SALVATION ARMY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 226, 22 August 1928, Page 2

SALVATION ARMY.

FORTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY

The local Salvation Army, which celebrated its 45th anniversary this week, commenced its work in Palmerston North with a little band of six persons and the first • meeting was conducted bv the late Staff-Captain Hildreth, of‘Bulls, in the Old Theatre Royal in the Square. In recent years, owing to the hall then used becoming inadequate for ithe purposes of the Army, tho present magnificent citadel in Broadway was constructed, together with junior departments facing King Street. The pioneer days were times when a great deal of opposition was shown »!o tire new religion and, for a period it suffered severe criticism and at times,, abuse. The efforts of the “Skeleton Army,” which consisted of larrikins, wore directed towards upsetting tho meetings, . but nothing could daunt the spirit of tho new movement and in the course of time the opposition was nullified. Captain Wilkinson and Lieutenant Kear were the first officers stationed here. The initial Salvation Army Band was formed about 30 years ago by Mr Hans Ililo and he had with him only ■three players. To-day the army has a splendid band under tho baton of Bandmaster J. Clegg, and the music is a feature of tho meetings now conducted and also at the Hospital. The corps to-day numbers 1/6 seniors and 171 juniors, a total of 347. Since tho inqoption of the Palmerston North branch of the Salvation Army Homo League, much work Iras been done for the relief of distressed families. This work was commenced about 1912 and the local corps holds the record of continuous service since its inception 1 . An efficient songster brigade is also attached to the senior corps and renders valuable service. In tho junior department there are many organisations to entertain the young people. A well arranged library is at the disposal of nil and for the older girls the Life-Saving Guards Troop has a continuous attraction, while the Sunbeam Brigade and Chums hold the interests of the younger girls and hoys. The corps cadets form an active part of tho Palmerston North organisation and thev assemblo each week for tho purpose of studying the Bible. The Corps Cadet Brigade is really a preliminary training for the younger generation who often intend to heroine officers. Worthy of mention are the senior and junior Bible classes for boys and girls. The primary classes are also conducted on the latest methods. A young people’s company was commenced at Milson Line two years ago and its progress has been marked by the establishment of a well organised Sunday school and a troop of Life-saving Guards. Milson lino is the only outpost in New Zealand which has the latter organisation attached to it.

Down tho corridor of time many prominent officers of the Army have been connected, with the corps in Palmerston North and tho present officers, Commandant Wheeler and Adjutant Marshall, are maintaining the high standard attained by tho preceding officers.