BOY SCOUTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 October 1924, Page 4

BOY SCOUTS.

(Contributed), The event of the week has, of course, been the visit of Brigadier-General A. W. Andrew, Chief Commissioner of tlie Roy Scouts of Now Zealand, on Monday and 'Tuesday last. The Scouts and Cubs of both Ist. and 2nd. Hokitika Troops and Racks were inspected at the Town Hall at 7.t0 p.m., piaetieall.v the whole strength being present —some eighty strong all told. General Andrew spoke individually to the bovs, questioning them on the tests thev had passed and their length ol service in the movement, etc. He appeared to he satisfied with the hoys, praising them afterwards to the scoutmasters—l.is chief adverse criticism being in regard to one or two Iwys o several years’ service who were still Tenderfoots or 2nd. class. The hoys then settled down to a yarn hy the Chief Commissioner ol his own personal experiences in Africa. Ihis dealing as it did, with lions, creeping Zulus armed to tlie teeth, etc., held everyone spell-hound and a quarter of an hour quickly slipped away. An unfortunate incident followed when the hoys were asked to tune up for a “sing song” and remained dumb. This was not altogether due to shyness. bill to the fact that the scoutmasters have an unfortunately small amount of music in their personalities, and that their repeated appeals to their most gifted fellows to fill the gap have not so far had any result. Scout singsongs are famous the world over, and anyone who will help to sec that this very important side of scout training is no longer neglected, will he doing the local hoys a good turn of considerable value. The hoys did make a noise of sorts—the Wolf Cubs giving a combined “Grand Howl” and Ist. Troop the Dominion rally in Maori. They then dismissed and the.next two hours were given up to a well-attended meeting of members of the committees ol both troops, and parents and friends.

General Andrew, in a very interesting

address on tlie Scout Movement generally. dealt with a number of points which if applied locally, would improve the weakness in Scouting here to a very great extent. His principle theme throughout was the large proportion of work in the running of the troop, which ought to be in the hands of the citizens’ committees and it is hoped that his remarks will hear fruit. lie also pointed out the practical results in discipline, thrift, service etc., which a successful troop should he able to show to the public. The need for more helpers was also emphasised. A number of practical local points which were raised hy Mr Coulsoii, Air Bruce and Rev. Rerkins in dealing with a vote of thanks to the speaker were also gone into in some detail. Chief among these was the suggestion of combining the two troop commit tees while tlie question of a more satisfactory meeting place for the hays was also to the lure. Altogether a very great deal of enthusiasm was shown by a thoroughly ‘representative assemblage of citizens, and it is hopeful that the results of t!ii> visit will he far-reaching. Will members of tlie 2nd. 'Troop Committee please note that as they have Inn’ll called together five times altogether in the past four weeks, the usual monthly meeting is postponed until November.