BOYS’ BRIGADE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20023, 23 August 1939, Page 14

BOYS’ BRIGADE

CENTENNIAL CAMP 1000 UNDER CANVAS Great success has attended the efforts of the Dominion executive oi the Boys’ Brigade in organising the centennial camp, which will be held in Wellington from January 5 to 15, 1940. Originally it was thought that the attendance would be in the vicinity of 400 boys and officers, but the registrations received show that at least 1000 boys and officers will, be under canvas. The Gisborne contingent will number 90.

As in previous years, the Boys’ Brigade week, or the annual financial effort, again proved a great success' and the Gisborne contribution was most satisfactory as a result of the co-operation of the various local companies. i

The latest development, of the movement amongst the Maoris is the formation of the First Arawa Company, named after the Arawa tribe. The pioneer Maori company in New Zealand was formed in 1937 by Mr. Norman Perry, when, as the newlyappointed missionary oi the United Maori Mission, he formed the First Omaio Company at a settlement in the Opotiki district. A little later, the Rev. K. T. Harawira, vicar of Turanga Maori parish, formed a company at Manutuke, which prospered so well and created so much interest among the boys of the district that he was able to organise two further companies.

Following his transfer to Ohinemutu, Rotorua, a year ago, Mr. Harawira was responsible for the formation of the First Arawa Company in connection with the Maori church of which h c is in charge. The company is almost 40 strong and work was commenced under difficulties. The company had no drill hall, its headquarters being a small tent lit by a kerosene lamp, and the parades were carried out mostly in the open air.