THE NEW SIGN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13355, 8 December 1906, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE NEW SIGN.

FROM THE ASHES OF DOWIEISM.

VIVA VOLIVA

I 'Amidst the crash of Zionism. Overseer E. I 11. Cantel, who was formerly Bowie's handyman in London, has just returned from Chicago to do a little salvage work. | In a little office high up in Albion House, i New Oxford-street, the door hearing the i title | '•The Christian Catholic Apostolic Church in Zion," ! an interviewer found Overseer Cantel busily I dictating letters to his somewhat scattered | nock. But the overseer was in no way discour-

aged at the work before him. i.'HU.I. FOLLOWING KXPOSCRE. '• Of course our work lias suffered terribly in England",'' 1'" said, "because of the exposure of the doctor, but we counted the cost when we made the exposure, and we believe that, with time, care, and wisdom, we shall not only recover lost ground, but add many converts to our Church all over the country. " When I left here six months ago for Zion we had about '200 Zionites in London. Mr. Cooper has at present with him about bO seceders, whilst we have 100. and I am practically certain that we shall secure not only "many of the seceders, but nearly all the 59 others who at present remain outside."

SO CLASSES. Overseer Cantel then described how the new meeting-houseßloomsbury Hall, Hart-street —was opened recently by Overseer Bryant, of the South African branch of Zion, and added that services will now be held regularly every Sunday and on Thursday evenings. "We have long felt,"' said the overseer, " that we ought to seek more advantageous quarters, where we could reach all classes of people, and the hall in Hart-street gives us that opportunity.

"viva VOLIVA !"

" The head of Zion City now is General Overseer Voliva, who has been elected for 12 months only, and in September next a churcn conference will take place, at which the question of the leadership of Zion will be'settled."

Mr. Cantel added that Dowie is still living with his wife in Zion, but lie has absolutelv nothing to do with the management of the city.

The "Profit" did intend to go to Mexico to raise money to build a huge mansion '' for the coming of Christ and the dawn of the millennium." but at present he is too unwell to make the journey. Discussing the future of Zionism, Overseer Cantel said, "There is to be a wise blending of democratic with theocratic government."

MATERIAL PROFITS. As to the future of Zion City, Overseer Cantel is quite optimistic. Although the liabilities stand at about £1.200,000. Mr. Cantel says that these will be liquidated within 15 years by the raising of a "funding bond." The lace and other industries are all to be thrown into one huge concern, and " out of the profits we expect to pay interest and lay aside 25 per cent, for liquidating our present liabilities." . The receiver who is at present in charge of Zion finances believes that the city is solvent, and that it will recover its position if wisely governed. " He is simply there as a sort of umbrella while we are weathering the storm," added the overseer, "and I expect in a short time trustees will be appointed. There will certainly be no return to the one-man absolutism.

" I wiii make no vain boasts," concluded Mr. Cantel. " Let time show what we can do, but I am very hopeful of the future of Zion."