SALVATION ARMY LEADER.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20505, 26 March 1932, Page 16

SALVATION ARMY LEADER.

GENERAL HIGGINS IN CHRISTCHURCH. YESTERDAY'S SERVICES. On a tour of "inspection and inspiration," General E. J. Higgins, world leader of the Salvation Army, and Mrs Higgins arrived in Christchurch yesterday morning from the North Island. They were met at Lyttelton by more than 50 officers and soldiers of the Army, and were driven into Christchurch over the hills. The touring party comprises General and Mrs Higgins, Colonel Pugmire (the General's aide-de-camp), and En»ga Pallant (secretary). In New Zealand they are accompanied by Commissioner and Mrs J. Cunningham. The party have already visited the United States and Honolulu, and after spending a month in New Zealand will go on to Australia before their return to L<mdon. His First Visit. This is the General's first visit to Now Zealand. "The General of the Army has always gone about the world visiting his soldiers and officers," ho explained. "A visit is usually made to the Southern Hemisphere about every five or six years. Unfortunately, my own tour was somewhat delayed. I am here for inspection »* tion. I want to have a look at things, to see the Amy's work, and to -encourage my people to ptish along. Whit he had seen of the Dominion's scenic beauties had greatly impressed him. The people, too, he found exceedingly generous, hospitable, and kind! Considering the relatively small population, he found tho. Army in New Zealand very alert and vigorous. Services in Christchurch. Yesterday General and Mrs Higgins conducted three meetings at the Cmc Theatre under the general title, A Day at the Cross." On each occasion the theatre was filled, and in tho evening addresses by both of the leaders were broadcasted to a fairly large crowd at tho rear of tho building. General and Mrs Higgins both proved themselves most forceful and effective speakers. ~,,■' This morning they will be given a civic reception at the Council Chambers, Manchester street, and in tho afternoon Mrs Higgins will conduct a meeting for women in the Salvation Army Citadel, Victoria Square. The evening will be devoted to a meeting of the soldiers and ex-soldiers of tho Army. Sunrise Prayer Meeting. At 7 o'clock to-morrow morning a sunrise prayer meeting will be held in Victoria Square. In the afternoon there will bo an important- meeting at tho Civic Theatre over which tho nm e Minister (the Et. Hon. G. w. Forbes) will preside. In tho evening a further service will be held. The greater part of the week will »e occupied with visits to Greymouth, Ashburton, Tcmuka and Timaru, and Oamaru before tho party proceeds to Dunedin and Invercargill.