Graeme Dawber Collection

Content & arrangement

Archives TypePublication, ephemeraDescription

This collection pertains to Upper Hutt local, Graeme Dawber, who was a member of the 26th Wellington Company, Boys' Brigade.

Scope & contentThe collection includes a "Boys' Brigade Drill Book" (1958 revised edition) and various note cards for drills (some of which have been inscribed on the back of other ephemera).

There are also two pages photocopied from the publication "What to See in New Zealand: A Pictorial Guide to Places of Interest". One of these pages features an advertisement for The Brown Owl cabaret.

Ephemera

Brown Owl Cabaret Ticket; ca. 1960s

This photograph featured in issue 140 of the Gisbourne Photo News, published on February 23, 1966.

It lists Graeme Dawber as a groomsman. The wedding took place at the Upper Hutt Baptist Church.

Details

Archive Reference2026/08Date range1940s - 1960sQuantity11 items

Provenance

HistoryAn article on page 3 of the April 24, 1952, edition of the Leader announced the formation of the first Boys' Brigade Company in Upper Hutt. At the time of the article, there were over 130 companies across NZ with 6000 members.

The Brigade was advertised as a Christian movement, with its official object being: "The Advancement of Christ's Kingdom among Boys, and the promotion of habits of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline, Self-respect, and all that tends towards a true Christian Manliness."

The program included squad drill, physical training, ambulance work, signaling, and wayfaring (outdoor activities).

Membership in the Brigade was open to boys between the ages of 12 and 18 years inclusive.

Items

Item Listing2026/08/01 The Boys' Brigade Drill Book (Revised 1958).

2026/08/02 Accompanying documents:
2026/08/02/1-6 Handwritten drill cards
2026/08/02/7 Boys' Brigade postcard
2026/08/8 Brown Owl Cabaret ticket
2026/08/9-10 Photocopies of Brown Owl Cabaret ad

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Graeme Dawber Collection