BOYS' BRIGADE NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 22273, 26 February 1936, Page 3

BOYS' BRIGADE NOTES

[ By Chum.] GO FORWARD. As we face another new session it is well to consider what we aim to achieve during the next few months of opportunity that lie before ns in the coming winter. The work of Christ’s Kingdom demands the best we can give in preparation and foresight and wisdom and vigour. Most companies will now be preparing for the commencement of another year’s activities and setting things in* order, and if this preparation is done thoroughly and earnestly and the best is sought in all that is to be undertaken then the inevitable difficulties will appear insignificant. Best wishes are extended to every company and team for a successful session in every sense of the word so that it may be one of true progress in Hie highest sense. One of the first. acts of His Excellency Viscount Galway, on taking office as Governor-General, was to honour the New Zealand Dominion Council of the 8.8. by becoming its first patron. This mark of favour, which is highly appreciated, is a recognition of the progress being made, and the 8.8. is grateful for this gesture of encouragement. RECRUITING. Many new boys will be coming to join Hie 8.8. during the next few months. The various recruiting leaflets and posters are of great use, but more effective still are the accounts given by the present members regarding their own company. The real company spirit is so infectious that it makes other boys keen to join the company, of which their friends speak with such enthusiasm. It is therefore the job of every member of the 8.8. to become a “ recruiting officer ” for his company, making the brigade as widely known as possible, ■ telling of the great joy of membership, and letting others see that yon belong to a real live organisation that welcomes every boy into its ranks and demands the best that they can give. COMPANY STRENGTH. Quite a lot of ink has been spilt in regard to this subject, and it is mentioned again because it is being so abundantly proved that the 8.8. system seems to work so much better when once a company has reached or passed the 40 mark in total membership. Boys are keener to continue and new hoys keener to join, and there is a momentum about the whole life of the company that is almost impossible of achievement when numbers are small. Here, then, is another verygood reason why recruiting among small companies should be pursued by every member in an effort to raise the roll number. This not only increases the efficiency' of the company', but is also a means bv which friends can be introduced to the 8.8. and share its fellowship. CARRY ON. A Brighton (England) company, whose practice it is to take back the haversacks of boys who leave and reissue those which are “as good as new.” had a pleasant experience recently. One of these returned haversacks had been issued to a recruit, who on opening-the pocket found a scrap of paper on which the following message was written:— 1 “ To the very lucky chap who receives this haversack. You or© entering, or have entered, one of the finest companies of the battalion. 1 wish you very many happy sessions, which you will undoubtedly have if you assist the officers and the company in every way and think always of the other fellow. From one who is leaving with regret.” 7th DUNEDIN (N.E. VALLEY). Although recruit parades have already commenced, the first companyparade will be on Friday next, Marcli 6. A new programme lias been arranged so that as far as possible all instruction classes will be held apart from the drill parade night, or at least from the drill session. Officers and boys of _ the 7tli Dunedin Company take this opportunity of wishing all companies of the battalion a very’ successful session in 8.8. activity, and may 1936 be the best yet. Please send company and team notes to R. Watt, 23 Glencairn street, N.E. Valley, Dunedin, N.E.I,