GIRLS’ LIFE BRIGADE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23896, 25 August 1939, Page 2

GIRLS’ LIFE BRIGADE

By Captain

Motto: To save life. The position of .n.c.o. is an honour which is conferred on senior girls, and is not merely a reward for good service, but also carries with it a call to greater service. The possession of “ stripes ” is not only a matter for pride; it carries with it many duties and responsibilities. It is most important that a girl chosen as an n.c.o. should be one who will set a good example to the other girls and uphold the honour of the company and the movement. This is the first duty of an n.c.0., and a girl desiring promotion must be judged worthy by her officers. She must also have a good commanding manner, self-control, and initiative, as well as knowledge. This is why a practical test in issuing commands is given to candidates at an examination. Nervousness will often cause a girl at such an examination to give a wrong command, or make some mistake, but the girl who quickly sees her mistake and can put it right shows that she possesses leadership ability, and will make a good n.c.o. All members of the G.L.B. are expected to attend regularly and punclually, to look smart and clean on parade, to obey the Orders of their officers, to keep the rules of the company, to set an example of good, conduct to their comrades and other girls, and to do all they can to further the objects of the G.L.B. This is binding on all members, but especially on n.c.o.’s, for as soon as a girl has risen to the rank as n.c.o. she is a girl set apart,” watched by others, and copied by the girls under her., She must, therefore, be very particular to keep all the rules. The n.c.o. ranks are lance-corporal, corporal, sergeant, and staff-sergeant. Once an n.c.o. does not necessarily mean always an n.c.0., and the captain has a right to reduce to the ranks any h.C.o. who does not give entire satisfaction in every way. fulfilling every duty and responsibility to the best of her ability, making good progress in her company work, and setting a good example in conduct and character to the other girls. ' Battalion Council The monthly meeting of the Dunedin Battalion Council was held in First Church classroom on Monday, August 21. Arrangements were made for the programme for Miss Busfield’s visit in October, and it was decided that an officers’ training class should be held on the Saturday afternoon and evening when Miss Busfield would discuss with officers Guards of Honour; church parades, colours, shell flower work, and suggestions for camps. On Sunday a battalion church parade will be held, and on a Monday a further officers’ training class, when the programme will include suggestions for new games, folk dancing, and question box. The date for Miss Busfield’s visit is uncertain as yet, and definite arrangements will be made later. 'lnfant Care Badge.—Officers were asked to make their own arrangements for examinations in regard to this subject. Officers discussed the matter of a hobbies’ exhibition and it was decided that next year’s programme should include an exhibition of this nature. The possibilities of a demonstration concert for next year were also discussed. Ramblers’ Badge.—Miss Knox gave a short talk to officer on the syllabus for this badge. Company Reports 4th Dunedin (South Dunedin Baptist).—During the last month attendances have not been as good on account of wintry weather conditions prevailing. The knot tying examination was held and all girls passed, a very high percentage being obtained. On August 3 the captain’s marriage took place. On this occasion, the girls formed a guard of honour through which their captain passed on leaving the church. The girls are now ready to sit their first aid badge. , 9th Dunedin (Sunshine Baptist).— This company. reports one hew member and good attendances at weekly parades. In July 22 the company’s first birthday was celebrated with a teaparty. Thirty-five girls attendedPraise is due to the girls for the time and work put into their concert, which was held on August 12. It proved successful, and gained the amount aimed at to complete the uniform fund. Miss Hill and Mr D. Robb are thanked for their help.