AN ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 104, 3 May 1924, Page 9

AN ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME

CROWD AT CONCERT CHAMBER.

Characteristic of all its activities was the welcome extended by the members of the Salvation Army, who gathered at the Town Hall Concert Chamber this afternoon to support the civic welcome whicn was extended to General Bramwell Booth, and which was also a welcome of particular warmth. The Mayor (Mr. R. A. Wright, M.P.) presided, and also on the stage were the Hon. C. J. Parr, Sir Francis Billion Bell, Mr. T. M. Wilford, M.P., Sir Joseph Ward, Commissioner Hodder, Commissioner Mapp, prominent Salvation Army officials, and City Councillors. The proceedings opened with the hymn "All People that on Earth do Dwell,", and prayers by Commissioner Mapp. The Mayor, in welcoming General 1 Booth, said he was the head of the Army in the world, and was a worthy follower of an illustrious father. (Applause.) The Army was a body doing a magnificent work that was appreciated by the whole community. There was a hard-work-ing, self-sacrificing following in New Zealand, of which the General coold be proud. He paid a compliment to the business management of the Army, and to the care with which the body watched the spiritual side of the community. He wished the General and the Army well under all circumstances.

The Hon. C. J. Parr welcomed the visitor on behalf of the Government. His (the Minister's) work brought him constantly in touch with the Army and'the results of its work in, New Zealand. It was true to say that the Army was of world-wide importance and influence. Beginning in a, small way, its work had spread to' seventy-nine countries. Its message was spoken in fifty-three languages, while nearly a hundred journals spread that message. A peculiar bless-ing-seemed to rest on the Army in its work _ to-day. It was a, great agency for social reform and reclamation. The Justice Department had been quite satisfied to hand over its work with inebriates to the Army, and an excellent proportion of reforms was recorded. He hoped General Booth's visit would not only inspire his followers, but would also help the people of New Zealand to newideals for good living, .and with nobler minds for -good citizenship.' Mr. T. M. Wilford joined with the previous speaker in extending a welcome to General Booth, who was not only an international personage but a national possession. (Applause.) The motto of the Salvation Army should be, "They say—what do they say-—let them say!" for such a motto would remind the public that heedless of criticism, the Army had won out on the principle that no man ever got lost on a straight road. He, the General, said Mr. Wilford, had laboured for humanity, and while his example of practice tallied with the doctrine he preached his kindness of heart would ever be the treasured memory of his friends. Sir Joseph Ward also spoke in welcome, and said he had had the pleasure of meeting the visitor's father on more than one occasion. The father had transcended to the son all his good qualities. Councillor T. Forsyth extended a welcome on behalf of the Wellington City Council The Eev. F. E. Harry extended a welcome on behalf of the churches, and spoke in feeling and eulogistic terms. THE GENERAL'S REPLY. : General Booth, who was received with great "enthusiasm, said he was feeling in rather a weighty condition. He was touched by the expressions and the kindness of the welcome. He knew it all re- -| fleeted credit on the. Army—;an expression cf confidence and appreciation. He thought they ha-d done much in the com- ! iminities because of the high standard i of individual service demanded. The msiii with the .spirit of Christ was of service to his\ fellows whether he belonged to' any particular service. Any man might see in.the Army's work some feature which he might help to develop. The people they were trying to help knew the Army would save them—if the Army could. The hopeless and the deielitt were their special care, helping the municipalities to improve their populations. He felt that the Church of Christ had not tackled the criminal question well enough. ■ The Army was striving to ensure that no man would come from gaol without having a friend to meet him, a home to go to, and work to do ii h e would do it. There was about one policeman for every criminal in the world, and they should be able to reduce this great army of police. The Army, he continued, had been experimenting with lunatic women. They had put something before them other than the constant walls. Out of forty ten had been • completely restored in nine months^ and ten more after eighteen months *\vere markedly restored. For one sort a friend and comforter was promised, .for another a saviour. These were but some of their works. The reception closed with hearty thanks to the- Mayor and those who had extended a welcome. TO-MORROW'S ADDRESS.

The- Governor-General has uotilied his intention to be present at tho Salvation Army address in the Town Hall to-morrow afternoon.