SALVATION ARMY LEADER FAREWELLED

Chronicle (Levin), 17 September 1946, Page 8

SALVATION ARMY LEADER FAREWELLED

—Press Association

By Telegraph-

W LLL1N CtTON , Bept. 1(5. Commissionoir Evan Smith, head of the Salvation Arniy in New Zealand, wlio has beep. appointed to; tako^.charge of a Balvation Mrmy territorial dis'trict in Australia, /was f arewelled tonight at a gathering^- at which the principa! speaker was t]te Prime Minister. It was with real genuine regret that New Zealand was parting with the (lommissioner, said Mr. Fraser. During the darkest years of the war there was no greater friend. His faith never failed. Commissioner Smith, he said, was going to a great job with a great jol) done, but where larger and wider opportunities were opened up, he w»8 capable of the highest responsibility.. Literally he had been born in the Salvation Armv. Commissioner Smith had bound himself to the people of New Zealand in many ways wherever he went. He had a broad sympatliy and friendly, loving-. character that could well take liim to a position of highest responsibility. Otlier speakers included Mr. C. II. Weston, K.C., representing the Botarv Club, and an offieer representing various activities within tlie Army. Commissioner Smith said that he felt verv reluctant to leave New Zealand as its people had become very dear to him. The band of officers and men and women and all who comprised the Salvation Army in New Zealand, were second to none in the world.