BOYS' BRIGADE NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 22774, 8 October 1937, Page 2

BOYS' BRIGADE NOTES

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“ The Object of the Brigade shall be the advancement of Christ’* Kingdom among Boy*, and the promotion of habite of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline, Self-respect, and all that tend* towards a true Christian Manline**."

RELIGION NOT CAMOUFLAGED. A 8.8. chaplain writes; “At the very beginning the ‘ 8.8. Manual ’ explicitly stated that ‘ the object of the Boys’ Brigade shall be the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom among boys,’ and it steadily keeps this aim to tho fore. Namby-pambyism is not tolerated for a moment; but a real manliness that aims at helping a boy to look straight into the eyes of his God and of his fellow is sought after. Any officer or chaplain could tell you stories of how the movement is producing this type of manliness. The brigade not only helps regular attendance at Sunday school and Bible c’avs. but encourages the boys to join in the cervices of their own church. In addition, some companies ,in Great Britain have branches of the Scripture Reading Union and take a keen interest in the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom in non-Christian lands. Companies also contribute to the upkeep or cots in a C.M.S. hospital in the Far East. Finally, let me say that I value the help of the Boys’ Brigade in the spiritual work among boys so highly that I am continually urging members of my congregation who have boys of a suitable age to enrol their sons in the company, as I know of no movement so calculated to help parents train their boys in the way'that all Christian parents long to see their sons walk in.” ANNUAL INSPECTION. The battalion will hdld its annual inspection in the Drill Hall next Saturday night, at 7.45. The folowing staff has been, appointed:—O.C., Mr I. A. Jones; adjutant, Mr A. Vivian; staffsergeant, Mr T. J. Manson; colour party—Mr H. M'Kinstry, Corporals A. Houston and J. Macdonald; bugler, Private R. M'CHntock. The display squads will be: Drill, 7th Dunedin; physical training, 11th Dunedin; maze drill, 16th Dunedin; parallel bars and mat work, 13th Dunedin; signalling, 12th Dunedin. Companies are requested to assemble at 7.15. CAMP. At a special meeting of tho Battalion Council it was decided to abandon the battalion camp for this year. This decision, due to a shortage of officers, will come as a big disappointment to a largo number of boys, who, after missing last year, were looking forward with even keener anticipation to this year’s event. It is hoped that individual! companies will endeavour wherever possible to arrange their own camps at a time suitable to themselves. BATTALION CHURCH PARADE. There was a good muster of 150 officers and boy's at the church parade on Sunday last. The number of companies represented was perhaps smaller than Inst year, but individual companies were very well represented. The dedication of the battalion colour was very impressive, as also was the special service at the Hanover Street Baptist Church. * We are indebted to the members of the Old Boys’ Band, who are always willing to assist and improve the appearance of the battalion.

7th DUNEDIN COMPANY. Last Friday night’s parade numbered 19, the very wet weather no doubt accounting for most of the absentees. Good work was accomplished, however, and the prospects for the annual inspection are very bright. A company camp is to be held at Waikouaiti for two weeks in January, when upwards of 20 boys hope to spend an enjoyable two weeks under canvas. 11th DUNEDIN. Last Sunday a photograph of tho company was taken, and then the boys had a talk from Mr Ron. Malcolm. After tea, provided by the captain, the company went to town for the church parade. After the faW-in and inspection last Monday night, Mr Reid took the company for its final practice of the physical exercises for Saturday next. Instruction classes and games followed. No. 2 squad again won the cup. The attendance was 25. Mr Vivian was a visitor. 13th DUNEDIN COMPANY (FIRST CHURCH). A good parade was held on Thursday last, with the company preparing for the annual inspection to be held next Saturday. Arrangements are now well in hand for the camp to be held over the Christmas holidays. By kind permission of the Peninsula Motors the company has been fortunate in securing their picnic ground at Company’s Bay for the camp site. 16th DUNEDIN COMPANY. Twenty-four boys paraded on Saturday night, including one new member. After the usual programme of drill, devotions, games, and gymnastics, the maze drill squad got busy in preparation for the battalion display on Saturday night. Twenty-six members paraded last Saturday night for tho battalion church parade. SOUTH DUNEDIN LIFE BOYS. Twenty-two boys were on parade. The leader in charge, Mr Young, gave the boys a talk on ‘ Reverence.’ The two smartest boys on parade were Life Boy R. Darraoott and Life Boy J. Davey. Afterwards a practice of jumping was held on the springboard. All the boys are looking forward to the Rugby tournament, which will be held on October 16. ANNUAL MEETING. The seventh annual meeting of the Otago Battalion, Boys’ Brigade, was held in the First Church class room on Tuesday evening, Mr Robert Duncan presiding over a large attendance. In moving the adoption of the annual report, Mr Duncan remarked on tho steady progress maintained throughout the year and urged officers to make the year ahead one of growth and achievement. Mr F, B. Carter thanked the secretary (Mr A. Vivian) for his rc-

port, and referred to tho stable condition of the 8.8. in the district. The financial statement was received by the meeting, Mr A. J. Duncan congratulating the battalion on the satisfactory position. The following office-bearers were elected;—Patron. Rev. W. A. Stevely; president, Mr Robert Duncan; vicepresidents—Messrs F. B. Carter, Rev. J. G. Dunn, Rev. R. L. Fursdon, Mr L. W. Roseveare, Mr J. M'Narey, and Mr A. Vivian; secretary, Mr A. J. Clarktreasurer, Mr A. J. Duncan; executive members, Messrs A. Sneddon, L. W._ Roseveare; representatives on Dominion Executive—Messrs F. B. Carter, A. Vivian, and A. J. Clark.