SALVATION ARMY.

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 93, 14 January 1929, Page 9

SALVATION ARMY.

e COUNCIL’S DEPUTATION VISITS THE GENERAL QUESTION OF RETIREMENT DECISION POSTPONED (United Press Association.— By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, January IL A deputation frqin the High Council of the Salvation Army to-day visited General Booth, the aged leader of the Army, and conveyed to him the resolution passed unanimously yesterday by the council, suggesting that he should retire from office. The meeting took place at the house at Southwold, on the Suffolk coast, which the General has occupied during his illness. The delegates were conducted to the General’s bedroom. Advancing in single file, each bent over the sick bed, clasping the General’s hand, and expressing wishes for his recovery. The president then set before the General the High Council’s resolution. It is officially stated that the General asked for time to consider his reply, and it was agreed that a decision should be postponed until Monday. GENERAL’S SISTER ARRIVES (Australian Press Association.) London, January 11. The deputation arrived at General Booth’s house in two imposing limousines, and was received by a member of the household staff. The deputation left half an hour later and made no statement. Subsequently, one of General Booth’s daughters made an announcement that the General’s condition had not permitted a reception, and that the delegates would return later. The deputation returned at 1 o’clock and entered the sick room. Each member shook hands with the General and expressed greetings and hopes for his recovery. Commissioner Hay then intimated the council’s request that the General should resign. General Booth is reported to have intimated, that he would give an answer on Monday. There was an eleventh-hour surprise for the General when his sister Eva hurriedly arrived by motor-car to join the deputation, though previously she had not visited her brother. It was stated that his sister Eva did not see her brother in view of the General’s illness. “It was thought wiser that the Commander should come another day.”