Red Cross Boys' Detachments

A little-known activity of the Red Cross Society is the Boys' Detachment. In Gisborne, this is very strong, necessitating the group having to be split into two classes for instruction on different evenings. Owing to the lack of suitable instructors, there is no Girls' Detachment.

Boys, from the age of 11 to 17, are given general training in first aid. Ranking is based on military procedure and discipline is strict. A men's division will come later. There are now eight badges for which the boys may qualify: Camper's, despatch rider's, signaller's, accident prevention, fireman's, swimmer's, life-saver's and cooks.(They'll make good husbands, girls).

The boys are available in times of emergency or national disaster and a recent visit showed them to be a credit to their officer, Cadet Officer W. Horne.

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Sgt-Major A. Read is colour-bearer on parades

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A section of the boys listening to a lecture by Cadet Officer Horne

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Corporal C. Brown is bandaged for a fractured humurus