THE SALVATION ARMY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20611, 9 January 1929, Page 7

THE SALVATION ARMY

GENERAL BOOTH'S HEALTH. BULLETIN ISSUED BY DOCTORS. (Brltisb ■ Official Wireless.) (United Press Association.) (By Electrtq Telegraph—Copyright.) RUGBY, January 7, (Received Jan. 8, at 5.5 p.m.) On the eve of the High Council of the Salvation Army meeting - a medical bulletir was issued, signed by two doctors. It says: “After having : carefully examined General Booth on December 30 last we are of the opinion that the general is making satisfactory progress towards recovery. His physical condition, though still poor, ■is gradually improving. His illness bos followed the expected course, .arid there, is every reason to believe that the General should be able to resume his work within six months. As there, have been rumours that the General’s mental powers . have been affected we take this opportunity of stating that there never has been any question ,of mental incapacity. His intellect remains unimpaired. He ,is now weU able to give decisions - and advise ,on important matters, but. it is advisable that be should have as much quiet as possible, and not be burdened with unnecessary anxiety, as this will tend to retard his recovery.” The signatories' are Dr Weir, who is physician to the Prince of Wales, arid Dr Milne, who has been the doctor in attendance on the General for many years. The bulletin will be presented -to the High Council, and must have an important bearing on its decisions, MEETING OP HIGH COUNCIL. GROUPS AGAINST SECRECY.

LONDON, January. 7, (Received Jan. 8, at. 5.5 p.m.)

’, A statement, which is apparently an inspired one, sets out that groups insist that it is utterly wrong that the High Council’s proceedings are' being kept strictly secret. It,says: “The Sunbury conclave is not solely the concern o£ the council of. the Salvation Army and the Booth family. It is the general public which throughput has contributed the bulk of the Army’s assets, therefore the hush-hush policy should be abandoned and the discussion held openly in the presence of press representatives.” The statement points , out that the High Councillors are in no way- representative of the countries front.t which they come. All. have been appointed-and promoted by the General himself. They are even torbidden to discuss plans of their own work with subordinates. The statement says that the High Council is not empowered to substitute real democratic authority in the place of one man control of the Army’s destinies. • The deed of constitution lays down that the organisation must continue under the direction and control of one person. This is an undoubted evil, but it was accepted, with open eyes by the Salvationists from top.-to bottom. .. Extraordinary precautions are being taken to ensure secrecy 'at Sunbury Court. Visitors will hot be allowed even to sec the council room, and the police have , been instructed to guard the gates, • The house was formerly a .country dub, and the council will meet in the former ballroom. —Australian Press Association. ■ OFFICIAL STATEMENT. . GENERAL WILL' NOT ATTEND. - LONDON, January 7. {Received Jan. 8, at 5.5 p.m.) It is officially stated cnat General ■Booth, will not' attend the council. meeting. .He is still at Southwold, and though he is sufficiently strong to sit up he is in no way able to journey to the conference. , Ob the other hand, Colonel Tucker is still doubtful. He says: “ The General is the sort of man that if he m|kes up his mind to attend he will ai all costs.” ; Mrs Booth, Who is herself a commissioner, will in any case lead the-defence of her husband.—-Australian .Press Association. ■ .