yesterday was the closing day of the Conference held in Marion under the auspiecs of the Australasian Students*’ Christian Union. After the usual normal class and. Bible study and discussions, the Rev, W. Mawson, M.A., o? tbs Canton ■Villages Mission, addressed the members of the Conference on “Enterprise in Foreign Missions.’’ Speaking from a first-hand knowledge of the conditions at present obtaining in the great Empire of China, Mr Mawsoa emphasised strongly tlia importance of enthusiastic and aggressive enterprise in the Far East. China ss waking after the sleep of centuries. Eve---- where is turmoil and espsClancy; everywhere is a reaching out for western education and western civilisation. The opportunity of the Christian Obnroh is at hand in the Far East; if that opportunity is missed than Christianity and the world will be the losers, la the afternoon a picnic was held at Seaton Park and was greatly enjoyed. Four drags were inyrequisitioa, and the drive through the pleasant surroundings of Marion proved quite exhilarating. As the Park the visitors spent their time in climbing and viewing the lake -and ia discussion about the site and date of the next New Zealand Conference.

Id the evening, before a crowded audience, Mr B. D. Bedford, M.A,, L.L 8,, of Dunedin, spoke on the subject of "Students and Social Problems.’’ Mr Bedford’s address caused a great stir in the audience by frankly and vigorously stating bis views on the existing social and economic conditions of New Zealand. Many expressed later dissent from aonae of Mr Bedford ’expositions, but all must agree that the speaker spoke from the fulness of his heart and from deep study of the problems facing ns from the social standpoint. A strong plea was made for the eager and earnest study of these problems on the part of University students. What was wanted pre-eminently in New Zealand was cultured tnea_ to grapple with tbs social conditions and to grapple with them without losing the emotional warmth that could alone make the students a power for reform. The ideal reformer was described, special emphasis being placed on the necessity of the man who would successfully meet the conditions living and working as a Christian gentleman. The Conference was closed by the fourth devotional meditation oa “Abiding Realities,’’ the Rev. Mr Jolly, who has baen conducting these meditations, speaking on the abiding graces—Faith, Hope and Charity.

VOTES OF THANKS

The Students’ Conference desire to make public recognition ol the way in which the following ladies and gentlemen have helped their conference i’he Mayor and citizens of Marton, the Editor of the Esngitikei Advocate, the Town Clerk and Town Council, the manager Of the Bank of Australasia, the Postmaster o£ Marton Post Office, the Marton Bowling Club, the Marton Tennis and Croquet Club, the Raugitikei Cricket Club, the Technical and State School Committees, the Revs. Gordon, Griffin and Kitcat, Messrs E. Newman, M.P., Ingle Bros, and McGregor, Gould, Meyer, Mather, Mesdamea Dolby, McGregor and Baiucridgs, aad Misses Taylor and Wilton.