SALVATION ARMY

Otago Witness, Issue 3313, 12 September 1917, Page 52

SALVATION ARMY

ANNUAL LEATHERING

The annual gathering of the local Salvation Army Corps was held on the 10th. at the Citadel, Dowling street, when there was a large attendance. His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. J. Clark) presided, and was associated with Commissioner Hodder, Colonel MTnnes, and Major Colvin. The proceeding's opened with the li.ymn

"Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing," which was sung by the congregation accompanied by the Army Band. The Mayor then addressed a few remarks to tho gathering, stating that it was the fourth occasion on which he had presided over such a gathering, and it afforded him more than ordinary pleasure to preside. In detail, his Worship eulogised the invaluable work of the Army, both from civilian and military viewpoints. In the latter respect the Army had executed laudable work as regards the comfort of tho men in camp, and in this latter particular it would, contended tho speaker, be difficult to adequately praise their work.—(Applause.) The effort of the Army throughout the Empire was of such a nature as not to lend itself in a way to be adequately described in words, that would do credit to any religious institution. —(Loud applause.) He extended a hearty welcome to Commissioner Hodder, who was not a stranger to Dunedin, but who, at the same time, possessed that geniality of personality that he must be always welcomed anew by every soldier in the army and by outsiders alike. —(Loud applause.) A resume of the work of the Army from both civil and military aspects was furnished by Commissioner Hodder, who was extended a warm, reception. The Commissioner, in his initial remarks, stated that tho Army as a whole recognised and appreciated the work done in the' field by the religious branches of other denominations. These bodies, with the Army, had but the one object in view, the amelioration of the sufferings of those who were the victims of the war. In the field the Army had brought off grand achievements which no matter how long the conflict lasted, would still go on. with the help and encouragement of tho boys at the front and their " own " at home.—(Applause.) Tho work of the army in the field was too well known to be commented on at length, but he would point out that the object of the Army was not to " push the Bible down the throat of the men," but to enlighten them as to the teachings and principles it contained.—{Applause.) To strive to instil the main prinoiples of the Bible in the souls of the men was another matter entirely, and the object which the Army in the field sought to accomplish. Commissioner Hodder also dealt at length vith the provision the Army authorities had made for the comfort of men in camp and abroad, mentioning in parti mlar tho excellent recreation room now in use at Featherston Camp. This had ptcved a great boon to the men. He also submitted a detailed account of the v.-rkof the Army as regards its civilian activities, enumerating and classifying the homes throughout the dominion under the Salvation Army's control. The Commissioner's address was most interesting from all points, and well merited the prolonged applause extended it. During the evening musical numbers were contributed by the girls from the Middlemarch Home in action songs and drill items, and the Army Band, while a number of spectacular tableaux of a patriotic character were exhibited by members of the City Corps. The gathering concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.