TE KORERO For Boy Scouts

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 126, 30 May 1934, Page 18

TE KORERO For Boy Scouts

The Scouters' Annual Dinner. His Excellency the Governor-General, Chief Scout for New Zealand, has very kindly agreed to be present at this year's annual dinner, and in many other ways it promises to bo one of the finest functions yet arranged by Metropolitan Headquarters. A special effort has been made to cater for country visitors, and tlie response to hand indicates that the outlying districts will be well represented. The present indications are that about 150 will bo seated for the dinner, which this year will be held in the Y.M.G'.A. Scouters arc asked to assemble at 5.30 p.m. sharp, as there are matters of importance to be attended to prior to the dinner. The conference to be held the next day should prove to be both interesting and highly instructive. In this connection it is pointed out that it is not necessary to attend the conference tea in order to bo present at the actual discussions, although it is hoped that as many as possible will attend as a fraternal gesture to the visiting country scouters. Fuller particulars of the arrangements for the Sunday and Monday will be issued at the camp fire 011 Saturday night. • • • m Annual Divine Service. The combined divine service of scouts and guides will be held this year 011 Sunday, July 1. Full details will be contained in the next issue of "Te Akarana Scouter," but in the meantime scouters are asked to announce the date to their troops.

Amendments Correction. The New Zealand amendments to P.O.R. contain the line: "Rule 244, page 40: —Delete." This should read: "Rule 244 (ii), page 40:—Delete." Just what this means is hard to say, as there is 110 definite instruction as to the age upon which a lad must cease to be a scout, either there or elsewhere. • • * • Jamboree News. The latest local jamboree news is more encouraging, and it appeals that there will bo in the vicinity of 30 scouts making the trip. Perhaps the mo*t encouraging of all is the fact that, unlike previous contingents, this one will be comprised mostly of scouts, with only a very small percentage of scouters. There are, however, many troops who have failed to realise the importance of an early reply to the recent M.H.Q. questionnaire 011 this subject. * # * * Takapuna Group. Takapuna group held their third annual parents' meeting 011 Thursday last, writes the cubniaster. After inspection and the presentation of service and proficiency stars and badges, the cubs embarked 011 a perilous voyage, introducing stunts and team competitions. The blues were the successful six who secured the skin of Slierc Khan, the cub tropiiy for the month. A brief business session of the parents was followed by a campfire. Songs, recitations and choruses, together with stunts by each patrol constituted a jolly second part of the evening's programme. Tahutimai Reunion. The first reunion of old scouts, members of the Tahutimai Troop during the past eight years, was held last week, writes the scribe.

A full parade, 20 strong, of pre- 1 sent scouts welcomed their guests at 7.30 p.m. The hall was decorated with photographs of scout camps, and every patrol flag was represented. Upwards of 10 patrol names were placed around the walls, and the visitors quickly ranged themselves in their old patrols. For an hour scout games and competitions were keenly entered into, and the Raven Patrol carried off the honours of the evening. At-7.15 p.m. our chaplain, the Rev. Mr. Patchett, was welcomed by the S.M. and troop. The thanks of the troop are due to his consideration and interest in the troop for many concessions and privileges granted. At 5.30 Commissioner A. Service arrived, and was greeted by the general salute by the band, followed, immediately by a haka of welcome. In reply, Commissioner Service expressed pleasure in being present, and apologised for the unavoidable absence of Commissioner Johns. He introduced two new "yells," which the troop quickly mastered. At 9 p.m. the camp fire was opened with a song by the Tahutimai trio, followed by choruses and patrol yells. Commissioner Service then gave an inspiring talk 011 the aims and objects of rovering. He referred to the fact that Tahutimai now had tradition at the back of it. The fact that so many old scouts had showed sufficient keenness to attend the reunion indicated the favourable opportunity to complete the third unit of Tahutimai— a Rover crew —and expressed the hope that the S.M. would later arrange a meeting of old scouts 011 a special night, when a Rover crew could be launched.

The S.M., in welcoming the guests, referred to the happy camps and associations enjoyed with Tahutimai scouts during the past eight years, and mentioned his own experiences in scouting during 1014-1918, and finished with an urge to all to carry on scouting ideals, pointing out the number of successful business men who many years ago were members of the scout brotherhood.

S.M. invited the guests to co-operate in the drive to secure funds to send members of Tahutimai to tlie jamboree. It was certain one would be sent, possibly two or three. Three concerts were planned, and would be produced during June and July. After sunset had been played by Bugler Sentch, the camp fire ended 011 a high note with an inspiring prayer by the Rev. Patchett. The evening closed at 10.15 p.m., after a jolly supper and social interval. Special thanks are due to Mrs. Wootten and Miss Reid, who so ably prepared and served the supper. Leader Bob Noall, from .whom the original idea of a reunion sprang, did yeoman seivicc in decorating the hall and organising portion of the evening. The liuge name "Tahutimai," stretching entirely across the stage, and the patrol flags and colours, were his work. Lea-lers Sou tell and Swectman, assisted by Baud Leader E. Reid, also spent many liours of preparation:

Proud Cup. The above tropliv will he competed for at the Tepid Baths at 5.15 p.m. to-morrow night. » * • • Kitchener Scout Group. The annual meeting of the committee of the Kitchener group was held on Friday evening last, 25th inst., at the Mount Eden Presbyterian Schoolroom, Mount Eden Road. Although the night was not particularly inviting, the attendance of parents and friends was beyond expectations, and with 45 scouts and two officers, 27 cubs and three officers on parade, the hall was filled to capacity, writes the secretary. Mr. R. Richmond, chairman of the group committee, presided, and in welcoming the visitors, particularly extended a welcome to Mr. Downey, assistant district commissioner, who was representing Metropolitan Headquarters, in the unavoidable absence of Commissioner A. Service. The annual report of the committee showed the work of the group to have been steadily maintained during the past year, while the statement of accounts showed a satisfactory credit balance. A strong committee of sixteen was elected for tlie ensuing year, and subsequently reports on various aspects of the work were submitted by G.S.M. Buxton Bach, S.M. J. Dunnlngham, and C.M. Arthur Gaily. Mr. Downey extended congratulations from Metropolitan Headquarters. Following formal business, items were rendered by scouts and cubs, concluding with a demonstration of moving pictures, shown by the cubs'_ latest purchase, a cinematograph machine, for use on spccial occasions, such as pound nights. A substantial supper was dispensed by the lady committee members. The interest in the work of the group, as evidenced by the wonderfully fine attendance of parents and friends, was particularly gratifying, and the whole atmosphere of the meeting was most inspiring.