“STUDY TO SERVE”

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8358, 19 February 1913, Page 11

“STUDY TO SERVE”

METHODIST SOCIAL UNION FORMED. A movement which is expected to have a great effect upon the policy of the New Zealand"-Methodist • Church in relation to social problems has just been set on foot in Wellington. It has led to the formation of the New Zealand Methodist Social Union, wkifch like the English organisation which it follows, hopes to do much to direct the thought of the younger men in the church to social problems. The union was formed at a meeting hold at the Y.M.C.A. a few evenings ago in response to the call of the Kev. A. J. Seamer. It adopted as its motto: “Study to Serve,” and declared its objects to he the collection and study of social facts and the pursuit of social service with the view of securing a recognition of the Golden Eule and the mind of Christ as the supremo law of society and the sure remedy for all social ills. The methods which were adopted were: (1) Tho mutual study of selected text books; (2) the investigation of New Zealand social and industrial problems; (3) tho publication of newspaper articles and pamphlets; (4) the fostering of philanthropic work in connection with the Church. Though the union has no official connection with the Methodist Conference, there is a strong unofficial bond of association. The conference president, the Rev. S. Lawry, has been elected •president, and the union has already a Strong membership which includes, probably, half the members of the conference. Most of the younger men, both lay and clerical, have joined the union. jBranches of the union are to be established in different parte of tho Dominion- The annual members’ meeting will be held during the session of ieach Methodist Conference and district meetings during the session of each synod. When deemed advisable public meetings will he arranged for. The books chosen for study are: Stoddart’s “New Socialism,” Ramsay Macdonald’s “The Socialist Movement,” land also “Syndicalism'” and “Co-opera-tion” in Jack’s “People’s Books.” Tho mnion is taking up as a special work during the year an investigation of the standard or living in its relation to income. Officers have been appointed for each of the districts. For Wellington the Rev. G. Knowles Smith has been appointed chairman and the Rev. G. S. Cook secretary; for the Hawke’s BayManawatu district, the Rev. H. L. Blamires chairman and tho Rev. J. A. .Lochoro secretary.