THE SALVATION ARMY.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 915, 13 September 1889, Page 20

THE SALVATION ARMY.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Christchurch, September 10.

Three moinbers of the Salvation Army at Rangiora were chargee to-day with obstructing the thoroughfare by assembling at the corner of tho street, kneeling down and praying, to the annoyance of passersby. The charge was proved, and the Magistrate (Mr Whitefoord), in fining two of the accused, said the Bench did not take into consideration whether the Army was a religious body or not, they simply looked upon them as a body of people only, to decide whether they had a right to obstruct the street and prevent others enjoying the privilege. The case was not serious, but the streets wore made for the use of everybody. It was never contemplated that a body of people should be allowed to constantly' parade them with flags and bands to the annoyance of those who had rights and privileges deserving of respect. He read for their benefit Mr Justice Richmond’s remarks on the Napier cases, which showed that the Salvation Army must submit to the same restraints and regulations as the welfare of the public demanded. Ho expressed the hope that they would act in future so as not to bring themselves within the arm of the law. They were fined 5s each, and coats 375, or 24 hours’ hard labour. Two of them, named Tom Nicholas and Matthew Brown, elected to accept the alternative.