BOY SCOUTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 November 1925, Page 4

BOY SCOUTS.

(Contributed.) The latest news from Dunedin is to the effect that accommodation at the Taliuna Park Camp is now fulv hooked up and more than a thousand scouts will assemble there in the New \e;u. Owing to the boat by which they wete to concentrate from the various islands not being available, it is probable that the party of scouts from the Cook Island may lie absent, but besides Australia and New Zealand it is now certain that South Africa will be represented by at least one patrol. Westland will be represented by twelve scouts organised in two patrols, all the boys save one being members of Hokitika troops. A meeting was held last ‘Wednesday evening (11th. iust) to make final arrangements re entries for the various athletic and other events, and although the local hoys compared with other centres are decidedly young, it is imped that they will he able to render a satisfactory account of themselves as Westland’s only exhibit at Dunedin. Jt is in tended at present to leave Hokitkia on January sth, and spend the rest of the first week in the exploration of Christchurch. Altogether tile party will he away three weeks, and as in many cases it will Ik? the first trip to the other side of the Alps, the impressions brought hack should he educative in the truest sense ol the word. Time is too short to accomplish much in the training of those who have been selected to fill the extra places offered to Westland at the last moment, but it is sincerely to lie hoped that parents will do their best to make up for lost time by helping their hoys to use the opportunities that remain. We do uoi want to create a false imression of the wild and uncivilised condition of this district hv torgettinic such det.-iils as uniform, nod risking being mistaken for scouts from tlie Cannibal Islands. The week-end camp last Saturday and Sunday was unusually well attended, and with excellent weather the short- period available was used by the Second Troop to considerable profit. 'l'liis troop are in the interesting position of having almost all the hoys in the “learner” stage at swimming, and since the troop has already this seasun lie Id about a dozen “wet’ meetings it is lioped that the early start will mean really important progress in this most essential branch of seoiiti-ralt. The Scoutmaster plans to start a patrol ol Sea Scouts next year ii tin' necessary instructor can he discovered.

The Second Rack ol Cubs have a one night cam]) planned for the coming wcck-eml and the indications are that the attendance at this first cub camp of the season will ho a large one. Parents and hoys are however asked speciallv U> note that this camp will not he held if Saturday morning proves wet. Scouts of this troop will meet as usual on Saturday altoriioon wet 01 fine at two o’clock. The Second Troop Committee hold I heir usual monthly meeting on Tuesday evening the time being chiefly given to business connected with the Jamboree.