BOYS’ BRIGADE

Southland Times, Issue 23376, 7 December 1937, Page 3

BOYS’ BRIGADE

BATTALION’S GROWTH IN SOUTHLAND

COUNCIL TO MEET MORE FREQUENTLY

The council of the Southland Battalion of The Boys’ Brigade is to increase the number of its meetings from three a year to 12. This decision was made by the council at its annual meeting. Mr J. H. Boyd presided at the meeting. “Although no new companies were formed during the year much consolidation work was undertaken,” stated the annual report which was presented at the meeting. “Frequent visits were paid to country companies and help was given wherever needed,” the report continued. “The annual statistics are expected to show 12 companies, approximately 225 boys and 35 officers. By the number of badges and awards ordered by companies, the boys are showing a keen interest in their work.” Only three meetings of the Battalion Council had been held during the year, most of the business being done by the executive. A credit balance in both the general and camp accounts was recorded. Thanks were expressed to the Invercargill Rotary Club for its financial support for the camp. Because of the infantile paralysis epidemic, the weekly parade had not been resumed until April and the result had been a short session, the report continued. Nevertheless, the work had been taken up with enthusiasm and most companies had shown progress during the year. The first life boy team in Southland, that at Winton, had been restarted during the year and nearly all teams had increased numbers of members. The leaders’ annual reunion had been held in August. Arrangements were now being made for the 1937-38 camp. “Entries for The Boys’ Brigade Association football competition were disappointing,” the report' added. “Only three companies entered teams. Competition was keen, however, although Second Invercargill won in three divisions. We congratulate The Boys’ Brigade Old Boys’ Club on its performance during the season.” The report also recorded the visit of the Dominion president (Mr F. Scott Miller) in June. Some very helpful advice was given by Mr Miller. “Records were again broken by the Southland Battalion during The Boys’ Brigade week. Last years’ total of £9O 8/4 was surpassed, £124 0/11 being raised. This was £45 better than the total of the next battalion in New Zealand, while the average a company was £3 better than the next effort.”

In an experiment in the method of running the battalion competitions all competitions were held on the same day. Fourth Invercargill won the ambulance, Second Invercargill winning the other events. On the Sunday evening of Mr Miller’s visit a parade of Invercargill companies together with Fourth Southland took place at St. Paul’s and the annual Founder’s Day parade was held in First Church on the afternoon of Sunday, October 31. The parade was inspected by Lieutenant A. R. Cockerill, D. 5.0., N.Z.S.C., and after a wreath had been placed on the Soldiers’ Memorial, the battalion, headed by the Salvation Army Band, marched to the church where the Rev. J. A. Thomson, the Rev. R. D. McEwan and Pastor V. C. Stafford conducted the service. There were 130 on parade. The Dominion conference was attended by Messrs J. H. Boyd, W. R. Selwyn, L. D. MacVicker and E. J. G. Boyd. Mr J. H. Boyd was elected New Zealand president. Messrs Lambeth, MacVicker and Branks were appointed to the New Zealand executive, Messrs Selwyn and Branks to the Life Boy Committee and Messrs J. H. Boyd and Branks to the management committee.

ELECTION OF OFFICE-BEARERS The following officers were elected: — President, Mr J. H. Boyd; vice-presi-dent, the Rev. A. Macfarlane; secretary and treasurer, Mr A. M. Branks; executive secretary, Mr F. H. Lambeth; area secretary, Mrs A. M. Branks; battalion executive, members ex officio and Messrs A. Donaldson, J. Clent and F. H. Lambeth. Batalion council meetings are to be held every two months, and two meetings during the year will be held in country centres.