SCOUTS HELP.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue LXXI, 14 September 1940, Page 7

SCOUTS HELP.

i THEIR GOOD DEED.

MT. ALBERT GIFTS FUND.

One of the principles of the boy scouts h to do a good deed every day, and troops in Mount Albert borough are living up to this ideal to-day in the letter and in the spirit. At nine o'clock this morning over 50 scouts under Commissioner R. Wild and District Scoutmaster Rolfe assembled at the Borough Council Chambers ready and eager to do the job that awaited them. This was no mean task. It was to call on every one of the 6000 odd houses in the borough and to deliver to each

£ circular.

This circular lias been issued 'by the Mount Albert Overseas Service Gift Fund Committee, which is a tody com " ■prising veterans of the last war and others and ladies of the district who are endeavouring to do something to make brighter and more bearable the lot of the men of Mount Albert who are serving with His Majesty's Forces, navy, army and air, in the several spheres of aotivity to-day. It was a gesture by youth—the men of to-morrow •—at the behest of the soldiers of yesterday to help the soldiers of to-day.

Already nearly 100 men who wen residents of the borough of Mourn Albeit and who have answered th< Empire's call have received an expres sion of the appreciation and good wishei of the people of the borough—walle' and a sum of money—and it is th< intention that all who leave the district in the future for overseas should receive a similar token and that those who left before the inauguration of the scheme should receive the equivalent in the form of a handsome Christmas parcel.

For this laudable object, funds are, of course, necessary, and the boy scouts] to-day undertook to convey to every] •household the principles of the scheme in the form of a circular, and an appeal

|to the residents for financial aid. "We I cannot do too much for the boys on I service," states the circular, "and it is

confidently felt that every household will rally to the cause and give material ' assistance to the committee that has organised the scheme." Big Organisation. Residents are given the opportunity of sending donations to the honorary secretary, Mr. T. R. Congalton, Borough Council Chambers, Neiw North Road, Mount Albert, S.W.I, but to make sure that everyone will be given the opportunity of contributing to this praiseworthy cause an elaborate organisation has been devised by an energetic com- ' mittee whereby collectors will call at every house in the borough from Mon- " day, September 23, onward, when all 1 donations will be very gladly accepted.

The committee in charge, under the chairmanship of Mr. H. A. Anderson, Mayor of Mount Albert, has received a large number of very grateful acknowledgments from men who have already received gifts through its instrumentality.

"Just a couple of lines expressing my thanks and appreciation for the wallet and sum of money presented to me on my final leave," writes one sergeant from. Trentham, "and for the farewell function extended to us at the Mount Albert Grammar School Hall. There always seems to be a particular bond between the folk of the district, and it was a kindly thought to consider us in a practical manner as you did, particularly as there was such a large number from the Mount Albert district.

"Wherever we go our thoughts, will' always be of our home town and especially of our home suburb of Mount' Albert." "Not Forgotten." Another recipient wTote: "You can imagine what a nice surprise it was for me to receive your gift. You have not only given me the souvenir I am taking with me but also the pleasant conviction that my home town has not forgotten me. It" is the more pleasant as I have Ino blood relations in the world. Would 'you please kindly tender my heartfelt ! thanks to the committee, and you may

know that wherever I may go I will do : my best to deserve the confidence of s my home town."

The task of following up the effort of the scouts and calling on every house in the widespread borough is no mean undertaking, but a number of willing volunteers have already been organised. Other helpers, however, would he welcome, and offers will be gladly accepted. The honorary secretary and treasurer, Mr. Congalton, would be pleased to hear from any men or women who would care to assist.

The scout troops represented to-day were: Mount Albert, Owairaka, Waterview, Mount Albert Wesley, Wesley, Balmoral, Marist, Pompalier and Edendale. They will assemble again next Saturday to deliver a further appeal to the householders as a preliminary to the house-to-house collection.