BOY SCOUTS.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16479, 24 March 1919, Page 8

BOY SCOUTS.

* AVONSIDE TROOP'S "POUND NIGHT." The "pound night" in connexion with the Avondide Troop (Lady Liverpool's Own), he-id in the Lecture Hull. at the Y.M.C.A. on Saturday night, was largely attended by parents and friends, the function being one of the most successful held. LieutenantColonel D. Cosegrove, Chief Commissioner for New Zealand, presided, and amongst others present were—District , Commander D. M. Brown, King's Scoutmaster Collins (Menvale), Scoutmaster Newton (Edgoware road), and Scoutmaster Hughes (Fendalton and Boys' Gordon Hull). The visitors were welcomed by tho- troop giving the Dominion haka. Tho Chief Commissioner, in a brief address, referred to the progress made by the Avonside Troop, and on behalf of tho members he presented District Commander D. M. Brown, the former scoutmaster of the troop, with a silver teapot, which boro a suitable inscription. He also presented' Scoutmaster D. Richardson with a stop-watch and a handsome memorandum book. IJudgcn gained by members of tihd troop were presented as follows:—Cyclist 8, cooks'- 13, tenderfoot 55,' eec-ond-claas 4, blacksmiths' 14, entertainer 4, signaller 2, rescuer 1, electrician 3. ambulance 8. master of arms 7, naturalist s. Scout Breward (son of Mr Breward, custodian of the Municipal Tepid Baths), who recoivod tho rescuer badge, was specially complimented by the Chief Commissioner on his proficiency aa a swimmer. Referring to the largo number who received the blacksmiths' badge, Colonel Cossgrove remarked that tho Avonside Troop had gained more badges for this tost than had been gained in tho Dominion for the past five or six years. Advantage was taken of the occasion.' to present Scoutmaster D. Richardson with his commission as scoutmaster, and also with the Goldea Kuri in recognition of the fact that he has gained over 24 proficiency badges. Scoutmaster Richardeon has risen from the ranks to his present position after about six years in the Tho Avonside Scouts now have two golden kuri medallion boys.

The Chief Commissioner also presented the Tatum Medal for chivalry to Leader Clifford 'Moore, who is the second member of the troop to vin this'much-prized honour.

■The shooting medals were presented, Stewart Dawson's gold medal to No. 1 team, and Jones and Son's silver medal to No. "2 team. The .members of the teams have decided amongst themselves that medals shall remain the property of t' r«oop. The tug-of-war medals won by the troop's team at' the sports gathering on the Show Grounds in connexion with the Tramway Copper Trail were also presented.

During the evening members of tho troop gave exhibitions of Swedish drill (intermixed with ganles), boxing, tug-of-war, jiu jitsu, and ambulance work. ; Alhree minutes' time test waa also successfully given, the whole troop remaining perfectly still despite strenuous efforts made to disconcert them by making sudden and loud noises, turning off the light unexpectedly, and so forth. Scout George Sanford contributed a song, and Scout P. Miinn a recitation. The various items were received with appreciative applause. Supper was provided, after which Honorary Scout H. Mcintosh submitted two bottles of cordial by Dutch'auction, which, after hging sold and resold/realised 48s for the funds of the troop. In returning thanks on behalf of the visitors, Mr D. Lee referred to the pleasure given by ,tho exhibitions, and spoke of the great value of the .training received by tho Scouts. H« expressed gratification that the Government had recognised the excellent work done by the Scouts during tho influenza epidemic, And added that the movement should receive even more recognition from the Government —every troop should be subsidised.