THE SALVATION ARMY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 23 June 1936, Page 2

THE SALVATION ARMY

(To The Editor) Sir,—On 16th inst. I challenged “Iconoclast” and “R.S.” each to publish their full names and let us know their qualifications for their unjust criticism of the Salvation Army. I have denied their charges in detail, and if they are afraid to stand personally by their statements I think this proves they themselves know them to be false I trust that if ever the Salvation Army is again maligned through the Press in this town, it. will be remembered that those making the gravest charges were unwilling to own them. The case of “A. Morris” is in quite a different category. The 22 girls who have signed the protest from the People’s Palace, together with the three ex-Palace employees and myself, are quite determined that only a full apology through the Press will clear the characters of those concerned. A sympathiser has now advanced an offer of legal assistance and such assistance will certainly be accepted if necessary.—l am, etc..

FRANCES A. RANKIN. Nelson, 23rd June. (To The Editor) Sir, —I am sure, that many will be grateful to Mr Hunter, Mr Rankin, and “Three Ex-People’s Palace Employees” for their gallant defence of the Salvation Army. I have known much of the Army work and. methods, forty years ago in New Zealand; for (very many years in India, and fbr a short time in England, and, like every one else who has had personal know--1 ledge of what they are doing and of ; the results achieved, I have no doubt I whatever that every penny earned by 'Or given to the Salvation Army is used to the very best advantage, in the uplift of those who most need help. Why should some of your correspondents take exception to the fact that some of the Army’s projects have developed into large and prosperous business concerns? They have prospered, and the Army has through them large sums of money for the carrying out of its multifarious schemes for the benefit of the “submerged tenth,’’ ~ because those in ’charge seek nothing for themselves, rind bring to bear on them business ability and common sense consecrated to the service of God and humaflity. If any of those who doubt the .Worth whileness of the Army’s work ever go ,to India, I would advise them to pay a round of visits to Army settlements for . “Criminal Tribes.” Withr'these tribes of heriditary criminals;' the Government frankly admitted its'inability to deal, and handed them, over to the Salvation . Army, under whose influence they, are gradually “making good,’” and are being changed, so that, instead of being a scourge; to the country, they are learning to be decent lawabiding tillers of the soil. But work like this costs money. Have those who do not approve \of the Army ' read “God in the Slums” and “Broken Earthenware”? It is scarcely probable that Hugh Redwood and Harold Begbie, both of whbm have been described as “hard , bitten newspaper men,” would write as they do of the Salvation Army, if they were not absolutely convinced of the soundness and integrity of its financial methods.—l am, etc., FLORENCE SMITH. Nelson, 22nd June.