SALVATION ARMY GIVEN £1000

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31084, 13 June 1966, Page 1

SALVATION ARMY GIVEN £1000

An unexpected gift of £lOOO was made at the official opening of the Salvation Army’s camp and conference centre at Glentui, near Ashley 7 Gorge, on Saturday afternoon.

As the addresses ended, Mr A. M. Satterthwaite, of Christchurch, came from the audience to the microphone and announced that he and Mrs Satterthwaite would send a cheque for £lOOO today.

As he made the announcement he asked nearby photographers and a television cameraman not to take pictures.

Mr Satterthwaite said he wanted to make the gift, on behalf of a Salvationist who had worked for him, Mr George Sampson. Mr Sampson had worked for him for many years, he said, and he had been impressed by his devotion and sincerity as a Salvationist. Mr Sampson knew nothing of the gesture.

Mr Satterthwaite asked that Mr Sampson’s name be used in some part of the building, perhaps by the naming of a “George Sampson room” or a “George Sampson annex." The building was declared officially open by the Territorial commander of the Salvation Army, Commissioner C. Davidson. The divisional commander for Canterbury and Westland, Brigadier S. A. Smith, welcomed guests and introduced the speakers. He said he hoped the buildings would also be used by other church groups. The assistant general secretary of the National Council of Churches (the Rev. R. O’Grady) gave a Bible reading and offered a prayer. Commissioner Davidson said the new centre would add to the beauty of the area. The centre would do much to serve youth. The Army believed that Christian faith was the only sound basis for youth. Should the Christian basis of life disappear and the family be no longer honoured, youth would be in danger. The member of Parliament for Rangiora (Mr H. E. L. Pickering) conveyed the greetings and congratulations of the Government on the opening of the camp centre. After selections had been plaved by the Christchurch Citadel Band, Brigadier L. Rundle spoke on the financial aspect of the project The camp would accommodate 130. he said. The main building and the caretaker’s house. which would be started this week, had so far cost £26,754, and furnishings, which were not vet complete, had so far cost £2690.

Territorial headquarters had given £5OOO. divisional headquarters £l7OO. There was an interest-free loan of £5OOO and there had been

several large donations. The 10 acres of land on which the camp stood had also been given to the Salvation Army. Captain B. McStay, the divisional youth officer, thanked

: those who had helped with s the project for their work and i assistance. The public rela- . tions officer, Brigadier L. ■ Millar, offered a dedicatory 1 prayer.