“To Save Life”

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 40, 17 February 1938, Page 11

“To Save Life”

LIFE BRIGADE ORGANISER’S VISIT Miss E. F. Blenkinsop, international field organiser of the Girls’ Life Brigade, who is on a tour pf New Zealand, gave an interesting lecture on Tuesday night in St. Andrew’s Sunday School Hall, Rev. J. Hubbard presiding. Mr. Hubbard extended a welcome to Miss Blenkinsop and to her colleague, Miss L. Busfield, Dominion secretary of the Girls’ Life Brigade, whose late father was so well-known among tbe young people of New Zealand. Miss Blenkinsop said that, in the three weeks she had been in New Zealand, the weather conditions, combined with the friendliness of the people, had made her feel very much at home. She expressed the hope that the Girls’ Life Brigade movement would work in with the Bible classes, which were such a strong force with the young people of New Zealand, and that it would be an asset to the Church in that it fostered a desire to serve in church life. She outlined the objects of the movement and the programme followed, saying that she had found that girls derived particular pleasure from working for other people and welcomed opportunities for service. In the 3(3 years it had been in operation the Girls’ Life Brigade had endeavoured to build up a spirit of love and understanding, and at the same time work for a disciplined community. The motto of the Girls’ Life Brigade was “To Save Life” and to this end girls were taught to save life from drowning and lire, and were trained in nursing, first-aid and child welfare. Exhibitions of the handcrafts in connection with branches in Englad were on view, and also the badges and medals used in The movement. Mr. J. A. Marriott, late major of the Third (Sheffield) Boys’ Life Brigade, spoke in praise of the movement, saying that in the short time he had been in Palmerston North he had formed the opinion that the movement was badly needed for the boys and girls of the city. Mr. Kenyon, of Palmerston North, also favoured the movement. Questions were answered by Miss Blenkinsop and Miss Busfield. Mr. Hubbard proposed a vote of thanks to Miss Blenkinsop for her interesting address, this being carried by acclamation. The meeting closed with the Benediction.