“Hush-Hush Policy"

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 556, 8 January 1929, Page 9

“Hush-Hush Policy"

SALVATION COUNCIL PARLEY

Police Will Guard Gates

SECRECY TO ENFOLD THE MEETING

PEOKEC'r Mill enfold for a time tlie deliberations of the Iliprh Council of the Salvation Army, for policemen will guard the place of meeting from intruders. General Booth is not well enough to attend the meeting. (United P.A.^—By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association)

Reed. 12.59 p.m. LOXDOX, Monday. One of the contending groups in the Salvation Army insists that it is utterly wrong that the High Council proceedings should be secret.

“The Sunbury conclave is not solely the concern of the council of the Salvation Army and the Booth family. It is the general public which throughout has contributed the bulk of the Army’s assets, therefore the ‘hushhush policy should be abandoned and the discussion held openly, in the presence of Press representatives,” says the statement.

The statement points out that the High Councillors are in no way representative of the countries from which they come, but are all appointed or promoted by the General himself. • bey are even forbidden to discuss the plans for their own work with their subordinates. The statement, says the High Council is not empowered to substitute real democratic plans. The deed of constitution lays it down that the organisation must continue under the dilection and control of one person. This is an undoubted evil; but it is accepted by open-eyed Salvationists from top to bottom.

Extraordinary precautions are being taken to guard the secrecy of the Sunbury Court. Visitors are not allowed even to see the council room. The police have b«en instructed to guard the gates, and even the grounds.

The house was formerly a country club, and the council will meet in the former ballroom.

It is officially stated that General Booth will not attend the council. He is still at his home at Southwold, Sussex. Though lie is sufficiently strong to sit up, he is in no way able to make the journey to the conference.

On the other hand, Colonel Tucker is still doubtful. He said: “The General is the sort of man who, if he makes up his mind to attend, will do so at all costs.” Mrs. Booth, herself a Commissioner, will in any case lead the defence of her husband. CHARGE NOT ADMITTED

The headquarters of the organisation officially announce that there is no likelihood of the General resigning before the meeting of the High Council. He does not admit the charge that he is not fit to carry on the duties of head of the Army. In well-informed' circles the opinion is expressed that if the council decides that he is not fit to carry on, his most likely successor is Commissioner E. J. Higgins, or Mr. David Lamb, Director of Migration. A prominent official said a week ago he thought Miss Eva Booth would sweep the board. Since then opinion has changed, and there has been a hardening feeling in favour of a British candidate.

GENERAL IMPROVING

The most important development on the eve of the Army High Council meeting was the issue of a medical bulletin, which states that General Booth’s health is improving and that his mental condition was never impaired. He is now well able to give decisions and advice on important matters, but it is desirable that he should have as much quiet as possible.

UNDER BEECHAM BANNER

MELBA KEENLY ENLISTS

SAVE OPERA FOR BRITAIN

(Australian and N.Z. Press Association) LONDON, Monday.

“If my artistic home, Covent Garden, is destroyed let us build a vast Empire Opera House and ask the Government to subsidise it in order to bring Britain in line with other nations,” said Dame Nellie Melba, in connection with the British opera appeal.

“In joining forces with Sir Thomas Beecham I hope to realise my life’s dream of a permanent opera, which will outclass anything in the world, and especially appeal to the Dominions. “There the warm-hearted British people will surely be most willing to help in this first line of attack, as did their sons in the war. I do hope the Empire will help me in this wonderful work. It may be that thousands of people who have heard and loved my performances will now rally round this great banner. I am devoting my life to this scheme. Please do not let us lag behind others.” Dame Nellie concluded emotionally: “What will my dearest Australia contribute? To my dear beloved public I appeal to send sums of money, big or small, to Nellie Melba.” The prima donna’s scheme for a Paris Conservatorium has been abandoned, because Dame Nellie is now fully occupied in co-operating with Sir Thomas Beecham.

Dame Nellie Melba received British Press representatives and expressed regret that Sir Thomas Beecham’s appeal had been half-heartedly responded to. She said: “Surely there are enough people capable to maintain opera permanently at reasonable prices. The Government justly expends money in assisting the arts, but why should music be the Cinderella?” Melba dramatically terminated her interview: “I hope to crown my career with this effort.”

Sir Thomas Beecham informed the Australian and New Zealand Press Association that he is gratified with Melba’s action.

“We need every help,” he said, and she will be a tower of strength.”