BOYS' INSTITUTE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1558, 30 September 1912, Page 5

BOYS' INSTITUTE.

• THE MAKING OF MANHOOD. The Hon. James Allen was the speaker at .the service for boys at the Wellington Boys' Institute last evening. His subject was "The Making of Manhood." The Minister emphasised and illustrated in an instructive ,w;ay„somo:,,of the ; , principal aspects of manhood,'sited then'indicated.'to the boys how they might attain to ' it. One of ..the chief' elements of manhood was love of'hpm.6 and respect for parents. A strong .home life was much needed* in New Zealand to-day, and'the"speaker felt suro that- if the boys would cultivate it they would never in later years regret that they did so. Continuing, Mr. Allen said that true manhood required a capacity for self-sacrifice and a devotion to.the best interests of men, The speaker illustrated his theme from the notable lives of the Belgian .peasant, Father. Damien, the helper and friend of the lepers of Molo* kali df Florence Nightingale, the ministering angel to the soldiers in the Crimea; and of the millionaire philanthropist, Peabody; and he pointed out the widespread results for good which have followed their labours. He also spoke of the devotion, to duty of men like lieutenant Grant; Lieutenant Temple, and Trooper Hardham, the last-named being an old boy of the Wellington Boys' Institute, who wen the Victoria Cross during the South African War. All the fine elements in the characters of these men were, said the spiaker, summed up in the beautiful and stirring lines from the pen of one of his schoolfellows,- Henry Newbolt, entitled "Vitai Xampada." Mr. Allen concluded by. urging each boy, if he would make himself a true map, to keep' physically fit, to I .be ready to devote himself wholeheartedly to noble ends, and to be ever prepared to rely for daily guidance and strength on the powers of the Christian religion. , The. speaker next Sunday evening will be Mr.. T. Buxton, M.P.