SALVATION ARMY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2483, 30 March 1893, Page 4

SALVATION ARMY.

The Geraldine branch of the Salvation Army held their annual harvest festival in the barracks on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday last. On Saturday evening what the Army term a three-days’ monster demonstration was opened, when, notwithstanding the wet weather, the hall was full, and there were present, in addition to the local officers, Adjutan Paul and Captains Sparks and Flayell—all from Christchurch. An enthusiastic meeting was held, and the visiting officers were each in turn introduced to the meeting. On Sunday largo numbers attended the services throughout the day. In the afternoon a special antigambling meeting was held, when officers spoke strongly against the vice of gambling, and pointed out the dangers attending it. The public tea was largely attended on Monday evening, and was presided over by Mesdames Brown, Crafer, E. Prouting, Chesterman, and Herdmau, and Misses Fleming, Payne, and Coombs, and the officers. After the tables had been cleared, a “ musical evening ” was given by members of the Army, which consisted of songs, duets, a banjo solo by Mr Baker, and a dialogue by two officers representing the conversion of a sinner. The upper end of the hall was full of all kinds of produce, vegetables, live stock, and fancy goods, and during the “ musical evening ” a peal of laughter veritably brought down a full-grown pumpkin, if it did not “ bring down the house”. The pumpkins were hung along the ceiling, and the one that fell narrowly escaped “ braining ” an officer on the platform. After the “musical evening” MrW.S.Masliu sold all the articles by auction, and, taking it all round, with the collections, tea, and auction sale, about £26 was netted.