SUNDAY GATHERINGS

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13645, 31 January 1910, Page 8

SUNDAY GATHERINGS

Meetings under the auspices of the Army were held in His Majesty's ' Theatre yesterday. Though the weather, -Was of a most discouraging description, all the meetings were well attended. During the afternoon gathering Mrs Hay gave en address on the "Tragedies of Slum Life." For some years Mrs Hay was in charge of the slum wort of the Army in London, and thus she came into daily contact ■with the "submerged tenth" of the great metropolis. She tells her story graphically, but plainly, and gives each incident its setting of quiet humour or bathos. The scenes in the slums are not pleasant, and Mrs Hay's audience gave thanks in their hearts that such ere not to be found in this land. She touched all hearts by her relation of the hardships of childhood in the slums. She. roused their admiration when she told of the fight the Army ■was making for the souls of the poor and sinful; -and their sympathy when she denounced the oaiises for the existence of ehims. The address was an education to many in the audience, who must heve conceived a new respect and admiration for the soldiers end sisters in the Army who labour among the poor of the great cities. The evening meeting was very largely attended, even though the weather had not improved. Addresses were giveu by the Commissioner and other officers, and the meeting was a particularly hearty one. A special feature was made of the music, the band contributing several selections, a young officer, who is the possessor of a fine light tenor voice, singing a solo very artistically. The Commissioner and Mrs Hay leave for the north this evening, but the meetings are to be continued by the local officers.

Staff-Captain Dixon, one of the bestknown officers of the Salvation Army in Christehurch, has"been aopointed to Port P4rie, in South Australia. While regretting his departure, his many friends will wish him prosperity in his new charge. Ensign and Mrs Roberteon haTe been appointed to the Linwood, corps, and Adjutant and Mrs Brown to the Sydenham corps.