DR J. R. MOTT

Hokitika Guardian, 27 April 1926, Page 3

DR J. R. MOTT

A WORLD ORGANISER

PROBLEMS OF the PACIFIC

CHRISTCHURCH, April 20.

Dr John 11. Mott passed tln'ougji Christchurch on his way to Dunedin. Known throughout the world as an organiser. Dr Mott comes to New Zealand In a three-fold capacity, ns chairman of the World's Student Christian Federation, of which he was general manager from 1895 to 1920, during the first 25 years of its existence; as chairman of the International Misionary Council, which unites all the misionary societies of the world, and which dates back to tho conference at Edinburgh in 1910, over which be presided; and as a member of the World Committee of the, Y’.M. C.A. In the interests of these three international organisations, Dr Mott, an American by birth and a cosmopolitan on account of his interests—lie spends scarcely six months of the year in the United States —has, perhaps, a better knowledge of more peoples and national movements than any other man living. He lias been described as l>elonging to that type of man called ‘‘the practical mystic,” and at 61 years of age he is at the height of his powers as head of that Federation which is the most international movement in existence.

Dr Mott was able, despite bis short stay in Christchurch, to spare ten minutes to a “Press” reporter who called on him at the Clarendon Hotel, where he breakfasted. His present mission is with special reference to the situation ill the Pacific basin, lie has come to New Zealand after visiting. since December last. Japan, Korea, China. Hong Kong, tho Philippines, the Straits Settlement, the Dutch Indies, where he spent a considerable time, and Australia. From New Zealand lie returns to America and Canada, and in July and August will preside at three great conferences in Europe, a meeting of the leaders of the Missionary Society in Sweden, tho first meeting of the world's executive of the Y.M.C'.A.. since the war, in Finland, and the biennial meeting of Student Christian Federation in Denmark. At all these conferences he will report on the present situation and outlook in the Pacific, and discuss the future policy of these organisations in co-operation with the countries of the Pacific basin. “CRITICAL TIME AHEAD.”

“The centre of gravity lias shifted from the Atlantic to the Pacific.” said Dr Mott, “in the sense that the gravest problems are looming here. I deem it of tbe utmost importance to these three world societies that they should contribute their .maximum of help to the Pacific during the critical times ahead.

“First and foremost, my visit is to enable me to confer at tlie lour l niversity Colleges, and also to meet the leaders of the New Zealand Student Christian movement. Secondly, I shall attend, at Dunedin, tbe. (iinterence ol all the missionary lnn.es ol New Zealand—denominational and inter-de-nominational—where will be discussed those most pregnant problems betore tbe churches in regard to New Zealand and the whole world field ol missionary service, ’iniidly, I shall meet tin' Boards of Directors ol Hie Y.M.C.A., and tho national leaders of the movement in the Dominion, and help them to decide, from the worldwide experience of other nations, how to better the life of the young man.”

Dr Mott lias visited New Zealand on

two previous occasions, in .1896 on bis pioneer tour in the mteiests ot th Student, Christian movement, and in P.lOlt. when his visit was ot a Iraternal nature, its object being to review progress made and to outline new plans.^ “Any visit now,” lie added. ‘is with specific reference to considering, witli tlie leaders of the Christian forces of New Zealand, and all others interested, the larger opportunities which confront your country and to obtain the help of your best men and women in tho world-wide work. I see N'<‘W Zealand with a chance of making a larger contribution to world work than perhaps was ever dreamed of—and she will do it, I am sure.” Dr Mott, who is accompanied by Ins wife and younger soil, and Mr Donald Grant, general secretary of the Student Christian Federation in New Zealand, will return to Christchurch on May Ist, when he will meet the University authorities,' a gathering of the Student Christian movement, the A ..M.U.i mid clergy and ministers.