SALVATION ARMY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 54, Issue 97, 3 February 1934, Page 3

SALVATION ARMY

j FIFTY YEARS IN ASHBURTON. CELEBRATION OF. THE JUBILEE. OLD-TIME MARCH IN EAST STREET. The jubilee celebrations of the Ashburton Corps of the Salvation Army commenced with an old-time march in East Street last evening. Considerable interest was taken in this demonstration by the large number of people, in town for the late shopping night. Complete with tambourines and a concertina, red jerseys and old-fash-ioned bonnets, many of the soldiers were dressed as in the early days. The old style of cap, as worn by Captain J. Thompson, caused considerable amusement. With the band playing a lively tune, the soldiers marched along East Street and performed the serpentine march, which was customary in the early days of the establishment of the corps.

Among those in the parade was Envoy Buckingham, of Waimate, who was one of the first eight Salvationists to arrive in Ashburton, and assisted at the opening of the corps. Another early member was Mr Bringans,' also of Waimate.

The open-air meeting in Burnett •Street was conducted by Captain Thompson, and attracted the attention of many of the passers-by. The song "Will you go," which was sung when the "attacking" force stepped off the train at Ashburton 50 years ago, was rendered last night and also a number of other old songs. Proceedings were punctuated with "Hallelujah" as in the early days and pennies were thrown into the ring as contributions toward the expenses of the- celebrations. Many of those associated with the corps in the past who are now in various parts of New Zealand arrived in Ashburton yesterday and to-day to attend the special meetings in connection with this anniversary. Towns all over the Dominion are represented, and it is expected that this evening's meeting and the services to-morrow will be largely attended.

A reunion and conversazione was held this afternoon, when members were given an opportunity to recount their experiences of days gone by. Afternoon tea was served and Mr J. Argyle, of Ashburton, the oldest soldier at present in the corps, cut the jubilee cake. Colonel A. Orsborn (chief secretary for New Zealand) was introduced and several reminiscences wore told.

Old identities will be welcomed this evening and special .services have been arranged for to-morrow commencing with kneedrill at 7 a.m., a thanksgiving meeting at 11 o'clock, a lecture by Colonel Orsborn on "Trials and Triumphs of the Salvation Army" in the afternoon, and a Salvation meeting in the evening. The Mayor (Mr W. H. Woods) and members of the Borough Council will attend the morning meeting, and Mr Woods will preside at the lecture in the afternoon.