LEADER WELCOMED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 88, 13 April 1940, Page 17

LEADER WELCOMED.

SALVATION ARMY OFFICER. VISIT TO AUCKLAND. The value of the social work of the Salvation Army was referred to by the Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, when a Mayoral reception was tendered yesterday afternoon to Lieutenant-Commis-sioner Evan Smith, leader of the Salvation Army in New Zealand, who. accompanied by Mrs. Smith, is making liis first official visit to Auckland since taking up his position in the Dominion. Sir Ernest welcomed the visitors, and said that lie remembered the late General Booth, who was a man of wonderful fire and enthusiasm. The work that the Salvation Army had done in New Zealand was magnificent, and the Army was now part or a great social system. Personally, he had always received the greatest courtesy and consideration from the Army, and it had tho goodwill of the corporation and the citizens. Sir Ernest mentioned the good work done in Auckland by Major Annie Gordon, and said that the citizens liad greatly appreciated her social work. Welcomes were also extended by Mr. •T. L. Coaklev and Mrs. M. M. Dreaver, the latter giving a greeting on behalf of the women of Auckland. Lieutenant-Commissioner Smith returned thanks for the welcome, whi-.'ii he regarded as a tribute to the work of the Salvation Army. It was gratifying to know that municipal authorities and governments now recognised the Salvation Army as part of the social structure, and indispensable for the uplifting of humanity and the benefit of the community at large. Lieutenant-Commissioner Smith said that New Zealand was regarded as one of the premier commands of the world. He had visited New Zealand twice before, and was delighted to return. Members of the Salvation Army wanted to give themselves in service and sacrifice- in an endeavour to bring about a universal; brotherhood, which would be a solution of the world's ills.