Boys’ Brigade

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 44, 21 February 1945, Page 2

Boys’ Brigade

The annual meeting of the executivo of the New Zealand Dominion Council (Incorporated, Boys’ Brigade, was held •in Wellington recently, Mr. P. M. Velvin, of Christchurch, presiding. The president read messages of greetings from Mr. F. Scott Miller, now of Sydney, and Mr. 11. Grocott, both life vice-presidents. A message of loyalty and greetings was sent to the Dominion Patron, His Excellency the GovernorGeneral. The annual report revealed a very encouraging increase during the past year. Twenty-four companies were enrolled or revived while 19 went into recess ou account of lack of leadership owing to war conditions. The net gain was five, while in the Junior Reserve, the Life Boys, the net increase in the number of teams was 10. The increase in membership was 300 in the Boys’ Brigade and over 600 in the Life Boys, a total gain for the year of nearly 1000 members. The Dominion secretary resumed his office in August last and immediately undertook a Dominion tour meeting all companies and teams and this tour revealed that despite five years of war and the continued draw on manpower, the movement was in good shape. The annual accounts disclosed a satisfactory state of affairs. Boys’ Brigade week again constituted a record. A total of £2864 was raised by companies and of this amount some £BOO was received by headquarters. A further grant of £2OO was received from the New Zealand Government. An increase in sales of equipment of some £3OO was reported. Other matters of importance discussed included systematic recruiting at the beginning of the session. A comprehensive scheme of officer and non-com missioned officer training was referred to the management committee for in vestigation and implementation. A suggested plan of publicity for districts and the Dominion was discussed and consideration was given the preparation of basic training tables for five years of a company’s activities. In an endeavour to raise the general standard of efficiency, consideration was given to the Dominion standardisation of badge examinations, the institution of interdistrict competitions, and the appointment of district inspecting officers. The matter of permanent camp sites, extension methods, and greater co-ordina-tion between districts also received attention. The Manawatu Battalion is represented on the executive by its secretary, Mr. M. T. Dearsly.