SCOUT RALLY.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17469, 1 June 1922, Page 4

SCOUT RALLY.

DOMINION JAMBOREE. PRELIMINARY ARRANGEMENTS. Tho Dominion Chief Commissioner of Boy Scouts, Captain D. C. "W. Cossgrove, made a statement at the annual meeting of tho Boy Scout Association yesterday regarding tho "rally," or "jamboree,'' to be Held in Christchurcli from December 29th, 1922, to January 7th, 1U23. Captain Cossgrovc said that the main object of tlie jaiiiboree was that of education, and to giver opportunities tor tne boy* from all parts ot tne Dominion to form friendships tliat nugnt be useful to tliem in after years.. One of the difficulties experienced by Scoutmasters was to get new meas, and the "jamboree" would provide opportunities for tne exchange ot views- lie detailed the general programme—demonstrations of bcout work, camp-fire concerts, and lectures for Scoutmasters. As to transport, it was anticipated that about 6000 boys would attend the "jamboree," and the Tourist Department was at present working out details in respect of special bteamers and trains. There was a suggestion that the Nelson, Picton, Blenheim, Ivaikoura, Balcairn, and Amberley troops, and also that the Timaru troops should trek to the jamboree. It was also suggested that a uniform charge should be made for transport, and he did not anticipate that it would exceed 30s per head. Each province i would provide the amount estimated to cover the cost of transport of its troops: | when the whole cost was ascertained there would be, in some cases, refunds niado. Mr H. Herbert Smith thought that the idea of a 200-mile trek should be discouraged; some parents would not let their sons take part in such a heavy undertaking. ! Major F. W. Sandford said that his , experience of twelve years showed that boys could stand a trek of that distance. One one occasion ho had taken boys on a 300-mile trek. In reply to questions,-the_Chief Commissioner said that it was intended to provide tents to accommodate those attending the jamboree. They were trying to arrange for the use of the A. and P. Association's Show Grounds at Addington. In the event of wet weather, he-believed they . could put the whole 5000 boys under shelter. As far as food was concerned, it was anticipated that practically all the meat required would bo presented, and that other gifts in kind would be received. Mr L. M. Isitt, M.P., suggested that the Prime Minister should be waited upon in respect of concessions in railway travelling and in the hire of tents from the Defence Department. He suggested that the Dominion Chief Scout, (his Excellency the GovernorGeneral) should bo asked to open the jamboree. On the motion of Major Sandford, seconded by Mr It. C. Grigsby (Auckland) it was decided: "That the Dominion Council of the Boy Scout Association, New Zealand, approves of the general idea of holding a jamboree, and asks the Executive Committee to proceed with the necessary steps, and announce results of their arrangements as soon as possible."