COMMISSIONER'S OUTLOOK

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 61, 30 March 1937, Page 8

COMMISSIONER'S OUTLOOK

"LITTLE

JOHN."

I have just returned froia a fishing trip around the lakes in the Eotorua district. Adtogeithiir we visited six lakes — Lake Taupo, Rotorua, Rotoiti, Boto Ehu, Eot Ma, Okatina, and Tarawera. These ara rnost beanitiful spots and each lake has a differexit charm. Okatina I think is perhaps the most beautiful, although the trout were not at all kind to ue. We elept nnder the stars for one night at the head of one of its numerous long bays. Next morning we landed and tramped over the ridge and looked down on Lake Tarawera. We hoped to see deer, but although we found very fresh tracks we sa'w none. No doubt this was because we were coming up with the wind and our scent had gone before us. Lake Rotoiti was our best fishing ground although the trout were hard to catch there. We were up with the dawn and fished till breakfast time, about eight o'clock. We filled up the day having hot batha in a hot stream nearby, and doing odd jobs aionnd the little " boch" which was right on the edge of the lake. Then about five, off we (went again in boats to our fishing ground and fished till dark. I hope most of you will visit those lakes one day and learn to appreciate the beauties of your own country. There are all sorts of weird places to go to around about. Hot steaming holes and others sending up grunts and gurgles and hot mud. It is hard to imagine such things in our peaceful Hawke 's Bay. So now I am ready to tackle another Scout year, and I hope it is going to eee a big growth in numbers and quaiity. I have just received a letter from England telling me that our Chief is in splendid form and still well into "the collar." I wonder how many of us will be doing our bit for Scouting when. 'w« are eighty years of age?' He is busy in India and that is a pretty trying job in such a hot climate. I am very sorry that it was necessary to cancel the swimming contest and the Founder's Service. Undor the circumstances it was thought best to do so. Let us hope no more cases of infantile paralysis occur. Perhaps we shall have to cut out some of our contests this year. You will be 8.11 the keener next year. Meanwhile look after yourselves and don't crowd together in stuffy rooms. Ooronation. Coronation day will soon be with us. One of our jobs, which all British Scouts have been asked to carry out, is to sell as many Souvenir Books as possible. These are being sent from England and the proceeds go to the King's Trust Fund to provide playing grounds for the children in the crowded cities of Great Britain. So all Scouts must do their very best. Also it is hoped to plant an avenue of trees from the Maori arch to the camp fire circle on the camping ground. I am also asking that you may be included in any public service that may be carried out in the distri.ct. Of course 'we shall take part in any public function. Individually all Cubs and Scouts should do as many good turns as possible during that week. Our new King has accepted the position of patron of the movement throughout the Empire. While the Duke of York he was patron of London and Yorkshire. Our Queen 'wa? formerly a Girl Guide Commissioner. Census For the British Overseas Scouts. 1937 shows an increase of 75,650 Scouts over the previous year. The total is now 653., 738. No wonder our Chief has his "tail up." Heard at a Cub Camp. "That is my knife." "How do you knowl" "Because it's got Sheffield on it. "