CAMP FIRE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 490, 25 March 1933, Page 6

CAMP FIRE

ENGLISH SCHOOL BOYS AND ROTORUA SCOUTS AND GUIDES EVENING HELD INDOORS A very pleasant evening was spent at headquarters on Tuesday evening when the Rotorua No. 1 and 2 troops, Ngongotaha No. 1, Rangers and girl guides entertained the visiting English school boys at a camp fire entertainment which, owing to the very wet night could not be held on the Marine Parade as arranged. An imitation fire, however, was arranged in the centre of the hall around which the Scouts and Guides sat in true Scout fashion. In spite of -ihe torrential rain, the hall was filled to its full capacity, which speaks well for the popularity of the object.-— Punctually at 7.30 the guests of the evening arrived, headed by the manager, Colonel Charteris, C.M.G., D.S.O., representing the schools and Scoutmaster J. Blackie, who was in charge of the English Scouts (14), who were dressed in the full uniform of their troop and were met by Scoutmaster T. C. Hawkins who welcomed them on behalf of the Rotorua troops and escorted them to the stage where seats were reserved for them. The entertainment then opened with the ceremony of lighting the camp fire (with the electric switch) and a howl of welcome by the boys, after which songs were given by Scouts D. Hulton, F. Hulton, ^D. Alexander (captain of the guides). Recitations by Scout P. Sairs, story by Scoutmaster A. W. Gordon, rescue diill by the boys, a demonstration of signalling and part songs by -members of the No. 2 troop. The gem of the evening was a bagpipe solo by Rover Balfour Paul (of England) in full Scotch uniform, which brought down the house, he kindly gave an encore item. A quartette given by the English scouts, "Under the Spreading Chestnut Tree" to musical accompaniment, played by Mr. Blackie, caused much amusement, the actions being very interesting. Colonel Charteris, in a happy speech thanked Scoutmaster Hawkins and the Scouts and Guides for the excellent entertainment they had arranged for them, and mentioned that he was a friend of the chief scout and chief guide, Lord and Lady Baden Powell, and on a visit to them had been shown their penny car and trailer which had been given them by the boy scouts of the world (a Rolls Royce) every Scout in the world having subscribed one penny. Scoutmaster J. Blackie (of England), followed and also thanked those who had entertained them and spoke of scouting in the big schools at Home. Nearly all had a troop of scouts connected with their institution. Commissioner Harris, of the Girl Guides, also spoke on behalf of the girls and told of the wonderful work done by the Scouts during the war when she was on active service in a hospital ship. Mr. J. R. Alexander welcomed the guests on behalf of the group committee. Supper followed under the direction of Mrs. Harvey and Miss Blomfield. It was supplied by the boys and full justice was done to it. God Save the King brought the evening to a close.