THE SALVATION ARMY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XIII, Issue 4129, 3 June 1892, Page 3

THE SALVATION ARMY.

A Lassies' Band.

The Salvation Array ia perhaps the most enterprising religions body extant, It always has something fresh, No sooner has the enthusiasm attending one novelty worn down to concert pitoh than another even more pro* found and startling is found to take its place, In Masterton there has been a good deal of the ordinary drum and cornet business, with an occasional "Hallelujah" and "Amen" thrown in, but every now and then the monotony is relieved by what in Army phraseology is termed a "special go." There is either a musical meeting, or a trades-union demonstration, or a tea-fight, all in their own particular way important functions. Aim thus it is that at the present time a travelling company of musician's known as" Tho Lasses' Band" is with This band, which is touring the TOilony to raise subscriptions in aid of a fund for tho erection of a new headquarters at Christchuroh, is composed of twelve females under tbo leadership of Ensign "Jim" Wilson. In* eluded in the company is also Captain Snow, who retails Army literature and stores. The lasses have been taught to play brass and stringed instruments, and in their renditions display a degree of harmony and taste which formß a pleasant contrast to the usual cadences dispensed, The band last night gave an open-air concert, and afterwards, proceeded to the Dixon street Barracks, where they submitted a varied and interesting programme, Notwithstanding that a shilling was charged at tho door for admission the hall was well-filled, and the proceedings were marked with life and enthusiasm, Most of the items rendered were received with loud applause, and in some cases vociferous encores resulted. Several . pretty selections were rendered by the string bands and a couple of lively airs by the timbrel band, the latter "catching on" immensely with the audience, JPwo lasses sang a duet with violin which created a good 'impression, and Ensign Wilson, who was in bharge of the meeting, quite established himself as a favorite by rendering two songs to popular airs with banjo accompaniment. The En- ' sign is as lively as a crioket, and has ' all the qualifications of a successful Salvation Army officer, viz., a pair of leather lungs, a fetching smile, and a peculiarly happy knack of begging. It i was mainly through his efforts that the meeting last night was kept interesting Irora start to finish. From an Army point of view theconcert was a great success, and the Headquarters Building Fund will n-i doubt benefit considerably by the visit to Maste - ton of the La?se'' Band.