Secret Conclave

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 557, 9 January 1929, Page 1

Secret Conclave

army council in session Commissioner Hay Presides elaborate signals at the gates (Lnited P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian and. N.Z. Press Association) Reed. 9.5 a.m. LONDON, Tuesday. THE High Council of the Salvation Army, which is attended by delegates from all parts of the world, met at Sunbury with the object of determining whether General Bramwell Booth is in a fit pli\ sical and mental condition to continue in the com mand. After prayers familiar to the Salvation Army, a hymn was sung, ‘ Mine to Kise When Thou Dost Call Me,” and Commissioner James Hay (New Zealand) took the chair.

The council adjourned tor threequarters of au hour to enable the various sections to consider the terms of the resolutions they proposed to brins forward. Directly the adjournment was announced. Commissioner Catherine Booth (the General’s daughter) and Commissioners Laurie and Kitching, motored to the villa near Sunbury Court, which Commissioner Catherine has hired for the duration of the conference. Colonel Mary Booth, representing Germany, also motored to the villa. The conference movements intrigued a big crowd, which had gathered to watch the assembly. All the leaders arrived by motor-cars and stopped at the entrance, where an elaborate system of whistle signals had been arranged. A long blast meant “Someone challenged; found all correct”; two blasts, "Doubtful; messenger urgently needed’: three blasts being the emergency call if some unauthorised person attempted to rush the guards. In one case, a man climbed over a high wall; but the patrols discovered and ejected him. The High Council adjourned until to-morrow. None of the delegates was allowed to leave Sunbury Court. The gates were locked at seven o'clock and no one was admitted. It is officially announced that the Council spent the day in setting up the necessary committees to deal with finance and other formalities. One committee deals with Press matters and prepares a daily bulletin.

Each ot the three sessions opened with prayer.

At the first, a message expressing love and sympathy in his illness, was sent to the General. It is officially stated that residence at Sunbury is not compulsory. TEXT OF THE BULLETIN The full text of the bulletin issued by Drs. Weir and Milne concerning General Bramwell Booth is as follows : “After having carefully examined General Booth on December 30, we are of the opinion that he is making satisfactory progress toward recovery. Although his physical condition is still poor, it is gradually improving. His illness has followed the expected course, and there is every reason to believe that the General should bo able to resume his work within six months. INTELLECT UNIMPAIRED “As there have been rumours to the effect that the General’s mental powers have been affected, we take this opportunity of stating that there never has been any question of his mental incapacity. His intellect remains unimpaired, and he is now well able to make decisions and to advise on important matters. However, it is advisable that he should have as much quiet as possible and not be burdened with unnecessary anxiety, as that would tend to retard his recovery.” Dr. Weir is physician to the Prince of Wales and Dr. Milne has been the doctor in attendance on General Booth for many years. The bulletin will be presented to the High Council tomorrow.