SEA SCOUT VESSEL

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 295, 13 December 1943, Page 4

SEA SCOUT VESSEL

ARRIVAL IN AUCKLAND

In the course of a 3000-mile iourney round the New Zealand coast, the 52ft ketch-rigged motor vessel Sea Rover reached Auckland from Tauranga on Saturday. The vessel is commanded by Mr. A. J. Black, Dominion' Commissioner of Sea Scouts, who is combining his annual tour of inspection with a campaign to attract recruits to the sea scout movement. The crew of the boat was officially welcomed by the Mayor, Mr. Allum. Also present were Major R. F. Ward, metropolitan scout commissioner, Sir Joseph Smith, president of the Bov Scouts' Association, Mr. J. H. Frater, deputy-chairman of the Harbour Board, Commander C. H. T. Palmer, Lieutenant L. I. Bell, representing Commodore W. K. D. Doweling, D.S.C., R.N.. the Rev. H. K. Vickery. port chaplain, and Captain H. H. Sergeant, harbourmaster. A guard of honour was provided by the Hawke Sea Scout Troop and the Calliope troop's whaleboat piloted the Sea Rover to her berth.

In responding to the welcome, Mr. Black said that sea scouting was a valuable character builder for boys and that it was the aim of the movement to get as many lads as possible into it.

A public meeting was addressed by Mr. Black at Onehunga on Saturday night, and a church service was held in the Mariners' Chapel, Sturdee Street. Mr. Black will pay official visits to the Hawke and Calliope troop headquarters before the Sea Rover leaves for Thames on Wednesday morning. The vessel will then return to Dunedin.