THE FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOYS' BRIGADE.
. [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
Sia,—Last week the Boys' Brigade completed the fortieth year of its work for the boys of the nation. When Sir William A. Smith founded the first company Of thirty boys, apart from parochial efforts, there was no widespread organization for boys. Sir William Smith was therefore a true pioneer, and it may be said that all the present organizations for boys are due to his inspiration.
The original movement is stronger to-day than ever, and has increased.hy_ 15,000 boys since the War, now having a total membership of 70,000 boys from 12 to 18 years of age, with a junior movement, known as the Boy Reserves, for boys from nine to twelve. This movement Is of quite recent growth, and already ,numbers 10,000 boys. Since its inception considerably aver a million boys have been trained in the Boys' Brigade, and it would be difficult to .overestithate the value to the nation represented by this figure. The Brigade produces a specially strong type of young manhood trained
in discipline and character, physically robust and mentally alert—qualities which are more needed in these days than ever before.
The Brigade is founded upon a religious basis, each company being attached to a church, which is responsible for the religious instruction given. The work undertaken is of a comprehensive character : Drill, Physical Training, Gymnas- tics, Ambulance Work, Football, Cricket, Swimming and Summer Camps all play their part in training the boys and moulding their characters for good. We are very anxious to celebrate the fortieth year of the Brigade by a wide extension of its activities, and the purpose of this letter is to endeavour to interest your readers in the work of the Brigade with a view to the formation of new companies, or to enlist their services as officers in existing companies. I shall be happy to send full particulars to any who may desire it.—! am, Sir, &e.,
ROGER S. PEACOCK. (Secretary.)
The Boys' Brigade, 34 Paternoster Row, E.C.
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