In Sorrow's Wake.

Southern Cross, Volume 18, Issue 10, 18 June 1910, Page 15

In Sorrow's Wake.

This is the title given to the booklet containing the annual report of the Salvation Army's social operations in Vustralia and Xew Zealand in 1909. It is embellished with fine photo-engravings of General Booth, head of the great organisation now at work in 58 countries, and of Commissioner Hay and Mrs Hay, heads of the Army work in the Commonwealth and Dominion. Views of a number of rescue homes and other buildings are also given. But the feature that will most appeal to readers is the series of sketches given from real life of men, women, and children who have been redeemed from lives of misery and wretchedness through the help of the Army. One cannot rise from a perusal of the book without feeling that a noble work is being clone, and that those engaged in it deserve the greatest possible sympathy and support. In a notice to friends of the Army the following interesting statement is made : General Booth has laid it down as almost a law that the poor, the derelicts and so-called wastrels shall he placed in a position where they shall earn something towards their own support, and it is to this subject we wish to draw the attention of our friends. If we can make it comparatively easy for each unfortunate who would be a charge upon the _community if not under the care of the Salvation Army—to work out his or her deliverance, surely we can -claim to be doing a commendable work. The natural result of such a system of self-support is the relief of the charitably disposed, as it must he a benefit to the community if we reduce our demand upon its charity to less than 2s, out of every 20s required. We do not ask for 20s, but we say 'if you will give us 2s, we will see that the difference is also forthcoming, and we will do it without sweating. . The following figures are quoted in support of the foregoing, and are an eloquent tribute to the energy and devotion of the Officers who are in charge of our 70 Homes throughout Australasia : Total Working Expenses £93,591 Income — Direct donations to Homes £3,690 Earned by industries, etc 74,499 Government Aid 10,877 Granted from Central Funds 4525 £93,591