SALVATION ARMY LEADER

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27912, 8 March 1956, Page 9

SALVATION ARMY LEADER

STATE RECEPTION TO GENERAL HITCHING TRIBUTES TO WORK OF FOLLOWERS (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, March 7. State and civic receptions were yesterday tendered in Wellington to the international head of the Salvation Army, General Wilfred Kitching. It was a notable occasion for New Zealand to have the head of the Salvation Army here, said the ActingPrime Minister (Mr K. J. Holyoake). at the State reception. The Salvation Army had more of a practical streak in it than most religious organisations. It recognised the soul must have a body, and that body had to be cared for. There was always room for voluntary effort, even in the welfare State, said Mr Holyoake. It would be hard if a Government set out to do everything. He knew the Salvation Army would never let voluntary effort wither away. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Nash) praised the Salvation Army's work for the “people on the bottom shelf, bringing them into the possibility of a better life.” At the civic welcome, the Mayor of Wellington (Mr R. L. Macalister) said he hoped General and Mrs Kitching would take from the Dominion happy memories of their stay. In reply. General Kitching said that, from the warmth of the welcome he had received, he was left in no doubt as to the part that the Salvation Army played in the life of Wellington and the State. “There is something a little dangerous v.hen people think so well of us.” he said. “The danger is that we may betray their confidence in us by some slip. There is a prayer eternally in my heart for us never to be wanting in that confidence.”