SALVATION ARMY

Hokitika Guardian, 12 January 1929, Page 5

SALVATION ARMY

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, January 10. After singing “ 0 God, Our Help,” a letter to the General, couched in affectionate terms, was laid on the President’s table. There was an Impressive silence while fifty-six officeis walked up and signed the historic document. Seven abstained. The deputation, including Commissioner Hay, New Zealand, and delegates from Sweden, America, Japan, and India-, will see General Booth on Friday. Airs Booth motored to Soutliwold immediately after the decision, to convey the news to her husband. The Council will reassemble on Saturday. General Booth, asked to comment on the decision, which was conveyed: by a special courier,.replied, “I am most grateful, but at present I have no reply-” It was learned to-night that General Booth’s letter was sent to the Army’s paper, the AVar Cry, last week, which atually printed twenty thousand copies before the High Council .was oegnisant thereof. The Council stopped publication, and ordered the. copies already printed to be burned at .tlio Army’s printing works, St. Albans. Tho High Council took the view that the letter was a piece of propaganda, written with the idea of influencing their decision, as w’ell as tho opinion or tho rank and file. . The unanimity of to-day’s decision suggests that if tho General does not accede to tho Council’s request, it will declaro him unfit to carry on his duties. General Booth has retained Air W. A. Jowitt, K.C., to address the High Council on his behalf.

DEPUTATION TO GENERAL. ANSWER ON MONDAY. (Received this day at 10.30. a.m.) LONDON, January 11. The deputation arrived at General Booth’s house in two imposing limousines. They were received by a member of the household staff and left half an hour later. They, made no statement. . Subsequently one of General Booth s daughters made the announcement that the General’s condition had nob permitted a. reception, and the delegation would return later. The deputation returned iat one o’clock and entered the sick room.Each shook hands and expressed greetings and a hope for the General’s recovery. They then intimated the Council’s request to resign and General. Booth is reported to have intimated that ho would give an answer on Monday. There was an eleventh hour surprise, as tho General’s sister, Eva, hurriedly arrived by motor car to join the deputation, though previously she had nob visited her brother.