ARRIVAL OF GENERAL BOOTH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13263, 20 April 1905, Page 10

ARRIVAL OF GENERAL BOOTH.

WELCOME AT THE RAILWAY STATION. There was a great concourse of people at the Railway Station last evening before the arrival'of the 7.5 express from tho south, by which General Booth was ti.passenger, and among tho*o specially present to take part in the welcome to be accorded to the General were the Mayor (Mr T. R. Christie), Rev. Dr Nisbet (representing the Presbyterian Church), the Rov. R. Maekiu (representing the Council of Churches), tho Rev. Mr Heighway (chairman of the Congregational Union!, the Rev. Mr Laycock (representing the Primitive Methodist Church), the Rov. Mr IVrooke (representing the Wesleyan Church). Mr' A. S. Adams (representing the Temperance Alliance), Messrs J. Allen, T. Mackenzie, T. It. Sidey, H. D.' Bedford, J. F. Arnold. M.H.R.Is, and .Messrs'j. F. M. Fraser and J. Wilkinson. A few words of greoting passed as the General alighted from the railway carriage, and ho then passed on his way to the carriage in waiting outside the station, on reaching which ,he was formally.-and briefly welcomed to Dunedin by the Mayor (Mr T. R. Christie). General Booth, in the course of his rep.y to the welcome accorded liini,.said ho was very glad to bo in Dunedin again, and proceeded to pay a tribute to the beauty of the city. He' then went on to say that he had come in order 'to attempt to stir up everybody, and urged people not- to underrate themselves, but to realise tlioir true

value, to do the best for themselves and for their, fellows. There, was, he, thought, every reason why they should welcome him, as ho stood for authority, law, and righteousness, and another, reason why tlioy were glad to see him was on account of the wonderful organisation lie represented. Cheers were given for tho General, and tho carriage, followed by members of the Salvation Army, who turned out with their band in strong* force, then moved on to the Salvation Army Barracks, where the General had a private' conference and service with his officers and members of the Ariny, A great crowd followed the General's carriage up Dowling street as far as the Barracks. Tho meeting between the General and tho Salvationists was a very large one, fully 350 officers and soldiers being present. The proceedings, which were partly devotional and partly business in character, were of r. private nature. During his stay in Dunedin General Booth will bo the guest of Mr William Brown. It is understood that, at the express wish of the Primate an interview between himself and the-General will take place this morning. This evening General Booth will address a public meeting at the Garrison Hall on "The Past. Present, and Future of the Salvation; Arm}'." His Worship the Mayor will preside. On Friday the General will hold three public meetings in the Garrison Hall. MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER.

On his arrival at- Dunedin General Booth received the following telegram from the Right Hon. the Premier: "The Ministry cordially invites you to be present at- a reception proposed to he given in your honour at Parliament Buildings on Saturday afternoon, 29th inst. I shall be extremely pleased to hear that your arrangements will permit- of your accepting this invitation. Kind regards.—R. .1. Snnnox." General Booth replied as follows: — " Please present my cordial thanks to tho Ministry for its kind invitation for Saturday afternoon, acceptance of which gives ine great pleasure.—General Booth." General Booth also received a message of welcome from Lady Stout, and' several others from prominent citizens throughout tho colony.