STUDENTS AND CHRISTIANITY

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10535, 9 August 1912, Page 3

STUDENTS AND CHRISTIANITY

THE REY P. PATON IN CHRISTCHURCH.

ENTERTAINED BY THE MAYOR. The Rev F. Paton, who is in Christchurch in the interests of the Students' Christian movement, was entertained at morning tea by the Mayor to-day. A number of prominent citizens and representatives of the churches were present, and the Mayor explained that the object was to give Mr Paton an opportunity to meet business men of Cliristchurch. Mr Paton, who was applauded when he rose to speak, said that it gave him great pleasure to address citizens of this beautiful city. Tho Students' Christian movement was making great strides in other countries. It was impossible to bring the religious element into university work unless it came in through the students themselves, and it was to the students that the promoters of the movement wore looking. He described how the spiritual element was being brought to bear on the national education of the Japanese, who, ho added, were not a Christian people. The movement dealt with men who must become leaders of thought in the nation, and it was desirable that they should realise that their education was a thing given to them by God, and should not be used for selfish objects. It was hoped that each national movement would bo autonomous in itself, but that all would progress together in order that each should help all the other movements. The movement generally tried to develop an atmosphere in university life that would bring forth all which was noblest and best in the universities. It was hoped that, in after life, the students, while carrying on business and professional affairs, would still be leaders of tho Church, and would forward its interests. Special studies, relativo to Christian work, wcro encouraged amongst university students. They were encouraged, also, to study social problems. In Australia, they went down into tho slums, where they were able to obtain practical lessons. The student Volunteer movement helped to train men and women in lands that Ijad not yet adopted Christianity. It urged upon university students tho claims of other countries. Student volunteers from Eastern universities Avero doing splendid work amongst tho nations of the West. Porhaps the greatest effect of tho student Christian movement was seen amongst tho students of Russia ; upon whom it had had a profound influence. He asked that financial or nther assistance should bo given by citizens whenever they tmd opportunities to do so. Mr J. C. Adams, chairman of Board of Governors of Canterbury College, said that sinco tho movement had been taken up at tho college, there had been a marked tone of responsibility amongst students who, later on, would become leaders in tho community. The movement should be heartily supported. Mr A. F. Carey complimented Mr Paton on his address and on his selfsacrificing work, and moved that a vote of thanks should bo passed to him. Mr P. Kerens seconded tho motion, and said that no movement deserved better support. Thj motion was carried.

Mr IT. J. M'arrincr suggested t.h.-t those present should givo prat'thal 'demonstration of their support by promising to givo subscriptions to the funds. On tho suggestion of .Mr O. E. Salter a committee was appointed to take the propo'-al in hand. Mr A. S. Taylor, who was appointed secretary said "that his experience was that students at Canterbury College had not, taken as much interest in public affairs a«'rnijrht bo expected from them, and if the movement brought about an awakening in that direction alone, it would do much good. A vote of thanks was passed lo tho Mayor for calling the gathering U, • j;etlioc.