BOYS' BRIGADE NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 23130, 2 December 1938, Page 3

BOYS' BRIGADE NOTES

bf d^AVI>U.

" The Object of the Brigade shall be the advancement of Christ’* Kingdom among Boya, and the promotion of habite of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline, Self-respect, and al! that tends towards a true Christian Manlinees.”

A LETTER FROM ENGLAND

A lieutenant of the 6th South Esses Company (London), writing to a Dunedin officer, sends some very interesting information. Referring to the “Festival of Youth ” held in. 1937, he says, “ Thirty boys of my company were there taking part in the 8.8. physical training item. which had in all 811 performers. The King and Queen and two Princesses were present and about 80.000 other people. Altogether nearly 10.000 boys and girls performed during the afternoon.” Our roll, he adds, contains 84 boys, 69 of whom were at camp. Our own camp site in the Isle of Wight has recently been bought and equipped the company at a cost of nearly £1,0(K). This year our cash turnover for the camp was nearly £6OO, of which £250 was for food. Two new marquees cost £l3O, and we are now raising money for 12 new bell tents. Our company physical training class contains over 40 hoys and is. split into two sections. The senior class, do their exercises in shorts and gym. shoes only, in suite of the cold weather. In conclusion be sends greetings from the boys of his company to the boys or 16th Dunedin Company. ; THE 8.8. AMONG THE MAORI BOYS. In the ‘ Weekly News ’ (October 5) was a very fine picture of ouf new Maori Company formed at Ohinemutu, Rotorua, where our friend, Rev. K. T Harawira, has recently commenced his ministry. Mr Harawira has sponsored this new venture, which already promises to be most successful. Although only some few months .old, the company is over 30 strong, and the officers are very pleased with the results to date. The following is an appreciation of the Boys _ Bngacis movement from the Maori viewpoint contributed from the pen of Lev. Is.. T. Harawira: — • “ I am very .happy indeed to inform you of the wonderful success of our 8.8. company here. At present there are 32 boys in uniform, with, six more waiting for theirs. There is no doubt that the number will be up to 40 before long, and I am particularly fortunate in the matter of officers—three young men absolutely devoted to the church and the movement. .1 also have a G.L.B. company being formed at present with 41 girls on the roll, so you see the movement is appreciated Ey the Maori people. Outside districts (Maori) are asking me to come out and form some companies for them. . . . 1 ihay do so later, when these are well established. This is just the movement toi the Maori people. From the outset 1 realised how suitable it is to Maori ideas of what a brigade shou.d be. Other movements have been tried, but failed because they could not function without the introduction of some foreign element which immediately put them up against the wall, from which they assume an inferiority complex. Stubbornness follows,' and linally wiov gradually fall away. - In the brigade they (the Maori?) their own officers; they can open their company or close it as they wish, and in this way, while proceeding harmoniously with pakeha companies, they can still preserve their identity. With the parents, the Christian foundation, the compulsory church parades, and Bible class make a great appeal, and with one accord they are hailing this ( ns the saviour movement for the young. We wish our Maori brothers every success in their 8.8, work, and ive shall follow them with our prayers. 16th DUNEDIN COMPANY (CAVERSHAM PRESBYTERIAN). Last week Sergeant Wilson put the boys through a short drill practice in preparation for his examination for the sergeant’s star. A few games followed, then knots for the wayfarer’s certificate, more games (including several new ones), and finally supper. The company magazine, ‘ The Brigader, makes its appearance on Saturday next, a first edition of 110 copies having been run off on a duplicator. This inspiring periodical contains interesting matter for 8.8. members, and the greater part was provided by members of the company. On Saturday afternoon the gymnastic eight will give a display at the church garden party in the grounds of “ Corstorphine,” Lady Sidey’s residence. 16th DUNEDIN LIFEBOY TEAM. Under Mr E. C. Sherriff the team met last week, the programme consisting of a variety of items, such as tumbling, knots, and games. Two new members were present, and although the roll is not large the team has a good nucleus for 1939.