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Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 49, 3 April 1914, Page 6

Deserved tribute, which will be endorsed by that section of- the general public interested in practical social reform, was paid to the uplifting work of the Salvation Army at the formal opening in Wellington yesterday of the Booth Memorial Training College for Salvation Army officers. Politicians, who differ widely in their own field of debate, united to extol the splendid self-sacrificing labours of this widespread organisation, which was founded by the late William Booth, who, from an obscure beginning, raised an army of social workers that has spread throughout the civilised world, with what results the records can eloquently testify- The methods adopted by this earnest organisation do not appeal to short-tempered individuals, who cannot see just what a splendid campaign is being pushed on; but, judged by its fruits, the Salvation Army is a militant institution which, as the Prime Minister observed yesterday, is worthy of all possible support and encouragement from every right-thinking man and woman in the world. For many years the Army has waged incessant war against those social evils which degrade and drag down humanity. In this good work it has had to suffer the jeers and scorn of thousands, who could not appreciate any enterprise that the Churches themselves hesitated to undertake. But the movement initiated by William Booth and perpetuated by his enthusiastic and self-sacrificing followers, has stimulated other denominations to shoulder their responsibilities. It took the world some time to recognise that, while it was an excellent thing to save a man's soul, a still better thing was to save his body too. Apprehending this fact early, the Army has sown its self-supporting institutions in all the big centres throughout the world, and their annual balance sheets are proof that the money acquired has been put to good use. It is one of the strongest recommendations for public support to the Salvation Army that its labour undertakings and general institutions are run on a business basis. The Wellington memorial to William Booth will serve to hallow the memory of a great and good servant of the nation, and act as a reminder to the general body of citizens of a work that is welt worth its sympathy and support.