DISTINGUISHED STUDENT LEADER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17832, 28 April 1926, Page 9

DISTINGUISHED STUDENT LEADER.

Dr John R. Mott, who is at present touring New Zealand, is one of a small group of devoted leaders to whom the World Student Christian Federation owes its foundation. It was launched in 1895 at Wadstena Castle, Sweden, and then consisted of five national organisations. Today it counts twenty-nine national movements, comprising 280,000 students. For twentyfive years Dr Mott was General Secretary to the federation. and during that time became veritably a citizen of the world. None of Dr Mott’s official positions—Chairman of the W.S.C.F. and the International Missionary Council, and member of the Executive of the World’s Alliance of Young Men’s Christian Associations—is ornamental ; they entail a prodigious amount of work—reading, thinking ahead, writing, travelling, speaking, finance and executive work of all descriptions. During his visit he will address meetings of students, luncheons for business and professional men, public meetings as well as meeting in Conference with leaders in all branches of Christian work. Dr Mott, who is accompanied by his wife and younger son, and Mr Donald Grant, general secretary of the Student Christian Federation in New Zealand, is now in Dunedin. He will return to Christchurch on Saturday, when he will meet the University authorities, a gathering of members of the Student Christian movement, the Y.M.C.A. and clergy and ministers. On Monday he will be tendered a complimentary luncheon, at which the Mayor will preside.