MATAURA NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 21096, 30 May 1930, Page 2

MATAURA NOTES

BOY’ SCOUTS. (From Our Correspondent.) During a comparatively brief ministry in the Anglican Church at Mataura the Rev. L. D. C. Groves devoted a great deal of time to the promotion of healthy recreation for the younger generation, and among his many activities in the town must be the successful organization and control of a Scout troop. Since its inauguration the movement has met with excellent support and some 30 boys have attended a weekly course of instruction in Scouting and Scout law,- Mr Groves taking upon himself the conduct of such meetings. Incidentally his choice of assistants fell upon Messrs G. Henry and J. B. Irwin, who have played a by no means insignificant part in instructing ' the Scouts. Mr Groves has lately accepted a call to the Balclutha parish, and in order that the Scout troop established at Mataura might be carried on a public meeting of those interested in the movement was held this week for the purpose of electing a troup committee.

Mr Groves, in stating his reasons for handing over control of the Scout troop, explained that the Boy Scout Association provided for the election of a committee which should have full charge of the activities, equipment, funds and management of the troop. He had been called away unexpectedy, and he trusted those present would excuse the urgency of the meeting. He went on fully to explain the duties of .such a committee and recommended that the assistant Scoutmasters appointed by him should be encouraged to continue their efforts. He was sorry to have to sever his connection with the troop. The boys themselves had done very well, though they had perhaps lacked efficient- instruction as both the Scoutmasters and himself had not previously studied the movement. Mr Groves further explained that some 20 to 30 boys composed the troop, Which had no connection with the Gore troop. Occasionally officers from Gore had consented to present badges to the boys, but he suggested, that the Mataura troop link up either with Gore or Wyndham. The following committee was elected:— President, Mr A. N. Mac Gibbon; vice-presi-dent, Mr W. Buchanan; Messrs C. C. Henry, W. Stewart, A.; H. Cockburn, J. Sutherland, H. Brownsey, R. Hutton, T. N. Mitchell, J. S. Corbet, C. H. Hargest and the assistant Scoutmasters; secretary and treasurer, Mr G. Henry. On behalf of the newly elected committee, Mr Mac Gibbon expressed his deep appreciation of the work accomplished by Mr Groves, and he moved that a vote of appreciation be recorded. The boys spoke highly of their Scoutmaster and the good work he had done.

Mr Groves suitably expressed his thanks and at the same time voiced his indebtedness to the assistant Scoutmasters. Mr R. Hutton, on behalf of the Mataura R.S.A., also acknowledged the indebtedness of that body to the Scout troop which had given invariable assistance on Poppy Day and Anzac Day. Farewell Function.

i The Rev. L. D. C. Groves, who has been appointed to the Balclutha parish, was the guest of honour at a social and presentation tendered by members of the St. Saviour’s Church, Mataura, this week. The vicar, the Rev. J. T. Paddison, occupied the chair. Mr Paddison stated that it was in' a way a glad occasion as the parishioners were

gathered for the dual purpose of congratulating Mr Groves on entering the ranks of the benedicts and on attaining the important post of pastor of the Balclutha parish. He had great gifts, gifts that would enable him to go far in his chosen sphere of labour. Endowed with a keen sense of humour, which would doubtless tide him over many trials and tribulations, he had also that power of control which in the past had shown that he w’as able to take charge of a parish with efficiency. He had got on specially well with the young people, who had at an earlier stage endeavoured to show their appreciation by making him the recipient of small mementos. Among the Boy Scouts and Soldiers of the Cross he had done good work, and the kind wishes of all went with him in the work he was undertaking. As a preacher he had also shown unusual ability. Fortunately’ he was not going far away, and it was to be hoped that an exchange of pulpits could be arranged occasionally. In his work at Mataura he had won the affection of parishioners, most cordial relations had always existed, and they regretted losing his services. Messrs J. Birch, J. Henry, J. R. Clarke, F. Ballantyne and Mrs R. Balloch also spoke. On behalf of the Bible Class, Miss Murrell aslted Mr Grove’s acceptance of a small gift, while Mr Paddison also asked his acceptance, of an oak clock as a token of esteem from the parishioners. Mr Groves, in acknowledging the gifts, stated that he had lately said goodbye to one state of life and had adopted another, and now he was saying goodbye to one set of friends arid was finding a new set. He deeply appreciated his sojourn among the Mataura parishioners. He had endeavoured to promote the interests of the church and he trusted that his acquaintance with Mataura Anglicans would be renewed in time to come.

Subsequently Mr Groves was the guest of a- number of friends at the residence of Mrs R. Balloch, where he was made the recipient of a silver teapot and a set of stainless knives on behalf of Mr and Mrs Balloch and family and Mr. and Mrs A. Marshall respectively. '