Commissioner Welcomed

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30709, 26 March 1965, Page 10

Commissioner Welcomed

More than any other, the parable of the Good Samaritan personified the wonderful work of the Salvation Army in the community, said the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr G. Manning) in his welcome to the new territorial commander of the army in New Zealand (Commissioner C. F. Davidson) last evening. Mr Manning told a big congregation in the Christchurch Citadel that the civic authorities and citizens of Christchurch greatly appreciated the work being done by the army.

A Scotsman who has been away from his native country for 44 years, Commissioner Davidson said he had travelled the world in the service of the army. He said greater religious communication was needed among people all over the world.

Christianity had to have something of value to say to the present generation. “Is Christ alive today or not, because if not we have no religion—just a wonderful story?” he asked.

The Rev. R. M. O’Grady, assistant general secretary of the National Council of Churches, described the Salvation Army as the servant of humanity. “We, who are outside the army, have often admired you in your concern for the down and out, the alcoholic, and the unwanted persons of society,” said Mr O’Grady. The meeting of welcome was presided over by the chief secretary of the army (Colonel A. E. Albiston). Musical items were provided by the citadel choir and the Salvation Army ‘band from Ashburton.