THE ARMY IN NEW ZEALAND

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19523, 24 June 1933, Page 11

THE ARMY IN NEW ZEALAND

EARLY TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS

Fifty years have passed since the arrival in Dunedin of a small batch of officers of the Salvation Army. They opened their campaign in this country at the historic fountain in the Edinburgh of the South on an inauspicous date, April 1, 1883, and the early years of their history were marked by trials and tribulations which would have caused less stouthearted pioneers to have forsaken the cause, and returned to the land of their origin. But the early founders of the movement were imbued with the deepest loyalty and devotion. Their task was to raise aloft the banner which had been unfurled by William and Catherine Booth in England in 1865, and in spite of adverse criticism and persecution, they gradually won their way into the hearts of the people. The Army sent its officers north, and within the space of a few years, a firm footing was obtained in other centres. Facing Great Odds. In 1882, the year prior to the founding of the movement in New Zealand persecution of Salvationists was probably at its height in Great Britain but in the face of great odds, Corps were opened practically every week all over the country. It seemed that neither persecution nor prosecution could stop the spread of the new movement. It was inevitable, therefore that such an aggressive Christian movement should burst the bounds of the country of its origin and spread overseas, and thus it came about that in a very few years, the banner was unfurled in the United States. Australia, France, Switzerland, India, and Canada. Then came New Zealand and the advent of the Army in this country was greeted in the same manner as the founders were received in the Homeland. The beginning was a small one, but marvellous results have come from it. At the time the pioneer Salvationists arrived in New Zealand, the Colony as it then was, was experiencing the effects of a vigorous departmental policy of public works, and assisted immigration, which had, during a ten year period, swelled the population from a quarter of a million to close on half a million. Inter-communication between the provinces had not been ol a too reliable nature, but it was rapidly Improving. Hitherto a marked degree of Isolation had prevailed, but improved facilities brought about a rapid change in this respect, and they also had the effect of breaking down the parochial view of things which had grown up as a result of enforced l isolation. All was going well with the settlers, as they had been able to realise in large measure the original ideals of industry and culture or)

which the settlements had been founded. To the minds of the Salvationists there was a feeling -that too much emphasis was being placed on material progress, without much thought being given to the spiritual welfare of the several communities. Thus it came about that the advent of the Salvation Army came as a direct challenge to materialism. Neglect of the spiritual side of things was in large measure responsible for the hostility shown to the early Salvationists, but the pioneers of the movement were able to awaken many nominally Christian people to a vivid realisation of their duties and responsibilities. Triumphal Report. The first triumphant report of the Officers to their Chief in England read:— “Dunedin and Auckland blazing Christchurch shortly to be attacked. Reinforce sharp.” Salvationists to-day can look back on the achievement of the past fifty years with pride. Persecution, misunderstanding, calumny and hardness did not daunt the pioneers, and their successors, by their integrity and devotion to the common weal, won an honoured place in the gradual growth through past labours and struggles, such as are still demanded of it in order that the freedom and well being' thus inherited may be transmitted unimpaired to children, and children’s children.” Looking back down the vista of the past fifty years, Salvationists must feel the thrill of accomplishment Beginning of Work. Great interest was aroused in Dunedin when the Army commenced its work. The largest buildings obtainable could not accommodate the crowds that flocked to the meetings, and everywhere the movement spread, the community was deeply stirred The reports of early meetings, which appeared in the “War Cry” were full of enthusiasm, particularly those concerning Dunedin and Christchurch. It was also announced in an early issue that the Central Auction Rooms in Timaru had been secured for meetings. Rapid Progress So rapid was the spread ol the work that within eleven months sixteen Corps had been opened, and there were thirty-six officers wholly engaged in Army work. Auckland was the second Corps to be opened, this taking place on April 13. 1883. During the first two months, three hundred seekers were registered, many of whom proved valiant workers in later years The next opening was at Christchurch on May 20, and the enthusiasm displayed was no less marked than in other centres. Th'e Wellington City Corps was opened by Captain Collery. who as Envoy Collery, at Wellington South is still an active Salvationist. Timaru Corps. The fifth corps to be established was at Timaru, and this was closely follow-