A JUBILEE FAIR.

Evening Post, Volume XCVIII, Issue 79, 1 October 1919, Page 9

A JUBILEE FAIR.

FINE SAVATION^BMY EFFORT.

The Jubilee Fair in aid of the Salvation Army Self-Denial Fund for Social Service was opened yesterday afternoon by Her Excellency the Countess of Liverpool. Commissioner and Mrs. Hodder received Lady Liverpool, and the Mayoress (Mrs. J. P. Luke) and Lady Stout, and Major Burdon were on the platform as well. In introducing Her Excellency, Commissioner Hoddier said that they had inaugurated the Self-Denial Weeks thirty years ago, at the suggestion of General Booth, when money was sorely needed to carry on their social and religious efforts. The result was the sum of £5(500, which was considered very satisfactory. This appealed to the public generally, as it was realised that if the members of the Army were ready to deny themselves for the work, there must be good in it. Great advances had been made since then, as the British effort last year brought in £125,000, while New Zealand had. done splendidly in raising £50,000. Oommissioner Hodder mentioned that they had 2000 separate institutions to staff and keep going, while their organisation was at worii in 64 different countries, andi taught in 34 languages. In New Zealand alone they had over 2000 children under their care. America last year made a wonderful provision for the Salvation Army, as an appreciation of their work at the front, and 'had raised no less than £3,200,000. He then appealed to all present to do their best to help the Salvation Army, and hoped t that the general public would do the same. Lady Liverpool, who was received with hearty applause, said that she had great pleasure in helping the Salvation Army, as she realised the excellence of the work accomplished. This was for both bodily and spiritual needs of the soldiers, and of all those who came under their care. General Booth had had great difficulties in establishing the work, but had surmounted them all, with the result that the homes and teaching were known all over the world. She congratulater the organisers on the excellence of their effort on the present occasion, and declared1 the sale open. During the afternoon tlie children from the Vivian-street Home sang some bright and tuneful songs and hymns, showing talent and careful training. ■

The decollations were carried out by the 1}.1.C. in pretty rainbow shades of yellow, pink, blue, and green, with, effective touches of" black, while many flags adtal to the bright effect. Potplants and lycopodium were also used; and a Salvation Army flag was placed over each stall. The stalls are all well stocked with needlework, produce, sweets, and flowers, while the Returned Soldiers' stall is of special interest, having artificial flowers (made by the soldiers in hospital in Australia); aiid other well-executed pieces of needlework. An exhibit in another stall, which was the centre of.much interest, was a,collection of the "very latest" in the way of electrical "household appliances.

There was a numerous attendance at •the Town Hall at night, and the proceedings were characterised by the greatest enthusiasm. .' Commissioner Hodder presided, and extended a hearty welcome to the Mayor and Mrs. Luke, remarking that "Mr. Luke Had always been willing to assist in any work the Army, had in hand. It'is for that reason," he. said, "that we most heartily welcome, him." (Applause.) . The Mayor, who was received with cheers, in the course, of a brief speech, expressed the highest ''appreciation of the work the ,Army had done, particularly during the war, in social and spiritual directions. ..They felt, he added, deeply grateful, to the organisation which had achieved euch, splendid work, and in helping our soldiers to fight for liberty, justice, and truth. (Applause.) All honour was due to the. Salvation Army because of its great work. The Army had done valuable work, both spirituallyl and socially, and he added : "Godij blessing on them; may they continue to prosper." (Cheers.) An excellent programme of songs and recitations followed the speeches. A male quartette, consisting of Messrs. Connell, Thompson, Scannell, and G. Smith, sang with great effect, and were accorded a well-deserved encore. Other items, most of which were encoded,, were given by Mr. P Martin, Mrs. M. E. Mackenzie, Misses R. and A. Patching .(duet). Mrs. Yeo, Bliss M. Cooley, and Miss- Thelma Adams.