SALVATION ARMY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22724, 10 May 1937, Page 12

SALVATION ARMY

AUCKLAND CONGRESS SOCIAL REPORT PRESENTED VALUABLE WORK ACHIEVED Some idea of tlifc very useful work carried out by the various social organisations conducted by the Salvation Army throughout New Zealand was given the large and enthusiastic gathering which attended the meeting at the Congress Hall, Grey's Avenue, yesterday afternoon, when Lieutenant-Com-missioner F. Adams presented the annual social report. The meeting, one of several being held in connection with the Auckland divisional congress of the Salvation Army which commenced last Thursday, was attended by the Minister of Justice, the Hon. H. G. It. Mason, the chairman of the Auckland Hospital Board, the Rev. W. C. Wood, Mr. Justice Fair and two members of the Auckland City Council, Mr. A. Rosser and Mr. J. Sayegh.

Tho early history of the Salvation Army in Auckland was traced by Mr. Rosser, who acted as chairman. Mr. Rosser referred 'also to the efforts of the late General William Booth to bring about an amelioration in tho conditions of what he termed the "submerged tenth." These efforts had culminated in the foundation of the Salvation Army, which now had a vast number of enterprises the work of which was directed to the advancement of these people. Government's Appreciation

The relations between the Salvation Army and the various Government departments which came in contact with its work were referred to by the Hon, H. G. 11. Mason. "I would like to say that it is possible for those who are moved bv the spirit which moves the Salvation Army to do work which no others can do," he said. The Government was indeed glad to have the different social services given by the Salvation Army, and it would be difficult to imagine anything which could take their place. "It is now 25 years since the founder of this movement, William Booth, passed to his reward," said LieutenantCommissioner Adams, in presenting the social report. "Perhaps we are too near to appraise him rightly; nevertheless there are certain facts which compel our attention to him and which in themselves reveal him —his conviction, compassion and courage. All these facts may be included in one, the Salvation The commissioner added that the Salvation Army conducted 34 social institutions in the two islands, providing assistance for the needy of all ages. Other avenues through which many were helped were the visitation of prisons and hospitals, Police Court work and the inquiry and missing friends department. Need for Extensions The five maternity hospitals conducted by the Salvation Army were meeting a great need. The ellington hospital had recently been extended—a new wing had[ been built and the entire hospital remodelled and brought up to date at a cost of over £6OOO, which amount already had been secured. . ~ All the hospitals were working to lull capacity, and in most cases thcie was a real need for extension, the commissioner continued, and it was intended to meet this need at the earliest possible moment. Although two new eventide homes tor the aged had been opened since he came to the Dominion, the commissioner said all the homes were now full, and most had a waiting list, so that something more would have to be clone to enlarge the borders in this direction. The home for aged men at Wallaceville, opened just over 12 months ago with accommodation for 25 men, already had been enlarged to take a greater number. Becoming Good Citizens Reporting on the work at the Rotoroa and Pakatoa _ inebriates' .institutions, the commissioner stated that the Minister of Justice had visited the islands and had since complimented the Salvation Army on the devotion of the officers to their work, the suitability ol the locality, the orderliness everywhere and the care taken i'or the weliaio oj the inmates. . . , "An analysis of the position disclosed that 77 per cent of the men who have been with us do well," the commissioner stated. "Their names may not appear on church rolls, but tlicj become good citizens and re-establish themselves in the life of the cornWhile they had been considering social work, said Lieutenant-Commis-sioner Adams in conclusion, the bavation Army was equally a spiritual also were held yesterday morning and in the evening, large attendances being present at both, gatherings. There will be further meetings today and the congress will tomorrow evening with a final public meeting. _______