ARMY COMMANDER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 April 1940, Page 5

ARMY COMMANDER

WELCOME TO COMMISSIONER AND MRS. SMITH ADDRESS BY MAYOR GREAT INTERNATIONAL WORK PRAISED. The Masterton Salvation Army Hall was well filled last night when Commissioner Evan Smith, newly appointed Territorial Commander of the Salvation Army in New Zealand, and Mrs Smith were given a civic reception, the Mayor, Mr T. Jordan presided, there also being on the platform Colonel Grattan and Major Nelson, of Wellington, the” Rev David McNenr (president of the Masterton Ministers’ Association) and Major and Mrs Mahaffie of the local Army corps. During the evening a musical programme was provided as follows: solo. Mr W. Mann, accompanied by Mr Miller Hope at the piano; duet, Major and Mrs Mahaffie; xylophone items, Bandsman Mason.

In introducing Mr Jordan, Colonel Grattan paid'tribute to the work he was doing in connection with Patriotic Funds, stating that the Salvation Army was greatly- indebted to Mr Jordan for his practical assistance. In extending a welcome to Commissioner and Mrs Smith, Mr Jordan referred to the stormy years of the Army’s establishment. He stated that in spite of all the slings and stones, in less than 70 years the great movementhad made the whole world its parish. This Army had invaded and firmly entrenched itself in nearly 100 countries and colonies. In less than 30 years it had actually received Royal approval (by King Edward VII.). observed Mr Jordan. It had progressed until it was the only international army, the League of Nations notwithstanding. Where the Army went it was the apostle of peace and good will, based upon the just principles of Christianity. The Army, based on a widely spiritual aspect, had always held out something practical and of material good to the bodily welfare of those who had missed their way in life added Mr Jordan. He referred to the action of Major Mahaffie, who had unostentatiously taken his place with the Municipal Band on several occasions when the band had been short, as setting a fine example. Mr Jordan commented on the aim of General Evangeline Booth to arrest the drift of youth to materialism by advocating that they lead clean, helpful-to-others and upright lives, which provided the basis of all Christianity—service and sacrifice. After commenting on the need of a wise immigration policy. Mr Jordan stated that Commissioner Smith would find the Maori race to be second to none in the world. He assured the Commissioner that he would find them to be an hospitable, chivalrous and aristocratic people. In conclusion Mr Jordan referred to the Commissioner’s record of service in the Army, and after referring to the appointment of an Australian to the position of General, expressed the hope that a Now Zealander would one day lilt the position. It gave him great pleasure to welcome Commissioner and Mrs Smith to Masterton. On behalf of the Masterton Ministers’ Association. Mr McNeur welcomed Commissioner and Mrs Smith, taking as the basis of his remarks the text "Let Glasgow flourish by the written word.” In the course of his remarks Mr McNeur stressed the need for more ministers in New Zealand. Mr W. 11. Trudgeon also welcomed the Commissioner and Mrs Smith, on behalf of the local corps. In the course of their addresses Commissioner and Mrs Smith returned thanks for the cordial welcome accorded them.