SCOUTING INTERESTS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 7, 23 September 1942, Page 5

SCOUTING INTERESTS

MOVEMENT IN THE BAY

DISTRICT COMiMISSIONER'S

REVIEW

The following review was given by District Commissioner F. N. Christian, of Tauranga, tat the annual meeting of Scout Delegates from Bay of Plienty troops held! in the Caledonian Hall, Whakatane, on Saturday evening last:—

Again we have closed a year in which I am afraid the principal consideration has been itliat of war. Our ever present problem of obtaining suitable Scouters has been made more difficult, but two troops have been very successfully operating under the leadership of patrol leaders. The census shows an increase of sixty-six in the ranks, and a considerable addition in unwarranted workers. Mr A. R» N. Briggs who had, charge oT the Onepu troop joined the fighting forces during the year, but I am glad, to report that the troop st i I*l carries on under troop leader V. O'Brien.

Mr Stan Mil'ler our D.S.M. is in good heart somewhere in the Middle East., and we were glad to hear reference to his worth over the wireless. Franlk Mead the Tancatua S.M. is a prisoner of war in Italy, whilst Jack Flower formerly S.M. at Tau-

ranga, who was wounded in Greece is held in Germany and we are pleased to know that this condition has improved, but regret that his brother also of the Tauranga troop is missing on patrol whilst flying from an English base.

Jock Shepherd who for two years has kept the flag flying at Paengaroa met with a serious accident, his condition has much improved, and we itrust that he will soon be restored to health, and be able to give his attention to the troop, which at present is being looked alter by the Rev. A. A. I. Hutehings S.M. of Te Puke. Bob Shepherd who did splendid work in Te Puke is now in camp and Mr Lay who held the fort there is in the R.A.F. in England. Messrs J. Inskip, E. Upton, C. Murdock and W. Goodacre, to all of whom' we are indebted, for service given, are in the forces.

Messrs Fagan and Longley resigned their position as cub masters during the year and their places are being filled by Messrs EL N. Patch and J. Forrester.

Because of transport difficulties, the rally as planned, was not held. The Tauranga committee to whom the decision was left felt that' it would be unwise. They regret to find that their decision caused considerable disappointment, and are glad that the Whalkatane committee arranged for the boys to have an outing in their town.

No large camps were held during the year, but it is hoped that one can be arranged for this season, but Owing to the necessity of keeping the coast as clear as possible it will be imperative to go inland if such camp is to be undertaken.

Scout week was entirely successful in that throughout the district, a greater interest is shown in our work. Much useful information regarding scouting Avas put over the wireless and through the press, and wc gratefully acknowledge our indebtedness to the latter for the very generous space given. Several calls have been received requesting that troops be started in more or less isolated areas, but in only one case has a Scouter been available.

Very considerable work of a civic nature was done during Scout week and a great deal of such and much out and out war work has been undertaken during the year. A very extensive job in camouflaging netting was done by the Tauranga troop with the assistance of other willing workers; the work was so considerable that for some months scout Avork Avas almost suspended by the troop. I wish to thank those who offered to assist with string nets, but after making the request, the work was not proceeded with, because we understand, the material was in short supply. I am pleased, to announce that a Scottish troop has been formed by the Caledonian Society at. Whakatane with Major C. F. Thomas acting as S.M* We look forward to Mr Thomas' inclusion in the ranks of Scouters and welcome him here tonight. We trust that this troop's operations will be most useful to the boys, and a source of opportunity and pleasure to Major Thomas. (Continued in neat column)

The year calls for united effort to put this Dominion iij the best defensive position possible. To be weak in defensive now would lie fatal. We trust that no> enemy footprints will be placed upon our shores, and no enemy horrors destroy or defile our heritage, but if such should happen our Scouters and our Scouts will, Ave arc sure, slioav the same grit and initiative as has been so wonderfully displayed in England.

The year calls for more Scouters and we must try to find them, above all it calls for loyal support for Scouters by every committee member and every parent. Never did such an opportunity for service offer itself, never before was our work so appreciated throughout the free portion of. the world, never before was it so valuable, to us is the challenge to make it' more valuable still