SALVATION ARMY CRISIS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 12 January 1929, Page 5

SALVATION ARMY CRISIS.

GENERAL ASKED TO RETIRE. HIS LETTER TO “WAR CRY” SUPPRESSED. • u:cl Press Association—By Electric Telegrapo Copyright.) (Australian Press Association.) LONDON, Join. 10. After the singing of ‘ ‘ God Our Help” a letter ito the General, couched in affectionate! terms, was laid on the president's table. There was am impressive silence while 56 officers' walked up and signed the historic document. Seven abstained from signing. The deputation', including Commissioner Hay (Now Zealand) and delegates from. Sweden, America, Japan and India, will see General Booth on Friday. Mrs Booth motored to Southwold immediately after tire decision to> convey the news ,to her husband. The council will reassemble ion Saturday. General Booth, asked to comment on the decision, which was conveyed to him by a special courier, replied: “I am most grateful, but at present I have no reply.' ’ It was stated to-night that General Booth's letter was sent to the Army’s paper, the “War Cry,’’ last week. The “Wiar Cry” had actually printed 20,000 copies before the High Council was cognisant of the fact. The council then stopped publication and ordered the copies already printed toi bo burned at the Army’s printing works ait St. Albaine.

The High Council took the view that the letter was a piece of propaganda written with the idea of influencing their decision, as well as an opinion of the rank and file.

The unanimity of to-day’s decision suggests that if the General -does not accede to the council’s request it will declare him -unfit to carry on the duties.

General Booth, has retained 1 Mr W. A. JOTvitt, King's Counsel, (to address the High Council on (hi® behalf.

D EPTJTATION PRESENTS ITS REQUEST. GENERAL BOQTH TO GIVE ANSWER LATER. Received 11.15 -a.m. to-day. LONDON, Jan. 11. The deputation arrived at General Booth's house in two imposing limousines. They were received; by a member of the household staff and: left half an hour later. They made no statement. Subsequently one of General Booth’s daughters dnade the announcement that the General’isi .condition had not permitted the reception and that the delegates would return later. The deputation returned at 1 o’clock and entered the sick room. Each shook hands and expressed greetings and the 'hope for the General’s recovery. Commissioner Hay then intimated the council’s request for him to resign, and General Booth is reported to have •intimated that he would give his answer on Moncjay. There was an dieventh hour 'surprise l when the General’s sister, Eva, hurriedly arrived by motor-car to join the deputation, though previously she had not visited her brother.