SALVATION ARMY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20391, 21 October 1929, Page 12

SALVATION ARMY.

LEADERS FAREWELLED.

COMMISSIONER AND MRS. HAY.

APPRECIATION OF SERVICES.

A farewell gathering to Commissioner J. Hay and Mrs. Hay, who have been in chargo of the Salvation Army in New Zealand, was held in the Salvation Army Congress Hall yesterday afternoon. Commissioner and Mrs. Hay will leave to-mor-row for Canada, where they will take up the Canada East Command, one of the largest in the Army, with headcuarters in Toronto.

Thero was a large attendance at yesterday's farewell. Tho Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, presided, and in addition to officers of tho Auckland Salvation Army Corps, there were present the Hon. A. J. Stallworthy, representing the Government, Mr. J. A. C. Allum, chairman of the Auckland Transport Board, members of the City Council, and a large representation from Auckland churches and social organisations. Colonel L. Taylor, chief secretary, expressed the deep regret felt throughout tho Army corps in the Dominion at the impending departure of Commissioner and Mrs. Hay. Ho paid a tribute to the work they had accomplished during tho three years they were at tho head of the Army's affairs in the Dominion, and said that they all felt some satisfaction to know that they were going from one great country to another to continue that work. Progress oi Movement. Tho Mayor said he wanted to take the opportunity to congratulate the Army upon the progress it had made during the three years Commissioner and Mrs, Hay had been in chargo in New Zealand. Some idea of tho progress was gathered when it was known that 16 new corps had been formed, attendances had increased by 10 per cent, and the debts on tho Army's property had been reduced by £IB,OOO during that time. With leaders possessing the energy and personality of Commissioner and Mrs. Hay, he was not at all surprised. that such progress, had taken place. He congratulated the commissioner upon his appointment during his absence in England to the high office of president of the High Council of tho Salvation Army. They were all sorry to lose him, but were satisfied to think that their loss was somebody else's gain. Commissioner Hay said it had been a very enjoyable experience for him to have been associated with affairs in New Zealand. "It will take somo tall language to give justice to New Zealand in Canada," said Commissioner Hay. The Salvation Army was a simple and subtle movement that stirred people to realise tho meaning of prayer. It was founded in New Zealand in 1883, and so rapid was its growth that in sevca months a congress was held in Dunedin, at which 120 bands attended. The Army was distinct in many things, but above all its endeavour was to teach that there was hope for all. It was making tremendous progress with its young people's movements, but its influence and help was extended to all classes. It'had a heart for all who were down;- and above all it stood for the Bible, not a whittled-down version, but for God's Word as it was originally written. Public Confidence Won. Commissioner Hay spoke in detail of the various spheres in which the Army extended its helping hand. Surely and steadily it had secured public confidence, until now it was answering <t necessity in the life of the people. He expressed his gratitude for the help that had always been extended to the movement, and paid tribute to the work of the ministers of other religions in the Dominion. It was indeed fortunate -to possess such a fine body of workers. Commissioner Hay thanked the speakers and the people they represented for their expressions of goodwill, and remarked that he had the greatest confidence in his belief that one day New Zealand would occupy a foremost position in tho world. A vote of thanks to Commissioner Hay for his address and for the great service ho had rendered during his term of office in the Dominion was proposed by Mr. Allum and supported by the Hon. A. J. Stallworthy. Any Government would readily admit its indebtedness to the Salvation Army in civic administration, Mr. Stallworthy said. Tho Army and kindred organisations handled tasks that could never bo done by a State department. .

The vote was carried with hearty acclamation ( and was followed by rousing cheers. !

Commissioner Hay also spoke at both morning and evening services. There will bo a final farewell gathering at the Congress Hall this evening.

MUSICAL FESTIVAL. STRENGTH OF ARMY'S BANDS. A musical festival was held in the Salvation Army Congress Hall on Saturday evening, Commissioner J. Hay presiding. Six bands were represented, comprising Congress Hall, Newton, Eden, Newmarket, Avondale and Devonport, as well as the Congress Hall songsters and tho male octette. The programme was well received by a larce audience. Commissioner, Hay mentioned that ho Was a bandsman in the Salvation Army nearly 40 years ago. There were now well over 1000 bandsmen in New Zealand.

HAMILTON (MTADEL VISITED.

HURRIED JOURNEY BY CAR.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HAMILTON, Sunday.

In order to inspect tho new citadol being Greeted for tho Salvation Army at Hamilton, Commissioner Hay made a lightning visit to, Hamilton yesterday morning. He arrived at Frankton Junction on tho limited express from Wellington and motorod to Hamilton.

Before returning to continue his journoy to Aucklahd by the same train, Commissioner Hay thoroughly inspected the hall. Ho was back at the Frankton Junction station with timo to spare, the whole visit having been made in about a quarter of an hour.

This is stated to have been the 500 th Salvation Army building erected under the direction of Commissioner Hay.