BOYS’ BRIGADE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 November 1943, Page 2

BOYS’ BRIGADE

FIRST MASTERTON COMPANY FORMED. VISIT OF DOMINION PRESIDENT. For some weeks now there has been considerable activity at the Methodist Church Hall in preparation for the inspection and inauguration of the Boys' Brigade movement in Masterton. Last evening Mr F. S. Miller, Dominion President, visited Masterton for the purpose of inspecting and enrolling the new company. The lads passed the test with great credit and at a later meeting of officers authority was given for the formation of what will be called the Ist Masterton Company. Mr J. D. Blundell is captain in charge, with Messrs J. A. Hessell, T. F. Mdhnell and C. Lyttle as lieutenants. Other senior boys of the company will be enrolled as N.C.O’s. Next Friday evening will be Parent’s Night when after a demonstration by the boys a committee will be formed to work with the officers to carry out , the programme which caters for the physical, social, mental and "spiritual character development of boys between the ages of twelve and seventeen years. In the near future a junior section, called the Life Boys will be formed. This will cater for boys under the age of twelve years. The Boys’ Brigade was founded in England by Sir William Smith in 1883. It was started in New Zealand about twenty years ago, and today there are 135 companies in various parts of the Dominion. As a new venture to Masterton it should prove a valuable asset to the excellent work that is already being done by other organisations in character development and training of the youth today.