THE SALVATION ARMY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 131, 21 October 1912, Page 4

THE SALVATION ARMY.

VISIT 01-' COMMISSION ICR RICHARDS. The first visit, of the new Commander of the Salvation Army throughout the Dominion to New Plymouth is quite an event in Use history of the local corps, no Commissioner of the Army having visited the town for a Sunday's services for fully 20 years.

Commissioner Richards, who was accompanied by Lieut.-Colonel Fisher (chief secretary), Brigadiers Vince and Bray, -Major lloare, and Captain Suter, arrived by the mail train on Saturday night from Marton. A large audience gathered in the Salvation Army Hall, and upon arrival the party was received with marked enthusiasm.

His Worship the Mayor (Mr. G. W. Browne) presided, and extended to the Commissioner, on behalf of the Council and the townspeople, a most hearty welcome. He considered the whole community was indebted to the Salvation Army for its great social work. The Prison Gate Brigade and Rescue Home work were particularly worthy of commendation. lie also paid a tribute of respect to the late honored General of the Army, who had entered into rest.

Commissioner Richards, who is an experienced officer—-having spent 35 years in the *crviet» of the organisation and held every position it has to offer—is without doubt a most attractive speaker, brimful of luimor. lie is a man for the people, full of force and unquestionably a leader. His address was listened to with rapt attention. The Sunday meeting,? were largely attended. In the morning the Commissioner concluded the Altar Service in connection with the Annual Self-Denial Appeal. This was followed by a magnificent sermon on ''Pentecost," Acts 2. Many seekers went forward at the close. The afternoon and night meetings were held in the Good Templar Hall, the Army Hall not being large enough to hold the people anxious to attend. The afternoon -service was enlivened by several musk-al items and testimonies from the soldiers of the Army, followed by an address by the Commissioner, based on Revelations 3rd. '"Behold I Stand at the Door and Knock." >A most impressive appeal was made. At nig'ht—the largest meeting of the day—the Commissioner preached a most powerful sermon on Micah. 5.5, "And this man shall be the peace when the Assyrian' comcth into the Land," and at the close several went forward.

To-night in the Salvation Army Hall, the Commissioner will lecture on Army Missionary Work amongst the Native Tribes of South Africa. Previous to coming to New Zealand the Commissioner directed the Army's operations in South Africa, and he speaks from personal knowledge and observation. His lecture is highly spoken of hy our contemporaries in other towns where it lias been given. During the address he will exhibit a number of Zulu curios which add much to fhe educational value of the lecture.