SALVATION ARMY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2399, 14 January 1909, Page 5

SALVATION ARMY.

ADJUTANT DICKENS-’ FAREWELL.

A largo crowd of friends and adherents of the Salvation Army gathered on the wharf last evening as the Tuatea was leaving for the s.s. Wimmora,, in the Bay, to bid a final farewell to Adjutant Dickon?*, who was embarking on the first stage of his voyage to liis new home at Richmond, Victoria.

Tlio Army band was in attendance anxl, prior to the departure of the launch, played several hymn times, and tlie departing Adjutant’s favoritemarch. .Just as the vessel was cast ing off, the evergreen farewell tunc .“God be with you till we meet again” iwus given, and not a few of those who had been closely associated with the Adjutant an the work during - past two years appeared quite overcome by their emotions. _ Cheers were heartily given for tin Adjutant and his family, and us the Tuatea. rounded the bend of the wharf into the stream a last glimpse was -caught of the smiling, grey-haired veteran of the Army standing high in,the stern of the vessel with hat in hand and surrounded by his family waving a last farewell to his friends, and to the town of Gisborne, where he has done such good work in the cause of humanity.

It is not yet known definitely wlier 1 lie new officers, Adjutant and .Mrs MeJksham, will arrive, but it will probably be at tlie end of tin’s week.

The following letter was received by Adjutant Dickens a day or so before liis departure, from Provincial Commander Ernest Knight, at the headquarters in Wellington: —

Provincial Headquarters, Wellington, N.Z

January. 9th 1909 My Dear Adjutant,—l. feel I must just send yon a few. lines concerning the general question of your farewell, and transfer from the province. 1 feel it is only just for mo to say that 1 very deeply regret your going front us. We have, tinder the jgoocl hand of God, and by His blessing, worked most amicably together, and things have been just as we have all desired they should be; therefore I cannot help but feel that- your going will make the province poorer in many respects. Whilst this is so, lam not unmindful of the fact that changes must and will occur as far as Salvation Army warfare is concerned, and we are till liable at certain junctures to have our tent-pegs removed, and to he transferred to other parts of the Master's vineyard.

Let me assure you of my deepest appreciation of all your work in this province. I have been more than pleased with all you have done, and have no occasion to find any fault. Should it, in the providence of God again be granted to us to lie associated together I am sure it will be a great pleasure to me, and I hope it will to vou.

I pray that God will go forth with you and your dear wife and family, granting unto you a safe journey, and a bountiful measure of success in vour new appointment. Mrs. Knight joins me in Salvation greetings. Sincerelv yours. ERNEST KNIGHT Provincial Commander. To Adjutant Dickons.