NEW ARMY OFFICERS

Taranaki Daily News, 6 November 1934, Page 3

NEW ARMY OFFICERS

SINCERE WELCOME GIVEN CHARGE OF NEW PLYMOUTH CORPS OFFICIAL WELCOME IN CITADEL.

Sincere good fellowship prevailed at the Salvation Army Citadel, New Plymouth, last night when a large number of members and adherents gathered to welcome Adjutant A. Canty and his wife and family who have arrived from Nelson. The adjutant takes over charge of the New Plymouth corps in succession to Captain A. E. Chandler. Introducing the speakers was Corps Sergeant-Major R. S. S. Richardson, who conveyed the apologies of a representative of the Ministers’ Association, Secretary I. Skellon, and Mr. J. H. Ledgerwood, secretary of the Y.M.C.A. Recruiting-Sergeant T. Lancaster said reports had reached New Plymouth of the good work Adjutant Canty and his wife had done in other places. He felt sure the corps was coming to a prosperous time. It was somewhat unfortunate that so many changes were necessary in the Salvation Army because it took some time for the officers to get to know the people. It was not ea£y to know those of New Plymouth, but when one had been among them as long as the speaker had one could not help levin" them, nor could they help loving anything that was good. On behalf of the band, Bandmaster A. Smith remarked that the adjutant had been interested in bands all his-life. He assured the new officer that he would have the hearty co-operation of the band and welcomed his two sons, who would prove acquisitions to the group.

When word had been received that Adjutant Canty had been appointed, Young People’s Sergeant-Major P. Francis said he had remembered the latter’s brothers and sisters at Wanganui as progressive' and whole-hearted Salvationists. During the time the adjutant himself had been there he had proved himself a real big brother, and that was what New Plymouth needed—a real brother rather than an officer. In looking forward to the family’s stay in the town he hoped their time would be both happy and busy.

The treasurer, Sister Nigus, said she was glad to have the opportunity of welcoming the adjutant and his family, as she believed that they had come in the right spirit of co-operation. She could assure them of the support of the people. The corps was not very strong financially, but that was a matter over which they need not worry unduly. She hoped that the new officer would not be d’sappointed in them nor they in him. Mrs. I. Skellon, Home League secretary, felt the corps members had met to welcome friends amongst them. In. the Home League the adjutant would find willing hands.

He did not expect that there would always be agreement between the officer and the people, but he hoped they would agree to differ, said C.S.M. Richardson. It was the desire of New Plymouth Salvationists to make the corps second to none, and to accomplish this aim it was necessary to have co-oper-ation. New Plymouth, like every other town in the world to-day, was rampant with sin, 'so he hoped all the members would band together and help the adjutant. There would always be a helping hand stretched out to him, and he did not want him to think when he left that any member had failed him. He saw no reason why they should not together push on along the road of spiritual progress.

HOPES FOR THE FUTURE, They could not help feeling at home in New Plymouth, said Mrs. Canty. There was the spirit of the Salvation Army abroad. Often there were discussions upon the necessity for so many changes in the army, but these changes were wholesome, for they encouraged dissimilarities in people. The new appointment was a different experience for them and different for the New Plymouth corps. They had been quite settled in Nelson, but they had taken their marching orders gladly. It was not humanly possible to forget what they had left behind, but it was the rule of the army to surrender the reins of one place completely in taking over another.

Mrs. Canty appreciated the kindly welcome that had been given them, but words were not everything. It was not so much what was said that counted, but what was done. She hoped during their stay they would not neglect any duty they felt they should have done. She hoped they would prove a great benefit to the community.

Adjutant Canty said before receiving his appointment he knew only that New Plymouth had a beautiful mountain and a most energetic Salvationist, Mr. Buick. He was finding out many other things as he went on. He and his family appreciated the kindly thing that had been done to make their ai-rival as pleasant as possible. It had made them feel welcome from the start.

In paying a tribute to the retired officer, Captain Chandler, the adjutant said he had had a very active mind and been an efficient and earnest worker. He regretted the necessity that had compelled Captain Chandler to take a rest from work, and hoped it would not be long before he could resume his duty. In connection with the financial position of the corps, continued Adjutant Canty, New Zealand generally was suffering a depression. There had not been as much money as might have been hoped to carry on work, but he assured the treasurer that everything possible would be done by him to oil the machinery. They were hopeful for the future and not content to rest on the results of their labours, fie said. The future was before them. He thought New Plymouth was destined to become an important centre on account of . its geographical position and of air transport. It would soon become the airport of New Zealand, and therefore the army in the town had a great future of being an even greater factor in the life of the community. Distance had been eliminated in these days, and the army must move with the times. There had been many valiant and capable officers at New Plymouth, and he hoped that he. and his wife, too, might be able fully to discharge their responsibilities. World-wide interest in the Salvation Army had quickened, went on the adjutant, and the tour of the commander would give it added stimulus. It was anticipated that Evangeline Booth would visit New Zealand in April, and he hoped that everyone would be well and fit by then to meet her. In conclusion he insisted on the necessity of keeping the army principles inviolate. As for the hope expressed that he and his family would be kept busy, he heartily endorsed this, for he felt a happy day was a busy one and that there was a good deal of truth in the old adage Satan will find mischief for idle hands to do. For the 20 years that he had been an army officer he had had very little free time, and he had sought little. He pointed out, however, that every little service contributed to form a complete and efficient organisation. During the evening a testament reading was given by Band-Sergeant Stevenson. Items were contributed by the songsters and a duet by Sisters D. Cobb ,t ' Stevenson. Recruiting-Sergeant T. Lancaster led the prayer.