SCOUTS OF THE WORLD

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 23, 28 January 1939, Page 14 (Supplement)

SCOUTS OF THE WORLD

TIE Australasian Jamboree ended on Sunday, January 8, in an amazing demonstration by more thatf 9000 seouts from all parts of Australia, New Zealand and other conntries, who have lived together under canvas for 11 days at Bradfield.

Massed together in the arena, the 9000 boys linked arms and danced back and forth singing "Auld Itimg Syne." Again and again they threw their hats in the air with eheers for the King, Lord Baden-Powell, and lord Hampton, who has represented the world chief at the Jamboree.

Above this remarkable scene a flight of pigeons wheeled after their release at the conclusion of a speech of farewell by Lord Hampton. "These pigeons," said Lord Hampton," are symbolical of our fellowship going out to brother scouts in all corners of the world—north, south, cast and west. "Some chaps are apt to loae interest in scouting a bit after a gathering such as this," Lord Hampton added, "but I want you to make up your minds that this will not. happen to you.

"The world i» in a funny state. Nations are crying oat for peace, and j»ou can help to break down suspicion and bring back prosperity. Go back to your homes resolved to play the game to the best of your ability. Good-bye, good-lock, and God bles.-t you all."

Before hi* farewell address, Lord Hampton presented the highest award in the scant movement—the Silver Wolf—to the Jamboree camp chief. Colonel J. M. Maughan, at the wish of the World Chief Scout, Lord Baden-Powell* Colonel Maughan then

introduced the leaders who have played a big part in the Jamboree organisation, and made special mention of the organising secretary, Mr. H. J. Stoddart. The whole of the contingents again marched into the arena for the third time since the Jamboree began. After them came some hundreds of officials in floats decorated to illustrate their various activities behind the scenes of the Jamboree. The float of the quartermaster's 6taff was piled high with vegetables and other commodities. Potatoes and tomatoes were flung about indiscriminately, and several people in the grandstand had to dodge flying missiles. The finance department demonstrated their joy at receiving a cheque for £1000, received as the result of an insurance against rain, by displaying a large replica of a -cheque and showering with water one of their number who walked behind •.with an umbrella. The camp rovers, who have acted as policemen at the camp, drove with an alleged offender encaged in

a side car, and with a dummy hanging by the neck from a scaffold or. another cycle. At night the scouts engaged in revelry in celebration of the break up of the camp. A march past of the girl guides was a fine feature of Saturday's pageant. It was stated officially that over 110,000 people visited the Jamboree during its duration. On Saturday 26,000 people attended, and for the final ceremony there was an attendance of over 10,000. In all the Jamboree cost £25,000. and owing to the support it will show a profit of a few thousand pounds, which will be devoted to the advancement of scouting in the State. The health of the camp has been remarkably good, but the chief medical officer, Colonel A. H. Moseley, is delighted it is over. In spite of every precaution he feared an outbreak or an epidemic in the fierce heat which has prevailed throughout. The New Zealanders gave their final act at the huge camp fire concert on Sunday night, which was

broadcast over the National network. Their haka of farewell received a most enthusiastic reception—it was performed in full regalia by a selected band of about 50. It speaks volumes for "behind the ecenes" that the camp was free from any unexpected happenings, a fine record when one remembers the number of scouts of all ages whoee temporary home it was. Apart from minor cuts and scratches, the only accident of a eerious nature to mar the proceedings was when an Australian scout was accidentally drowned. The New Zealand contingent entered into the jamboree spirit with great gusto and greeted Lord Hampton enthusiastically. They performed a traditional haka with much vigour. Their plaited tipares or headbands were greatly sought as souvenirs, and Mr. J. R. Cooksey, on behalf of the New Zealanders, presented Lord Hampton with a native piu piu. Later, the lads from '"Kiwi Land" prepared a meal cooked in a real Maori oven, and it is hard to say who enjoyed this part of the proceedings the most, the eager cooks or their distinguished guest.

Besides the New Zealanders there were representatives from Britain, South Africa, Kenya Colony, India, Canada, the United States, Nauru Island, New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands. Many variations of the scout uniform were to be seen, the most picturesque outfit being worn by the visitors from India and Ceylon. It was a surprise to see the Melanesian scouts in their native sarongs and bare feet, but one is prepared for surprises at such a gathering. The busy city streets held little appeal for the native representatives and they were glad to get back again to the comparative quiet of Bradfield.

This "canvas city" was deservedly so called by reason of the fact it included a post office, bank, two stores, a barber's shop, photographic shop and a number of public telephon« booths. Most popular of all wa« the 50ft ice cream bar, the largest of its kind in Australia.