BOYS’ BRIGADE DINNER

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29368, 22 November 1960, Page 19

BOYS’ BRIGADE DINNER

Need For More Leaders

“I know hundreds of persons wljo say ‘something should be done about it’ but who are not willing to do anything themselves,” said the Deputy-Mayor (Mr H. P. Sihith) in an address to officers, staff sergeants, and life boy leaders at a dinner of the Boys’ Brigade last evening. There was a great need for persons who were prepared to do something and to show leadership, said Mr Smith.

Over 150 members of the Boys’ Brigade from throughout Canterbury were present at the dinner. Addresses were given by Mr Smith, Mr J. L. Hay, the president of the Canterbury battalion of the Boys’ Brigade (Mr J. L. Bush) and by the Rev. G. D. Falloon. The chairman (Mr W. F. Collins) welcomed the speakers to the dinner, and said that he hoped the evening would not be regarded by those present as merely entertainment or as just another social engagement, but as a challenge to youth. In his address Mr Hay emphasised the importance of discipline and leadership, “Discipline is the basis of character,” he said, “and the great new world is the challenge before youth today. There is no organisation comparable in importance with the Boys’ Brigade in shaping the destiny of young persons.” Membership Growth

Ten years ago the Boys’ Brigade in Canterbury had 300 members, and now it had 750, said Mr Bush. There would be more growth in the future, but first leaders were needed. “You are the leaders we are looking for,” he said. The problem which faced the free world was how to prevent freedom from descending into licence, said Mr Falloon. It was more difficult to live in a free world than in one which was completely controlled. When a dictator wanted to gain control of a people, he destroyed their belief in God, as had been done in Germany and Russia, said Mr Falloon. “We must hold up Jesus' Christ in this twentieth century as the salvation of mankind.”

There are two powers in this century; nuclear energy which could wipe out mankind or bring it great benefits, and leaderless youth, which was more powerful than nuclear energy. Youth must be given clear and direct leadership. In May 1940 we were saved by the leadership of one man, Winston Churchill, who promised “blood, sweat, and tears,” said Mr Falloon. “I believe that that moment was the beginning of our victory.”