N.Z. SCOUTS HAVING GOOD TIME

Chronicle (Levin), 8 July 1947, Page 5

N.Z. SCOUTS HAVING GOOD TIME

LONDON, July 7. The placid atmosphere of Gilwell Park about 14 miles from London, has been slightly shaken in the past three weeks by .Maori war cries. They havc been delivered lustily by the contingent of Xew Zealand Scouts training for their displav in the World Jamboree near Paris next month. At the jamboree the Xew Zealanders, who have oue of the Empire 's largest contingents, are to divide into two "tribes" for a displav. Oue will march into the arena forining the letters XZ and give a demonstration of Maori stick games. They will tlien be "attacked" by the second tribe wliich wil! provide an occasion for a variety of hakas, concluding with celebrations whieh call for singing and a liunt of a moa. In addition to this training the Xew Zealanders have been brushing uj> some of their caniping— and they found con ditions in England vastly different from Xew Zealand — aud enjoving two days' leave 'weeklv. This has enabled th'em to enjoy ambitious sightseeing tours ot London including all the traditional sights from Madam Tussauds to the Tower and St. Paul's, and they havebeen surprised and grati fied at the number of people who have stopped them to inquire if they have any knowledge of various friends and acquaintances in Xew Zealand. This week the whole contingent has gone on leave until July 2G and as far as can be gathered, the Xew Zealanders will be scattered from Lands End to John o ' Groats. Some are forming parties of lialf a dozen and will go on bicycle tours, others visiting relatives. Otliers again intend doing a grand tour by liiteh-hike. All must be back in eamp to smarten up for a visit to Buckingham Palace on July 29 where they will, with other contingents, be reviewed by the King. Their departnre for France will be on August 5 in ample time for "Jay Day" as they call the beginning of the Jamboree.