SCOUTING

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 80, 15 September 1947, Page 5

SCOUTING

BAY OF PLENTY AREA COUNTY MEETING HELD The following comprised the County Commissioner’s annual report to the Bay of Plenty County last Saturday, when delegates from Waihi, Tauranga, Whakatane, Edgecumbe, Thornton, Awakeri, Opotiki and all surrounding areas met under the chairmanship of Mr C. King-sley-Smith. Tonight marks the completion of the first full year under the County system and though we expected great things from Scouting generally and., an extended interest on the part of the public these on the main have yet to be realised. In some districts they have, particularly in Opotiki, and to a lesser degree in Waihi, but speaking generally there is still a great dearth of scouters. The County system, though it has much to commend it, has yet, I feel to prove itself in the Bay of Plenty. It may well be that this will take place in the coming years. Scouting, so dear to the hearts of all its exponents, is essentially dependent on the goodwill and co-operation of the various communities in which it operates, and this feature I feel should be cultivated more than has been the case in the past. Scout Population. The annual census this year, was not taken in the usual manner owing to an oversight in Wellington, which resulted in our County being overlooked. However a fairly accurate return was completed from data in hand and as a result of enquiries made at short notice. The total number of Scouts, Cubs and Rovers in the Bay stands at 474, while our non-warranted workers number 143. Both figures are conservatively based but can be jndged approximately correct. The strongest L.A. or at least that which has made the most individual progress is Opotiki under Commissioner L. Jones where 30 scouts and 22 cubs have been built up from a very weak group. At Waihi St. John’s has made excellent progress, while we welcome the addition of the new Red Shield Troop in that town. Annual Rally. This event was held in Opotiki and marked a milestone in that centre’s progress in Scouting history. Approximately 250 Scouts and 60 Cubs took part, and the manner in which the Rally was conducted and catered for by the local committee left nothing to be desired. We have to once again heartily congratulate Commissioner Jones, S.M. Newall and those willing members of the Opotiki Committee on their work. In the competitions the Tiki Trophy was unfortunately f not competed for owing to the lack of time in a crowded programme, but we compliment the Thornton Troop in winning the Fer-gus-Boyd Cup, and the Thornton Cubs on annexing the Boyer Shield. It would appear that Whakatane must carry the honours as venue for the next Rally in 1948. County Camp. This event was held once again at Lake Rotoma under the control of Commissioner Lofley. The camp was well attended, but once again there was a distinct shortage of active Scouters. All Commissioners managed to visit the camp and to stay there for short periods but there is an urgent need for greater interest on the part of Scouters themselves who would do much to relieve the Commandant of the unfair burden of responsibility if they could make a point of attending with their boys.

Jamboree. The main feature during the year was the selection of representative boys for the World Jamboree in France. The County started enthusiastically to select boys suitable, and to raise funds for that purpose. The total number 21 (18 Scouts, 1 S.M. and 2 Commissioners) appeared to be the possible quota each district finding and financing its own candidates Opotiki 2, Whakatane 11 (1 Scouter, 1 Commissioner), Tauranga 5 (1 Commissioner). Eventually it was decided five weeks befort the N.Z. contingent sailed to withdraw the., Whakatane nominees, and as a result five Scouts (2 Opotiki, 3 Tauranga and 1 Commissioner) represented the Bay. It was distinctly unfortunate that so many fine lads had to be disappointed but this was due to circumstances completely beyond our control and by a majority vote following a series of special meetings. Cubbing. A welcome feature in Scouting in the Bay appears to be a renewed interest- in Cubbing. There are nearly 200 Cubs in the County, and in all three districts efforts have been made to give this junior section a better share of activities than hitherto. The main fixture has been the Cub Rally staged by the Whakatane L.A. for which the v ßig John Shield was donated by

Mr and Mrs W. Arbuckle of Thornton. This event was one of the most enjoyable of its kind imaginable and will be repeated annually. For this I must pay a tribute to S.M. Scott and the special committee which catered for and staffed the event. In Tauranga district the Cub Picnic has likewise asserted itself as an annual function and today the first Cubber’s conference .in the history of the Bay was held. All this points to better training and co-operation, and taking the long view—to better potential Scouting. Thanks. I have to extend my grateful thanks to the four Commissioners acting throughout the County, Commissioners Jones, Matthews and Roberts and Assistant County Commissioner for Sea Scouts Miller. Their work has been of inestimable value. I desire to associate, the name of Honorary Commissioner Christian whose loyal work in Scouting is never failing. To all Scouters throughout the territory I extend my appreciation for the voluntary work they are carrying on in the name of youth, and in. this connection may I also mention the work of the County Secretary, Mr C. Good, who has held the fort for us during the first year of operation under the new system.