WITH THE SCOUTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 65, 16 March 1916, Page 8

WITH THE SCOUTS.

I On Tllnrsday. March 9. a number of patent.; and friends of the Kdeuoal* Troop t .were pre-.tnc witness the tnvcitlturc cf |31 boys a:: .«**onts. The ceremony was perI formed br the district commander In conjunction with tne llev. Mr. Inglls. scoutmaster, of the Mount Albert Troop. During the evening the troop gave a display of bridge-building, signalling, and ambulance work, which wns carried ont in a very creditable manner. Quite a number of the ecouts are preparing for their,second-claas tests. On Saturday 29 members of the troop marched to Titlraugi, where some useful work was done. A special parade is called for the St? Barnabas' Baltaiion nn Friday next, the 17th instant. All scoots will proceed to Henderson by the 9.40 a.m. train from Mount Eden, and return by the 5.35 p.m. train from Henderson. An entertainment, to take place In the Tabenraclc. Is being organised In aid of tbe "Lord Mayor Treloar Cripple Home" In Kngland. The programme for the entertainment, which will eventuate on April 4th. Is in the bands of the management of tbe Baptist Orphan Home. Manurewa. The boys attached to tbe Baptist Churches have been asked to parade on the occasion. The Northcote Scouts (Scoutmaster S. J. Davidson! paid a return visit to the Otabnhu Troop last Saturday week. A most enjoyable outing was arranged .lor the visitors through the kindnes of Acting Scoutmasters Howarth and Taylor, and 'the Otahuhu boys. The appointment of Rev. B. 3. Stanton (Scoutmaster of St. Barnabas' Troop) as Diocesan Brigade Commander has been announced. It is intended to register the whole of the Diocesan Troops with the Boy Scout Association within the next few days. The Mayor of Auckland (Mr J. H. Gnnson) has invited the whole of the Scouts in the Auckland Central District to his residence at Epsom on the afternoon of Saturday. 2Sth mst. The City Troops are to assemble, without staves, at the Grafton Bridge at 2 p.m., and march to Epsom. They will reach their destination at 3.30 p.m. Mr Gnnson has previously idpntifiedihlmself with Scout interests. It will be remembered that he was instrumental in bringing about a better understanding Dominion headquarters on matters affecting local administration. Tbe Scout Officers and Scouts greatly appreciate the interest the Mayor is raking in the welfare of the movement. . The Rev. Fussell, formerly connected with tbe Epsom Troop, but now chief scoutmaster at Waluku, was in town this week. He reports that the Scouts in bis district are making satisfactory progress, and exports that when commissions of appointment are issued, increased enthusiasm In the work will be assured. Arrangements are being made for the Ponsonby Drum and Fife Band to affiliate with tbe Boy Scout Association (Incorporated by Royal Charter). The District Commander, at the request of Mr Callinan. director of the baud, waited on the committee in connection with the matter on Wednesday evening of last week. He promised to submit proposals to tbe District Executive by which the band would retain its original identity, and still have tbe members registered as scouts. Scouts will be glad to learn of this, as the Ponsonby Drum and Fife Band, in conjunction with that of Mount Eden and Grey Lynn, have contributed very largely to the success of Scout parades.' The Tabernacle Troop (Scoutmaster J. E. I Spedding) has Increased its membership from twenty-four to fifty boys In n few weeks. Last Friday a most successful social was held, and during the evening a presentation on behalf of friends was made by Rev Knowles Kempton of a flag, bugle, and drums. The Scouts are fortunate In having most comfortable quarters, and it is hoped that the boys will do their best to show their appreciation of the kindness of the committee in making this arrangement. A number of Scouts were formally reeeivcri into the Cromwell Troop (Mount Kdeu Congregational) on Friday evening las(. ThcvDtstriot Commander was assisted by Scoutmasters Grainger and Moodic.