GENERAL BOOTH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14144, 20 August 1909, Page 5

GENERAL BOOTH.

By Telegraph.—l'm* Association.Copyright. London, August 18. The recurrence of eye trouble' has prematurely stopped General Booth's motor tour. A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY. General Booth was born at Nottingham on April 10, 1829, being the eldest son of a builder, and was formerly a minister of the. New Connection Church. Educated at Nottingham by a private theological tuto" of the Methodist New Connection Church, he was converted at the age of ;5, and commenced immediately to preach in the open air in Nottingham. Entering the ministry in 1852, he was appointed a travelling evangelist, and while engaged in this work came to London, and was struck by the destitute condition of the eastern portion of its population. On July 5, 1865, he commenced special efforts on their behalf. This effort was at first styled the Christian Mission, but developed in 1878 into the Salvation Army, which has grown until, in 1907, it had 7820 corps, circles, and societies, established in 51 countries and colonies, with 20,506 officers and employeesthat is, men and women maintained for the work. General Booth is the author of several religious works. Married in 1855 to Catherine Mumford, his wife predeceased him in 1890. There are three, sons and four daughters of the marriage. Over a year ago the aged general was operated upon for cataract. The cataract was removed, and he has travelled extensively in Europe since then.