BOYS' BRIGADE NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 23354, 25 August 1939, Page 3

BOYS' BRIGADE NOTES

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Every year the brigade holds _ an almanack essay competition. This is what the winning essayist has to say about the Boys’ Brigade: “ For close on four years now the Boys’ Brigade has been my only hobby, my only spare time occupation, and my only interest outside my school work. When I first started and was so keen and enthusiastic, as most young recruits are, my father, knowing me of old, said that it was only a “ flash in the ipan.” But he was wrong, for amongst other things the 8.8. has helped me to see that when one undertakes a thing the proper thing is to do it ‘ with all thy might,’ in the words of this year’s motto. The has made me want to give my life in the service of others and through the excellent medium of its classes, has shown mo the most suitable methods for thus serving my fellows. It has given me an outlet for all my high spirits, and, more than that, it has turned them into the channel through which they may do most good to other people. It has taken all my childish ideals and boyish ambitions and moulded them to a true Christian outlook; and moulded all my childish heroes_ into _ the semblance of the dominating spirit of the brigade, the great Sir William (Sir William S. Smith, the founder of the Boys’ Brigade). But the greatest thing of all that the brigade - has ever taught me is that the most fitting result of 8.8. training is to join the church, which I, through my connection with the 8.8., and as a direct result of its training have just done, in company with a fellow n.c.0.” BATTALION NOTICES. Captains aro reminded that the battalion fee is now due, and is payable to the battalion treasurer (Mr A. J. Duncan). The demonstration concert returns aro also due, and , a despatch to Mr Duncan at the earliest would he appreciated. Ist DUNEDIN COMPANY (Caversham Baptist). With 15 hoys on parade the captain led devotions, after which the recruits went to their class under Staff-ser-geant Graham, while the company had drill. Although the company is concentrating on horizontal bar work, a tumbling class is also held. The seniors are learning Morse, while the juniors are nearing certificate stage in semaphore. A relay race then commenced, both squads gaining 2 points. Another recruit, T. Cranshaw, attended his first, parade, bringing the roll number up to 23. 6th DUNEDIN COMPANY. The school holidays have brought with them decreased parade attendance, bub the interest of the boys does not appear to wane. Application is still being made for new boys to become members of the company. In the recent ambulance examinations the two entrants both secured good marks in their tests t and qualified for their badges. The‘company was entertained at a moving picture show, kindly provided by the Port Chalmers captain. The programme included views of the 8.8. Battalion camp, of Dunedin, and of a huge tin dredge working on the Malay Peninsula. All pictures were of interest to the boys. The company is grateful for the time and trouble taken to make the show so successful. With the Wellington camp in view preparations are being made to make the 6th Dunedin contingent worthy of its company. Corporal J. Calder is congratulated on his successes in the elocutionary items at the Dunedin competitions. 12th DUNEDIN COMPANY. Last Friday night the company paraded at almost full strength. _ After devotions the monthly competition tor the squad medal was held. Mr Laing inspected the squads. Mr Henderson was in charge of the drill and Captain Jones took the handbook section. No. 3 squad retained the medal, the points being; No. 3 squad, 205 points, 1; No. 1 squad, 192 points, 2; and No. squad, 188 points, 3. Before parade the two signalling classes, under Mr Donaldson and Mr Laing, were held. The boys are now ready for the examination, which will take place this month. After parade the singing class was held. The library, which has now reopened, is proving more popular than ever, several new books having been purchased.