BOY SCOUTS' ASSOCIATION.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18409, 16 June 1925, Page 11

BOY SCOUTS' ASSOCIATION.

NEW ZEALAND SECTION.

ANNUAL REPORT. The annuel meeting; oi die Domini"ii Council of the Boy Scouts' As?oeiation (New Zealand Section) is to 'open tomorrow- in the Provincial • Council Chamber.

The report to be submitted states that the annual census returns, made up to September :30th, 1924. showed a total of all ranks of C'37l; an increase over the previous year's figures of 1390. Troops increased by -13 (total 18-3); Sea Scout troops by 4 (total 11): Scoutmasters by 33 (total 167): Assistant Scoutmasters bv 40 (total 123): <-tib Masters bv 30 (total 53): Assistant Cub Masters by 22 (total 29): Sea Scoutmasters by 2 (total 11): mates by 9 (total 16); Bov Scouts bv 454 (total 4337): Sea Scouts bv 103" (total 33/): Wolf Cubs bv 617 (total 1327): Hovers by 54 (total 54). The local associations showing greatest activity were "Wellington and Nelson: Auckland and Dunedin have not gone back in their figures. The largest increase in troops took plceo in the South Island, when Lono Troops were formed in numerous small ■centres, due mainly to the visits of the. Honorary Chief Commissioner (Briga-dier-General A. W. Andrew). The "Association; finished the year with £1630 8s 8d cash in hand and a surplus of assets over liabilities of £2090 l a s 10d. The Association was-indebted to Mr 11. Herbert Smith (chairman of the Finance Committee)' for its very satisfactory financial position. The organisation of Troops under Troop Committees) hr.d proved a marked success and thero were many instances of Trocps being earned on'by the Troop Committees in cases where the Scoutmasters left. The reoort contains lengthy reference to the "Gilwell Camp" held at New Brighton under Scoutmaster Bertram A. Seward, M.M., of Hokitika, from December 26th, 1924. to Jrnuarv sth, 1925. Regarding Sea Scouts, it" is stated that new troops were'formed at Auckland,Dunodin ,and Wanganui. The Commodore of ■ the New Zealand "section of the Royal Navy has offered to lend instructors from H.Mi ships visiting ports where Sea Scout troops • exist; the instruction will -' bo confined to nonmilitary matters. Particulars are given, of the competition for the Sea Scout Trident, presented'by Earl- JelJieoe, .which .was won by the "Iron Duke'' Troop, Nelson, the ■first troop to .'win the, ti'o,phv... t wJiicb..wa.s i formaltA r .handed to it by Earl Jcllicoe • on ■ September 36 th last; year. The good, work done* by the different troops of Boy Scouts and Sea Scouts throughout the Dominion is detailed: the list of honours and awards mr.de is sot, out *. and also the result.of the Dominion competitions. lb is, stated,that Dunedin . Scouters are holding a rally. in connexion ■ with the Dunedin and South Seas Exhibition next year, and-itis ; the-wish of-hondqunrters that as many Scouts as possiblo should endcav6ur ; to' attend it. "Reference is) mado , to' the visit of New Zealand Scouts to England.' The report contains the: following reference to the assistance given by Tto'taTy Clubs to the movement:— The. Association. has' been fortunate in securing, 'the assistance of tlife Rotary ■Clubs'." In Wellington and! Dunedin the Rotarinns.have made very substantial donations towards Dominion Headquarters', upkeep, 'for which -we are very grateful, _ whilst in Auckland the local.: Associations, has been: financially assisted. Active interest is being manifested in the Scout-movement by the boys' Svelfare committees of the various Rotary Clubs, and' Rotarians f.ro using their influence and giving their time' by assisting-, to raise new troops and establish strong committees of interested citizens. We are especially thankful to the Wellington «"d Dunedin. Rotary Clubs for the fnounb of practical, work they have, pen ormed in this direction. - 'Die success now attending our efforts in these centres is .'due, in no small measure, to the activities of our Eotarian friends. In Auckland, the Hotarians have been working In ciose touch with the movement, and one of tho_big features organised by them in which the Scouts participate is Father and Son work.