BOY SCOUTS.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15454, 6 December 1915, Page 4

BOY SCOUTS.

—-fr ' ■ OL-' EXECUTIVE. The monthly meeting of the Executive Committer of the Dominion Boy Scuiit Council \v«s' h?!d 011 I'riduy. PresentColonel Co.-:.sgiovc, "\.IX (in the chair), Cecil Moon. Coionci Crcss-.vcll, V.D., Cuptain Marcici, Dr. luglis, Mr il. J. H. Oootlmun, una the secretary (Uov. Mr Orbell). The cluiiiuian reported that lie- and Sir Cecil Moon had visited Auckland, and met the Advisory Committee, which he had set up to assist Commissioner Abe'. in the control of th<? movement in Auckland. In consequent!? of a number of the Auckland Citv Scoutmasters having seced- ' and obtained icgistration of themselves -.j a. corporate body under thn Justices of the Peace Act. IDOS, und having represented themselves as 3 majority of '-he Uoy Scouts, lie Jiad obtoinert the legal advice of Mr Morison upon the position. Mr MorUon informed them that under tho terms of the Jt-oyal Charter unci the letter from the Homo Association to him (lh<* speaker), no one had any light to do anything in relation to the Scout movement in Xe'.v ZeaJuml without his authority. Th'iuph he desired honourably to comply with the terms of his agreement with the Advisory Committee and the representatives of the now body, he had no power under the Charter to delegate hi.» authority to the Advisory Committee, or ally local Association. If he did, any decision arrived at by them would be null and void. Counsel's opinion vr.ie read to the Advisory Committer prior to the Scoutmasters' deputation being rett'iwil. b"t nevtrtbe!cs<?, hr- (tho speaker) was quite willing to abide l-y any decision arrived at after hearing what the men hud to «uy. Mi- (iunson (Mayer of Auckland) took tho chair, and the deputation was admitted. The suokesmun of the deputation stilted t licit grievance*, which wore:—ill That Aucklaud should have loc.il authority providing such wa.= in accordance with the Dominion Handbook, ]!)!(); (•.!) that a. local badgo depot should be established in Auckland; (3) that the locul Commissioner be removed. In reply to the first point. Colonel Cosfl-" grow said he had informed the deputation that the- Dominion Handbook already provided for district, autonomy, and referred them to the last annual report, which staled that District Committer-) made their own rules, but submitted them to him befcr» having theru printed. He was <iuilc prepared to establish a depot for badges in any cent-re upon the implication of a Commissioner, providing the necessary steps were taken to safeguard their issue. lie would not entertain tho suggestion for the removal of the local Commissioner. Mr Abel w a* one of the best men in Auckland. He had discharged his duli.'s faithfully and well, and would not be removed, because ho did not approve of the conduct of the men who had endeavoured to take the movement out of the hands of the Council. After the deputation withdrew, the committee reviewed the jiositiun, and the following resolutions were passed : —il) That, a b.id;;e «iopot be established ii: Auckland, subject to the conditions inferred by the Chiel Commissioner; 12) that local autonomy be granted to Auckland, '-u-'jject in all respect to tin? Dominion Handbook. 1910. and that the si'lifting orders be approved by 'he Auckland Advisory Committee and the Dominion Executive; (:!!thut after the fullest investigation, the committee had no recommendation to make. The Mavor of Auckland wrote suggestinj that the -Mayors of the chief centres should e.\ eSicio bt- members ni (he Dominion Council; also requestin-r an alteration in the wording of Ihe application ior appointment lornis, which tho Auckland men were now asked to sign.—Lett :n the hands of tb* chftirmtiu. Two new Commissioners and three district commanders were appointed Colonei Cossgrove's report mi hi* North Island tour was ordered to be pr : »iteU The hearty congratulations o'" ths Council wore otirred to Dr. and Mrs upon the honour which their i-on. Hombardier Inglis, h.ui won on Gallipoii. The offer of Mr If. X. McLeod. o" AVe]linsrton. to gratuitously assist in collecting funds to era!;•)•> the Council to eprry on its v.-oik succcEsfullv was accepted with thanks.