BOYS’ BRIGADE NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 22143, 25 September 1935, Page 2

BOYS’ BRIGADE NOTES

[By ,Chum.]

DRILL. What. is the effect of drill ? Drill itself does not hold boys, but the spirit it creates does, for drill in itself ia not an end, but a means. The following is the experience of a London officer:— u Having been' for several years an officer in a London company, I eventually became its captain. On referring to the brigade statistics, I found that in that year the drill attendance was 80 per cent, and the Bible class attendance 82 per cent. The only change on assuming the captaincy was a very definite effort to raise the drill standard, as I had at last an opportunity of testing my own theory. The next vear the company won for the first time the London battalion colour for drill, and followed this up with a rather surprising victory in the ‘ Daily Telegraph 1 shield competition for drill. This was quite satisfactory, but the winning of the trophies was not the chief end I had jn mind when I stiffened up the drill. The real result was that the attendance at the company Bible class rose from 82 per cent, to 93 per cent., an increase of 11 per cent, in 12 months. In the following years drill successes continued and the Bible class attendance for those years was 94 and 95 per cent. I suggest you cannot get away from figures like those.” SILVER JUBILEE SONG. The Ist London Company of the Boys’ Brigade recently blossomed forth as film stars. They were recently chosen to sing a new song specially composed for the Silver Jubilee and entitled ‘ God Bless Our King.’ An excellent sound film of this effort is now being shown through England on a Pathe pictorial news film. CHRISTMAS CAMP. Company camp agents are’asked to note the positions of companies on the ladder. (The figures include definite enrolments only, and agents when sending in details are asked to make sure that parents’ consent has been given in writing.) 1, Ist Dunedin, 36 , per cent; 2, 4th Dunedin, 22 per cent.; 3, 3rd Dunedin, 20 per cent., and llth Dunedin, 20 per cent.; 5, 10th Dunedin, 14 per cent.: 6, 16th Dunedin. 12 per cent.; 7, 17th Dunedin, 9 per cent., and 18th Dunedin, 9 per cent. This indicates 33 definite enrolments from hoys, 8 from officers. The fact that the camp order of the companies practically corresponds with their numerical order shows that those who have been to camp before - are the keenest to go again. Some companies expect to have their percentages doubled by next week, so that we may | expect to’ see some changes on the ladder by then. DO YOU RECOGNISE HIM? His complexion is pink and clear, almost palmolive. However wet the , water his little kiss-curl still hangs coyly over his forehead. He charges down the springboard and strikes the water a resounding smack. Ploughing his way to the steps he climbs out. He is standing by the springboard when, suddenly, splash! He has been saying things under the water evidently, for he comes up coughing and spluttering. He scrambles out and an amused onlooker is suddenly surprised to find himself immersed. On the other side of the baths three big smiles grin across at him. Ho spots them and the chase begins. Everything in his way seeks refuge in.the water, but his three tormentors still elude him. He abandons the chase and devotes himself to the study of the standing dive. He. balances. swings his arms, and draws a breath, and then—he is pushed in. From the top of the chute an impish face chuckles quietly. But he fails to see it. Once again Nemesis is sidetracked. But she secures her victim in the end. One. two, three; it is enough, for at that moment victor and victim are unceremoniously immersed by one who has clearly failed to appreciate the gravity of the situation. And so, spluttering and splashing, we leave them till we meet them afresh next Saturday.

7th DUNEDIN (’NORTH-EAST VALLEY).

Last Friday's parade opened, with a devotional period, followed by inspection, drill, and group work in preparation tor the annual inspection and display. The periodical company conference will be held next Friday, when everyone will be given the opportunity

of expressing their views and making suggestions regarding the company and its activities. Coming events are an open night or games night and a football match with 17th Dunedin (Port Chalmers) Company. llth (SOUTH) DUNEDIN. The company is settling down to solid work in preparation for the ambulance and signalling certificates for which it is intended to enter groups within the next two weeks. The company strength is now 42 boys, two staff sergeants, one warrant officer, and six officers. A recruiting campaign is being launched to bring the company strength to 50 before the end of October, so that we may start on 1936 with a well-organised company. The parade on Monday night was well attended, the inspection being carried out by the chaplain and a member of the Parents’ Committee. The company was commended for its decided improvement in turn out during the past few weeks. Special drill was carried out in preparation for the drill competition on October 19, _ instruction classes following. Mr Gillions then resumed an earlier talk on camp experiences, receiving a hearty vote of thanks. An officers v. boys hockey match is to be played on the Oval next Saturday, and it will be followed by a Soccer match with a team of boys from Glendining Home. 17th DUNEDIN (PORT CHALMERS). On September 13 there was a good muster on parade with only one absentee. The company is hard at work in preparation for the battalion review, and also at ambulance work, making ready for the examiners. The company received a visit from Messrs Carter, Currie, and Sneddon, who spoke to the boys about camp and urged their attendance. The company entered two teams in the recent football tourney, and has accepted a challenge to play 7th Dunedin (Northeast Valley) at some future date. A parents’ night was held on September 14, when a number of parents and friends were present and were keenly interested in the display of the working of the company and competitions, etc.. In returning thanks to the boys for the pleasant evening, which concluded with supper, several parents remarked on the great improvement in the company. Three boys have sent in their names for camp. A letter has been received from the .captain of 17th Glasgow .Company asking’.that three boys of 17th Dunedin Company correspond in future with three boys in Glasgow. LIFEBOY NOTES. This is the first time 10th Dunedin (Musselburgh) team has appeared in this column since it was started about seven weeks ago at the Musselburgh Presbyterian Church Hall. Commencing with six boys, the roll number now totals eleven. _ The team meets every Thursday evening at 6.15. _ So far the boys have only received their hats, but as soon they are in full uniform, a church parade will be held. Next Saturday the team will join the Sunshine Lifeboy team in a tramp, and all are looking forward to having a good time. '