Scouts Enjoy Nine Days Under Canvas Beside Waimana River

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 92, 1 February 1950, Page 4

Scouts Enjoy Nine Days Under Canvas Beside Waimana River

At a point snugly situated on a bend of the Waimana river on the property of Mr B. Wardlaw, seventy Scouts from the Whakatane. Edgecumbe, Opotiki, Waiotahi and Nukuhou troops held a thoroughly enjoyable nine-day camp, which was broken up last Sunday. The boys, under the control of Commissioner of C. Kingsley-Smith as camp chief, and S. M. Newall (Opotiki) as Commandant, passed the bright sunny days in useful and enjoyable occupation. The greatest feature of the camp was the construction of a 30 yard long trestlebridge' over the Waimana river, which never failed to attract attention of visitors. An aerial runway was also built while the boys tackled the winning of swimming, and first aid badges seriously.

A highlight was the Camp-fire programme on Saturday night when S.M. Bill Newall was formally given the Scout name of ‘Kanuka.’ The impromptu programme of song and story was greatly enjoyed by several local residents who attended, and opportunity was taken of presenting warrants to Commissioner Magnus Anderson (Waiotahi) A.S.M., Sinclair Anderson, and D.S.M. W. Newall. On Wednesday evening the boys were the guests of the local picture theatre proprietors. Thanks badges were presented to Messrs W. Talbot (St John Ambulance) and W. Archibald who attended camp as additional officers. Others on the administrative staff were S.M. H. Toone (Waiotahi) and A.S.M.’s M. Abbot, R. Gault and R. Fleming. Waimana residents were kindness itself and donations of fruit ans 3 vegetables were regularly received from neighbouring farms. Special thanks are due Mr Rueben Looney for his co-operation and interest.