GATHERING OF SCOUTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 December 1922, Page 6

GATHERING OF SCOUTS.

PROVINCIAL SPORTS. MEETING AT STRATFORD. An important Taranaki provincial Scouts’ sports’ gathering will take place on the Stratford A. and P. grounds on January 28. The project was initiated by the Startford troop, which, under Scoutmaster Humphrey, has now reached a strength of about 80, and was readily taken up by other troops throughout the province. It is proposed to make the occasion a gala day with athletic events, side-shows and competitions in Boy and Girl Scout work. The proceeds will be devoted to the building of a hall for the Stratford troop. An influential meeting of citizens, the Scouts’ executive and members of the sports and A.S.A. committees was held at Stratford on Tuesday night to make preliminary arrangements for the gathering. The Rev. C. W. Howard, who presided, said the Scouts had proved themselves and he hoped they would firmly establish theniselvefi in Stratford, and get upon a more substantial financial footing. The carpenters of the town had been approached and as far as was known every one had promised to help to build the hall, and it was expected to put the building up in one day. Mr. Humphrey said good entries for the sports were expected from New Plymouth, Waitara, Opunake, Inglewood, Eltham, Hawera, Manaia and Kaponga. Mr. Gerald Wilson said the sports committee would be willing to do everything possible for the gathering, and Mr. Hatcher, on behalf of the A.S.A. committee, was prepared to conduct the tea rooms on the sports grounds. The suggestion was made that a banner should be presented to the troop securing the most championship points, and that the ladies interested in the movement might feel disposed to make the banner. The matter was left in the hands of Mr. W. Mclnnes. It was decided to award certificates in lieu of prizes to the winners of events. Various sub-committees were set up to draw up the programme, arrange for side-shows, grounds, etc., the committees to report to a general meeting on January 12.

The Stratford band is to be approached with a request that it should attend the sports and render a programme of music.