YOUTHFUL ENTHUSIASM

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 34, 17 December 1943, Page 5

YOUTHFUL ENTHUSIASM

COMBINED SCOUT BREAK-UP

CO.MI'LTMIvN'TA 11Y XJtAS

PUD DUNG

The Caledonian Hall was the scene last Monday evening of one of the finest combined Scout occasions held in this town for many a year. The gathering marked the break-up for the Scout year and took the form of a happy programme of games, competitions and displays. The hall was packed with parents and friends.

Froh the outset when the various troop were piped into the hall by members, of the Scottish troop's Pipe, Hand it was obvious' that an unusual programme was in store anil those who anticipated a firstclass night's entertainment were in no wise disappointed. Chief Synions and members of the various committees were piped to the place of honour with the' District Commissioner and thereafter wilh S.M. C. F.. Thomas as M.C. and S.M. G. \ . Thomas in charge of the games and competitions the audience was treated to a genuine. Scout evening of the highest order."

Under Cubmistrcss L. Dean the Wolf Cubs (or what was left of theni following their severe sun-tan-ning at Oliope) gave their traditional grand, bowl and the jungle, dance of Ka. The Scouts provided demonstrations, of signalling and ambulance work, while Lhe Citizens boys opened proceedings with a spirited lvaka led bv Scout .John Taylor.

'Etcins by the •Craigclktchie' Pipe Band were also extremely popular while the gymnastic display by the Citizens troop was warmly applauded.

The piping in of an outsize 'ill Christmas puddings provided and cooked ]>y Mrs Jim Martin, was perhaps Hie highlight oT the evening anil the youngest Cub. Keith McKen'/.ie, sank the. calving knife deep into the heart of the .brown mass to the wild applause of the assembled Scouts. The pudding which was handed round to Ihe boys was in reality a gesture of hospitality by the Scottish boys to their visitors, who Avill no doubt return the compliment another time. We have, it 011 good* authority that the' small silver coins extracted by the Scouts wo-uld have made any Sunday School superintendent green with. envy.

Prior to a dainty supper the Commissioner then presented ex-Troop Leader J. D. Rivett,, with his King Scout badge and followed this up by presenting the various trophies Avon during the year. These, included the Craigellachie Cup jointly Avon by the Penguins of Stag Patrols (Graham Torrie and George Patterson) and the Silver Link trophy Avon by the Citizens Kiwi Patrol (Svd Shapley). The best sixers in the Cub Pack Avere ltex; Majjors boys avlio likewise received presentation books to the enthusiasm of the sidclincrs.

The supper was served once again by a willing band, of committee ladies and: helpers after which the evening terminated with the singing of Anld Lang Syne and the National An thorn.