SALVATION ARMY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1222, 19 March 1914, Page 3

SALVATION ARMY.

OPENING OF NEW HALL, BY COMMISSIONER RICHARDS. Yesterday was a red-letter day in the history of the local corps of the Salvation Army when the recentlyerected hall, in the Avenue was officially opened by Commissioner Richards. The latter was accompanied by his wife and Brigadiers Carmichael and Bray and Capt. Suter, while visiting Salvationists from other centres were also in attendance. The proceedings were preceded by a tea meeting in the Masonic Hall, which had been organised by the local officers, Captain Smith and Lieut. Glover, assisted by local comrades. The tables were loaded with choice edibles and liberally patronised by the public. Shortly after 7 o’clock a large gathering assembled in front of the new building while the Borough Baud discoursed a number of selections. About 7.45 the Commissioner briefly addressed the assemblage outside, and welcomed them to the new hall. He thanked the public for the practical sympathy accorded the local corps in the erection of the hall, and assured his hearers that the building would be emblematic of a guarantee of the Army’s work and teachings, and hoped it would be a means of blessing to many. He then formally opened the building in the manner customary to the Army. The interior oi the building was quickly filled to overflowing, quite a number being unable to gain admission. The Commissioner was given a “rally” on taking his seat on the platform, and Brigadier Carmichael briefly introduced the Mayor (Mr Stiles; who presided over the gathering. The Mayor eulogistically referred to the work of the Army throughout the Dominion, and made special mention of the two lassies, Captain Pike and Lieut. Gudsell, who pioneered the work ot the Army locally, and the present officers, Captain Smith and Lieut. Glover, who had so nobly carried on the work, and had been the means of urging the necessity of the present building. The operations of the Army were now recognised by the highest authorities, and were a welcome institution in any community. A special appeal was made to those present to make up to complete the allocated to the local corps towards the cost of erecting the building, and this amount was practicaly realised before the meeting closed and included an extra donation of £$ from the Commissioner and ,£5 from an anonymous donor. The Commissioner delivered a stirring address on the parable of the lost piece of silver, and his remarks bristled with appropriate illustrations, and he was listened to with marked attention throughout. Staff Capt. Suter contributed a solo. The singing was hearty throughout and was accompanied by the Levin corps band. Lieut, Glover presided at the organ. The meeting closed with the Benediction, Apologies were received from the Revs. Coatsworth (Methodist) and Thomson (Presbyterian). The local officers desire us to thank the Foxton Band, and all others who assisted to make the function such a success,