TEN THOUSAND SCOUTS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 December 1938, Page 5

TEN THOUSAND SCOUTS

JAMBOREE INAUGURATED AT BRADFIELD FINAL N.Z. CONTINGENT ARRIVES. , MARCH THROUGH STREETS OF SYDNEY. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. SYDNEY, December 30. The canvas city at Bradfield, where the international Boy Scout jamboree has now bepn inaugurated, was a scene of great activity today, with a population of more than 10,000 boys and their eldefs fraternising in happy mood and making themselves as comfortable as possible in the shady, elevated and congenial surroundings. The weather is warm and pleasant, and all are hoping that it will hold out for the remainder of the carnival. The final contingent of 311 New Zealand scouts, mostly from the South Island, had a good trip aross the Tasman. They went straight intq camp after their arrival by the Awatea today. Their camp is colourfully decorated with high totem, poles festooned with native carvings which are causing admiration among crowds of spectators.

Lord Hampton, who is representing Lord Baden Powell, the Chief Scout, declared that Bradfield, which is about eight miles north of Sydney, is the equal of any camping site in the world. It is expected that about 50,000 people will attend the official opening of the jamboree tomorrow by Lord GoWrie, the Governor-General. Public interest in the jamboree was heightened today by a march of 2500 scouts through the city carrying their national emblems and scout flags. Among them were 230 New Zealanders.

Headed by the New South Wales Police Band, the procession received encouraging cheers from dense crowds on the sidewalks. Each contingent carried its name on a placard, one national and one scout flag. Several wreaths were placed on the Cenotaph. Included among the New Zealanders were 18 sea scouts, three of whom during the voyage were taken on the bridge of the Awatea by the second officer and set an examination for their pilot’s badges. These were presented to them last night in the saloon by Captain Davey.