The Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1906. SELF DENIAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3721, 23 October 1906, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1906. SELF DENIAL.

It is always interesting as the Salvation Army “self-denial” period comes round, to cast the mind’s eye back to the years when the great organisation, founded by that very excellent old business manager General Booth, had eggs, epithets, and contumely cast upon it. It is also interesting to remember that throughout a time of stress the “Army” was strong enough to insist on ‘ saving ’ people in its own peculiar fashion and with as much noise as possible. There have been allegations that the vast sums of money granted to carry on the work of this wide-world organisation are not used always to the best advantage. There have been allegations that no audit of accounts ever takes place and there have been allegations that the General being above suspicion is also above auditors.

* ¥ The operations of the Army involve the spending and gathering of millions of money throughout the world, and whatever charges may be levelled at the Army, it cannot be forgotten that it is the only organisation that really effects physical as well as spiritual reform. The yelling and the tarn*

bourines, the wheezy cornet and the tuneless voices need not be discussed. They are a part of the business advertising scheme and it is necessary to advertise. Times without number the magistrates in this colony have expressed the greatest admiration of the Array and of the Army’s methods when it is not screaming or beating a drum. Always there is an Army ‘ ‘ lassie ’ ’ at the Police Courts to see that the neglected child is no longer neglected.

Magistrates ask “What am I to do with this person ? All the benevolent institutions refuse shelter.” This is when the Army steps in. Never mind about the other methods. This last one excuses them. There are thousands of young women in the world who have to thank the Salvation Army for shielding them' from shame, the shame they have to bear alone. What matter that the Army “ lassies ” frequent the hotels and pass the tambourine across the bar-counter. What matter that they systematically work the racecourses. Do you not think it better that a pound or two should go to the rescue of little children, unmarried mothers, drink - derilicts and others, than on the “ tote ” again.

One point the Army insists on in its soldiers is that the physical life shall be clean —as far as the Army knows —no other organisation so insists. From being egged and buffeted by the crowd the General of the movement has betome a great power in the land, a friend of princes—if that recommends him —the owner of a motor car and the guest of the nobility of England—if that is any good to him— and it is. One peer recently handed him over a thousand pounds as he was leaving his mansion. One thing only remains to be done. The Army should publish a balancesheet. People like to know where their money goes and although nine hundred and ninetynine people would trust the dear old man who runs the organisation there may be one sceptic. The balance-sheet should be published for his information.