SALVATION ARMY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 5 January 1929, Page 5

SALVATION ARMY.

LEADERSHIP PROBLEM. MEETING OF .HIGH .COUNCIL. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.) (Australian Press Association ) LONDON, Jan. 4. Eminent counsel will represent General Booth at the meeting of the High Council, of the Salvation Army which will discuss the leadership of the Army. It is stated certificates indicating his fitness to carry on will be submitted, in the event of anything being said which may be considered a reflection on his management, and steps will be taken to carry the defence to another Court. For the first time since Commander Evangeline Booth’s .arrival from America th<j General met his niece and Commissioner Catherine Booth. Their conversation has, not been disclosed though it is understood the two women are virtual rivals for the headship. It is also believed Miss Catherine will prove to be the successor nominated by General Booth.

The High Council can depose General Booth only on a three-fourths majority. It is thought the Army leaders from Australia, New Zealand, America and Canada favour a successor from outside the Booth family. Elaborate precautions are being taken to ensure secrecy. LONDON, Jan. 3.

It is officially announced at the 'Salvation .Army headquarters that General Booth has been informed of the summoning of the High Council. An official points out that the doctors considered General Booth still too ill to face the shock and his wife and daughter conveyed the news to him. .His first thought was for the Army. He said: “I have loved the Army and done my best for my people.” After some reflection and asking questions, he added: “Whatever others think of the government of the Army they must feel this rather rough on me.” The official adds that the news came, as a~great shock to General Boat.h, who' passed- a somewhat restless night, though his general condition remains hopeful. DISPUTE IN MELBOURNE. AN OFFICER. SUSPENDED. MEMBERS OF HIGH COUNCIL CRITICISED. Received 11.15 a.m. to-day. MELBOURNE, Jan. 5. A sensational development occurred in a dispute among the senior officers of the Salvation Army, which had gathered to decide whether General Booth .should remain at the head of the army. Because in his address to his officers he made statements, criticising members of the High Council in Britain, Brigadier E. Slattery, divisional commander of the Melbourne central division, has been suspended.