SALVATION ARMY ACTIVITIES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19759, 9 April 1926, Page 7

SALVATION ARMY ACTIVITIES.

NEW OFFICERS WELCOMED. Colonel and Airs Knott, the new chief secretaries for Salvation Army affairs in New Zealand, were accorded a public welcome in tbd Army Fortress, Dowling street, last evening. The building was filled almost to capacity, and keen enthusiasm prevailed. Commissioner Hoggard presided, and a large number of Aimy officers from the various suburban corps wore present. A squad of Army Girl Guides formed a guard of honour at the entrance to the building. The City Corps band and the band from the South Dunedin Corps played several selections during the evening. The proceedings opened with prayer by Captain Alontgomery, followed by the playing of a favourite hymn by the band. Commissioner Hoggard said it was a great pleasure to accord Colonel and Airs Knott a hearty welcome to Dunedin. It had pleased tlm General to appoint these two worthy officers to important duties in New Zealand. They had only recently come from the Army’s field of operations at Winnipeg (Canada), and when they landed in Auckland they received a great welcome. This welcome was repeated when they* reached Wellington and Christchurch. And thus it came about that the officers of the Dunedin Corps extended a very hearty welcome to such two noted workers. He had known Colonel Knott for many years, and had worked with him in England. They had, however, subsequently been drafted to different fields of Army work, but he was pleased they bad come together again; He felt sure the presence of Colonel and Mrs Knott in New Zealand would create a sense of joy in the ranks of the Army. Alajor Haynes, of Christchurch, then delivered a short address. Airs Hoggard also spoke. An address was then delivered by Lieutenant-colonel Simpson, the new social service secretary for New Zealand. He said the officers had great opportunities in social work, and they gloried in it. It was a work of love to assist the down-and-outs and the needy, and inspire them with the spirit of God. Airs Hoggard introduced Airs Knott to the assemblage. In addressing the meeting she referred to the splendid work accomplished by Commissioner and Airs Hoggard. Alen, women, and children throughout the Dominion loved the commissioner for his kindness and his teachings. A most inspiring address was given by Colonel Knott. He referred at some length to the customs and religion of the people in the various countries where he had served God. When he visited Palestine he began to see things as he had conceived them. It was not the lakes, scenery, prairies, and mountains that left a lasting impression. Such things would thrill, but they eventually faded. The thing that really thrilled and inspired was the love of God. The many months spent in Palestine seemed to get a hold on him, because it was the place where God had performed His wonderful works. When he was recalled to England a pang of regret entered his heart. New Zealand was worthily called “ God’s own country,” because it was blessed with all that was desirable, and because it was watched over by God. He was grateful to God because he had been sent to the Dominion to continue God’s teaching. He would be glad to unite with the people to sing the praises of God; to enter into the spiritual life and companionship of the people which would take them to Heaven. He asked them not to pay all their attention of what he termed the picture, but to trust and love theii’ God and not neglect their religion. Their religion was more than a picture. It was something that took hold of men, and inspired them with something that was good, pure, and holy. One of the pleasing features of the was the splendid singing of “ The Afmy Flag ”by a band of small girls from the Anderson’s Bay Orphanage. Another pleasing item was that rendered by the Green Island Girl Songsters.