SALVATION ARMY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 117, 17 April 1934, Page 2

SALVATION ARMY.

There was a large gathering at the Salvation Army Citadel last night for the farewell meeting of Major and Mrs Cray, who have been appointed to the managership of the People’s Palace, Auckland. The meeting was presided over by Brigadier Cottrill (Divisional Commander) and practically every corps in the division was represented by the corps officers. Major and Mrs Cray have been stationed at the Central. North Division for the last six years, having been appointed from Australia in 1928 to the post of Divisional Young People’s Secretary of this division and later promoted to the position of Divisional Chancellor, which they are now vacating. Major Gray has also filled the duties of acting Divisional Commander during the interval of tho breakdown in health of Major Beasey and the appointment of Brigadier Cottrill. The meeting opened with the singing of a well-known Army song, after which' prayer was offered by Adjutant Radcliffe (Feilding). Brigadier Cottrill, in his remarks, stated that the field officers of the division had met Major and Mrs Gray in officers’ councils during the day and had enjoyed the privilege of listening to the exhortations uttered by Major and Mrs Gray. Brigadier Cottrill then called on Adjutant Fraser to represent the officers of the division. The Adjutant stated that he had found Major and Mrs Gray to be a blessing to the officers, their services had been an inspiration for good and they would bear fruit in the days to come. Brigadier Cottrill, in paying a tribute to the departing officers, told of their good work in the division. Their musical ability had been enjoyed by all who had had the privilege to hear their singing. Sergeant-Major Bell, representing the young people, stated that the three children of the Major and his wife would be missed from the Sunday school, and also Major and Mrs Gray, as the children in the Young People’s Corps had learned to love them for their work’s sake. Captain Hay (Levin) read the Scripture portion. The Guards and Sunbeams who paraded for tho occasion were represented by one of the Sunbeams, who presented to Miss Edna Gray a beautiful bouquet, Miss Gray having been for some time the instructor for the Sunbeams. Mrs Gray, on rising to reply to the parting greetings, received an ovation. She thanked all for their kind remarks and assured them that she was sorry to say farewell. Major Gray, who was also applauded" told of his call to be of service to mankind and his desire to do the will of God and to love his neighbour as himself. . ' Musical items were given by the band, Songsters and Guards, solos being given by Sister Hughes (Feilding) and Adjutant Gray (Foxton) and duets by Major and Mrs Gray and their two daughters. The meeting closed with the singing of “God Will Take Ca.re of You.” . Tho duties of Chancellor of the division will be filled by the appointment of Major and Mrs Miles, of Wellington.