THE SALVATION ARMY AND JUSTICE GILLIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9321, 26 March 1889, Page 5

THE SALVATION ARMY AND JUSTICE GILLIES.

The anniversary of the Auckland corps of the Salvation Army was celebrated last evening by a soiree in the Salvation Army Barrackß. There was a crowded attendance, and a large number of visitors from other districts. Among those present were Hoani Taipua, M.H.R., Major Kemp, and Arai Whanakei, a chief from Otaki, up in Auckland for the Orakei native meeting. A bountiful tea was provided, and a rofeotion of fruit. At the public meeting Commissioner Howard presided, being supported by Sir Win. Fox and Major Rolfe. The Hallelujah Lasses Drum and Fife Band in the earlier part of the meeting played some airs, and rendered some good choruses. Hoani Taipua and his native friends were greatly taken up by this part of the programme, and were loud in their manifestations of approval, as could be judged by their exclamations of '' Kapai te wahines!' " Kajxii te waiata I" Then followed some selections by the band, and sacred solos by Captain Kemp and Major Rolfe, with harp accompaniment by Staff-Officer Howard. A series of testimonies were then given by persons who had benefited by the Army in Auckland, and a portion of Scripture was read by Major Rolfe. Commissioner Howard then gave his promised address on Salvation Army work in various parts of the world—in Italy, Switzerland, France, Holland, and other girts of the Continent he had visited, He gave an interesting description of the work in London. Some people in high places thought the Army were a noisy people, boasting much, but doing little good. He had looked into the work and found the good. People who did nob look into their work could scarcely be expected to find out the good work done. It was true they dealt with criminals, but not with them alone, bub with all classes of society. The Russian Princess who came to the penitent form in a town in Switzerland, was just offered the same salvation, in the name of the Master, as the pauper, the criminal, and tjje harlot. He had seen many lands and many organisations, but the Salvation brotherhood came the nearest to what might be regarded as Christian Socialism that he knew of, as it abolished class distinctions or those made by race or colour.

Sir Wm, Fox spoke briefly. Ho said Commissioner Howard had referred with great delicacy and good taste to what hail been said a few days ago by an eminent personage regarding the Salvation Army. It had been said in a sense disparagingly, as he viewed it, that they dealt with criminals. He was an old friend of the high personage alluded to, and he was going to speak with all due respect. They had together borno the hardships of colonial life, together been associated in political life, and that gentleman had by his ability achieved his seat on the Bench. But lie disagreed with that particular statement about the Army, and indeed tho whole of his references to the Army. Had ho forgotten that of One it was said He came to seek and to save that which was lost; that He came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. It was tho last remark that eminent personage should have made, for his business was to deal with criminals. It was his duty to do so. He was paid by the Government to do it. When he got criminals, he hanged them ; when the Salvation Army got criminals, they tried to save them. (Cheers and laughter.) Which was the most useful, honorable, and patriotic work ? He would say no more, than that he had travelled round the world, had seen the work of tho Army at home and abroad, and could testify to its usefulness, and the accuracy of Commissioner Howard's description that night. The meeting closed with the Benediction.