Busy Days in Edinburgh
The annual general meeting of the University Societies' Federation of Great Britain was held at Edinburgh on the 14th —17th inst.
On Friday evening there was a reception of delegates, by the Edinburgh societies, in the Chaplaincy. Saturday opened with Mass and General Communion in the Chaplaincy for the deceased members. Breakfast followed, and afterwards Jonathan Tate, lecturer in Classics, at St. Andrew's University, addressed a representative meeting in the University Women's Union, on " Universities and Freedom of Thought." The Federation's appreciation of a vigorous and stimulating lecture was shown in the hearty response to a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. A. A. Parker (Cambridge).
After lunch the delegates, except those who had to attend an executive meeting, visited the Castle, members of the host societies acting as guides. A dance on Saturday night, was the concluding event of a day which had been tilled from early morning,
Sunday's Functions
There was a Missa Recitata in the Chaplaincy on Sunday. After breakfast, all proceeded to the Diocesan Hall to robe for Pontifical High Mass. which was celebrated by the Archbishop of St. Andrew and Edinburgh. The Rev. W. E. Brown, of Glasgow, was the preacher. Luncheon in the North British Station Hotel followed the Archbishop's reception. The guests included Prof. H. J. C. Grierson, Lord Rector of Edinburgh University; Canon J. Stuart, MC.; Fr. Fabian Dix, O.P.; Col. Edmonstoune Cranstoun, and Mr. and Mrs. J. Barry.
The business meeting received reports from the hon. secretary, treasurer, and officials of other departments. Information concerning this year's " Pax Romana " meeting in Paris was given, so far as details are known at present.
The election of office-bearers resulted as follows: chairman, H. Collins. M.Eng.; hon. secretary, Grace M. Carey, M.A.; hon.
treasurer. B. .1. Misselbrook, LL.B. The meeting agreed to send to Rome. through Fr. C. C. Martindale, SA., a petition for the Canonisation of Blessed Oliver Plunket.
Benediction was given by Fr. Giles Black, 0.P„ the Edinburgh chaplain. Some delegates left for the south afterwards, but the majority formed parties. headed by local members, to pay an evening visit to the Forth Bridge.
The Closing Day
Monday's programme began. as usual, with Mass in the chaplaincy. Later in the morning Colonel F. J. Bowen addressed a meeting of all delegates interested in Missions. The last public lecture of the weekend was given by the Rev, J. Ward, D.D., on "Facts and Discoveries." Prof. Whittaker, vice-president of the Federation, acted as chairman, as on Saturday, in the unavoidnhle absence of the official chairman.
By invitation of the Ambrose Barlow Society, the next meeting of the Federation will take place at Menclicster, in November.