SCOUT NOTES

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21418, 9 March 1935, Page 5

SCOUT NOTES

(ISSUED FRpif METROPOLITAN HIADQUARTIBB.] Scouts' Gallantry Rewarded

Scout Peter Read, aged 12 years, of the North Beach Troop, who received the silver cross for rescuing a girl from drowning in the Waimakariri river at Kairaki beach on January 25 last.. Scout Read displayed great gallantry and remarkable resource in saving the life of this girl, as she could not swim and was being swept out to sea by a strong current. Hie difficulty was considerably increased through rough water and a strong land breeze.

Scout Neville Davison, aged 13 years, of the North Beach Troop, who was awarded the certificate for life saving. Scout Davison showed great bravery in bringing a young woman ashore at North Beach on November 25 last. The young woman was in difficulties in a very treacherous channel and was in danger of drowning. Both boys received their awards from the Dominion Chief Scout, his Excellency the Governor-General, on the eve of his departure from Christchurch, and in the presence of more than 300 rovers and scouts drawn up at the railway station as a guard of honour on February 28. The Chief Scout The Chief Scout, Lord BadenPowell, is again in Christchurch, but for a short period only. The scouts generally are most anxious to have a last look at their beloved chief before he leaves. The acting metropolitan commissioner hopes that this will be possible on Monday evening, March 18, when the chief may be persuaded to leave for Lyttelton by train, instead of by motor-car. In the event of the former being the case, arrangements will be made for cubs, scouts, and rovers to line Moorhouse avenue, from Colombo street to the railway station, for the chief's inspection. New Meeting Place for Scouts Through the generosity of Mr A. S. Duncan, of New Zealand Breweries. Ltd., tlie metropolitan district has benefited considerably by having a commodious building in Langdown street, Waltham, placed at its disposal as a meeting place for scouts. The scout organisation is indeed deeply grateful to Mr Duncan for his most generous action in handing over the use of this building without any charge whatsoever. Such action has now enabled the metropolitan commissioner to till the long-felt want of a scout group in Waltham. In the absence of the commissioner for this district, Mr F. Fever, who is at present on holidays, the acting metropolitan commissioner, Major J. W. Crampton, accompanied by District Scoutmaster E. Culverhouse, visited the new premises on Thursday evening, and made a thorough inspection of the building and grounds, which, owing to long disuse, are in need of n general clean up. As soon as the building is made presentable, however, a meeting of the residents will be called 1o form a group committee, after which the formation of the different group units will be proceeded with without delay. Groups Inspected During the week, the acting Metropolitan Commissioner visited the Cambridge terrace and the St. Mary's groups, and inspected the units at work. At Cambridge terrace there was a good attendance of cubs, under Miss (!. Johns, acting cub-master. The visitor was received with the "Grand Howl," after which he gave a short talk on the Chief Scout's visit to Christchurch. At St. Mary's, the Iroop was at work under Scoutmaster D. Stuart, and here, too, a short talk was given on the new organisation of the district, this being illustrated on a blackboard. A member of the group committee, Mr Madden, was also present, and expressed his interest in the work generally. Personal Mr L. G. S. Williams, secretary of the Toe H Group, who last week was reported as being on the sick list, is now in Ihe Rowans Private Hospital, and after a recent operation, Is now making good progress. Linwood Rover Crew Members of the Linwood Rover crew will be entertained this evening at their den, "Whare Kura," St. Heliers street, by Mr C. W. Ilcrvey. who is giving a talk on the Waimakariri river scheme.