BOY SCOUTS.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17157, 28 May 1921, Page 3

BOY SCOUTS.

MEETING OF DOMINION COUNCIL.

At tho annual meeting of tho Dominion Boy Scout Council, in Wellington, after the speeches -of his Kjcellency and General Andrew (reported in tho papors), tho Council proceeded to adopt the new constitution presented by the Chief Commissioner, Captain Cossgrove. Briefly, this provides for the government of the Scouts in any area by a committee repfesenting tho Soout officers and the parents of the boys. The first Btep is the formation of a local association, consisting of all tho afcoutinastcrs, and four representatives oi each Troop Committee, with any nou-official members elected by -ho Association; this large body is the constituency which elects the committee. The chairman of the committee is the Commissioner, who is appointed by headquarters on tho nomination of the Provincial Councils (representative of all the local Associations in ono largo area). The Scout training of tho troops will bo supervised by district scoutmasters, nominated by local authorities. . A scheme of finance was outlined, which is largely in tho hands of General Andrew and Mr L. M. Isitt, M.P. A representative of tho Forestry Department outlined a suggested way by which Boy Scouts could help the Department in return for encouragement by them. Tho work would bo largely in the direction of prevention of forest fires, and preservation of "the bush. Scouts who got certain badges would rank as Deputy-Forest Rangers, In future' the wearing of felt hats and navy blue shorts are permissible with the consent of tho Troop Committee concerned. A committee is to bo set up to consider , th<* grading and standards of badges, and it was a recommendation that no proficiency badges should be given to other than firstclass Scouts. Only tho Tenderfoot, Setfoudcloss, and First-class badges are now given free. • A voto of thanks was accorded the Chief Commissioner and the headquarters staff for their strenuous efforts during tho last year. Tho Colonel Cossgrove Memorial Badge was approved. It is to be awarded free to any First-clas3 Scout who holds tho following badges:—First aid, camper, handyman, healthy man, rescuer, and Fireman..