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SALVATION ARMY DEMONSTRATION.

Arrivals of Majors Barker and Pollard.

A r.AH(JK numbor of persons assembled on the end of Queen-street Wharf this morning to witness the reception of Majors Barker and Pollard by their brother and sisters of the Salvation Army. The Hallelujah lads and lasses were recognisable in their uniform, and appeared to number about eighty. They were in charge of Captain Jolinny Bowerman, Lieutenant Innes, and several oilier ollicers. About 11.30 a.m. the steamer Waihora, with the expected- arrivals on board, came alongside of the wharf, when the Army, which hud been formed in circle, bruk'e forth into song. The choice of a hymn Wiis rather strange, for at one stage the soldiers were singing lustily, "See the Mighty Host Advancing, Satan Leading On.': The Major appeared to accept tliisas a rather equivocal compliment, while Mr .). M. Dargaville, who occupied a prominent position on the vessel's deck, seemed doubtful whether or not this manifestation was intended for himself. Three carriages were in waiting, and after Major Barker had been duly "welcomed by the local soldiers, and had responded briefly, he, with Major Pollard and Messrs i'oley and Fisher (two other new arrivals), Captain Bowerman, Lieut. Innes, and othor friends, got into the vehicles and were driven up the wharf through Queen-street, and thence to Mr Brame's private residence in Vincentstreet. The carriages were accompanied by the soldiers of the Army in procession, who, undaunted by a drizzling rain, and encumbered with ;i great array of umbrellas, inarched gaily along the centre of the road singing snatches of Army songs. The public turned out to see the procession as it went along the main thoroughfare, and though a little of the larrikin element occasionally shewed out, the whole affair passed oil' in an orderly manner.

Major Barker

At the present time it will doubtless be ! interesting to our readers to know something of the man who has been appointed by General Booth to organise and command Salvation Army work in Australasia. A successful footing had been secured in South Australia by Captain Sutherland, but nothing had been done in Victoria, NewZealand, New South Wales, or Queensland, by any recognised officer of the Army before the arrival of Major Barker. Mr James Barker is about thirty years of ago, and has been engaged in the Salvation Army for about six years. Before this time lie was a wild lad, impatient of control, and therefore ran away from home and determined to enlist in the British Army. A sight of the soldiers at heavy drill at Colchester settled that matter, as it appeared that it was not merely uniform and walking-stick, but occasionally downright hard work. Ho made his way to London, and at Bethnal Green went into one of the Salvation Army meetings, and at once received the impression that the speaker was talking about him. Shortly afterwards he induced a number of young men to go to this meeting to disturb it. lie was sporting his cigar and dandy walking-stick, but with an empty pocket. Whilst in the meeting ho was convinced of his sinfulness; the address went to his heart, and it was followed up by the oflicers speaking to him. Instantly he rose and rushed to the penitent form, and there found peace with Cod. His labours in the Army have been principally in Lancashire and Cheshire. As Aide-de-camp to Major Taylor, he travelled about opening stations in the different large towns. In Oldham, they were frequently assaulted by the mob, and many of the soldier* received severe wounds, but Major Barker always escaped. Having to visit head-quarters in London on Army business, General Booth said, "Barker, I want you to go to Australia." "Hallelujah, sir; when must I goV" It was arranged that he should marry, and leave almost immediately. Passage was taken for himself and wife in the Orient steamer Cotopnxi, and he arrived in due course at Melbourne. Since the first week in January, when he arrived in Victoria, strong corps have been established in Collingwood, Hotham, I'rahan, Little Bourkc-street, Ballarat, four in New South Wales, eight in New Zealand ; and, in addition to the. four which had been commenced, eight others had been initiated in South Australia, and one in Queensland. The Temperance Hall, Melbourne, is too small for the crowds who attend every Sunday evening, Mrs Barker. Mrs Barker expected to arrive here to-day, but did not. She had to remain in Wellington owing to ill-health, but may possibly arrive on Sunday next. Mrs (Major) Barker was born in Bethnal Green, London. Her parents attended the Church of England, and, although a regular attendant at Church anc Sunday-school, she did not derive the spiritual good she desired. When the Salvation Army commenced work in Bethna' Green, she was attracted by the lively and interesting character of their out-door singing and speaking to visit, occasionally, the meetings in their Hall or Barracks, This she did, however, without the knowledge of her parents, who thought then that the Salvation Army were not respectable enough, and were too noisy and ranting. She was then about fourteen years of age, and thought herself tooyoung to be converted. At length when nearly fifteen years of age, duringaineotingwhichwas held in the Salvation Army Hall, she was enabled to yield herself unreservedly to the Saviour. When about sixteen years of age Miss Sutton openly joined the ranks of the Salvation Army, and attended the meetings as often as possible, Her friends, seeing it useless to continue further opposition, permitted her to do so, and after the lapso of a few months she was enabled to avail herself of the advantages of the Training Home, under the guidance and direction of Miss E. M. Booth. Miss Sutton having been engaged for some timo previously to Captain Barker, received the first intimation of his appointment to Australia by hearing it announced by the General to a large audience in the Congress Hall, Clapton. On tho yth of August, 1882, they were married by General Booth, in the Congress Hall, London, amidst tho sympathy and congratulations of thousands of friends and comrades, and, bidding farewell to their native land, they set sail on tho following day — 10th o"f August, 1882—in the 8.8. Cotopaxi. Since her arrival in Australia Mrs Barker lias, with unwearied activity and earnest purpose, assisted her husband in his responsible and successful work throughout these colonies. Major Pollard. Major Pollard, who is tho recognised executive head of tho Army in the colony, is a young man about twenty-one years of ogo. lie arrived in Australia about six months ago in company with Captain Wright. They remained therefor two wseks, then proceeded to the Bluff. Captain Wright came on to Auckland, while Major Pollard remained in Dunedin for a short time, after which he proceeded northward to new stations of the Army, eventually arriving here. Ho comes to Auckland, it \s believed, for the purpose of considering the advisability of making it the headq.uarters of the Army in view of a proposed separation of the movement in tho North and South Island of New Zealand, and also in connection with, the formation of a barracks here, [v company with Major Pollard, he will remain here two days, during which timo .special meetings in connection with tho movement will be held, From here, Major Barker returns to Australia, and Major Pollard to Pimedin. Auckland Otftcors. Messrs Foley and Tucker, two officers of the Salvation Army, also arrived here by the Waihora. They come to take over the nanagement of the Auckland brand), at present held by Captain Bowcrman and Lieutenant Innes, who have orders to proceed South at an early date. Mr Tucker is bandmaster of tho Christchurch contingency. The ollicers are to be entertained at tea thisovening by Mrs Macky of Albert-street.

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS18830925.2.20

Bibliographic details

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 4127, 25 September 1883, Page 2

Word Count
1,302

SALVATION ARMY DEMONSTRATION. Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 4127, 25 September 1883, Page 2

SALVATION ARMY DEMONSTRATION. Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 4127, 25 September 1883, Page 2