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The University Christian Social Service League.

As the result of the Student Movement Conference held at Woodville at the end of last year, some developments in the work of the League have taken place. In the first place, Social Service Leagues have been established in Christchurch and Dunedin. There are consequently now organisations like our own in each of the other three centres. In the second place, it appeared at Woodville that the simplification of organisation, where possible, is in itself a social reform. The practical result of this conclusion has been the closing of the Girls' Club in Jacob's Place, carried on by the Women's Branch, and the linking up of the women's work with that of the Young Women's Christian Association. The latter institution, with its greater equipment, and ampler resources had recently undertaken work for girls on the lines of the Girls' Club. Accordingly the League transferred its equipment (though not without money or price), its workers and as many as possible of the girls attending the Girls' Club to the Y.W.C.A. The Women's Branch reports that more effective work is being done under the new conditions than under the old. The chief disadvantage is that fewer of the poorest girls are now being reached. It is a question for consideration whether this disadvantage outweighs the advantages of the new arrangement.

As a further outcome of the Woodville Conference, it was resolved to obtain accurate information as to the religious and social life of some of the smaller towns in New Zealand. Lists of questions have been prepared, and are being sent to the League's members and helpers in the country districts of the Wellington Province. The same lists are being circulated in the other Provincial Districts. By the end of the year, some reliable and useful information should be available.

The Men's Branch continues its educational work at the Boys' Institute. There are 20 boys on the roll, and the average attendance is 12. The boys are taught for the Sixth Standard Proficiency Examination. The Inspector's examination should take place three months hence.

Once a month the Men's Branch provides speakers for the Sunday evening meetings for boys.

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The League was invited by the Social Democratic Party to provide an address on the subject of "The Evolution of Law." The invitation was accepted, and the address given in the Esperanto Hall on 18th May last. Though questions were rife at its close, the most friendly spirit pervaded the meeting, and a further invitation was promised. The League feels that great good can be done by such friendly interchanges of thought.

Opportunities for service continue to open out. The adaptation of the Workers' Educational Association, and of the Adult School Movement to New Zealand needs is a task worthy of accomplishment by the League as soon as may be. Other duties, however, press insistently on the League's members, and this piece of work must be postponed for a time. Perhaps our College Professors have already bethought themselves of the adaptation of the Workers' Educational Association to the needs of this Democracy of ours!