SALVATION ARMY MEETINGS AND PICNIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6822, 28 September 1883, Page 5

SALVATION ARMY MEETINGS AND PICNIC.

DEVOTIONAL; GATHERING ON THE HILLSIDE. Perhaps the most successful meeting in connection with the Salvation Army movement in Auckland was held at St. James's Hall last evening. Upwards of twenty men and women gave " testimonies," some of them when speaking quivering with emotion, and being visibly affected. As many as 200 persona—men, wfimen, and children —came forward and knelt at the penitent form. The meeting jvas addressed by Majors Barker and Pollard, Captain Bawerman, and others. The hall was crowded;. Judging: from the number of testimonies, the riiovement lias certainly been successful in Auckland compared with other towns in the colony. There was a picnic to the Titirangi Rauges yesterday. A break and trap left town with a large number of persons at eight o'clock. The party rcached the ranges about midday, and after spending a couple of hours there the company returned to the city, arriving about six o'clock. A most enjoyable day was spent. A devotional meeting was held on the hillside—addresses being delivered by. the: officers' and several friends present, The meeting lust night is. One which is net likely soon to "be! forgotten by those who attended it. . The utmost en- I thusiasm and religious fervour were manifested, reminding: one of the scenes described by the English Press as happening in the large cities in England, The meeting at St. James's Hall happened to be a, farewell one—Keveral of the '.officers proceeding South to-day—and . this made the service more iihpr.esß.ivu thaii usual. Earewellii were given ..by: many, speakers. As the!- crowd; were leaving the hall ciiie member of the army camo up lo an Auckland resident, and shaking hands with him said; " Good-bye, old dad; if we don't meet again here we'll meet in heaven, won't we ?" Several of the "hallelujah lasees>" ■rendered great assistance in the singing;. The army now possesses a "hallelujah cook" and a "hallelujah cabman. " Thc : latter last evening was most conspicuous on the front of the stage, wearing a rod tash with the words "Salvation Army" on it in large letters; The standard of the army, a rcil flag, was planted on the stage,.and round it gathered the "hallelujah lads and lasses." There will probably be a strong muster on the wharf to-day to bid. farewell' to ; Majors Earlier, Pollard,, and Captain Bowerman.