BOY SCOUT MOVEMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 7 October 1924, Page 2

BOY SCOUT MOVEMENT

W.-.(onlay Brigadier General Andrew from the |!ny Scon! lieaikpuirii-rs. vi.-il-ed Hokitika for the purpose of inspecting the local organisation. At the Town Hall last night at i o’clock there was ait attendance of about fill bids, only two living reported absent. Tbc muster was addressed bv the General. At 5.15 there was ,t fair attendance of parents ami the public, when General Andrew addressed tile meeting. Mr H. M. Coulson. Deputy Mayor, presided.

In the c.itti'se of an interesting address General Andrew stressed the value ot the usefulness ol the movement. Me referred to its win id-wide vogue. titiw.ards of iil'ty nations now regarding it with favor. It had been recognised by (he League of Nations, anil was a growing force. The total number of Bay .Scouts in the world ranged up- to two millions. New Zealand had enrolled Mime six thou-itud. ami ihe strength was increasing, ami he thought would attain a total of 2l!.t>ol> at mi distant date. The system stood for service in the community, ami lie gave instances Ol what laid been dime in various places in that in sped. He spoke ol the work in regard to handicraft and hobbies, ami instanced that in regard to swimming, the Boy Scout movement had been rc.-poiisihle lor saving -I, lives in the last nine yiars in the Dominion. Tiie movement demanded discipline, and self reliance, which meant better civic life as the lads grew up. There was the need lor this as something like forty per cent of the youth of the country were outside proper control so far as right training was concerned. He advocated establishing a hraneh ol the girl guides here, and instanced what useful work they could do and learn, lie appealed for .some lady to take up tlie work actively. General Andrew hclore concluding [laid a tribute to the work of the 'local Scoutmaster (Mr Seward) and It is assistants. Mr Seward was doing a most disinterested work for New Zealand iit conducting at present a course ol training hv cnrrospimilonee for L Scoutmasters in various [tarts ol the Dominion. Hcadiptsinci.s recognised what this valued officer was doing, and felt he should he relieved of the duties of Scotumaster while so busy tit other directions.

During the course of the address, various hints as to the training work and management of the local corps were given. Community service was stressed especially, and also attention to their religious duties whatever denomination they belonged to. Ihe movement was destined to go lar ami all centres should take an interest in promoting its sm-coss. It was essential that the management of the movement should he in the hands ol the people themselves, nml it was in such cases only that hond(|ttai tds recognised the establishment of local corns. At the close of the address on the motion of the Hevd. Perkins, seconded hv Mr T. W. Bruce, and supported by tiie Chairman, a vote of thanks was accorded the General for his attendance and interesting address. The local committees of the two corns remained to discuss matter;: of detail affecting, the management of the movement in this district. Brigadier General Andrew, who is performing this service of organisation and insoec-tion voluntarily, left for the north to-day. His visit should have a stimulating effect on the movement here.