BOY SCOUTS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 4, 16 January 1942, Page 5

BOY SCOUTS

LOCAL TROOP ACTIVITIES CITIZENS COMMITTEE MEETS A class of eighteen local scouts are studying for the St. John Ambulance certificates under Mr H. L. Drubc', and arc making excellent progress. This was reported to the Citizen's Committee last evening by Scoutmaster Thomas, who added that he hoped the usual District Rally would be held at Tauranga this year, as the boys would stand a good chance in the competitions there. The question of allowing scouts to join the Home Guard as signallers was also discussed, in view of the recent application for boys by members of the local organisation. The Scoutmaster, and the chairman reported that they had already contacted headquarters on this matter, and had learnt that the Scout Code forbade the appointment of scouts to any branch of the fighting forces. On the other hand there was: nothing to prevent scouts from joining the Home Guard of their own free will, when they attained the age of sixteen. Furthermore they were encouraged officially to j.oin the E.P.S. which was essentially a non-belli-gerent body. Arrangements for Scout Week (February 20th to> 23rd) were discussed and finally left with, the scoutmaster to bring down a tentative programme for consideration at next meeting. Arrangements will shortly be made to institute a gymnasium class for the boys a?;; soon as a suitable instructor is appointed. This matter will do much to> popularise the movement locally and it is hoped to incorporate its attraction in the activities of Scout Week.