THE SALVATION ARMY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19845, 19 July 1926, Page 3

THE SALVATION ARMY.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS. VETERANS WELCOMED. A notable event in the history of this city is now being fittingly celebrated in Dunedin. Forty-three years ago, on Sunday, April 1 Captain Pollard of the Salvation Army accompanied by Captain and Mrs Burfoot held his first meeting at Cargill’s Monument on the spot where the Salvation Army still regularly assemble. Later in the evening service was held in ths Temperance Hall in Moray place. It was arranged that Commissioner and Mrs Hoggard should conduct the services in Dunedin on the present occasion, but indisposition and important business engagements prevented this arrangement being carried out. Colonel Gunn (Dominion field secretary) has. however, arrived to preside over the various functions which have been arranged. On Saturday afternoon a veteran’s reunion was held in the fortress in Dowling street, end it was very largely attended. Captain Montgomery, who had the arrangements in hand, had spared no effort to have the pioneers of the movement assembled. Those who were unable through physical disabilities or other causes from attending, wore provided with motor cars furnished bv friends of the Army. Amongst those present, too, were the first two officers appointed in Australasia, these being Captain Lizzie Harman and Lieutenant Fanny Worsde). The former is now Mrs Inglis closely identified with the Dunedin Sailors’ Rest, and the latter is Mrs Stevens. Brigadier Burton, who presided, said it was one of the most delightful occasions ha could remember in connection with the Dunedin corps. Those present would bo able to recount the splendid memories and the days that have gone in connection with the Army’s work. ' After several stirring hymns had been sung the Brigadier apologised for the absence of Commissioner and Mrs Hoggard. He also announced that Colonel Gunn, the Commissioner’s representative, would arrive by that -evening’s express from the north.— (Loud applause.) He thought Captain Montgomery should be very heartily congratulated on the success which had attended his efforts in making the re-union the success it undoubtedly was. It was he who had prompted the idea. The splendid self-denial of those associated with tho Army in its earliest days hd gone tar towards laving the magnificent foundation on which the Army’s work was built. He said he never thought of the work of the early workers in the movement without getting an inspiration. At the conclusion of his speech he called on Captain Montgomery to read extracts from Otago Daily Times relating to the establishment of the Armv in Dunedin. The recital by the captain of incidents associated with the Army’s initial work in the Dominion was listened to most attentively. The Chairman then called Mrs Inglis and Mrs Stevens to ascend the platform, Mrs Inglis. relating her experiences in the Armv. said that in April. _ 1883, she attended the first Army service The old-time religion had been preached as it was in her home, and she had promptly decided to engage in Salvation Army work. Later she was handed her ..red braid, indicating a captain’s rank. She was the first lassie captain appointed in Aew Zealand.—(Loud applause.) .. Mrs Stevens also spoke, and after the singing of several verses of hvmns._ ten was served and those present enjoyed homely chats with their comrades of the past. It was a time of reminiscences and will long be remembered by those present. . . , In the evening there was a demonstration at the Fountain, a large gathering assembling and listening to the speeches and to the music provided bv the silver Band. ______