SALVATION ARMY

Hokitika Guardian, 2 April 1929, Page 5

SALVATION ARMY

COM MISIONERi HAY RETURNS. AN INTERVIEW. (By Telegraph—Press Aseociat'on). WELLINGTON, April 1. - There has been no split in the Salvation Army in connection with the retirement of our revered loader. General Bramweli Booth, and the appointment of our new leader. General Edward O’Higgins, and there is no possibility of any such thing ns a split happening, staled Commissioner James Hay to a reporter on arrival in Wellington by the Ulimaron this afternoon. The Commissioner was accorded a warm welcome on arrival, by a large group of Salvation Army officers and made a statement regarding the retirement of General Booth and the appointment of his successor, in which he said the commissioners of the Salvation Army are not trying to set up some hybrid of new Salvationism. attempting to com I line- some contrary elements or to remove from the original germ the pristine vigour, abandon, intensity and enthusiasm of its earliest inspiration and service. Any who might think that the name of Booth peculiarly encloses some mystic potency ol Salvationism might do an injustice to those great makers of Salvationism, scores of whom have pto\ed its suitability and success in 80 lands. At the same time, the commissioners of the Army have been moved by tbe temlerest regard 'for the late General, who has been removed from office. Nothing could he more considerate than the attitude of the sympathetic and Christ-like deputation who waited on Booth to show him that he should take the obvious course ami retire from office m view of his inability and that lie should leave the task to stronger and abler hands. Even now, grieved and wounded though these men and women have been by the totally unwarranted legal action of General Booth, they do not bear him any ill will or feel other than a great regard for his abundant service of earlier years. General Booth and his family, perhaps his wife- as much or more than it nv, have been, however, proceeding on the totally erroneous assumption that their family must control tins groat movement. Neither history, nor tbo need neither of capacity nor prospect of suitability of incipient or pro. spective leadership would or could justify the astounding preparation they I,eve made to found a dynasty and to establish the despotism that manifested itself to the dismay and grave unluippiness of thousands of officers m this and other lands. Indeed it is appnrent to all who know that no such provision or thought could have oeen the mind of the Founder. William Booth.