CIVIC RECEPTION

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 139, 9 December 1914, Page 4

CIVIC RECEPTION

TO COMMISSIONER HODDER SALVATION ARMY'S GOOD WORK. Commissioner Henry C. Hodder was tendered a civic reception by the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, yesterday afternoon, those present including the Hon. F. M. B. Fisher, Dr. A. K. Newman, Canon Garland, the Revs. W. J. Comrie and J. Ward, and many Salvationists and other citizens. In welcoming the Commissioner on behalf of the city, Mr. Luke referred to the good work which had been carried out by Commissioner- Hodder in England, Holland, Japan, and elsewhere, and the Mayor was quite sure that the same happy result, wonld be attained in the -Dominion. Mrs. Hodder and the members of the family were also heartily welcomed by the Mayor. In the course of his remarks the Hon. F. M. B. Fisher pointed out that there was a great deal of work to 'do in this little prosperous and happy country, work which covered a sphere of usefulness that no other institution covered. In their efforts to help the Buffering and the weak the Army would find every class of the community loyal The speaker hoped that the Commissioner would be even more successful than his predecessor, and that when, in the ordinary course, the time came for a transfer he could look back on New Zealand and say, " I have worked there. I know the people, and, thank God, I .left it better than I found it!" (Applause.) He was indeed glad to welcome Commissioner Hodder. Dr. Newman referred to the origin of the Army in London, and the great difficulties which had to be overcome. No matter how dirty the work was the Army did it as long as it- was there to do. They would always hold a place in the esteem and affection of this country. (Applause.) The Rev. W. J. Comrie and Messrs. D. M'Laren and C. M. Luke also.well corned the Commissioner. I Replying, Commissioner Hodder said ! that he was more than pleased with the Opportunity of being in their midst, and thanked each speaker for the kind references to himself, Mrs. Hodder, and the work of the Army. _ It was most gratifying to come all this, distance and find such deep-rooted appreciation of tho Army's work. The Commissioner then related how some thirty years ago, when, as a youth employed in a* Portsmouth dockyard, he became converted through the work of tho Army. On his trip out from Home ho had been informed by many people, nearly all Australians, on board the steamer that he was " going to one of the best countries in the world." It was his desire to go up and dowa the country and proclaim the unsearchable riches of Christ. " I have come here with my heart," said the Commissioner " and am right-down glad to be here. I believe there is before me a, mighty opportunity of helping this land, not only to be God's own land, but the people to be God's people." (Applause.)