Lord Baden-Powell Memorial Service

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 13237, 13 January 1941, Page 1

Lord Baden-Powell Memorial Service

HELD IN TOWN HALL YESTERDAY AFTERNOON SPLENDID ATTENDANCE OF SCOUTS, GUIDES BROWNIES AND CUBS

Although the official date of Dominion services in commemoration of the late Chief Scout. Lord Robert Baden Powell of Gilwell. has been fixed for a Sunday in February, in view of the fact that two hundred Scouts were assembled under canvas in Tauranga Domain, it was a fitting thing to hold a service yesterday afternoon, with the local Scouts, Cubs, Guides, Brownies, and Rangers Co-operating. By the courtesy and kindness of Miss Maxwell, it had been planned to hold it in the beautiful grounds of "The Elms," but weather conditions made it wiser and safer to use the Town Hall. The Scouts made an imposing array, and under the command of Mr P. Grinder, the local Scoutmaster, marched to the Hall. The Municipal Band was in attendance.

such great fruit. He had lived to see the result of his labours in this generation, and that was cause for gladness. The formation of the Guide movement was mentioned as being the Chief's own scheme, and reference to his wife's work, and her helpful co-operation, was also made. "He being dead, yet speaketh," Mrs Holland said, "and he will never die so long as Scouts and Guides live out the principles he laid down, of honour, truth, obedience and loyalty. So, it's up to you," she concluded.

Dr. Southern spoke of the fact that single handed, he was conducting the camp, feeding, doctoring, putting to bed, two hundred Scouts, and that this was possible because the Scout law was being carried out by the boys. Mr Christian mentioned the days of Mafeking, and how the qualities which had held that town against siege for 215 days, had all been used in the working out of the Scout and Guide movements. "A great man has passed away, but the building he erected on sound foundations will never pass," said Mr Robbins. The various groups re-affirmed the three-fold promise, led by their officers, Dr. Southon leading the Scouts. Mrs Holland read the Scripture lesson. The National Anthem was sung at the opening, and the New Zealand Anthem at the close of what will be always remembered by the many boys and girls, as a truly memorable occasion.

Misses Petch and Milson, first and second Lieutenants, Tauranga Guide Company, were in charge of the local Guides, and Miss Evelyn Steele of the Brownies. The Rangers also attended. Miss N. Bamberry was in charge of the Wolf Cub Pack. A good attendance of adult friends and sympathisers added to the large company which assembled at 2.30. His Worship the Mayor, Mr L. R. Wilkinson, presided, with Dr. Southon of Matamata and Mr F. N. Christion, Scout Commissioner, Mrs W. S. Holland, Guide Commissioner, the Hon. B. C. Bobbins, and Mrs Doidge, Presidents of the local committees, and Mr F. W. Doidge, M.P., on the platform. The hymns "For All the Saints," "Fight the Good Fight," and "O God, Our Help," were sung, the band leading. Short addresses were given by Mr Wilkinson, Dr. Southon, Mr Christian, Mrs Holland", Mr Robbins and Mr Doidge, the prevailing note being-one of thankfulness and gratitude for the great work accomplished by the "Chief," rather than of mourning for his entering into well-earned rest. Reference was made by Mrs Holland and Mr Doidge to the choie* he made w r hen military glory awaited him on one hand, and years in the service of youth on the other. The decision taken then, at the height of his fame and popularity, had resulted in the movement, now world wide, which was bearing