WELCOME TO ENSIGN COOMBS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18319, 9 August 1921, Page 2

WELCOME TO ENSIGN COOMBS

Ensign H. Coombs, who has come to Dunedin as the Samar, tan officer in connection with the Dunedin division of the Salvation Army, and who has also been appointed by the Government as a probation officer, took up her duties yesterday. In the morning the Ensign was introduced by Mr F. G. Gumming to the mag.strates and to the police officers, and was cordially welcomed by each. In the evening the Ensign was accorded a hearty welcome at the barracks in Dowling street, an 3, despite the threatening weather, there was a large attendance. Major Gunn presiding. Mr V. G. Gumming, as a probation officer, and Sister Norah as a fellowworker, spoke very cordial words of welcome, which were added to by Commandant Burgess and Commandant Simpson (representing the social work of the Army), Adjutant Simpson, Ensign Lamberton, and Captain Whitley (who has just been appointed to the charge of the Dunedin North station, and who worked as a soldier under the Ensign at Petone). Major Gunn, on behalf of the whole division, said that when he received word that Ensign Coombs had been appointed probation officer he was fust as pleased as if another institution had been opened here. She was an ideal woman for the work, because the love of God and of her fellowbeings prompted her in all her doings. She came here with a wide experience as a Salvation Army officer. She was sympathetic and kind, yet wise, and knew where firmness was necessary. Ensign Coombs, in returning thanks for her reception, said she was reminded of the words of the Saviour: “Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you.” When she received her present appointment she reconsecrated herself to God, and hoped that she might finish her life in the work allotted to her. The open door was there, and she asked for the prayers of her fellowworkers that she might prove useful in the Lord’s work. She would bo called upon to go amongst the old. the poor, and the children, and she prayed for strength to accomplish some good. Ensign Coombs then narrated a number of instances in which she had Wn able to afford relief to sufferers in Wellington. She asked any who knew of oases where there was suffering to let her know, and her services would be available at anv hour of the day or n : ght. During the evening the Army’s Silver Band played selections in a most p’ensing manner, and solos were snr~ by Captain Carmichael and Mrs Envoy Syder.