A HAPPY GATHERING.

Wairarapa Age, 2 March 1934, Page 5

A HAPPY GATHERING.

WELCOME TO SALVATION OFFICERS. ADJUTANT AND MRS. NORMAN. The bright buoyancy of the Salvation Army’s approach to Christianity was a feature of the welcome extended last evening to Adjutant P. Norman, the newly appointed officer in charge of the Masterton corps. Solos, quartettes, band and pianoforte items, all of a joyous and uplifting nature, w-ere rendered and the gathering was a most happy and enjoyable one. ' Several speakers offered a warm welcome to Adjutant and Mrs. Norman, who have taken the place of Captain and Mrs. Riseley. Colonel Toomer, acting-manager of the Whatman Home, presided. Sister Fairbrother, Young People’s Sergeant-Major, assured Adjutant Norman that if’ would find the young people willing workers and at all times ready to assist him. Bandmaster Read said that although the band was not very strong numerically, the members eould he depended on to render assistance on every public occasion. Treasurer Trudgeon and Colonel Toomer also extended hearty welcomes to the guests of the evening, the latter on ibehalf of the Whatman Home, the boys of which, he said, were a live part of the corps. Adjutant Norman thanked the speakers for their kindly words of welcome. He was glad reference had been made to the young people. It would be his aim to gather the young people about him and make them a really aggressive part of the corps. The band, he considered, had nothing to be ashamed of, either numerically or as to the quality of its music. The Salvation Army, he said, was not a oneman, but a co-operative concern. Without the whole-hearted assistance and co-operation of everyone he personally could not do a great deal. He appealed for the co-operation of all members in an endeavour to promote the —4f?at cause of the Army. Tn these ~ times, he said, the saving of souls wns an extremely difficult matter. The suicide rate in New Zealand was the highest in the British Empire, the lunacy figures were well up, while on the side of morality the figures were very disquietening, and his experience during the past few years had been such as to make him wonder what the conditions would be in ten years’ time. On almost every street corner one found sellers of art union tickets, while nearly every little town in New Zealand had its race meeting, with the totalisator showing increased turnovers. And at the same time thousands lacked the bare necessities of life. In every phase of our national life men and women were provided <ith the opportunity of doing the. • rung thing. The Army, he concluded. Hfid to provide an equal opportunitv Ol\ doing the right thing. (Applausel) Supper, served by the ladies. brought to a conclusion a most cnjovable gathering.