THE HELPING HAND

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20493, 9 May 1938, Page 8

THE HELPING HAND

BALVATION ARMY WORK EFFORTS ABROAD AND AT HOME An outline of the scope of social work accomplished by the Salvation Army was given in Hamilton yesterday by Lieutenant-Commissioner F. Adams, divisional commander, at a public meeting held in connection with the fiftieth anniversary celebrations of the Hamilton Corps. The Mayor, Mr J. R. Fow, presided. The Army, said Lieutenant-Commis-sioner Adams, was catering in one way or another for the welfare of all classes and people of all colours. Wherever the Army’s officers went they left behind a feeling of hope and better understanding among all people. What the organisation had done had placed it on a high pinnacle in the opinions of statesmen and civic authorities. “There is much talk to-day about the betterment of the living conditions of the people,” said Mr Adams, "and political forces are being turned to these ends. We are with the politicians in this work but we feel that such attempts must be made in concert with an effort to further the work of God.” Work In War Zone In China thousands of those rendered homeless and hungry by the war were being succoured by the Army, said the speaker who quoted letters from residents in the war zone who paid a tribute to the efforts of Army officers who worked day and night. The work in China had been commenced by General Bramwell Booth at the instigation of his father, the founder of the Army, and the Army was very proud of the progress that had been made. In India and Ceylon the organisation had been equally as successful as in China and the foundation of schools, hospitals and social institutions had had a remarkable effect on the living conditions of thousands of the natives. Throughout the world, New Zealand workers had helped the Army to forge ahead with its tremendous task. In the Dominion, said Mr Adams, there were 34 institutions conducted by the Army. Splendid work was being done in the children’s homes where it was not simply the aim of the staff to feed the Inmates but to instruct them in ways which would result in making citizens well-fitted to take their place in the life of the community. The older people too. were not forgotten and in the eventide homes, suggested Mr Adams, the Army was giving a national lead. Many expressions of appreciation had been received for the work done at these homes for aged people, in the provision of training farms for boys tlie Army bad embarked on a course of immense value, while its attention to inebriates and prison inmates was a service which had gained wide appreciation.