DISTRICT SCOUTS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 06, Issue 100, 20 August 1943, Page 5

DISTRICT SCOUTS

THE CITIZENS TROOP ANNUAL MEET INC There was' a larg-e attendance of Scouts, Cubs parents and friends at the annual meeting of the Whakatane Citizens Scout Committee held in the Parish Halt last Monday evening, when a very active year was reviewed! by the president, Mr Ki'ngs-ley-Smith. Proceedings were opened with a gesture of sympathy to the family of the late secretary., Mr J. G. Dockray, who had besides a long period of service on the c'ommittee acted as secretary for eighteen months. At the chairman's request all stood in silence'. The year has been remarkable in many respects, said the chairman, both as far as scouting was concerned and also in respect, of the growing knowledge of the people generally as to. what the movement stood for and what were its aims and objectives. More, and more people in this district are learning something of the character building which is wrapped up in the scout training. The Rally Speaking of the Rally he said this important event has been described as the. most outstanding of its .kind ever held in the Bay. "We all recognise the great part played by Their Excellencies, Lord and Lady Gayway in bringing about this end and no praise is high enough to reflect our deep appreciation of their wonderful thought ful ness and graciousness in patronising both the rally and the Combined Church Service on the, Bth and 9th of May respectively. We understand that the rally was not the first of Its kind in Whakatane., but. feel that we can nevertheless take credit from the warm tributes voiced on all sides .that it certainly was a grand success. For this reason I take the utmost pleasure in again thanking all members of this committee, together with so many outsiders who co-operated, on their wonderful work of organising and application." The main thing now held in view by the committee, lie said, was the promotion of a gymnasium for scouts and cubs alike. DohatiOiis of gloves and punching ball (Messrs. Rivett and. White) were acknowledged and already enquiries were being iinstitutcd for the purchase of suitable gear. In conclusion he could only hope that the improved situation overseas would herald in the speedy return of peace and that the movement which they all had so much at heart would march forward to its higher destiny, the moulding of a new order and. the permanent establishment, of international security and understanding. The balance sheet, showed a credit balance of £$0 and was read by the treasurer Mr J. White. Reports The Scoutmaster, Mr G. V. Thomas in his report said the. year had been a most interesting one. He appealed to parents to co-operate with the movement by seeing that the boys attended parades regularly and that they carried into actual practice the training they had received. Miss L. Dean as Cub mi. stress, said that the boys on the whole were doing well and taking a keen and active interest in their woi'k. She had no doubt but that they would make exccilent scouts in future. Assistant Scoutmaster J. Marsh, read a statement, of accounts from the Scout Court of Honour, which showed a debit of 17/7. All reports were adopted. Election of Officers The election of officers then look place and resulted : — Patron, Mr B. S. Barry. President, Mr C. Kingsley-Smith. Vice-presidents, Messrs W. Sullivan, J. G. Mulholland, Mclsaae, G. Brabant. Secretary and Treasurer, Mr JWhite. Auditor, Mr L. King. Committee, Messrs J. D. Rivctt, R. Morpeth, Mesdaines Rivctt, White, Miller, Jaram, Windley and Dockray. General In the general discussion it was decided to recommend to the committee that steps be taken with the consent of the joint committee to set up a selection group to establish recognised examiners to standardise scout training and awards ancl, also to draft up a Limited con(Continued in next column)

stitution i'or committee guidance. Tilt* meeting closed with a vote of thanks to Mr and Mrs White, and Mrs Miller lor the constant use of

their homos i'or meetings during the year and to the Scoutmaster, his

assistant and Cubmistress for their work and sacrifice in training the boys. A civic social interlude followed terminating with a light supper.