DISSTRICT SCOUTS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 73, 16 May 1944, Page 5

DISSTRICT SCOUTS

RALLY AT TAURANGA

MAJOR TROPHIES TO WHAKAr TANE The Tauranga recreation reserve was, the scene of 3 r outliful animation and high spirits last Saturday, when Scouts and Cubs from all parts of the Bay participated in an annual rally. The Aveather was perfect, and the events run off in good style 1 and precision. From Whakatane, well over a hundred boys travelled, linking up by train with members of the Opotiki, Waiotalii, Awakeri and Te Puke troops. The parade from the Strand to the recreation area was an insjjiring sight, and drew warm applause from the crowded onlookers. Headed by the Craigellacliie Troop Pipe Band, the long procession comprising approximately 800 Scouts, made its way in brilliant sunshine uphill to Cameron Road, and thence to the parade ground,, where, an inspection was: carried out by Commissioners C. Kingsley-Smith, F. N. Christian and Sgt. Major W. Norris. This was followed by a march past of all units, the. Commissioner taking the salute. The rally events were carried out in full during the afternoon before a large and appreciative, crowd. Assistant Commissioner P. G. Grinder acted as Rally Chief, and kept a firm hold upon the proceedings. The visiting scouts and scouters were warmly welcomed by Mr L. R. Wilkinson, Mayor of Tauranga, who extended his congratulations to the boys on their steadiness> and marching. The Whakatane troops made a deep impression, and were warmly applauded, for their conduct in most of the events. Particular praise must go to Awakeri troop who, under S.M.. T. Howell made an excellent display. The ever-spectacular wall-scaling* contest provided some tense moments and was won by the Tauranga Sea Scouts? in the. record time of 1 minute 10 seconds. Te Puke came second with 1 minute 25 seconds," Awakeri third with 1 minute 30 seconds, and Whaaktane Citizen's fourth with 1 minutes 4.0 seconds. In the trestle building, some good work was seen, Whakatane again distinguishing itself and earning the compliments of the judge, Mr P. G. Grinder. The most outstanding event of the day from the point of view of general knowledge and ability was seen in the ambulance competitions, where, according to the judge, Mr J. B. Lawson, all teams achieved a standard which was most gratifying. "For the works of boys, I consider that the scout teams here today have put on. as good a display as I have ever seen," said Mr Lawson;. The much-coveted Tiki Trophy for first class ambulance work was once again won by the Whakatane Scottish, whilst the. Boyd Cup, for the aggregate marks over the whole rally went to the Whakataiie Citizen's. Signalling also achieved a distinctive standard and earned the unstinted praise of the' j,udge, Mr A. W. Kirkby. In. cub events, the local pack gave their Grand Howl with convincing reality, while their Jungle Dance, "The Death of Sheere Khan," was very well received. The Tauranga pack proved too good in the cub competitions and this year recaptured the Bowyer Shield. At the conclusion, Mr Wilkinson presented the trophies amidst scenes of the wildest enthusiasm, to the winning troops. He warmly complimented the winners, and called for cheers for the losers. He then took the opportunity of presenting Commissioner Kingsley-Smith with his warrant, and complimented him on his district. The opportunity was also taken to present the retiring Commissioner, Mr F. N. Christian, with a leather bound writing block —a ceremony which was duly carried out to the cheers of the assembled boys. In the evening, a camp-fire programme was very ably conducted by Assistant Commissioner Grinder in the Baden Powell Memorial Hall. Over four hundred attended, and a bright and« enjoyable evening eventuated. On the Sunday morning, a special Scouts Own Service took place, conducted by the Rev. Bryant of Tauranga, and assisted by the two Commissioners. Throughout the week-end, the visiting boys were the guests of the Tauranga Scouts, many of them being taken to the aerodrome and to the Mount whilst others were taken in cruising parties about the harbour . They returned home yesterday evening, having had a thoroughly enjoyable time.