SALVATION ARMY, GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2028, 3 April 1890, Page 2

SALVATION ARMY, GERALDINE.

_ The Salvationists in Geraldine have .-just been holding a three days special gathering. The proceedings opened with a large meeting in the Oddrellows Hall, led by Major Hammond, Mrs Hammond, Captain Newbold, Uaptain JNoble, and others taking part. On Sunday morning another large meeting was held in the Good Ternplars' Hall, which was crowded. The afternoon and evening services were held m the larger sized Oddfellows' Hall. The building was packed on both occasions. Major Hammond presided at both meetings, and the abovementioned officers, with Captain McCormick, Mr Stewart, and others took part. On Monday evening great harvest thanksgiving tea was held in the Volunteer Hall. This spacious building was decorated most profusely, Numbers of willing hands had assisted in making the decorations as beautiful and striking as possible, and the visitor as soon as he entered the door was struck with the display made. Ti trees in abundance were ranged round the room, and the walls were covered with evergreens, tei-fcoi plumes, etc. Over the front of the stage was erected an arch of evergreens, in the midst of which, and also suspended from the arch, was the produce of the garden and orchard in abundance. Pumpkins. marrows, melons, grapes, apples, flowers, large bunches of carrots, and monster cab-

bagea were scattered about and arranged in profusion. From the centre of the arcb was suspended the motto "The Lord will provide," worked in green leaves upon a white ground, and below it the word " Welcome." Over the front entrance was also suspended the word " Welcome." On the platform itself were displayed a large number of bags of oats, wheat, potatoes, chaff, etc., sheaves of oats and wheat, boxes of fruit, loaves of bread, and a quantity of other produce, kindly sent by the friends and sympathisers of the Army. T'he tea was an unqualified success. Five large tables were laid, three running lengthwise, and two across tbe ball. They were presided over by Mesdames Chesterman, E. Prouting, G-. Prouting, Pizzey, W. Fly, and Benbow, and Misses Prouting, Fleming, Baugben, Payne, Cadet Flavel, and otbers. Notwitstanding the size of the tables two sittings had to be provided for, the attendance being very large. At the meeting held afterwards the attendance was still greater. Major Hammond led the meeting, and on the platform were a large number of Salvationist soldiers. The meeting was opend with hymns and prayer. Major Hammond then read from the 9th chapter of St. John, and commented on the same, after which a bymn was sung. An earnest

addresß by Mrs Martin (Titnaru) was followed by a solo by Mrs Hammond, a guitar accompaniment by Major Hammond. An earnest address was given by Cadet Taylor. Captain Noble, after singing a solo, also delivered a very touching address. Major Hammond said that it was just seven years ago that the Salvation Army commenced operations in Few Zealand, the first officers landing in Dunedin on A pril Ist. They had now, after seven years hard fighting, 61 corps in this colony, and 05 outposts worked in connection with these. They had also two Maori camps. Major Hammond told those present of the progress of the work among the Maoris. They had one cavalry corps, and three rescue homes, the latter doing grand work. They had also one prison gate home, which had achieved splendid results during the last seven years. Altogether they had 163 places, and 180 staff and field officers, men and women, who had given their lives to the work in which they were engaged. He had lately worked it out, and he found that the average pay of the officers in this division was 16s per week. There were at present hundreds of men in the Army, mechanics and others, who had left a good trade and a regular salary of two and three pounds a week, and sometimes more, for the purpose of doing the work of Christ. In his division kthere were 22 stations and 50 outposts, a total of 72 places, worked by 54 officers. After referring to the good work done by the Sergeants of Army, he said the present circulation of the War Cry was 19,750 weekly. Tiieir periodical, "Free Salvation" had a circulation of 3000 monthly. They were shortly going to have a i' 3000 soul boom." England recently had a " 100,000 soul boom," and by latest advices they bid fair to obtain the number. A prayer meeting was held afterwards, at the conclusion of which Mr W. b. Maslin sold by auction the goods that were stored on the platform. The total proceeds of the three days special meetings were very satisfactory.