SALVATION ARMY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3893, 10 January 1929, Page 3

SALVATION ARMY.

HIGH COUNCIL MEETS. N.Z. COMMISSIONER PRESIDES. London, January 8. The High Council of the Salvation Army was attended by delegates from all parts of the world, and it met at Sunbury with the object of determining whether General Bramwell Booth is in a fit physical and mental condition to continue to command. After prayers and the familiar

Salvation Army hymn had been sung, “It is mine to rise when Thou Dost call me,” Commissioner Hay, of New Zealand, took the chair. The council adjourned for three-quart-ers of an hour to enable the various sections -to consider the terms 'of the resolutions which it is proposed to bring forward. Directly the adjournment was announced Mrs. Catherine Booth and Commissioners Laurie and ICitchine motored to a villa near Sunbury Court, which Mrs. Catherine Booth has hired for the duration of the conference. Colonel Mary Booth, representing Germany, also motored to the villa for a short conference. Their movements intrigued a big crowd, which gathered to watch the assembly.

All the leaders arrived in motorcars, and w r ere stopped at the entrance, where an elaborate system of whistle signals had been arranged, a long blast meaning “Someone challenged, found all correct;” two blasts meaning “Doubtful; messenger urgently needed;” three blasts being the emergency call. 'Some unauthorised persons attempted to rush the guards. In one case a man climbed over a high wall, hut patrols discovered and ejected him. The -High Council adjourned until to-morroW. None of the dcle'gates was allowed to leave Sunbury Court. The gates were locked at 7 o’clock, and none was admitted.

It is officially announced that the Council spent the day setting up necessary committees to deal -with finance and other formalities. One committee deals with press matters, and prepares a daily bulletin. Each of the three sessions was opened with prayer. At the first a message expressing love and sympathy in his illness was sent to General Booth. It is officially stated, that residence' at Sunbury is not compulsory.