SALVATION ARMY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2048, 27 November 1907, Page 2

SALVATION ARMY.

21st ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION.

NOW AND THEN—A CONTRAST

The Salvation Army Hall was crowded to the doors last night by a large and enthusiastic audience, on the occasion of the celebration of the 21st anniversary of the local corps. After an • inspiriting - opening hymn, and devotional exercises, the assemblage was treated to a selection by an orchestra, under the baton of Mr. Don, and a song by Mr. Dudley Trent, both of which were much appreciated. Adjutant Dickens, in a few words, introduced the chairman, his AVorship tho Mayor (Mr. John Town Hey), who said that he was very pleased •to be able to be present on the occasion of the _ 21st anniversary of the Army’s life in Gisborne. He well remembered the start that was made by. the Army 21 years ago, when the music consisted of one concertina, played by the officer in charge. The Mayor went on to institute a comparison between then and naw, and referred to the proud position Gisborne had now achieved on the Army, list in New Zealand. The gathering before him, he said, was proof of the high esteem in which the Army was held throughout the district. In conclusion Mr. Town ley offered his hearty congratulations to the Army on their success, and urged them on to fresh efforts in tho coming year. (Applause.) Mi-. W. Lissant Clayton spoke in a similar strain of congratulation, and in the course of his remarks referred to the vitality and virility of the Army. He hoped that in the time to come the local branch would require five times the accommodation they had at present. Continuing, Mr. Clayton made reference to the success of the institution all over the world, attributing it mainly to the organising powers and wid e toleration of its founder. General Booth, whom he (the speaker) looked upon as a philanthropist and statesman, doing good for the Empire. Mention was made by Mr. Olayton to the immigration scheme at present afoot in connection with tho Army, and he combatted the suggestion that persons wlio are being assisted to the colonies under that scheme are in any way undesirable immigrants. Air. Clayton concluded by congratulating the Army on their progress during the past 30 years, not alone in Gisborne hut all over the world, and expressed the hope that the next 30 years would show a still greater advance. Short speeches were also delivered by the Rev. AVmi. Grant and Adjutant Dickens, the latter thanking the public feelingly for their sympathy and support during his stay here, also tlie Press for the treatment accorded him. The programme included selections by the hand, choruses by members of The corps, a recitation by Bro Millen, and a song by Air. James East. Special mention should be made of the band, whose rendering of the item “Ora Pro Nobis” was extremely good. Tlie proceedings terminated at an early hour, tho Ibaiicl playing “God Save the King.” At the public tea preceding the evening meeting there was also an excellent attendance, especially of the young folk, who thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Six tables 'were in full swing, and thanks are due to those ladies and gentlemen who assisted in dispensing the good things provided.