GENERAL BOOTH

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 167, 29 April 1935, Page 3

GENERAL BOOTH

VISIT TO THE DOMINION. AUCKLAND’S STIRRING WELCOME (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, April 27. A stirring welcome was accorded General Evangeline Booth, world leader of the Salvation Army, on her arrival from Sydney this morning. At an early hour, before the Wanganella had rounded North Head, a large party of Salvationists, including a brass band, went out by launch. As the launch approached the ship the band played a hymn. A small, bonneted figure appeared on the boat deck and waved a handkerchief, and cheer after cheer ,pame down from the launch below. It was a touching scene and there was a catch in the General’s voice as she called out the single word “Hallelujah.” As the ship approached the wharf the General saw a large number of Salvationists, and a huge banner bearing the words; “Haeremai, General! Ten Thousand Welcomes to New Zealand. The spirit of the Founder Again Visits the Land of the Long White Cloud.”

There was renewed cheering as the smiling leader, who looks much younger than 69, leaned over the rail. She gives the impression of immense energy and sincerity.

In the course of an interview, in which she spoke on a large number of topics, General Booth said that it had been erroneously reported that Salvation Army bands had been banned in Germany. The Government there had stopped all street collections, except by its own agents, but that was not a measure directed against the Salvation Army in particular. Britain had travelled further than America toward recovery, but widespread misery was still very real and the depression was still there. Yet the all-important factor was that by means of a relief fund Great Britain was taking care of her own. There was something very substantial and efficient about the old Homeland. General Bootli said that she was frequently asked as to the future of religion and the implication was that this was the first time that the religion of Christ had been put to a real test, She did not believe that it was in any grave danger. Certainly its situation was not nearly so serious as at other periods in history. Modernism had had its heyday and was on the wane. General Booth will leave the Dominion next Saturday, but she said today that she would promise to return to New Zealand at. some future date.

RECEPTION IN WELLINGTON.

GOVERN OR-G ENERAL’ S WELCOME

(Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, April 28. General Evangeline Booth, international leader of the Salvation Army, arrived in Wellington to-day by the main trunk express from Auckland. She was given a rousing welcome as the train drew in. Combined Salvation Army bands struck up J 1 God From Whom All Blessings Flow. The General was accorded a welcome by the Acting-Prime Minister (the Hon. E A. Ransom). “The people of New Zealand are delighted to have an opportunity of welcoming you to tins land,” he said. “They appreciate the work of the Army, both from a re. ligious and a social standpoint. When the General arrived at lamina Home, Newtown, where she will stay while in Wellington, girls from the home were formed up m a double line on the footway. They sang, Ibis Flag of Ours,” and the General entered under an archway! or flags. In the afternoon she was accorded a public welcome at the Town Haß, which was packed to the doors halt an hour before the announced time tor commencement. The Afayor (All T. A Hislop) presided. Those on the platform included the Governor-General and Viscountess Galway and prominent AYellington citizens. Speaking after the General s address his Excellency said he had not intended to say anything, hut she had suggested that ho might say one word. “Her Excellency and I have come because we feel what a wonderful movement this is, and to express the hope • that it may long continue in its good work,” said his Excellency. “New Zealand gives General Booth a most hearty welcome.” . General Booth, who was received with sustained applause, expressed her appreciation of the warmth and affection shown by the people of Wellington. She gave a lecture, “The World s Greatest Romance, the Story of the Salvation Army.” ... General Booth will be in Wellington till Thursday, when she will leave tor Auckland en route to America.