FIRST LOWER HUTT GROUP BOY SCOUTS.

Hutt News, Volume 2, Issue 43, 3 April 1930, Page 9

FIRST LOWER HUTT GROUP BOY SCOUTS.

The annual meeting of the Group Committee of the Lower Hutt BoyScouts was held in the Scout Hall last Thursday evening, Mr. B. Gr. House presiding and there was a good attendance of scouts and supporters

In speaking to the annual report the chairman congratulated the Group oa tho success of "the year's workings. It is only three years since the building was erected and it is expected that the whole liability will be paid off during this year. It was largely due to the energies of the ladies' social committee that this had been achieved.

Scoutmaster Moss, who was one of the N\Z. representatives at the great Jamboree at Arrow Park, Birkenhead, interested the meeting with a brief account of iis trip and of the doings «pf scouts at the demonstration. A number of interesting photos of the great camp added greatly to the interest of the talk. Mr. Moss was warmly thanked for his interesting discourse."

The election of officers for the yea* was as follows:—President, Sir Alex Roberts; Chairman, Mr. R. G-. Housej Hon. Secretary, Mr. R. D. 'Smith.; Hon. Treasurer, Mr. Or. R* Clark; Hon. Auditors, Messrs R T. Wright and L. W. Leppien. Viee-I*Tesidents, in addition to those elected last year: Messrs O. 8. Watkins, D. A. Ewen, E. W. Hunt, Gr. A. Chapman, Capt. Olphert, C. C. Odlin.

The following reports were adopted: (JROUP SCOUTMASTER'S REPORT, Strength.

The following is the strength of the

Group:— • ' Scouts: 1 G-.8.M., 5 A.S.M'a, 1 Instructor, 50 lScpuia; total 57. Cubs: 1 C.M.,2 A.O.Ms, 24 Woli Cutos; total 27. :

Rovers: 1 8.L., 1 Acting S.R.M., 1(1 Rovers; total 18. Activities.

. .The principal activities of the Group have been as follows:—

Anzac Day—Tlie Troop and Pack attended the local ceremonies and placed a wreath on the Cenotaph.

April 26. —The Troop and Pack combined with the 3rd Lower Hutt—(Metiodist) Troop for a visit from the Rotary Club.

June. 1. —The Troop and Band presented their first concert at the 2YA Broadcasting Studio during the Children 's Session.

August 3.—A1l sections of the Group together with the Band took part in the eoming-of-age Jamboree Rally at t>he Stadium, Kilbirnie, and contributed towards the programme of activities. This Rally was a great success and considerable assistance was afforded by the Girl Guides. '

September 28.—The Troop and Rover Crew, together with the Band presented a further at the 2YA Studio and proved to be a success.

October 25.-t-A Parents' Evening was organised by the Troop and Rover Crew, w3ien the Metropolitan Commissioner (Sir Alfred Robin) conducted the first Investiture for the Rover Crew, and also an Ipise ceremony for the presentation .of Warrants, together with the presentation,, of several Badges, etc.

December 7.—The Troop and Rover Crew gave their final concert for 1929

at the 2 YA Studio,

November 30, and . December 14. — Two weelcend, camps were held. at 1' Wirihana '' Hutt, Lowry Bay, and ■were attended by Scouters, Rovers and Patrol Leaders. -

December 26 to January 1930.—-Dur-ing this period; the annual camp of the Group was held, at Akatarawa, there being a total of 38 Seouters, Scouts, Wolf Cubs and Hovers in attendance, several of whom could stay only part of the time. Although the weat&er was not of the best, and somewhat Tedueed

the number of visitors to the camp/ it was a sure trial of the " scouting spirit", for ell. FortunatelyTthere were no accidents or sickness beyond minor ■scratcih.es and bruises or colds. One Cub was taken home for a day or two and brought back again for the remainder of the camp. The camp generally Was a great success and^a goo 4 deal of benefit was evident from the training carried out during the weekend camps. The Tent Competition was won by the Euxu Patrol with. 193 points out of a possible of 197 points. !Eh.e Kiwi Patrol was second with 191 and the Arawas (E'overs) third with 189 points. The standard of work was

exceptionally high, and a considerable amount of genius was exhibited in the Camp Gadgets. This was the first annual camp in which the lioveTs have taken part, and the experiment was-a decided success. The general happiness of the Camp ,was to a very large extent due to the activities of the Rovers

present.

February 21.—The Group attended a, Camp Fire Social of the Ist Lowe* Hutt Grrl Guide Company.

February 22.—A Group Birthday Social was held at t>he -Scout Hall to commemorate the 15th year of our existence as a Troop, and the local Girl Guides together with officers and leaders of the ot>her Scout Troops in the Hutt and the Ist Moera Girl Guide Company.. T&e Metropolitan and Diatriet Commissioners we're present and many other visitors

Party for Children —The arrangements for the Christmas Tree Party for the poor children of the district,; had to bo unavoidably postponed, but it is hoped that in the near future a birthday party, may be arranged instead. This function is in the hands of the Rover Crew;. -f

Swimming.—The Group was successful in winning the.Junior Statuette in the District Swimming Competitions, but'lost the Senior Cup to St. Cuthbert's Troop. T»he winner of the Baldwin Shield has not "yet been decided.'

Competitions for Wellington Metropolitan . Area. —The Troup entered for all sections •of the competitions, with the exception to Morse Signalling. In the Ambulance Competition for the Rhodes Cup, St. Augustine's Petone Troop were tth.e winners with Ist Lower Hutt as second. The Semaphore Signalling trophy (Moorhouse Cup) went to the Kilbirnie Troop. The Wellington Banner for Physical Drill and Marching was won by Ist Lower Hutt Troop.

Church Parades.—Several have jbeen j held during the year and attendances have. been rather encouraging. The parades are of course voluntary, but each lad is expected to attend his own foxin of worship according to this parent's desire, and in keeping with the first of the Scout Promise '"Duty to God." Badges and Training. ' . The generally high standard of efficiency which is being maintained in t>he various proficiency and test badges, - and progress being made is quite satisfactory. The-following is a return of the badges, etc., issued during the year to the three sections of the Group:— Scouts: —Tenderfoot Cloth 18, Tenderfoot Brass 11, Second Class 6, First Class 4, King Scout 6, Ist All Round Cord 1, 2nd All Round Cord 4, 1 year Service Stars 26, D.S.M Hat 1, A;S.M. Hat 3, PX. Hat. for Seconds 4, C.M. Buttonhole 1, A.S.M. Buttonhole, 1, Ambialance 14, Artist 1, AtMete 2, Basket Worker 2, Carpenter 1, Cook 3, Cyclist 1, Engineer 4, Entertainer 1, Handyman 2, Pioneer 1, Public/Health Man 7, •Surveyor 2, Missioner .1; Rescuer 1, Shoulder Badge: 48. Total of 177 badges. "'','■ Cubs. —Tenderpad Cloth 13, Tender•pad Brass 4, Proficiency Stars 5, 1 year Service Stars 11, Sixers Buttonhole 4> Collector 2, Observer 1, Artist 1, Wood Worker 1, First Aider 6, Athlete 2. Total of 50 badges. - Rovers, —R/S Bar Hat 9, R/S Buttonhole J. 2, R. Instructor . Total of 23 badges. -Instructors. , It is hoped that we/, may be* able to obtain the services of some gentlemen to act as instructors for additional tests which we, are anxious to arrange for the lads. Visitation. It is suggested that" the Group Committee might appoint members to pay periodical visits to the varioxra meetings of the Group and so-sec what is~ going on with the lads, and perhaps they may be able to assist in some matters towards improving the training or general management of affairs. Attendance. The attendances, although somewhat hampered by nigih.t school and homework, have been rather good and if era programmes are kept sufficiently interesting, to <jombat outside items of plea-1 sure, then we can anticipate greate* numbers turning out in the future. Baud. The efficiency of the Band has in* creased during the year, but at present !is not making a -great deal of 3iead-~ way owing to the inability of several lads to turn out to the weekly practice.

It is hoped to,, further improve in tlxe near future. The services of an instrue tor for the Band woidd be greatly ap-

predated. Patrol Banner. ,

This competition is being revised, and it is intended to have t-he new conditions operating from April next. Visit of Chief Scout.

New Zealand is to be favoured with a visit from our beloved Chief Scout, Lord Baden-Powell of GilweU, and this Group i 3 already alive to the necessity of sticking to tfce motto of the Movement, "Be Prepared." The prospects of such, a visit is certainly -going to revolutionise the Scouting activity geno. Tally in the interest of the Movement. With this in view, greater attention is being .paid during the cnsidng year to furthering tine Spirit of Scouting in the Group.

Summary of Income and Expenditure

for Tear ending- February 28, 1930.

. Income:—Balance brought forward*, £9/12/9; donations, £18/2/-; subserip. tion3 (boys), £14/15/5; Rents,£23/16/6; Earthquake Fund, £3/6/9; Badge Sales, £3/0/6; Discount, 10/11; Dane© and Cf 500" £138/2/8; concert £4/12/3; Extras, Refunds, etc, 1/13/3; total £227 13/-.

Expenditure: —Repayment of Loan, £100/-/-; Interest on. Loan, £18/17/6; Insurances, £6/8/3; Electric Light; £13/16/4; Camp Loss (1930), £14/0/7; Badges, £8/19/10; Rovers' Uniforms, £10/7/1; Earthquake Fund, £4/18/3; Troop A/c (sundry), £12/2/-; Hall A/c (sundry), £13/9/6; Cash .in Hand, £15/3/6; total £217/13/-..

Balance Sheet,

Liabilities:—Loan A/c (D, F. HaU), £100/-/-; Excess of Assets over Liabilities £898/10/7; total £998/10/7.

Assets: —Oash in hand, £7/8/1; Gash in Bank, £7/15/7; Stock, £19/19/1; Buildings £832/4/-; Furniture and Fittings, £26/6/10; Band Instruments and Camp Gear £80/-/-; Wireless Mast £4/-/-; Piano £20/17/-; total £998/10/7.

TREASURER'S REPORT

As can be seen from the Statement of Accounts we have just completed a very successful year. • Depreciation 'has been allowed fox at the rate of" 20% on all our property except the Hall, w&ich has been depreciated 5%

It -will be noted that there is no addition to assets fb^1 the recent. improvements which have been made to the Hall, the reason for this being that the Statement from C. and A. Odlin. was not received until late this month. We have a contingent liability of £39 19s 3d to this firm.

It must be remembered that were it not for the untiring efforts of Mr. Hayr ton, Mr. Mair and their little working bee the cost of "these improvements would have been at least doubled.

GROUP COMMITTEE'S REPORT.

As will be seen by the appearance o| the halls, great improvements have been made during the yeaT just closed.

The matter of raising tie beam and of lining arid finishing off the large hall was a tremendous job, and t»he Group Committee are extremely grateful to Mr. L. ("Uncle*) Hayton, and to Patrol Leader (now Rover) H. Horlor, to« gether with their band of willing helpers, for the' excellentmanner in which, the work has been carried through, and so saving a large amount of money for labour. . .

If you examine the statement of .accounts, you will see that during the year quite a considerable amount of money was raised by means of donations from vice-presidents, dances, ~" 500" evenings, a concert and from Tents for use of halls. The halls are now well equipped and with recent al«. terations effected, are now. quite comfortable.

During the year we have been able to pay off the sum of £100 of the loan of £200. .

Our siheerest thanks are due to.the Ladies' Committee in particular, anil also to those, committeemen who have worked so zealously during the year, and helped to bring about the present thappy state of affairs.

We also desire to -extend our heartfelt thanks to those gentlemen who accepted the position of vise-president and helped *so generously with donations, and also all .other friends who have helped us in so many different ways, not forgetting the press. Out best thanks are also tendered to .the honorary auditors who have taken such great pains to render accurate statements. ."■■•.'

CTJ&MASTEOa'S REPORT. . The Gubmaster's report contained th©

following:—-I wish to -thank the Group Committee for their kind support during tie past year. Although a gr«a* deal of proficiency work' has not been done during the year, what has beem done the boys certainly know 'propeiiy, and a high standard has been maaataned, while the right Cub Spirit prevails. The Pack strength now stands

at 1 C.M., 2 A.G.Ms, 24 Wolf Onbss total 27. A number of Cubs have befca passed up into the Troop during th» year, all of whom are becoming goed Scouts. A further numiber are ta. go up immediately. Attendances 'hay* been generally satisfactory, the aver* age being approximately 14.

ENGOUEAG-EMENT. Office Boy: ' ' The boss is beginning to take an interest in. me.'' Head Clerk:.'"'Gotfii Is hef" Boy: "Yes, he asked me yesterday* if I worked here." , ■'. :.