SALVATION ARMY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 30 July 1924, Page 5

SALVATION ARMY.

ANNIE PSARY MEETING! (From Qnr Own Correspondent.) A special* event in the history of the Salvation Army in Eltham was celebi ated last night, it being 30 years since the Army commenced operations in that town. The event was celebrated by a great anniversarv tea, at which it is estimated some 400*neonle, including children, sat down. The tables were plentifully supplied with great varieties of eatables, and were very tastefully decorated -with spring flowers. Ihe officers and' soldiers of the Hawera an d Stratford Corps each supplied a table as a mark of comradeship between the various corps. After the tea was finished a fine musical programme was rendered, at which Major Macauley, the Taranaki provincial commander, presided, and in his opening remarks referred to the vapid and wonderful growth of the Army in all parts and tte success of the work in Eltham, as evidenced by the packed house present on this snecial occasion. He referred to the early”days of the Army and the trials and troubles they had to contend with in those days, but things were different to-day. the people understood ami appreciated the Army for the great amount of spiritual and humanitarian- work that is being carried on in all parts of the world. He congratulated the members of the local Corps upon the standard of work and the progress made during the past thirty years. He also referred to the work of the pioneer officers, their unselfish toil and sacrifices for the people, and specially mentioned a, number of ex-officers of the Corps who had got to their wellearned rest. ■ During the evening Enjoy Jenkens, who is regarded as the oldest Soldier of the Corps, spoke, and recalled the early day experiences; also his pleasure at seeing the Corps in such a consolidated state to-day. The musical and elocutionary items were well rendered. ’ Adjutant J. Hawkins, officer in chaige of the Eltham Corps, expressed his great pleasure at the success of the gathering, and thanked the officers and members of the Hawera and Stratiord Corps for their generous help in connection with the tea; also all the local members of the Corps for their interest and work. He hoped that the anniversary celebrations would be held each year. The proceeds are being devoted to the baud and Coips funds. 1