SCOUTING INTERESTS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 21, 5 November 1943, Page 5

SCOUTING INTERESTS

MOVEMENT IN THE BAY ANNUAL MEETItXG OF ASSOCIATION "I would like to* inform you "that this will be the last time ■that I shall be presenting warrants of Scoutmasters as> Commissioner," said District Commissioner F. N. Christian, at the annual meeting of the Bay of Plenty Boy Scout Association which took place in Whakatane last Saturday evening. He went on to say that his seven years of 'Commissi onership had been iprobably the happiest of his life and he regarded the office as a great privilege but he feli that he had now arrived at the stage when he should resign in - order to take up thei work in a lesser capacity. He paid particular tribute to District Scoutmaster Miller, . of Whakatane, who had been a tower of strength to him and shown him wonderful kindness in the earlier days. The meeting was attended by a ffull muster of delegates from TauTanga,. Te Puke;, Opotiki and Wha<katane and took place, in the Caledonian Hall, with the Citizens troop •executive as hosts. In the course of his remarks, Coin--missioner Christian said that the -movement had at the present time •one-sixth of the eligible youth of •the country in its ranks. The position .could be much improved and there was therefore plenty of work "to be done. In America where scouting had been officially recognised -ami encouraged by the: government, it was hoped to enroll 50 per cent, of the boys of that country and, at. the present time it was most difficult to foster the movement because •of the drain oil the country's manpower for war services. There was still need for personal sacrifice. The balance sheet was' presented : iby the secretary, Mr Ward-Allen and revealed a credit balance; of &2 ( J IDS' 4d, on the year's working. Capitation fees amounted to £13 12s 6d and the total subscribed to the Baden Powell Memorial Fund from this district was £12. The Commissioner then presented his warrant, to Scoutmaster C. F. Thomas of the Cragellachie troop ■■(Whakatane. Scottish and complimented him on its progress. Mr Ward-Allen was re-elected District Secretary. Rally at Tauranga After considerable discussion it Avas decided to hold, the district rally at Tauranga next, year and to ;proceed with, arrangements when that committee fixed upon a date Avhicli was suitable. Tile Commissioner appealed for the greatest co- • operation from the district troops >on that occasion and remarked that the scouting population of the Bay was 21)2, with Opotiki the largest '.troop with 55 Scouts and 33 Cubs. • Presentation Booklet A letter from the 1 (lovernor-Gen-■eral's private secretary was read by Mr Christian, conveying His. Excellency's warmest appreciation of the •gift of the illustrated photographic record of the Rally which had been I'orwarded by the Combined AVhakatnnc Scout. Committees. The letter stated that His Excellency considered the book one of the finest pieces of work •of its kind he had seen and desired to compliment the artist whosfe work he considered 1 almost perfect. He appreciated the book and even more so the thought behind its execution. "The Governor-General asked at 'the recent Commissioners Conference if there was anyone l'ronx the Bay of Plenty present," went on Mr Christian, "unfortunately Ii was not -able to be present, but Commissioner Southon rose and said that he had been present at the rally and would convey any message. His Excellency had then stated, that he had the happiest memories of the Rally -and asked that the committees responsible be informed that he Mas. delighted with it. (The illustrations were the 1 worlc of Mrs R. Hunter, of Whakatane). General Information was received to the <jffect that there was, a possibility of a visit to the Bay by Sir James Gros;j. president of the association, and. the; Dominion Chief Scout, Mr Hector Christie and also from the. £>ea Scout Commissioner. Committees were asked to compile lor headquarters information lists ol ex-scouts from their respective territories who had made: the supreme! sacrifice during the present war. . (Continued in next column) . 1

The meeting unanimously decided to approach headquarters: to arrange if possible a training camp for Scouters at Tauranga some time in May of mwt year, at the same time indicating an attendance of nine from this. area. This matter was lett for the. new commissioner to arrange. Before the meeting closed with a light .supper, District Scoutmaster S. F. Miller expressed the regret of all Scouters" throughout the J3av at Mr Christian's resignation and also conveyed to him. the deepest appreciation of the movement generally for the wonderful work tie had done during his. period as commissioner. A motion to record the meeting's appreciation was carried by acclamation.