WITH THE BOY SCOUTS

Chronicle (Levin), 29 July 1947, Page 2

WITH THE BOY SCOUTS

— W CHEERFUL LETTER BY OTAKI' YOUTH Desmond, son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Capewell, at present with the boy scouts overseas, writes: "Here we are on board our ship. On nearing Pitcairn Island, three boats swung out to meet us,. and cheered. Then they came aside and, like monkeys climbing a tree, the occupants scaled the side of our boat with bags of beaunful orajiges, bananas, pawpaws-, limes, pineapples, fancy baskets, walking sticks and other curios. Oranges sold at 3s for 36 and bananas at 2s for 40. . Soon we were, on our way. Pitcairn is very much like Kapi.i in that it rises a eonsiderable height out of the sea, and much like it in siructure. "After leaving Pitcairn Sir Patrick Duff gava a very fine address on the British Empire, its aims and ideals, and what it meant to be a member of the union. The talk gave us a fine insight into the doings of the British people. Sir Beresford Pierse, who commanded the Fourth Indian Division in the last war, gave an interesting talk on Indian problems and what the British Government was doing to solve the various difficulties. Those on board had also been able to aitend screenings of some good pictures, among them being 'That Certain Age' and 'I See a Dark Stranger.' Mr. Mortiboy was among the passengers and talked interestingly of Staffordshire." The ceremony in connection with the crossing of the line was good. The scoutmasters and . assistants were doused by means of a fire hose, and after this the rovers, of which he is a member. Among the passengers was Miss Totenhnffer, a. resident nurse at Pitcairn, and her.talk on the island proved interesting. "We have plenty to keep us occupie'd and I have taken a course in navigation from the second officer." Deck tennis had proved a popular pastime, while hand-ball, physical training, etc., helped to pass the time. Writing on June 15, Desmond states that they had encountered some dirty weather. At Willemstead, the capital of Curacao, they were allowed on land. Here they met an old-time rover who volunteered to show -them round, and this offer was immediately taken , aqy^iitage , pf . , ,Mqny Erqtch. people were met, and invitations receivecl to pay them visits. The town was small but picturesque, and nearly all the houses were built on Dutch lines. The natives were very friendly. Once in the English Channel all were looking' forward to an early landing. They arrived at the •docks at Tilbury, and landed with no loss of luggage. Soon they were on their camping ground on what he considered the finest he had ever seen. The green fields and the bush reminded him of New Zealand. To the south could be seen the main part of London, with Sh Paul's Cathedral and Windsor Castle. The camping ground at Gilwell Park covers over 300 acres. On June 24 they inspected a fine old mansion in Edinburgh. Then Clungfod was visited; the town was very nice and the people welcomed them with open arms. Later the camp chief gave an interesting lecture on Gilwell, and on the following morning London was visited. "We were directed by a policeman to the main places of interest. We visited St. Paul's, London Bridge, Waterloo Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Pall Mall, Hyde Park, The Strand, Fleet Street and Threadneedle Street, together with many other places of interest. We were entertained by friends and spent happy times, thanks to the hospitality of many. We went to Edinburgh, which cost us by train £4 12s 5d return. Edinburgh is known as the garden city. It is no wonder, as it is beautifully laid out and the flower gardens are something to be marvelled at. Edinburgh Castle also drew our attention. We saw he Scottish Crown jewels, and the chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the zoo, far better than the one in London. We went to' Bertram Mills circus, where we found the queues two miles long, and where people had been from 3.30 to 7 o'clock. From Nelson 's monument, found in a disgraceful state, we went to Holyrood House. Coupons in Edinburgh were not asked for; the boys received all they wanted and more."

Writing from Aberdeen, Desmond states that among the places visited were printing offices where reporters took a history from the boys and their photographs for publication. Aberdeen, though nice, was not as good as Edinburgh, he says. While in the city they were entertained at lunch by the County Commissioner, Colonel Bouchart, and members of the University of Aberdeen. Balmoral 1 Castle was visited, also other places of interest, after which a tramping trip was indulged in. While in the country they passed some 40 deer, and they secured snaps of them -at a range of 100 yrds. Colourful travel films have been secured, while the contingent has proved a good target for pressmen and newspaper photographers. The Maori boys from Rotorua have been the centre of attraction. Desmond states that the boys are' i well and thoroughly enjoyingi' themselves.