WARM WELCOME

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 196, 28 May 1940, Page 3

WARM WELCOME

LEADER OF SALVATION ARMY. OFFICIAL VISIT TO ASHBURTON. A very warm welcome was accorded Lieutenant - Commissioner J. EvanSmith (leader of the Salvation Army in New Zealand) and Mrs Smith - when they paid an official visit to Ashburton yesterday. Arriving late in the afternoon Commissioner and Mrs Smith were welcomed at a tea. in the Salvation Army Young People’s Hall. The hall was filled with Army supporters who gave the leader and his wife an enthusiastic reception. 1 Du behalf of the citizens the Mayor of Ashburton (Dr. G. I. Miller) extended a welcome to Commissioner Smith. He said that in his position as Mayor he could well see the good work the 'Army was doing. The Ashburton unit was a live one. Replying, Commissioner Smith said he had heard a great deal asbout Ashburton, and congratulated it on having a progressive council. The streets, parks and buildings were ample evidence of that.

Addressing a public meeting later in the evening, Commissioner Smith said he had come to New Zealand to devote himself to making the Army a bigger and better movement. He was glad to visit Ashburton, and lie appreciated the services of the Corps in this town. Brieflly he traced his career, his connections with International headquarters, with Generals William and Bramwell Booth, and his experiences among the dark-skinned peoples of South Africa.

Speaking to Salvationists he said that the universal brotherhood of man could be brought about only by love of God. It would come about, however, he believed. The time was now ripe for a rebuilding of spiritual life. Mrs Smith also spoke. The Salvation Army songsters and the band presented songs and played hymns. Lieutenant-Commissioner and Mrs Smith returned to Christchurch today.