ST. MATTHEW’S SCOUTS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 August 1943, Page 2

ST. MATTHEW’S SCOUTS

GROUP’S ANNUAL MEETING SUCCESSFUL YEAR. GOOD WORK ACCOMPLISHED. The annual meeting of the St. Matthew’s Scout Group was held in the Parish Hall last evening. The president, the Ven. Archdeacon E. J. Rich, presided over a fair attendance of parents and Scouters. In moving the adoption of the annual report, the chairman said that while the ye,ar had been a very difficult one, it had at the same time been a successful one. The group had a roll of 93 boys, who were doing very good work, and the group was in a very satisfactory position. Local conditions had not been good for scouting, and world conditions also had their effect on scouting everywhere. Referring to the loss of Scouters, Archdeacon Rich said this was to be expected, as Scouters were of the type that rose to the occasion in time of trial and stress, to show the real Scout spirit. He referred to the loss of Miss E. Braggins. Cubmaster of No. 1 Pack, who had joined the Forces, and who had served with the Cubs for several years. The assistants had done wonderful work with the packs and troop, and he offered his congratulations on their enthusiasm and fine scouting spirit. Letters from Scouters overseas showed they were still keenly interested in the movement, and he trusted that soon their tasks would be completed and they would return to carry on their scouting work enriched by the experience gained in the Forces.

The reports of the Acting-Scoutmas-ter (Mr E. Jaine) and the A.C.M.’s of the packs, revealed satisfactory work and continued enthusiasm. The A.S.M. reported that three patrol leaders, P. Parr, Jaine and S. Pawson had gained their first-class badges. The election of officers resulted:— President, Archdeacon E. J. Rich; vicepresidents, Mesdames A. G. Moser, B. V. Skeet, Isles, J. Caselberg, Miss K. Morrison, Messrs A. L. Askew, W. A. Clarke. J. V. Dolan, S. L. P. Free. J. F. Jaine, W. L. Marchbank and G. L. Thomas; committee, Mesdames E. Downes, Jaine, Marchbank, Messrs E. Downes, H. Braggins, W. L. Hunter and A. M. Sanson; hon. auditor, Mr A. D. Low; acting-secretary, Mr W. L. Hunter.

Improvements and repairs to the Den were discussed, and the committee was instructed to act in various matters. The annual report stated that future prospects were good. There had been a change in Scoutmasters, the Rev. I. C. Edwards having left Masterton. His place was ably taken by Evan Jaine, who was released from camp. Miss E. Braggins, Cubmaster of No. 1 pack, had joined the forces, her place being taken by Miss N. Larsen. Miss J. Askew, Cubmaster of No. 2 pack, was granted sick leave, Messrs Lane and Davis taking over. An honours board would be placed in the scouters’ room, and it was hoped to have a complete list of all exSt. Matthew’s Scouts wfip had died on active service. Thanks were extended to the Vestry for the use of the Den; the Press; Mr A, D. Low; to the actingscout masters, cub mistresses and their assistants for their valuable work, and to all supporters for their help.

■At the conclusion of the annual meeting, a meeting of the committee was held, Archdeacon Rich presiding. Mr G. L. Thomas'was elected chairman of the committee. A vote of thanks was accorded to the retiring chairman. The meeting closed with prayer, remembering especially those Scouters on service.