BOY SCOUTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 17 November 1924, Page 4

BOY SCOUTS.

VISIT OF CHIEF COMMISSIONER

A most important stage in the work and organisation of the Boy Scout movement has been reached in the Dominion, pnd a distinctively forward move has been made which bids fair to put the movement on a much more satisfactory basis than ever before. Recently the work in Hawera, as in other places, lias been materially advanced, and after much consideration by the Commissioner in consultation with citizens keenly interested in the work, Mr F. AV. Horner has consented to accept the position of District Commissioner for South Taranaki. i

On Saturday 1 evening General Andrew was welcomed at a meeting of citizens in the Savoy Rooms, ajiout 50 being present, Mr Horner The chairman briefly introduced the Commissioner, and expressed the pleasure of all interested at seeing him present in Hawera.

His Worship the Mayor (Mr L. A. Bone) welcomed General Andrew to the town, and said that citizens were pleased. to see a keener interest being shown in the movement. He said it was a work which he was certain had been, and would be, a power for good to the whole community. He said he was glad to welcome the Commissionei on behalf of the people of the town and district, and wished the movement every possible success in the future. Reports were received from Mr Moss (Kaponga), Rev. C. F. Bush King (Anglican Church troop)., and from Mr E,. Dixon and Mr Booth (Hawera troup). Mr Dixon said he was convinced a very happy choice had been made in selecting Mr; Horner as Commissioner, and he was pleased also that Mr Moss had taken over Kaponga. He referred to the high ideals governing the Scout movement, which would be an important influence in the moulding of character, which was so valuable an asset to the nation. He commended the work of the committee of ladies in Hawera, by whose efforts a sum of £3OO had been raised, so that soon the Scouts would have a house of their own. He agreed with the Mayor that they had now a new'lease of life, and that they should endeavour to let General Andrew meet the business people at one of the community meetings. He emphasised the fact that the movement was not in any way militaristic, and that it would be better for them all to be: away from the Defence Office'. In conclusion, he referred with satisfaction to the excellent attendance at • the recent church parade, and said ther£ was a great future ahead.

Mr Booth said the number had grown from twenty-one to forty in the two months since he took charge of the troop, twenty having gained the tenderfoot badge. The movement was only in its infancy here; and the results to be achieved when they went into camp and secured practical instruction were very great indeed. General Andrew said he was somewhat downhearted when he frst came here and saw the poor condition of the movement, but he had now the greatest pleasure in acknowledging the solid improvement due to. Mr Horner and the ladies and gentlemen! associated with him. which would have the; effect of placing it upon-a very high plane. It had been necessary to overliaul the work from top to bottom, « -.nd they must get men in charge in whom the public had every confidence. He was pleased to meet Mr Horner and Dr. Brown, of New»Plymouth, and felt sure the work would take a leap forward. In Otago many of the leading citizens were associated with it, and in the last •few months a wonderful progress had been shown. He appealed to the people generally, and had received a wonderful response. In Marion there v ere a hundred boys enrolled under the new system, and it was necessary everywhere to get a guarantee of permanency of control. He said that many affirmed that scout work was run according to the doctrines of militarism, but this he affirmed was quite wirong—only a camouflage. He said he had many wonderful instances of the good effect on the boys. Example was very valuable. and served to help materially in furthering the work of the Scouts. The influence was such as to make boys grow up useful boys and reliable men in the future. It inculcated a spirit of loyalty,"and taught self-denial and help to others, the results of which were

videnced on many occasions when help was needed. The training went a long way in counteracting selfishness, and gradually inculcated a liabit of *eivice for others, which would become part of the life of the boys. In conclusion, he wished the work every success in this district, and said he felt sure that there was a period of progress before the movement here. Mr Dixon said he was sorry there was not a burger meeting. He said it was difficult to realise how much good would result from the Scout movefent, which would help to put life for the boys on a high plane. In reply to a question, General Andrew said that he always liked to see scoutmasters in uniform. He said that it was essential to get boys through their training a& soon as possible, and he had been impressed by t.ie number of first-class scouts there were, ril.round men ready for any emergency. It was necessary to make the training as thorough as possible. Unselfish service should he the watchword of the scout, to do something for others. The committees must' set the example and the masters carry out the ideals of the movement.

On the motion of the chairman, a very hearty vote of chanks was accorded General Andrew for h's capital address, and this was carried by acclamation. In acknowledging the vote of thanks, the General said it was gratifying to come and find so. many interested. Generally a few did all the work and the many only talk and resolution. If there was more resolution shown and less passed it would he better for all. Wherever he went and found the scout movement functioning, lie found iauies and gentlemen interested and setting a great example of good work. Light ■'•efreshments were ervod before the close of the meeting. Much enthusiasm was shown by all present, and the prospects for <c*uiit work in Hawera and district are considered very good, and the future lull of promise. It is a movement that deserves great encouragement from everyone.