RED SHIELD CLUB.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2009, 31 July 1919, Page 3

RED SHIELD CLUB.

OFFICIALLY OPENED YESTERDAY. Yesterday marked the opening of a new branch in the activities of the Salvation Army in New Zealand, when Commissioner Hodder, accompanied by a number of other Salvation Army officers, conducted the opening ceremony of the Red Shield Club in Foxton. The object of the Club is to eater for the moral and social welfare of the youth and young men of the community, and in this connection games of various kinds, including bobs, bagatelle, ping- pong, chess, draughts, dominoes, etc., are provided for the dfee of members, and there are also reading and writing rooms, and a sbeial hall, in which a piano is also to he provided. Clubs of this kind have been in existence in Bnghmcl in connection with the Salvation Amy for some time, but until now this branch of the work has not been undertaken in New Zealand. Captain Goffin, officer in charge of the local corps, since his appointment, has established a very strong troop of Scouts and Guards, including a trumpet hand, and after having got these on a strong footing, devoted his energies to making some provision to cater for the youths and young men. Having had experience of the Red Shield movement in England, he considered that the establishment of similar institutions in this country would he justified, and as a result of his representations, the Salvation Army authorities sanctioned the establishment of a c.lub in Foxton. Captain Golfin convened a public meeting, and explained the scheme, which met with the approval of all present, and the Club is now an established fact.

The official opening yesterday was well attended by the public. The Scouts and Guards, headed by the Trumpet Band, marched from the Town Hall to the Club, where all present first joined in the singing of the hymn, “0 God, Our Help in Ages Past/’ After prayer by Brigadier Hoare, Mrs Commissioner Hodder read a portion of Scripture, and delivered a short address, particularly to the young people present. A selection by the Salvation Army Band followed, and then Commissioner Hodder addressed the gathering. He explained the aims and objects of the Club, and stressed the point that it was absolutely non-sectarian. As it was the first of its kind to be established in this country, its progress would be watched with great interest, and upon its success would depend the growth of this particular branch of the Army’s activities. To furnish and equip the establishment an amount of about £2OO would be required, and towards this the Salvation Army had contributed from its general fund the sum of £SO. So far, practically no active canvassing for donations had been done, but about £4O bad already been contributed, and he felt sure that the balance would be forthcoming.

Chaplain Colledge, Avbo has just returned from England, delivered a slmrt address, and Brigadier Toomor pronounced the Benediction. After the singing of the National Anthem, ComnTssioner Hodder declared the Club open, and invited those present to make an inspection of same, after which all present were entertained at afternoon tea.

The Club was open last night, there being over 30 members present. Captain Gotfin extended a very hearty Avelcome to the members, and said that the only rules that had been laid doAvn in connection Avith the conduct of the establishment Avere: No smoking on the premises, no gambling, no drinking, and no unseemly behaviour. Alessrs Perreau and A'lcAlurray also spoke. Mr G. Tver, bon. secretary of the Red Shield Club, thankfully acknowledges the folloAving donations; —Commissioner Hodder £25, Brigadier Toomer £25, the ATayor (Mr J. Clirystall) £3 3s, Air W. Davis £3 3s, Mr Al. Perreau £3 3s, Messrs Barr and Tver £2 2s, Air C. H. Symons £2 2s, Mr E. Healey £2 2s, Mr E. Denham £2 2s, Air W. E. Barber £3 3s, Air A. K. Osborne £1 Is, Mr R. Bryant £1 Is, Airs Frankland £1 Is, Air E. Parkin £l, Air E. A. Oxley £l, All- W. D. Bauckham £l, Air C. ■E. Robinson £l, Air R. M. Parkes .01, Air H. B. CresAvell £l, Mr R. N. Speirs £l, Messrs Pearson and Head £l, Mr H. Claris £l, Air A. N. Smith £l. Mr C. Wilson 10s, a total of £Bl- 13s. £lls 7s Od is still required for furnishing, including piano. Cheques may he sent to Captain Gofiin or Air G. Tyer.