BOY SCOUTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 March 1924, Page 4

BOY SCOUTS.

(Contributed). Ta numbers at any date, the local scouts are non- going ahead. Xlie Ist. troop is practically -at full strength, while the Ist. Pack has room for seven or eight more boys under twelve years of age. The 2nd. Troop and Pack are •still live or six; Mow full strength. It is now just six weeks since recruiting for the new patrols and sixes commenced, so that there is every prospect of all vacant places being filled before Easter. While this is satisfactory in its way the fact remains that when another livo scouts have been accepted there is no prospect of an opportunity being offered tlio scores of boys who remain of ages between twelve and eighteen, who may wish to take up scout work in a troop, it is probable that in future a 1! vacant places in either troop will be filled by Wolf Cubs who ha.e reached then twelfth birthdays. The moral of this is not so much that those boys of scout ago who wish to join should lose no timo in making application, as that some means will have to '>e found of obtaining more adult workers, and thus el adding to the number oi troops. Very elaborate plans are in contemplation for the celebration of St. George’s Pay by the Hokitika Scouts and Cubs. In a few days it is hoped to have on sale tickets admitting the public to tho Sports Day and Display on April 24th., and the program included with these tickets will give an idea of onepart of the plans. But it >s hoped to have all Hokitika Scouts and Cubs in camp tot part of Easter week, and invitations are being sent out to the other West Coast troops to be represented as strongly as possible at what it is hoped will prove a really memorable occasion. If any Scouts or Scouters of other districts who arclikely to be in Hokitika about Easter should chance to read this, it is hoped they will at once get into touch with our Scouts.

•Quito an exciting event for the inhabitants of South Hokitika was the eruption on Tuesday al'torn ion of last week of some thirty hungry Wolf Cubs to the beach south of the river. If lusty voices are a sign of health and vigour, there is nothing wrong with either of the local “Packs” and a vigorous east wind only seemed to add fresh strength to lungs never inclined to “ca’ canny.” Tho Grand Howl on the beach made even the llimu Dredge pause and tremble, and a change in tho weather resulted within a lew hours! The Scouts’ Cross and Scouts’ Club on Sunday evenings arc being well supported, and already members of the two troops are becoming better acquainted in consequence. Doth troops, also, are developing an increasing band of stalwarts, who forswore beds, homes and other luxuries of over civilisation to sleep beneath the stars (or raindrops). Altogether the approach of the winter sees the scout movement in

a vigorous condition, and, belnrc sc very long results should begin to become apparent to those who arc merely looking on.

The following information is foi those interested:—

Jtoys under 12 apply at rooms next to Swimming Baths on Tuesday, lietween 4.0-5.0 or between 7.0-8.0 p.m.

Boys over 12 apply same place on Monday and Thursday between 7.00.0 p.m. Gentlemen interested in the movement should try to attend the Scouters’ Meeting on Wednesday at 9 p.m. at the Anglican Vicarage, Hokitika. Letters shall be addressed to Rev. A. I’urchas or Mr Seward. South Spit. Other West Coast troops exist at Ilarihari, Ross, Greymouth and Cobden.