BOY SCOUTS

Hokitika Guardian, 2 July 1925, Page 4

BOY SCOUTS

MEASURING TELE .ALIN'D. (Contributed). In the. attention that is now living given' to the local Library one is glad to notice that the interests of the youth of the town are not to he overlooked. A scoutmaster is probably in a letter position than any other adult to judge what are the true enthusiasms of local Iroyhood, and of many difficulties none

has appeared more nearly hopeless than the universal taste for literature of an altogether unwholesome nature. The “penny blood” of a, generation or so hack was no doubt had enough in its way. tint the mental garbage at present in favour lacks even the saving grace of full-blooded vigor. .Much of this is read, unknown m parents and other authorities and is distinctly more harmful than attendance at even the least suitable of Cinema performances where a. more or less adult public is present and able to express an opinion of the fare provided.

Scouting has always stood for positive rather than negative remedies, and one of Sir Robert Baden Powell’s first acts when scouting for boys came into being, was to found a weekly paper for hoys, the “Scout," which has been published by a famous firm of London publishers ever since. This was sold at a

price which brought it within the reach of the poorest slum and clothed In sensational covers that competed with the deadliest “Deadwood Dick” and ensured a large circulation. Although this paper has always been excellent in parts and entirely free from the ohieetionable features of its rivals ill boyish popularity, the standard possible ii a clieap weekly paper run for profit i.

obviously limited. With the same intention the local troops have had their own libraries, and within certain limits those have been successful, but a book in respectable binding of substantial size is apparently lacking in flu l lure exercised l,v a brightly coloured paper wrapper, and a size tlial makes it suitable for carrying folded in a, packet, or in even more intimate contact with the human frame and safe for helow-tlie-de.sk use when school hours drag. By tlie generous action of I lie more wealthy of their friends, the American Roy Scouts have been able in publish a monthly magazine which realty

seems the last word in combination ol uliai tlie boyish mind craves with "hat I, really worthy In inlliieiirc the secret ideals of the men of to-lllorrovv. Colil-im-reial success not being the chief aim it lias been possible to get contributions both of lid ion and on those mailers which are really worth while to hoys from the most eminent writers ail'd authorities, so that no one can really say that it is impo-sibe to read any page ul “Boy’s Life’ without lasting gain. In n very kind and uppnriune way the Headquarters’ authorities of the Roy Scouts of America have ..agreed lo treat the Hokitika. Scouts who are to attend (lie New Zealand Jamboree, in the same way as semi Is of Iheir own country, and these nine have been .appointed official agents for ‘‘Boy’s Life’ with a substantial commission for each annua! subscriber gained which commission they are to use towards the expenses of their; trip to Dunedin. As far as can he ascertained our lorn, scouts arc the first outside the t lined States to be given this elmm-c. and It is to he hoped that the victims selected lie these budding salesmen will ‘‘come up to scratch” and In to recollect that by the expenditure of a. ten 'hilling note they can help forward our local rep- at the Dominion jamboree, encourage them in habits of self help ami business ability, provide a handsome present which will give a, year’s healthy amusement to a- son or nephew, or m many eases to a whole family, perhaps father as much as anyone, and detmitele help in continuing what i- a, really serious menace lo the next generation. One of i lie first pledges of modern hoy friendships is an exchange of favourite pieces of literature, and anything hnrm- | ul. or the reverse, pul into ciretilal mu, atfeets a wider circle than al lii'sl uppen rs.