BOYS' BRIGADE NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 22325, 29 April 1936, Page 2

BOYS' BRIGADE NOTES

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OCR COMPANY. If we regard the company as our hobby; if as captain we us© lieutenants to fetch and carry, giving them little of the encouragement and stimulation of increasing responsibility; if we give small heed to the battalion or the brigade as a whole and neglect the bonds of fellowship; if we pay slight attention to the church of which the company is a branch —then we cannot ask God’s blessing. Wo are not working for Him, hut for ourselves. If we are slack instead of thorough, content with discipline just “ so so,” and regard efficiency in minor details as hardly worth serious consideration; if Bible' class lacks thoughtful and prayerful preparation—and this does not refer merely to an address which is not the all-important feature; if punctuality is disregarded; if uniforms are slovenly and the metal parts unburnished —inside as well as outside — then we are not working for God, for He requires our best. No second-best muddling through is good enough. All “ petty details ” arc parts of our service. They are the methods of The Bovs’ Brigade used to secure the discipline, the self-respect, the esprit de corps that bind boys and officers and companies with a fellowship for the attainment of its object.

OFFICERS’ TRAINING CAMP. A most successful officers’ training camp was held at Tirohanga, North Taieri, during last week-end. Sixteen men, representing eight companies, attended the whole course from the Friday night, till Sunday night, while fpur others, including the acting Dominion president, Mr H. Grocott, were present at different times. The programme proper commenced on Saturday morning with worship conducted by the battalion president, Mr R. t Duncan. The rest of the day was taken up with practical drill instruction and discussions. On the Sunday, in addition to conferences concerning the real aims ami objects of The Boys’ Brigade, annual camps, and general company problems, opportunity was taken to attend the morning service at North Taieri Presbyterian Church. This is the. .first time that the battalion has attempted such a course. However, the support accorded the venture and the many expressions of help and inspiration received should ensure the continuance of such gatherings in the programmes of future years.

7th DUNEDIN COMPANY (NORTHEAST VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN). Last Friday night the company was pleased l to welcome Mr M'Kinstry, an ex-member of 12th Belfast Company. In a-few words to the boys _he exuressed great pleasure in again coming into contact with the 8.8., which had, he said, so influenced his life in its earlv days. Probably owing to the wet 'night, the parade number was only 18, six absentees being noted.

10th DUNEDIN (MUSSELBURGH). A successful parade of the company was held last Friday, when the night s work commenced with inspection and roll call, after which the devotional period was led by the company chaplain, who spoke about Anzac Day. After this semaphore signalling and life saving classes were held. Physical drill followed. As there is not much spare time after ambulance, life saving, signalling, and drill, the company has decided to hold a .games evening at intervals. Such a meeting is to be held next Friday, and a good attendance is expected.

11th DUNEDIN COMPANY. Tho company paraded on Monday eveni.'.g with a strength of 26. The chaplain conducted devotions, and the captain then put the company through some very searching drill, which showed that all have a lot to learn yet, but it is hoped to give other companies a good fight for the drill competition later in tho year. The ambulance class is now being divided into two —one lot on stretcher drill, etc., and the other on general first aid. Several important matters were discussed at the meeting of n.c.o.s and officers which followed the dismiss. A Vccruiting campaign is to be launched shortly, and everything points to a successful session. 17th DUNK DIN (WMPANY (PORT CHALMERS). The company paraded on Auzac Day, and took part in the memorial service held in the Laurier Theatre, Port Chalmers. Twenty-six boys paraded under Captain Begbio and Lieutenant Bruce .Johnstone. Previous to the parade marching off from tho Garrison Hall the company was inspected by Captain Harvey and Lieutenants Pithio and M'Koiizic, who complimented the boys on their smart appearance. Corporal Rutherford and Corporal Thompson placed a wreath on the Cenotaph. Six boys have handed in their names to trv for their swimming badge, and one boy has made application for his musician’s badge. 10th DUNEDIN (CAVERSHAM). The parade last Wednesday was well attended. There was the usual programme—semaphore signalling, ambulance. drill, and games. Two of the number hope to pass tho tests for swimming certificates on Saturday night, N.C.O.S’ EXAMINATION. Unfortunately the results of the examination are not yet to hand. Company captains will be advised of the results during the week. THE COLUMN. Please send all company reports and other items of 8.8. interest to D. G. Shcrriff. care of Wilkinson and Son. chemists, before Tuesday afternoon of each neck.