SALVATION ARMY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 4, 4 December 1931, Page 2

SALVATION ARMY

DIVISIONAL COMMANDERS WELCOMED.

BRIGADIER AND MRS COTTRILL HONOURED. The Salvation Array Citadel in Broadway was the gathering place of nearly all the city’s Salvationists last evening when a welcome was accorded Brigadier and Mrs Cottrill, late of Auckland, to their positions as commanders of the Central North Division. Colonel Taylor, chief secretary, of Wellington, conducted the meeting, which was of a particularly bright nature. Brigadier Scotney, of Wellington, and Adjutant Fraser, the officer commanding tho Feilding corps, were present. Colonel Taylor welcomed the newlyappointed officers and their son, Stanley, who is an Army soldier. He said that it was only a short time since ho had welcomed Major and Mrs Beasey, but the Major’s health had broken down in spite of the splendid fight he had put im .and of his hope and eagerness. His suggestion that a letter expressing sympathy be sent to the Major received commendation. The speaker expressed the appreciation of the national headquarters on the splendid way in which Major and Mrs Gray had carried on in the interim. The officers, local officers and soldiers in the city and the division as a whole were to be thanked for their support of Major Gray. Colonel Taylor read a message of welcome from Commissioner Cunningham and stated that ho had received a similar message from Adjutant and Mrs McKenzie, of New Plymouth. In conclusion the speaker expressed pleasure that the Feilding band and scongsters were present. Mrs Taylor, in her welcome, address, said she had known Brigadier and Mrs Cottrill in Auckland and she was confident that their coming to Palmerston North would be an asset to the work here in all its branches.

Sergeant-Major Sims, on behalf of the Palmerston North soldiers, extended the new commanders a hearty welcome and expressed wishes for a prosperous period of service. Brigadier Dennison, of Auckland, said she had welcomed the guests to New Zealand on their arrival in Auckland. three and a-half years ago, and it.was a privilege to welcome them to Palmerston North. Speaking of Mrs Cottrill’s fine efforts, she said that the division was very fortunate in the Commissioner’s choice.

Adjutant Fraser, of Feilding, assured the new officers that they would find the people warm-hearted. He had known the guests in Auckland and it was a trait of theirs that they, always took a personal interest in each one. Eulogising the splendid work of Major and Mrs Gray, Adjutant Fraser said that they had been loyal Salvationists.

Voicing the sentiments of the women officers, Ensign Somerville said that thev were looking to the new officers with a spirit of expectancy for it was a time of possibilities. She expressed thanks for what Major and Mrs Gray had done.

In a bright address, Lieutenant Goffin, on behalf of the Young Peoples’ Division, extended a hearty welcome to Brigadier and Mrs Cottrill, asking them to give advice when it was needed and stating that kindly words of help would be appreciated. In particular, he welcomed Mr Stanley Cottrill and counselled the young men to make him feel at home.

Ensign Bridge of the Palmerston North Corps, said that Brigadier Cottrill and himself both came from South-end-on-Sea. He gave to Mrs Cottrill a portion of “Southend rock” —a hard sweetmeat with “Southend-on-Sea” moulded throughout its entire length—as a reminder of her husband’s earlier years. Mrs Major Gray, speaking for the Home League, assured the new commanders that the members were most loyal. Major Gray in his remarks said he and his wife appreciated what had been said of them. He paid a tribute to the officers and soldiers who had rallied to his support in a remarkable manner.

Mrs Cottrill was the first to respond and expressed her appreciation. She had made many vows and sought to carry them out. Women’s work found a special place with her. All women made good housewives; to be a home-maker, however, was more important, more elevating and more noble. The Army, gave women a foremost place in its activities. “I will do all that is in my power to do,” concluded Mrs Cottrill after expressing the regard she felt for the songsters. Prolonged applause greeted Brigadier Cottrill, who said that he had been encouraged by the welcome. He felt sorry that Major Beasey had had such a rhort time in command for he had done his level best in the brief period he was in charge. Brigadier Cottrill said they appreciated all the efforts Major and Mrs Gray had put forward in the interval. The Palmerston North corps and district had made the Brigadier and his wife feel welcome. A new appointment caused one not only to look back to the past but to think of the present and look forward to the future. It called for all tho powers of mind, body and soul and it was strengtheneng to feel the true Salvation Army spirit manifested in such a wonderful way. Brigadier Cottrill said he had served for several years in the Old Country, 16 years in South Africa and three and a-lialf years in New Zealand, and had always found unity, loyalty, confidence and devotion. “We can only pledge ourselves to be worthy; we expect cooperation.” Every hour and every power of his would be spent in service, concluded the Brigadier.

The singing of the dedicatory hymn provided an impressive conclusion. During the evening the following items were rendered :; —March, Feilding Band; selection, Palmerston North Band; selection, Feilding songsters; solo with accordeon, Brigadier Scotney (Wellington); selection, Feilding band; vocal trio. Mrs Taylor read the lesson.