COMMISSIONER'S REVIEW

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 22, 9 November 1943, Page 3

COMMISSIONER'S REVIEW

SCOUTING IN THE BAY THE YEAR'S ACTIVITIES In a comprehensive report on Scouting activities throughout the Bay of Plenty Commissioner F. N. Christian at the annual meeting of the Association, stated as under: — "Like all others of the war, the year just past has brought its problems as well as its triumphs; in fact its triumphs have been in the way in which the Scouters and the committees have overcome -Vlie difficulties. The problem of obtaining officers has become increasingly difficult and Onepu and Paengaroa have not found it possible, to carry on. but on the whole, the troops arc splendidly manned and one phase of the work that is being done, was amply demonstrated at the rally, held this year at AVhakatane. Despite the. difficulties the registration totals of 292 in the ranks is oniy fivc short of that, recorded last year. The great event of the year was of course the visit of Their Excellencies Sir Cyril and Eady Newall to the. Bay and the opportunity it afforded. Scouters to meet the Gov-ernor-General and his wife and to enjoy their intense interest in our work. To have a visit from the Chief Scout was a privilege. To have one so distinguished alter his programme to lit in with our.was really wonderful and certainly made history in Scouting. His Excellency took the salute at the March Past and with Lady Newall and the family inspected the boys in a most thorough manner and stayed with us during the major part, of the even ts. Whilst the visit of the Vice-Regal party was most enjoyable to us. we were very conscious of the fact that it was enjoyable to them, and His Excellency has since spoken in appreciation of the rally. The Sunday Scout Service held in the King Street Hall "was an inspiration : for the simple directness of the Governor's message could, not be lost on the youngest Cub or Brownie. The rally was attended by Whakatane Citizens-, Whakatane Craigellachie. Tc Puke, Tauranga and Waihi troops. Waihi did not compete as a separate unit The programme was ambitious but. favoured by the weather, went through without a hitch under the control of Assistant Commissioner P. G. Grinder. The. spectacular event of scaling the wall was much enjoyed by the large party of spectators as well as providing valuable exercise and the. opportunity lor ingenuity for the competitors. The Scottish boys despite their youth did particularly well in this.

Tho Whakatanc Citi/.ens troop won tlii' principal trophy, the Boyd Cupt whilst the Whakatane Scottish 1 troop captured. :it their, first rally 1 appearand 1 , the Tiki trophy, which I this year was again awarded. I'or the J Ambulance competition, their work ' in this connection being particular- > ly meritorious. The Whakatane Citizens Cubs evidently made up their minds to complete \\hakatane's day and proudly carried home the Bowyer Shield. The camp lire : was very successful so lar as numbers were concerned and but lor the cokl would have been ideal. Many of the Scouts had to return on the day of the rally but. despite this the attendance of Scouts, Ci'ibs. Guides and Brownies and parents at the Scout Service tested the capacity ol' the hall and was the high light of I he whole function. The combined committees at Whakatane are to be congratulated on the arrangements made, the details of which were, as near perlect as was humanly possible. 1 he district extends to them its congratulations on their troops' and packs' well deserve:! suL*cesse:» and its thanks to them for the responsibility taken and for the programme so ably carried through. A number of camps have been held during the year, but no united camp lor I he whole district was attempted. As before., troops have sent Christmas parcels to the Seouters oxerseas and no doubt these "Will be appreciated as inn:*h as in the past. Mr I led vers liriggv. A.S.M. at Onepu in the Middle Kast when last he wrote, .lack 1' lower ex S.M. ot Tauranga was, we are pleased to report. much improved in heaith though still a prison* r ol war. We arc pleased to have back with us Mr Stan Miller our I).S.M. and we are hoping thai he will remain in the district. Already much work for Scouting has been done by n.m since his return freni active service. Frank Mead S.M. of Taneatua, was a prisoner of war in Italy a short time ago. Mr P. W. Grinder has been ap- . pointed to the position of Assistant District Commissioner, and war-

rants have been granted during this period to the Rev. E. L. B. Gribble S.M. at Waihi; Mr C. F. Thomas S.M. of the Craigellachie Troop; Mr Ward Allen S.M. at Tauranga* and also to Mr Nelson Canned and Mr Laurie Fleming A.S.M.'s at Tauranga and Mr I\. J. Marsh A.S.M. for the Citizens Troop at Whakatane. Mr Marsh has now under way the formation of a Seoul troop at Awakeri. and wc have no doubt that he will be successful. Opotiki has had a elvange in command and we welcome Mr George Bruton Acting S.M. of Opotiki and trust that he will get something from our organisation as well as give, much to it. Mr Bruton has had experience as a Scout. We thank the press for its assistance and; the many public officials, Avhom we have to contact, in various wnys, for their unfailing eourt-