Scout News

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20923, 30 September 1939, Page 20 (Supplement)

Scout News

CHIEF COMMISSIONER'S REPORT The Executive Committee today presents Its report on tne activities of the Boy Scouts’ Association during the year ending: on June 30 last. The report, therefore, contains no reference to momentous events of a national character which have occurred since the end of June and which have Had a disastrous effect upon our normal operations. From the report you will see that we have continued our policy of development as announced In previous annual reports. The year was one of heavy work lor those engaged in maintaining and building up at Dominion headquarters, for not only has Scouting been increasing but we have had the extraordinary efforts required to prepare and carry out the programme necessitated by our wish to have .New Zealand worthily represented at the Australasian Jamboree in December and January last. Then there has been a certain amount of work falling upon Headquarters in connection with our own proposed Jamboree. These jobs have required many extra hours or labour by both our paid and honorary staffs, labour, which in some cases, brought our men to the point or physical exhaustion, but it was done cheerfully and exceedingly well. The organisation and subsequent carrying out of th« Australian trip was a splendid piece of work. Close on 600 boys and men went and returned in flrst-class order and acquitted themselves in such a manner as to rolled the greatest credit on those responsible for the arrangements, upon the Association, and upon the Dominion as a whole. The hours or exhausting work were considered well worth while when compared with the result achieved. Our own Jamboree organisation was carried out by a body of men outside Dominion Headquarters. These men wero for the most part outside our movement. Their splendid devotion to the job in band and their high standard of efficiency won our admiration, and that they should for the Time being be deprived or the opportunity of seeing the result or their efforts is deplored. It must not, however, be imagined that their efforts are lost. Far from it. A vast fund or information has been accumulated—an impetus has been given to scouting generally which is inestimable —we have been shown how a job of work should be done. Just prior to the outbreak of hostilities an emergency meeting of the Association was held when our services and organisation were placed at the disposal or the Government. We, as a Boy Scout organisation, have to face up to' this new order of things and play ourt part. It is not so much a matter or “ business as usual ” as a case for doubling our efforts. Some years ago Scouting was charged on frequent occasions with being a military organisation and its leaders with rorming a junior army. We have always protested that we are not military and we still maintain that there is nothing, and never has been, anything or a militaristic nature in Scouting. One or the main obI jects Is to develop peace and goodwill. While this Is all correct we arc rully aware or the Tact that IT it ever became necessary for a bo.v to defend his native land or to take up arms In a Just cause he would be able to do it Infinitely better ir he had received a Scout training. Herr, then, lies the need Tor increasing our efforts. Wfco knows where our boys

may be before this present war is finished. The Scout movement has something: for each lad, whatever the future inay have in store. There Is training In self-sufficiency and leadership. Qualities which will be very much In demand in the days which lie ahead. A train in decency and cleanliness of body and mind. We know only too well how the ravages of war time bring disease and death to many who do not live clean lives. Moreover, Scouting tends to give a boy a correct mental outlook—a capacity lor judging true values. superimposed upon all this is the inculcation of a simple faith in God based upon the Scouts promise that he will do his best to do his duty to God.. A sheet anchor in the stormy seas or life which beset our boys whether in peacetime or in war. There are centainly many avenues open Tor National Service and here we have one or the utmost Importance. There are troops of Boy Scouts to maintain throughout the Dominion. As our Scoutmasters are among tne finest young men or the land it is natural that they should be involved in some form or other in war service. We send out a rail to any who can do so, older men, old Scouts, committee men, to come and help us maintain this work and to prepare the boys Tor whatever may lie ahead, whether it be in peace or in war. National Emergency I appeal to all Commissioners to bring before district committees as quickly as possible the scheme tor national emergency organisation issued by the Dominion Headquarters Commissioner in Charge. Let me quote from tne letter sent out by this Commissioner: “ In the instructions issued to Commissioners it was pointed out that the event of a national emergency many Scout officers would undoubtedly join the colours. It was, therefore, considered essential that deputies should be appointed who could carry on as officers in the event of the warranted Scouter joining the forces. This applies equally to both district and group organisation. Such deputies should be made thoroughly conversant with the organisation In the district of the emergency precaution scheme and the general wmrk or the particular Scouter for whom the deputy is acting. Parents or committee members, who are not likely to be called up would make suitable deputies and < should by now be rainiliar with what is required of them. It will be obvious to you that a notification will need to be sent by you to Dominion Headquarters, stating' that you have been called away, and that all communications should now be forwarded to your deputy. This will enable Headquarters to make immediate contact with your deputy instead or writing through you.” Further, in the instructions mentioned above, a scheme or internal district organisation was outlined whereby the Scouts in any area could be called together when in the event or an emergency their services were required. This scheme is a matter Tor district organisation and so it is not being covered in this memorandum. It is. however, assumed that all districts have completed their organisation and that such schemes can be put into Immediate operation. You will agree that Scouts should be trained as rully as is possible in subjects which would be of value to them and their country in an emergency. Badges or this category include Ambulance, Misstoner, Pathfinder,

Camper, Public Healthman, Fireman, Signaller, Cyclist, Coast Watchman and Pilot. As to the boys of Scout age who are not iu the Scouts and who are not attached to Ambulance, lted Cross or other brigades, I appeal to tnem and their parents that they join up with the Scouts without delay. This will give them an opportunity to prepare for the service in the quoted circular. I make the appeal for not “ business as usual ” for the Scouts, but the whole work reinforced and intensified, more helpers, replacements for those leaving and all the boys oi New Zealand into this glorious work—that is our aim. We have gained considerably in numbers during the year under review, our numbers have been steadily Increasing since the beginning of 1937, and this, of course, io activity In the right place. We might build up our headquarters stall and pass all sorts of resolutions, but It is only the extent that the principles ol Scouting are correctly Interpreted by the Scoutmaster to his boys that progress Is made in the work in which we are engaged. At this time our hearts go out to the lads or our Empire who must bear the brunt or war and Its horrors, and we, as an organisation, desire to serve them to the utmost of our capacity and ability. The Annual Report The Executive presents Its report to the Dominion Council for the year ended June 30, 1939. When preparing a report of this nature one’s mind immediately strays rrom the Idea of reciting bare iacts to thinking of wfrat good has been done during the perio. i under review and what alms have been accomplished. From what viewpoint should one regard the effectiveness of the work which Is being done? The census figures are up, wniefi indicates that more boys are coming under the influence of Scout training but that does not necessarily mean that the training is effective. Really, the report of the Training Commissioner is the only sure guide that we have. The year lias been probably the most important iu the history of Scouting in this country Insofar as the boys themselves are concerned. The contingent of close on 600 Scouts which attended the Jamboree at Bradfield, New south Wales, in December and January lust, constituted easily the largest number of boys which has ever lert the shores of New Zealand, as one party. The experience gained was of incalculable worth and in this we speak not only rrom a Scouting point or view, but It Is saTe to say that a widening or vision generally was gained which would make each Scout who attended a bigger and better man. The boys acquitted themselves so well that they brought credit to the movement which they represented and the land from which they came. We feel that is is worth while to record this fact and the reasons given by the leaders for the assertion. The New Zealand boys were generally or a fine type physically, and they certainly knew how to camp and cook and to enter into those other activities which are an csesntial part or Scouting. Let it not be assumed, however, that New Zealand was alone in that respect. Far rrom it; but we bad reason to be bround or the bearing of our lads In showing their Scouting ability. Perhaps this answers to a certain extent the question as to whether or not we were getting anywhere with the work am’ongst the boys. In another respect the past year has been an Important one with us. It has marked the preparation for our jamboree, n this connection one cannot speak too highly of the magnificent work carried out by the member of our executive to whom has been entrusted the responsibility for organising this big Job. Not only has he rendered outstanding service to the movement in his efforts but has at considerable cost to himself, travelled a great part of the Dominion during the year in the interest or Scouting. More, he has inspired a team or workers rrom outside the Scout movement and has had them working at top pressure like himself. We record our interim acknowledgment for what has been done by this party or young men at Wellington. The Training Commissioner has. as we prophesied In our last report, turned out to be of great assistance to the various districts. The appointment of this alltime training officer has been the most important and userul move made by your executive. It is now possible, without relying on ■special trips by Commissioners, when a certain amount or “ window dressing ” must necessarily be indulired in. to get an idea of how we are functioning throughout the various districts. The reports received or the work or this officer are most encouraging and persistent. Financial Assistance Now, we must bear In mind that most or this work would not be possible without the necessary finance and we here admit our indebtedness to our financial head, the chairman of our finance committee. We acknowledge that to our finance committee Is due the greatest credit for the success which we have achieved. Without their aid we would still be fighting hard to keep Scouting in existence. Instead or that the Commissioners in charge of the executive work have never been allowed to worry over the cost or being able to carry on. During the year we unfortunately lost the services or "the Dominion Commissioner for Sea Scout-s. He had occupied the position for a short time only and was working hard in his department when circumstances necessitated his resignation. The position has not yet been filled. A new Commissioner has been appointed at Headquarters during the year in the capacity of Commissioner for Development. He has had a good deal to do, including the organising or a scheme to de- | monstrate the value or Scouting in case I of national emergency. This scheme was ! organised in pursuance of a resolution i or last council meeting, that something should be done to let the public see what Scouting was capable or doing. The effort has so far brought forth a good demonstration or the Scouts’ ability to organise quickly. The Scout shop has unfortunately not been able to supply all the need* of our Scouts during the year. This has been due partly to the unexpected increase in trade and to some extent to minort restrictions. With adjustments now being made, we will, in future, be better able to serve the movement in this respect. The primary object of the shop is to supply Scouts’ needs at a reasonable price, and this is being kept constantly in mind. visits to Distriots [ In continuation of the policy of making

personal conflicts wherever possible, the Dominion Chier Commissioner has, during the past year, paid official visits to n Scout districts, including- Northland and Southland. Many public meeting-* have been addressed by the Dominion Chief Commissioner, and in addition he has addressed Tour Rotary Clubs. The Dominion Commissioner Tor Training has also visited practically every party of the Dominion. Annual Censua With the exception or Rover Scouts, all sections of the movement show an increase over the figures as revealed at the last census. The grand total for the Dominion, including ail ranks, has Increased by 2217. A perusal of the summary set out below will indicate that this growth has been a gradual one, and is not in any wav abnormal this year, in last year’s figures those Scouters who were also Rovers, were included in both the Scouter and Rover totals. This year they have been included as Scouters only. Had the census figures been completed on the same basis as last year, the Rover strength would have shown an increase of 9 5. Members or the Council will be gratified to learn that Scouting throughout the world is making headway and despite many counter attractions the world figures show an increase in numbers.

Awards Your executive is proud to record the posthumous award of the Cornwall ,-cout Decoration to Hover Squire Michael Hex Harter, or the St. Mary's Group, Wellington. This badge is the most coveted award open to scouts, it has only once previously been awarded in this Dominion, the previous award being made to Mr \. Meaclien, of Wellington. The decoration is awarded Tor pre-eminently high character and devotion to duty, together with great courage, endurance or gallantry, and was lirst Issued to commemorate Jack Cornwall, the Boy Scout hero or the Battle or Jutland. In recognition of their services to the movements, Messrs. H. V. luster and Mr K. Mr Indoe were awarded the Honorary Medal or Merit. From to IU3B, Mr Foster held various Commis-sioner-ships In the Dominion and Is well known throughout the Scouting fraternity, more especially so in the Capital City. Mr Mcindoe. the other recipient of the Honorary Medal of Merit, u at pre-

sent District Scotumaster in Dunedin, and has rendered excellent service to the movement during a prolonged period. Scout Journal In the last annual report an Indication was given that your executive had almoat finalised plans lor the issue or a New Zealand Scout Magaine. As you are aware, the first issue of •• Scouting iu New Zealand," as this Journal has been titled, waa Issued *r December, and since that date has continued as a bi-monthly issue. It Is relt that with the active co-operation or all, this Journal well become a vital link In our effort* for the boys or this Dominion. AJit hough many complimentary references have been received rrom various sources, it is the opinion of your executive that this Journal can aud will be greatly improved In the aaya which lie ahead. Scouter*’ Conferencee Once again the annual South Island Scouters’ conference was held In Timaru during the Labour week-end, 1938. and your executive are Indebted to this centre for the excellent arrangements made by them Tor the conference. At this conference it was derided that the gathering or South Island Scouters should be held ill some other locality In 1939. but in view of the Jamboree, it wae decided to abandon the conference altogether for this year. Under the auspices of the Jamboree organisation, Scouters’ conferences have also been held at Christchurch and Palmerston North, and in all cases have resulted In very successful gatherings. So successful was the meeting at Palme he ton North that those attending unanimously resolved that the gathering should become an annual one. and that it should be recognised by Dominion Headquarters as an official Scouters’ conference. General The proposal to make our organisation an incorporated body has received the constant attention or your executive and present indications are that the Association will be incorporated In the near future by a special Act «»r Parliament. A new constltioii has also bee dialled by the Executive and will come into force on the passing of the special Act or Pari lament. In conclusion, we would once again express oui sincerest thanks to the many helpers of the movement for their encouragement and support and in this connection we. would especially like to men turn the Press or the Dominion who Lave a 1 wavs shown their keen interest in the work of the association in a very practical manner. For the Executive Committee of tbe \ Council, HECTOR CHRISTIE. # Dominion Chief Commissioner.

1037 1938 1939 Incr. Cubs 4115 4029 5100 471 Scouts 5313 5921 7532 1G11 sea Scouts . 301 377 388 1 1 Scouters ... 944 993 1131 138 Commissioners 68 69 72 3 2234 Rover Scouts . 3 48 451 43 4 xt 7 11090 12440 14657 2217 x Indicates decrease.