THE SALVATION ARMY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2136, 19 July 1907, Page 2

THE SALVATION ARMY.

ANNUAL RESCUE MEETING. A special feature at the Salvation Army Barracks last evening was the annual rescue meeting. The Mayor (Mr. J. Townley) presided, and associated with him on the platform were Messrs. Peckover, Hepburn and W. Lissant Clayton, aiul Adjutant Dickens, the’ officer in - charge. at this centre. The Adjutant introduced the Mayor in » happily-chosen little speech after the Anny fashion, in Which lie included a few facts relating to the large organisation incidental to the social work. . . .

Tho Mayor, in ail appreciative speech of the Army’s noble work, commended it to tho {generous support of tho people of tho district. In their charitablo mission tho Army found much to do, and every penny donated, contributors could rest assured, was spent to the best advantage. It was a- mistaken idea to think the work was confined to the big cities; oven in a prosperous town like Gisborne there were cases, the Adjutant said, demanding the helping hand so freely extended by the Army. Mrs. (Adjutant) Dickens contributed -a solo .with pleasing effect. Mr. Clayton also conveyed an admiring tribute to the Army, as one ol tho most beneficent organisations on the earth to-day. He alluded to the success locally which had attended the labours of Ensign Slattery; and expressed his opinion that ill Adjutant- Dickens the corps had secured a worthy successor. He recognised that tin Army was indispensiblo for its mission in alleviating sorrow, . aiding the poor and helpless, and providing a haven for tho stricken and worldweary. Though New Zealand was a young country its industrial progress would necessarily bring about tho weeding out- of flip unfitted. There were many whom tho charitable laws of the State could scarcely benefit and as an intermediary the Army was a very valuable ally. But for the assistance afforded-.many would become the outcasts and derelicts of our social system. It was a work that) must appeal to the humane feelings of every person in the community, and he trusted such support would be forthcoming as would enable the Army to still further develop its “rescue” operations in tho colony. Lieut. Church inteiTainod the assemblage with a recitation, displaying pleasing elocutionary gifts. Mr. Peekover spoke of the wonderful growth of the Army, attributable to broad humanitarian principles on which it was based. Its founder, tlife beloved General 'Booth, was one of the. remarkable figures of tho 20tli •century, and t-p him could he applied the Master’s words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Mr. Peekover went pn c,o relate many incidents connected with the General and his life's work, illustrating his indomitable character and the triumphs that reward liis labours as lie. nears the close of a strenuous career. The speech was both interesting and instructive, enlivened lyith entertaining anecdotes "

Adjutant Dickens was at his best in the final speech of the evening, in t-lie course of his remarks he related a pathetic story of family life, in which the Army eventually acted as peace-maker, reconciled husband and wife and rehabilitated domestic happiness. This man was now one of the most earnest- staff officers “fighting the good fight” and brings help and consolation to many aching hearts. Touching on the social work the Adjutant made a forcible appeal, that must have convinced the most sceptical (should any of that ilk have been present) as to the real pressing need for funds and helpers. A collection was taken and votes of thanks -.concluded". !j Stieepssful meeting. '"