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recalls the theatrical evangelist Richard Munn 1
Dedication Margaret Thompson and Kingsley Sampson
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This article is dedicated to the memory of Major Dr Harold Hill, 12 June 1942 – 3 August 2020. Hill was the first editor of Battlepoint magazine, a board member in later years and strong advocate for the magazine. He was an encourager and mentor to many and the one who suggested its history be written.
Introduction
Battlepoint logo, designed by Gavin Hewitt, and used on the cover for issues from 1983
If one was to ask any member of The Salvation Army in New Zealand under the age of 50, it would be interesting to discover how many would have any knowledge or opinion of Battlepoint magazine. Yet for 25 years Battlepoint served as a vehicle for New Zealand Salvationists and others to express their ideas and opinions on matters relating to Salvation Army thought and practice as well as theological and political topics relevant to the Army – and all without censorship from territorial headquarters. Battlepoint was initially established as a forum for the Salvation Army Students’ Fellowship (SASF) in New Zealand but later functioned under its own editorial board after the demise of the SASF in New Zealand in the early 1970s. It was published three or four times a year from 1963 to 1988. Challenges common to all editors and business managers throughout its history were in obtaining sufficient articles to publish in a quarterly journal and securing enough regular subscriptions to cover costs. That it persisted for 25 years and outlasted other similar Salvationist magazines is testimony to the vision of its ten editors and the tenacity of its supporters.
Reference citation of this paper; Margaret Thompson & Kingsley Sampson, “‘A semi-official organ of survey and enquiry, question and answer’: The history of New Zealand’s Battlepoint magazine, 1963 – 1988”, The Australasian journal of Salvation Army history, 6, 1, 2021, 21 – 38.
1 Alfred Gilliard, “From the Commissioner,” Battlepoint, 1, 1, (New Zealand, September 1963), 3.
Cover of first issue of Battlepoint, September 1963, designed by Clive Luscombe
In the Beginning
The Christchurch SASF branch launched Battlepoint in September 1963 as a free forum for open discussion by Salvationists, the suggestion for such a magazine having come from Tom Aitken.2 Initially Harold Hill and Howard McDonald were joint editors, but soon Hill became the sole editor and McDonald became the business manager. The first few issues were typed by Beverley Graham, secretary to Captain Brian McStay, Divisional Youth Secretary. The issues were printed on a Gestetner at the Canterbury-Westland divisional headquarters in Christchurch.
In preparation for the first issue, a publicity circular was sent to all known members of the SASF in New Zealand outlining the purpose and hopes of the magazine and soliciting support. It read:
The Salvation Army Students’ Fellowship
Dear fellow-member, It is proposed to publish a quarterly magazine for the SASF. This magazine will seek to draw together members of the fellowship, stimulating their thought and enhancing their understanding of the faith. It is hoped therefore to provide a forum for student opinion, a gazette of student activity and a challenge to student witness. We pray that by these means the venture may become a part of the process by which the Holy Spirit is renewing the life of the church and of the Salvation Army in these days. The magazine will be published by the Christchurch branch of the SASF, by leave, and with the assistance of Divisional and Territorial Headquarters. The editors invite members to contribute copy of all kinds … articles, poems, reviews, reports and correspondence, within the framework of the aims outlined above.3
The first edition was a simple cyclostyled magazine on quarto size paper.4 It had 26 pages stapled together along the left-hand edge with a cover design by Clive Luscombe, a professional artist and Salvationist. In an introduction, New Zealand’s Territorial Commander, Commissioner Alfred Gilliard wrote words of encouragement and admonition:
I welcome this ‘semi-official’ organ of survey and enquiry, question and answer concerning our religious faith and its manifold expressions. Knowing the Students’ Fellowships of New Zealand, I am certain you will always be sincere, even though at times you must appear impatient and full of judgement. You will not be merely clever, or disdainful, even although the status quo may appear disreputable. You will seek with humility, comment with trained minds and thus add to the Light which we all need … Make fun of us if you will, from time to time. We have our own private fund of humour. But when the chuckles are over, quicken the step for us, as we turn to the tasks and conquests which doubtless you see ahead more clearly than we do ourselves.5
2 Brian Thompson, “The Salvation Army Student’s Fellowship in New Zealand,” Battlepoint, 9, 2, (NZ, December 1971), 6. 3 Battlepoint Circular prepared by Harold Hill around July 1963 and located in Battlepoint editorial papers held by Margaret Thompson. 4 Quarto was an imperial paper size measuring approximately 8 – 9 inches by 11 – 12 inches (230mm by 280mm). It was superseded in the 1970s in New Zealand by metric paper sizes such as A4. 5 Alfred Gilliard, “From the Commissioner,” Battlepoint, 1, 1, (NZ, September 1963), 3.
Commissioner Alfred Gilliard, NZ Territorial Commander, 1960-1964, strong supporter of the SASF and Battlepoint6
In his editorial headed “Apologia”, Hill wrote that “[a]ny organisation, if it wishes to remain vital and effective, must be able to look at itself objectively and constantly reassess its place in the world.” He hoped that Battlepoint would “[expose] us to new ideas and force us to define and redefine our position.”7
Three articles followed in the first issue: “The Salvation Army today” by Tom Aitken who wondered if the Army of the 1960s knew what it was fighting, given that the problems of William Booth’s day were not so obvious in New Zealand;8 “An Army of committees” by Margaret Major who claimed that the “Salvation Army [was] a unique military spectacle - one of committees eventually becoming decentralised, although an international body” and urged the Army not to “rest content with uninformed dogma and a meagre theology.” Major added that to retain our integrity, the Army needed to work out its own salvation and follow its mission to “rescue the perishing, to advertise the gospel and make it intelligible to those we know. ”9 In her article “Salvation Army music today” Margaret Richardson looked into the purpose of Salvation Army music; “what it is, what it should be, and if the ‘is’ coincides with the ‘should be’, and if it doesn’t, suggests some ways in which it could. ”10
The first issue also contained a review by Cyril Bradwell of Bishop John Robinson’s Honest to God (a very controversial book at that time), two poems, a report of the Christchurch SASF Seminar held at Spencerville in July 1963 as well as reports from other SASF branches and a letter from wellknown and respected bandmaster at Auckland Congress Hall and Professor of Music at Auckland University, Thomas Rive, in which he questioned the need for separate groups such as the SASF. The back page listed the regional SASF secretaries and included a subscription form advising the annual subscription as four issues for six shillings. The optimism, energy and hopefulness of those responsible for the first issue was reflected in paragraphs announcing the magazine in The war cry and the Christchurch Press.
6 Image courtesy of The Salvation Army Archives, Upper Hutt. 7 Harold Hill, “Apologia”, Battlepoint, 1, 1, (NZ, September 1963), 4. 8 Tom Aitken, “The Salvation Army today”, Battlepoint, 1, 1, (NZ, September 1963), 5 – 7. 9 Margaret Major, “An Army of committees”, Battlepoint, 1, 1, (NZ, September 1963), 8 – 9. 10 Margaret Richardson, “Salvation Army music today”, Battlepoint, 1, 1, (NZ, September 1963), 10 – 15.
The war cry announcement about Battlepoint11
The second issue of Battlepoint was published in December 1963. It contained an article by Richard Hurren, “The Quiet Revolution” about the Army’s apparent irrelevance to many people. 12 This article came from the British SASF quarterly magazine and was the first of many reprinted articles over Battlepoint’s existence. Other articles included one by Brian Thompson looking at the introduction of the two-year officer training programme in the UK and that planned for New Zealand from 1965;13 an article by Max Cresswell giving his impressions of studying in the UK and of his time with the British Territory SASF, 14 and a reply from Malcolm Geard addressing concerns raised by Margaret Richardson in her “Salvation Army music” article in the first issue. 15 As well, Tom Aitken reviewed Paul Tillich’s book The shaking of the foundations and someone listed as “R. R. ” reviewed The letter of James by Father James.
As time went by, Battlepoint improved and changed in appearance. The third issue, in March 1964, was now of folded foolscap size, stapled down the centre and with smaller size font. Contributors began to reply to articles and letters printed in previous issues such as Commissioner Gilliard’s letter praising comments made in the second issue editorial written by Captain Brian McStay. There was also a response from Bandmaster Thomas Rive in the December 1965 issue on the topic of Salvation Army music covered in earlier issues. But despite this, the editor regularly pleaded for more articles - and subscriptions.
Original and reprinted items as well as advertisements appeared throughout the early issues of Battlepoint. Original cartoons from both Harold Hill and Clive Luscombe appeared from time to time. Reprinted images and articles came from Punch, the British satirical journal and Impact, the Australian SASF magazine. Advertisements also began appearing with the Red Shield Bookroom and The soldier’ s armoury being advertised. The University Bookshop (mainly the Otago branch), the Presbyterian Bookshop, and Whitcombe and Tombs (at that time a large bookshop with branches throughout the country) also advertised from time to time, as did some businesses owned by Salvationists.
11 “Battlepoint”, The war cry, (New Zealand, 2 November 1963), 10. 12 Richard Hurren, “The quiet revolution”, Battlepoint, 1, 2, (NZ, December 1963), 4 – 8. 13 Brian Thompson, Battlepoint, 1, 2, (NZ, December 1963), 9 – 12. 14 Max Cresswell, Battlepoint, 1, 2, (NZ, December 1963), 13 – 16. 15 Malcolm Geard, Battlepoint, 1, 2, (NZ, December 1963), 17 – 19.
An example of Harold Hill's artistic humour in Battlepoint16
As well as topics of specific Salvation Army interest, the ecumenical movement and ‘The Geering Controversy’ were two major topics that received good coverage in the 1960s.
The Ecumenical Movement
The strong ecumenical movement in New Zealand during the 1960s was reflected in a number of articles. Max Cresswell wrote in the March 1964 issue about a Faith and Order Conference held at Massey University in February 1964 at which Christians from a number of denominations including the Catholic Church attended, while the September 1964 issue included a report on an interdenominational conference for 17 – 30 year olds held at Pohangina Youth Centre in the Manawatu area, New Zealand.
The June 1965 issue contained a number of articles on ecumenism; “The Salvation Army and its relation to the churches” by General Frederick Coutts, a reprint from Vanguard the Army’s youth magazine from the UK, “A time for unity” by Gabrielle McCarthy, “The council and unity” by the Very Rev B. J. Grantley, “The Ecumenical Movement -A bibliography” by the Rev Dr Ian Breward, and a report by B. J. O. on a week-end reading party at Wallis House in Lower Hutt, arranged and led by Rev John Murray together with Rev Father Matthias O.F.M, Chaplain to Catholic students.
The March 1966 issue announced the “Fourth Ecumenical Youth Conference” in bold print on the cover and inside were reports on this conference from Iris Ford and Harold Shepherd. An article in the March 1967 issue by Tom Aitken, “Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage” gave an historical account of
16 Battlepoint, 4, 4, (NZ, June 1967), front cover.
this bishop’s attitude towards authority, government and unity in the Church in Rome of his time. Although Cyprian’s notion of unity failed, Tom believed it raised questions for today’s Christians to consider. In March 1968, Max Cresswell wrote “Thoughts on church union” after five New Zealand churches (not including The Salvation Army) had taken part in a service of commitment to a united church.
In line with this theme, the front cover of the June 1965 issue had a cartoon from Clive Luscombe. The cartoon showed two people pouring tea to a line of three others, two of whom appear to be in SA uniform. In the caption, the tea pourer says to his assistant, “They [the Salvationists] agreed [to church union and communion] on the condition we used tea!”
Clive Luscombe cartoon in the “Ecumenical issue” of Battlepoint17
This topic continued to be aired in the 1970s with an article in December 1976 questioning the value of ecumenism18 and Colin Moore’s “Co-operating Sallies”. Moore wrote of his experience living in a rural area where he and his family as Salvationists worshipped in the local union parish which included the Presbyterian and Methodist churches. He argued for Salvationists to worship in the area they lived rather than try to be associated with a corps some distance away.19
There was more on this topic in the 1980s with articles, letters, a readers’ survey and an editorial discussing the merits or otherwise of the National Council of Churches (NCC)20 and the Salvation Army’s decision to withdraw from the World Council of Churches (WCC).21 These included in the March 1984 Battlepoint the Reverend Peter Glensor writing “The National Council of Churches: An inside view” from the viewpoint of his full-time work within the NCC and with additional comment on the WCC, 22 and Doug Laskey’s article “Priests and prophets - Have we counted the cost?” about
17 Battlepoint, 2, 4, (NZ, June 1965), front cover. 18 John Kitto, “Reformation or deformation,” Battlepoint, 14, 2, (NZ, December 1976), 11 – 12. 19 Colin Moore, “Co-operating Sallies”, Battlepoint, 18, 2, (NZ, December 1979), 11 – 12. 20 The National Council of Churches in New Zealand (NCC) was an ecumenical organisation that brought together a number of New Zealand’s Christian churches in dialogue and practical cooperation from 1941 – 1988. The Salvation Army in New Zealand was a founder member. The NCC was succeeded by the Conference of Churches in Aotearoa New Zealand (CCANZ) which dissolved in 2005. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Council_of_Churches_in_New_Zealand accessed 11 September 2020. 21 The Salvation Army was a member of the World Council of Churches (WCC) from 1948 to 1983. Due to ongoing disquiet over some WCC policies relating to Southern Africa, the Army withdrew from full membership in 1981 and adopted advisor status instead, the same as that given to the Roman Catholic Church and other similar world bodies. Source: John Merritt (ed), “World Council of Churches”, Historical dictionary of The Salvation Army, (Lanham, USA: Scarecrow Press, 2006), 648 – 651. 22 Peter Glensor, “The National Council of Churches: An inside view”, Battlepoint, 23, 3, (NZ, March 1984), 6 – 7.
The Salvation Army’s membership in and contribution to these two organisations.23
The Geering Controversy
In 1966, Lloyd Geering, Professor of Old Testament Studies and Principal of the Presbyterian theological hall at Knox College in Dunedin, New Zealand, wrote an article for the Presbyterian newspaper The outlook in which he questioned the physical resurrection of Jesus.24 This and subsequent publications and lectures by Geering led to a heresy trial in November 1967 at the Presbyterian General Assembly at which Geering was acquitted.25
The December 1966 issue of Battlepoint included several articles concerning the theological matters raised by Geering. These included “Professor Geering and the empty tomb” by Robert Howell, “Some background to Professor Geering’s article on the resurrection” by E. E. Robinson and “Observations on New Testament interpretation” by B. L.Bugden. Also included was, “Was the grave empty?” by Dr R. J. Thompson, Professor at the NZ Baptist Theological College. 26
Later the March 1969 issue contained two book reviews by Max Cresswell, one on R. J. Nicholson’s Empty tomb or empty faith: The Geering debate and the other on Professor E. M. Blaiklock’s A layman’s answer: An examination of the new theology. Both books had been written in response to matters raised by Geering. In his reviews, Cresswell regarded Nicholson’s book more favourably than Blaiklock’s. Somehow Blaiklock became aware of the reviews in which he felt maligned and wrote to the territorial commander, Commissioner Francis Evans threatening to sue the printer of Battlepoint, Max Cresswell and The Salvation Army. Fortunately the situation was saved by a disclaimer published in the second and subsequent issues of Battlepoint to the effect that the magazine was “not an official Salvation Army publication” and that the “opinions expressed [were] those of the writers only and [did] not reflect any official viewpoint or policy”.27
Battlepoint in the 1970s
As well as regular articles about Salvation Army youth work, officer training, worship in Army meetings, Army music, the election of the General and decision making in the Army, major topics featured in Battlepoint in the 1970s included articles about the ‘Fred Brown Affair’, women’s liberation, the Army’s work in Africa and Pentecostalism, the Charismatic Renewal and the Jesus Movement.
The Fred Brown Affair
The so-called “Fred Brown Affair” began with the Army’s regulations for Salvation Army officers writing material for publication and went on to raise the matter of censorship within The Salvation Army and the lack of suitable administrative procedures within the Army for people to express dissatisfaction. The matter involved the treatment by IHQ of Major Fred Brown, corps officer at Regent Hall Corps, London following the publication of his book Secular evangelism by SCM Press in September 1969. Because Brown did not submit his material for IHQ approval prior to publication,
23 Doug Laskey, “Priests and prophets - Have we counted the cost?” Battlepoint, 23, 3, (NZ, March 1984), 8 – 10. 24 Lloyd Geering, “The resurrection of Jesus”, The outlook, (New Zealand, April 1966). 25 “Lloyd Geering”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lloyd_Geering accessed 11 September 2020. 26 This article was re-print from a booklet published by Spurgeon Press. No other publication details are known. 27 Letter, Frances Evans to Editor, Battlepoint, 6, 4, (NZ, June 1969), 2.
he was severely censured and eventually resigned his officership. Both The guardian and The telegraph were highly critical of the Army but in spite of 361 Salvationists and a number of officers protesting with some officers eventually resigning, IHQ remained intransigent. Battlepoint printed a number of articles relating to this matter. In September 1970, the situation was outlined in an article by Gordon Batten of Regent Hall Corps, London, entitled “Censorship in the Salvation Army” plus a letter in the same issue signed by seven Regent Hall members. The letter gave a detailed account of Brown’s work and achievements during his appointment at Regent Hall and expressed the belief of the signatories that Salvationists were being prevented from hearing about and openly discussing important issues of vital concern to them.28
The December 1970 Battlepoint began with a full report on the situation from Harold Hill, now a cadetin London at the International Training College.29 It also included two book reviews of Secular evangelism, an advertisement for the book and two letters to the editor, one critical of the letter from the seven members of Regent Hall Corps believing it to be a one-sided account, and the other letter expressing support for these same people.30
The March 1971 issue contained a letter from Graham Reeves, editor of the UK SASF Magazine. Reeves praised Battlepoint’s coverage of the matter and informed readers that Major Bernard Mobbs had taken a year’s leave of absence to consider his position. Retired Senior-Major Allister Smith from South Africa, a frequent contributor to Battlepoint had an article in the same issue also with the title “Censorship in the Salvation Army.” While he believed those critical of the Army’s handling of this matter to be wrong, he did express some sympathy with the protestors over the question of censorship. This matter raised important issues for several correspondents and letters on the ‘affair’ continued to be published in later issues.
Women’s Liberation
Captain Barbara Bolton’s article “Women’s lib. and the Salvation Army” in March 197431 was the forerunner for a number of articles appearing in the June 1975 issue with 1975 being International Women’s Year. These included “Women in the Salvation Army” by Margaret Hay,32 an interview with Mrs General Janet Wiseman where a number of questions relating to women’s position in the Army were raised33 and Barbara Bolton’s article “Coming out - Ready or not” which considered women’s role and position in the Army. 34 Rae Major wrote of the emptiness of women with no status in her poem, “A mess of pottage”35 and her husband John Major had an article entitled “Discrimination by shape. ”36 Margaret Thompson addressed the issue of headquarters officer-wives without appointment in “Neglected resources, ”37 Carol Bone wrote on “The rights of women”38 and Margaret Nicholson reviewed Flora Larsson’s book, My best men are women. 39
Allied to women’s liberation was the issue of gender roles and husband-wife relationships.
28 Battlepoint, 8, 1, (NZ, September 1970), 11 – 15. 29 Harold Hill, Battlepoint, 8, 2, (NZ, December 1970), 1 – 6. 30 Battlepoint, 8, 2, (NZ, December 1970), 11 – 14. 31 Barbara Bolton “Women’s lib. and the Salvation Army”, Battlepoint, 11, 3, (NZ, March 1974), 2 – 6. 32 Margaret Hay, “Women in the Salvation Army”, Battlepoint, 12, 4, (NZ, June 1975), 2 – 3. 33 Janet Wiseman, Battlepoint, 12, 4, (NZ, June 1975), 4 – 5. 34 Barbara Bolton, “Coming out - Ready or not”, Battlepoint, 12, 4, (NZ, June 1975), 6 – 8. 35 Rae Major, “A mess of pottage”, Battlepoint, 12, 4, (NZ, June 1975), 6. 36 John Major, “Discrimination by shape”, Battlepoint, 12, 4, (NZ, June 1975), 9 – 10. 37 Margaret Thompson, “Neglected resources”, Battlepoint, 12, 4, (NZ, June 1975), 11 – 12. 38 Carol Bone, “The rights of women”, Battlepoint, 12, 4, (NZ, June 1975), 13 – 14. 39 Battlepoint, 12, 4, (NZ, June 1975), inside back cover.
These were featured in March 1977 in both the editorial and an article (anonymous) promoting the notion that the husband had authority over his wife and family who must submit to him. The writer particularly emphasised the wife’s role to be submissive to her husband.40 This article brought forth a number of letters in reply on the place of women and an article by Cliff Duder who drew on his experiences as a church pastor. He recounted the problems he witnessed in which couples endeavoured to live in a relationship where the husband was the authority figure and the wife his submissive inferior. He regarded this type of relationship as quite dangerous.41
The Army in Africa
Several articles in the 1970s focussed on aspects of Salvation Army ministry in Africa. In September 1974, former Battlepoint editor Harold Hill reported from Howard Institute in Rhodesia giving the background to government actions following guerrilla attacks in the Chiweshe Tribal Trust Land where he lived and worked.42 On another occasion, Hill responded to comments suggesting that the Army’s educational work was a waste in terms of time and money because it didn’t produce scores of young people becoming officers and leaders within the Army. He rejected such thinking as spiritual blackmail and instead believed that the reason for such ministry was to try and meet a need [that of the education of young Africans] and that God had provided people such as himself with the means and the calling to meet such a need. 43
Other articles written from Africa included those by David Wells of Chikankata Secondary School, Zambia who in “W(h)ither pilgrims...?” questioned the relevance and effectiveness of the religious work of The Salvation Army in Zambia44 and Australian Ron Inglis who in March 1978 issued a plea for teachers at the same school.45
One regular contributor from Africa was Senior-Major Allister Smith. He held to a conservative understanding of Christianity and frequently responded to articles which he felt expressed a liberal view. He condemned the World Council of Churches as a failure because, in his view, it denied the fundamentals of the Christian faith and was infiltrated by communists. At one stage, he cancelled his Battlepoint subscription following the publication of an article questioning the bodily resurrection of Jesus. 46 Nevertheless Smith kept writing to the magazine, so much so that an article critical of the Army’s continuing association with the WCC appeared in March 1979 after his promotion to Glory.47
Such correspondence about South Africa preceded five articles in September 1981 about the Springbok Rugby tour of New Zealand, a topic of concern for many Salvationists and something which divided many families both within and without the Church. Each writer took a slightly different approach to this topic but all were concerned that the team was from a country practising apartheid and with some commenting about The Salvation Army’s reluctance to take a stance on such a divisive political topic.48
40 Anonymous, “His and Hers,” Battlepoint, 14, 3, (NZ, March 1977), 8 – 10. 41 Cliff Duder, “His and hers in question”, Battlepoint, 15, 1, (NZ, September 1977), 9 – 13. 42 Harold Hill, “Report from Howard Institute”, Battlepoint, 12, 1, (NZ, September 1974), 12 – 15. 43 Harold Hill, “Application-form – Christians, and others”, Battlepoint, 16, 4, (NZ, June 1978), 3 – 4. 44 David Wells, “W(h)ither Pilgrims…?” Battlepoint, 13, 1, (NZ, September 1975), 7 – 13. 45 Ron Inglis, “Great opportunity for Salvationist teachers”, Battlepoint, 16, 3, (NZ, March 1978), 12 – 13. 46 Battlepoint, 14, 4, (NZ, June 1977), 12 – 13. 47 Allister Smith, “The shame and scandal of the World Council of Churches”, Battlepoint, 17, 3, (NZ, March 1979), 5 –6. 48 Battlepoint, 20, 3, (NZ, September 1981), 1, 30 – 35.
Battlepoint in the 1980s
In some of the earliest issues of Battlepoint topics such as Salvation Army music, children’s and youth work and evangelism were discussed at length and this continued during the 1980s. Other ‘in-house’ topics included the New Zealand Salvation Army’s celebration of its first centenary, the charismatic movement and spiritual gifts, the treatment of officers who resigned from ‘the work’ and the changing role of missionaries. Cultural and societal issues included poverty and affluence, the future of employment, the care of the young, single mothers and their babies, IVF treatment, racism, Salvationist involvement in politics and the New Zealand Salvation Army’s opposition to the New Zealand government’s intention to ratify the United Nation’s Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. Major topics covered included Salvation Army social work, homosexual law reform and the peace and anti-nuclear movements.
Social work and evangelism
The September 1980 issue of Battlepoint focussed on the Army’s commitment to social work and evangelism. In “Soup, soap and salvation”, Cyril Bradwell looked at the history of the Army’s social work over the previous century. In “Social work....and evangelism”, Patricia Hocking considered the different approaches to social work by Christian and non-Christian social workers. In “The Kaitaia work scheme”, Colleen Marshall gave an account of the Army’s job creation schemes for the 400 unemployed in that small town of 4-5000 people. In “Understanding the alcoholic”, Jamie Ford wrote of his concern about the shortage of workers within his field of alcoholism. 49
In a later issue, Commissioner Bram Cook wrote of his continuing work as a medical doctor on retirement and mentioned the many retired officers who continued to offer their time and skills in Army institutions or other charitable organisations.50 Battlepoint also reported on Captain Joan Hutson’s comprehensive submission to the New Zealand Government asking that “an adult personal guardian … be the birthright of every child”. Hutson’s concern came from her work in Salvation Army children’s homes and led to this eventually becoming law in New Zealand.51
The Homosexual Law Reform52
If ever Battlepoint had wanted to find a topic that would arouse much controversy, this was it! When Labour politician Fran Wilde presented her bill to parliament for debate in 1985, it became a very hot topic within society generally. Many churches began formulating their own attitudes towards the subject and raising this with their congregations. The territorial leaders in New Zealand began disseminating views against the bill which inevitably divided Salvationists in New Zealand in a way that was quite a new and uncomfortable situation for many.
Some Salvationists expressed their unhappiness at the territory not providing information to help them understand all the issues surrounding the topic. They felt this left them unable to make a decision on the topic and whether or not to sign the petition that the Army was circulating. Battlepoint therefore tried to collate as much material as possible from both Salvationists and non-Salvationists,
49 Battlepoint, 19, 2, (NZ, September 1980), 19 – 20. 50 A. Bramwell Cook, “Retirement”, Battlepoint, 21, 1, (NZ, March 1982), 21 – 22. 51 Joan Hutson, “The Salvation Army asks for sweeping law reform”, Battlepoint, 21, 3, (NZ, November 1982), 15 – 17. 52 For more on this topic, see Ian Hutson, “The Salvation Army and the 1985 Homosexual Reform Bill in New Zealand”, Australasian journal of Salvation Army history, 3, 1, (March 2018), 104 – 122.
supporters and those against the bill. Some readers provided material for consideration and Battlepoint endeavoured to remain objective by covering a range of views along with information in its June 1985 issue. 53
As time went by, it became quite evident that Battlepoint’s readership was divided and many readers interpreted Battlepoint as sympathetic towards the homosexual community. This created some difficulties with the typist refusing to type what was perceived to be sympathetic material. This impasse was resolved when someone else took over that role and Battlepoint continued publication. The next few issues published responses on this topic with one young officer writing for further information on the subject which was replied to in the same issue. He also thanked Battlepoint for inviting someone from the Gay Rights Centre to write on the topic and thereby give another perspective.
The Peace Movement and Anti-Nuclear sentiments
During the mid-1970s and through the 1980s the peace movement was covered in a few articles. There was a report in Battlepoint of Wellington Citadel Corps acknowledging International Peace Sunday on 5 August 1984.54 A Battlepoint subscriber wrote a review of Jurgen Moltman’s book The experiment hope after a request to reprint a review on the book in The officer was declined.55 Further material on peace was included in a later issue of Battlepoint along with some excerpts from material published by both the Methodist and Presbyterian churches. It was hoped that more readers would share their thoughts on these topics as the anti-nuclear topic along with the peace movement were of great concern among the New Zealand general populace. Unfortunately, this did not generate much material from contributors. However, Battlepoint received a response from Bruce Barnitt, the editor of The Christian Pacifist Society Bulletin who had been invited to write an article. 56
The Salvation Army in New Zealand reaches its first centenary
Battlepoint reflected this milestone with a book review by Peter Lineham, a university lecturer and writer on church history of Cyril Bradwell’s Fight the good fight written for the centenary ofthe Army in New Zealand;57 an article from Brian Thompson discussing whether Salvationists had become more middle-class over these 100 years, 58 and a light-hearted quiz, “The alternative centenary competition. ”59 The editor also reported on his interviewwith General Jarl Wahlström in New Zealand for the congress meetings,60 and Major Graeme Smith, congress organiser referred to the centenary in his article “Let’s celebrate. ”61
Editors and business managers
Battlepoint had ten editors and thirteen business managers in its 25 years of operation. Harold Hill
53 Battlepoint, 24, 4, (NZ, June 1985), 12 – 24. 54 Battlepoint, 24, 1, (NZ, September 1984), 13 – 14. 55 Battlepoint, 24, 1, (NZ, September 1984), 18 – 19. 56 Brian Barnitt, “A testimony”, Battlepoint, 24, 3, (NZ, March 1985), 10 – 13. 57 Battlepoint, 22, 3, (NZ, April 1983), 10 – 14. 58 Battlepoint, 22, 3, (NZ, April 1983), 15 – 19. 59 “The alternative centenary competition”, Battlepoint, 22, 3, (NZ, April 1983), 8. 60 Battlepoint, 23, 1, (NZ, September 1983), 5. 61 Graeme Smith, “Let’s celebrate”, Battlepoint, 23, 1, (NZ, September 1983), 3 – 4.
and Howard McDonald completed their terms in September 1966 and were replaced by Roger Cresswell as editor and Wendy Albiston (later Cresswell) as business manager. They were followed by Colin Moore and Helen Thatcher (later Moore) from the March 1969 issue. This pattern whereby a married couple acted as editor and business manager continued for some years.
Editors were generally free to decide on topics to be covered but in September 1983 the board also discussed topics they felt worthy of attention for discussion in Battlepoint. Some concern was expressed by at least one subscriber who, on reading the minutes of this board meeting wrote asking whether the board was now making decisions concerning Battlepoint’ s content, thereby limiting its role as an open forum. The editor’s note assured readers that this did not mean the board was interfering in anyway at all but came about from a comment raised by the editor at that meeting.62 Nevertheless, in order to attract greater attention and interest in Battlepoint, it was decidedto highlight the main topic within each issue on the front cover. This began with the June 1985 issue with Stewardship and the Homosexual Law Reform being highlighted.
Battlepoint goes it alone
While Battlepoint began as a SASF magazine with the aim of providing “a forum for student opinion, a gazette of student activity and a challenge to student witness” , 63 by the late 1960s, a decline in SASF activities followed by the eventual demise of the SASF in New Zealand led to the formation of an editorial advisory board. The board’s main task was toadvise the editor on editorial policy and appoint a new editor when the current one resigned.
The first formal meeting of the editorial advisory board occurred on Saturday 30 November 1971. Present were Colin Moore (chairperson and out-going editor), Brian Thompson (Secretary), RogerCresswell, Helen Moore(outgoing business manager), Rob Jackson (incoming editor) and Kay Jackson (incoming busines manager). Apologies were received from Captain Brian McStay (SASF vice-president), Terence Aitken and Ross Gittens. With a changing membership over the years, the editorial board continued until Battlepoint ceased. Among decisions made at this first meeting was that the board should meet three times a year (April, August, November being suggested), that a quorum should be four members and that there be co-operation with Impact, an Australian SASF magazine.64
The business of producing a quarterly magazine
From its inception, Battlepoint frequently experienced financial difficulties due in part to some late subscription payments, an inability to increase subscriber numbers much past 300 and ever-increasing costs of production and postage. The lack of money and pleas for subscriptions to be paid was a constant theme throughout Battlepoint’ s existence. This concern was first revealed in the second issue where the price was still one shilling and sixpence per copy with six shillings being the annual price for four copies, requiring almost 100 subscribers to cover costs. It cost seven pounds to produce each number making it close to thirty pounds per year. One hundred and fifty copies had been posted out but only 36 people had paid a subscription.
Subscriptions were increased as the years went by to cover increases in printing and postage.
62 Battlepoint, 23, 2, (NZ, December 1983), 14 – 15. 63 Battlepoint circular prepared by Harold Hill around July 1963 and located in Battlepoint Editorial Papers held by Margaret Thompson. 64 Battlepoint Editorial Advisory Board minutes, 30 November 1971.
The annual subscription was NZ$1.50 by 1971, NZ$2.00 in 1972, NZ$3,00 in 1978, NZ$5.00 by 1983, NZ$7.00 soon afterand NZ$8.00 in 1985. There was an extra charge for overseas subscriptions. There were 200 subscribers in 1965, 280 in 1971, 247 in 1978, 297 in 1979, 314 in 1983, nearly 300 in 1985 the subscribers however dropped to 197 in 1986.
From June 1966, Battlepoint was typeset and printed by the Pahiatua Printing Company, it being felt that a high standard of printing was “appropriate to the readership of Battlepoint” . 65 But the magazine’s straightened financial situation was apparent with only three issues published in 1980, the first being in June rather than March. From then on, although the A4 folded paper size remained, it was no longer typeset nor printed on glossy paper.
Deficits recorded included $288 by January 1979, $180 in 1982, $741 in 1983 and $176 in 1984. Measures undertaken to deal with these included donations from sympathetic long-term supporters (1985), the suggestion of gift subscriptions and a proposal that an Associateship of Battlepoint be offered for $NZ20 per annum. This would entitle the reader to receive all board minutes and any other board news as well as all issues of Battlepoint. 66 Neville and Margaret Johnson even advanced some of their own money, subsequently reimbursed to cover deficits during their tenure.67
Supporters and detractors
In its early years, Battlepoint had the encouragement and blessing of several senior officers even if they questioned some of the content in relatively mild or congenial terms. One name that particularly stands out as a strong supporter and encourager of both the SASF and Battlepoint was Commissioner Alfred Gilliard. On learning of his death Margaret Hay and Brian Thompson wrote tributes and a portrait by artist Clive Luscombe accompanied these in the December 1973 issue. 68 Colonel (later LtCommissioner) Bram Cook was a very supportive chief secretary in New Zealand when Battlepoint began and he remained a loyal supporter and contributor throughout his lifetime.
Clive Luscombe’s portrait of Commissioner Alfred Gilliard69
65 Battlepoint Editorial Advisory Board minutes, 30 November 1971. 66 Battlepoint Editorial Advisory Board minutes, 13 November 1982. 67 Battlepoint Editorial Advisory Board minutes, 24 September 1983. 68 Battlepoint, 11, 2, (NZ, December 1973), 2 – 4. 69 Battlepoint, 2, 2, (NZ, December 1964), inside front cover.; reprinted in Battlepoint, 11, 2, (NZ, December 1973), inside front cover.
Several Salvation Army missionary officers found Battlepoint useful for giving accounts of their experiences working in other countries. An example of this was the account recorded in September 1964 issue from Lieut. Colonel Philip Rive. He had spent 35 years teaching in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and during an interview by someone from Battlepoint, presumably Harold Hill the editor at the time, he made a call for qualified people in a number of fields to offer their services in areas of need such as medicine and secondary school teaching. 70 Brigadier Jean Gould wrote concerning the need for literature programmes in India and neighbouring countries and suggesting how interested SASF members could help.71 Battlepoint was also appreciated by many for the full account it was able to record of the “Fred Brown Affair” as some British readers had been unable to learn of this in their home territory.
Other officers who showed their support for Battlepoint included Brigadier Christina Henderson (secretary for education), Lt. Colonel Ernest Elliot (territorial youth secretary) and Major Joyce Cathcart (Sydney training college). The magazine also published interviews with General Frederick Coutts who was a keen reader and subscriber72 and General Eric Wickberg. 73 When Coutts was promoted to Glory, his widow sent a thank you letter and a generous donation in response to a sympathy card sent by Battlepoint’s editor. Battlepoint constantly reminded readers that its aim was “to provide a forum for the discussion of matters of mutual interest to Salvationists and other Christians.” Different editors did to some extent give the magazine something of their own personal touch, especially in the editorials and in the people they approached for articles on specific topics or when there was insufficient unsolicited material available for publication. However from 1970, they were always accountable to the board.
It is the opinion of Thompson that most of the expressed antipathy towards Battlepoint occurred largely once the SASF folded and Battlepoint and its board, along with its editor and business manager were essentially left ‘high and dry’. Many of those who criticised Battlepoint had difficulty in accepting its independence and freedom to write articles not submitted to the hierarchy for evaluation and censorship. The idea that soldiers could speak out without THQ approval was anathema to some.
An example occurred in March 1971 when the editor, Colin Moore wrote a fictional account about a proposed officer training institute.74 While written in a satirical manner, he actually presented some very worthwhile suggestions for an actual training facility and programme. Major Joyce Cathcart of Sydney commented positively on Moore’s article and outlined some weaknesses in the current training programme as well as attempts being made to update it.75 On the other hand, Captain Brian McStay of the New Zealand training college was not so conciliatory; in fact he was quite scathing.76 Interestingly some of the ideas put forward by Moore in 1971 were quite prophetic as they described in some measure what eventually developed at the Sydney Salvation Army college for officer training in the 1980s and the New Zealand college in the late 1990s.
70 Battlepoint, 2, 1, (NZ, September 1964), 7 – 8. 71 Jean Gould, “Literature programme in India and neighbouring countries”, Battlepoint, 3, 3, (NZ, March 1966), 17 –20. 72 Battlepoint, 6, 4, (NZ, June 1969), 11 – 15. 73 Battlepoint, 9, 4, (NZ, June 1972), 7 – 11. 74 Battlepoint, 8, 3, (NZ, March 1971), 2 – 4. 75 Battlepoint, 8, 4, (NZ, June 1971), 6 – 7. 76 Battlepoint, 8, 4, (NZ, June 1971), 5 – 6.
Challenges in final years
By mid-1986, Battlepoint was facing some serious challenges and a special meeting of the editorial advisory board was held on 17 July 1986 to consider the subscriber position. An approach by the editor on behalf of the board to Commissioner Wesley Harris77 drew the response that if the magazine met “a perceived need among Salvationists, it would revive and live on; otherwise it would die.” Further he stated that he would offer no support and that “the paper which had desired freedom must stand or fall on that freedom.”78 Later in 1988, the new chief secretary, Colonel Arthur Thompson, who had known of Battlepoint in the 1960s when on missionary service in Rhodesia, commented that “the repression of criticism of Army administration or methods has lifted” and wondered “whether there is a need or a market for Battlepoint as there once was.”79
In an effort to boost circulation, a new flier was prepared and despite the territorial commander’s misgivings, many officers and divisional commanders continued to be positive and helpful to Battlepoint and were happy to forward the names of local officers who might be potential subscribers.
Battlepoint publicity pamphlet, 1986
When a new editor was needed in 1988, the board eventually appointed an officer, Major Mervn Layt. This however was not acceptable to Commissioner Harris who forbade it. Harris wrote to the chief secretary Colonel Ken Bridge about this, noting that “Battlepoint has over the years prided itself on its independent stance and successive territorial commanders have accepted this even when at times their administrations have been criticised.” He also believed that “under the editorship of an officer, who in one sense is an official of the Salvation Army, [Battlepoint’s] independence could be
77 Letter, Margaret Thompson to Wesley Harris, (5 October 1986). 78 Letter, Wesley Harris to all NZ Officers, (27 October 1986). 79 Letter, Arthur Thompson to Margaret Thompson, (15 November 1988).
affected and /or the officer editor be put in an invidious position.” 80
This belief that Battlepoint had prided itself on its independent stance seems somewhat misguided given that many efforts had been made since the SASF folded to have a continuing relationship with THQ plus the fact that from its foundation, Battlepoint was accepted by many senior officers on the grounds of it being “semi-official.”
Battlepoint’s demise
The final edition of Battlepoint was published in December 1988 in the belief that a young Salvationist had accepted the position of editor and the son of Major Layt would act as business manager.81 However this did not eventuate, apparently due to unforeseen difficulties the potential editor had in fitting this in with the completion of his university qualifications.
Both before and after this edition, board chairperson Corps Sergent-Major Cyril Bradwell sent out several letters to subscribers informing them of Battlepoint’s difficulties. Finally in a May 1990 letter addressed to all subscribers, Bradwell advised them of the board’s decision to cease publication. 82 He stated that “[a]s there was no resolution of the editorial difficulties the Board regretfully had no alternative but to confirm the resolutions outlined [previously] and make a final decision to cease publication of Battlepoint. Accordingly the Board had agreed that the financial records of Battlepoint will be audited and any monies left in hand will be donated to the Officer Training College Memorial Book Plan. The books, correspondence and records of Battlepoint will be entrusted to the care of The Salvation Army Historical Trust in New Zealand.”83 And so it was that after 25 years Battlepoint ceased publication.
Conclusion
Battlepoint was a valued vehicle, seen by some as a safety valve for releasing frustration as well as a vehicle for expressing concerns about various aspects of Army administration, worship style and evangelism. It provided information on positions available on the mission field, doctrinal teaching and kept readers informed of movements within the wider church body, and on cultural and societal issues. To some degree Battlepoint echoed the events and thoughts that arose throughout the years it was published and thus provides an historic insight into issues and concerns both of Salvationists and the Christian church generally throughout its lifetime. Battlepoint had many readers overseas. It welcomed Australian readers in June 196884 and those from the USA in June 1970.85 A report in the September1970 issue noted that the magazine was being distributed throughout New Zealand, Australia, UK, USA, Canada, Western Samoa, Norfolk Island, South America, Nigeria, Rhodesia, Zambia, India and Papua New Guinea.86 It always had difficulty in gathering enough contributor material to print every three months. This meant that Battlepoint frequently needed to fall back on reprinting articles from other publications in order to provide thoughtful reading and encourage reader response. Expanding the
80 Letter, Wesley Harris to Ken Bridge, (19 August 1988). 81 Battlepoint, 98, (December 1988). 82 Letter, Cyril Bradwell to Battlepoint subscribers, (May 1990). 83 Letter, Cyril Bradwell to Battlepoint subscribers, (May 1990). 84 Battlepoint, 5, 4, (NZ, June 1968), 2. 85 Battlepoint, 7, 4, (NZ, June 1970), inside back cover. 86 Battlepoint, 8, 1, (NZ, September 1970), 9.
number of written contributions from New Zealand writers was an ongoing concern but those who did contribute over the lifetime of the magazine largely revealed much maturity, depth of thought, and a wide reading range. Battlepoint always had its detractors especially once it no longer represented the SASF and from 1970, with an editorial advisory board that could make decisions without oversight from THQ.
Since Battlepoint folded, nothing else had taken its place and the voice of Salvationists, students or otherwise is not often heard. Even attempts from the 1960s to increase some democracy within the Army such as with corps councils and advisory boards seem to have faltered over time. Over the last 40 or 50 years many changes have occurred within the administration and many earlier practices as laid out in the various Orders and Regulations have been relaxed or have disappeared. Even though there are different challenges, it appears that there is now little opportunity for the voice of the membership to be heard or appreciated. Democracy is a fragile thing needing constant nurturing and vigilance. It would be a great pity if the voice of the rank and file was lost completely.
SALVATION ARMY HISTORY SNAPSHOT
