THE SALTATION ARMY AT NEWTOWN.

Evening Post, Volume LII, Issue 7, 2 June 1896, Page 5

THE SALTATION ARMY AT NEWTOWN.

♦ For some time past the Newtown contingent of the Salvation Army has been in want of a meeting-house. Great (well-nigh insurmountable) difficulties have up to the present barred the way to the attainment of that object, but now, with characteristic push and energy,* tho members of the Army have taken the matter in hand, and a structure is well on its way towards completion. Yesterday the foundation.- blocks of this building were formally laid, and the occasion was made one of much jubilation. Over 200 members of the Army and well- ' wishers assembled* at Newtown - avenue, where the building is situated, and theceremony was carried out with great enthusiasm. There were four blooks laid. The first of these was by a veteran Army man, Mr. George Collyer; the second by Mr. A. Hoby, v a sympathiser with the Army, who said that, while not agreeing with all their methods, he had the fullest sympathy with the good work they were doing ; the third block was to have been laid by Mr. Enoch ,Tonks, but iv the absence of that gentleman, Mrs. Tonks performed the ceremony. Brigadier Hoskin laid the fourth block, and in so doing informed those present that it was expeoted that the building would cost something overl £400. The land had cost £100, and extras would add about £60 to the amount, making a total cost of about £560. Up to that time only some £17 3s 6d had been collected, so he hoped all friends of the Army would render what assistance they could to make up the balance. Later on in the proceedings a collection was taken up, whioh brought the total receipts up to something over £50, which included a donation of £10 from Mr. Collyer. The three gentlemen and Mrs. Tonks who laid the foundation blocks were each presented with a handsomely "polished mallet of New Zealand wood. The ceremony closed with singing and prayer. In the evening a public meeting was held at the Wesleyan Schoolroom, Newtown. The building when erected will be 50ft by 25ft, with a 15ft ceiling, and will be capable of accommodating about 300 persons.