CARTERTON

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 April 1941, Page 7

CARTERTON

SALVATION ARMY GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS. ("Times-Age” Special.) On Saturday afternoon, the Masonic Hall, Carterton, was well filled by Carterton citizens, the occasion being a civic welcome to Commissioner and Mrs Evan Smith, of the Salvation Army, on the occasion of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Carterton Salvation Army. It was 50 years ago when Captain Maria Rix and Lieutenant Annie Barriball fired the “first shot.” The Deputy Mayor, Councillor E. McKenzie, presided. Also present were Mrs McKenzie, Mr F. Court, chairman of the Wairarapa South County Council, and the Rev. W. F. Stent. Extending a welcome to the Commissioner and Mrs Evan Smith on behalf of the Councillors and burgesses of Carterton, Councillor McKenzie apologised for the unavoidable, absence of the Mayor, Mr D. L. Taverner. Councillor McKenzie said he was pleased to welcome such distinguished visitors as the Commissioner and his wife. Incidentally he mentioned that their guest had visited all countries with General William Booth as his private secretary, but that duty was not quite complete until he reached Carterton (applause).. The Deputy Mayor recorded many reminiscences of the early life of the Army up to the end of its 50 years of service in the town and referred to the good work that had been done and was being done by its spiritual ministering. He had great pleasure in extending a warm welcome to both visitors and hoped their short' stay in Carterton would be an enjoyable one. (Applause). Mr Court, on behalf of the people of the Wairarapa South County, also extended a sincere welcome. Mr Stent extended a warm welcome on behalf of the churches of Carterton. Commissioner’ and Mrs Smith thanked the Deputy Mayor for the welcome extended to them.. He was pleased to note the progress of the town and to know that the Mayor and his councillors and the County councillors were giving of their best services in the interests of town and district. He appreciated the very warm civic welcome accorded to him and his wife. (Applause). The singing of the National Anthem closed the proceedings.