BOY SCOUTS.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19683, 29 July 1929, Page 10

BOY SCOUTS.

LOCAL ASSOCIATIONREPLY TO COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS. The Executive Commute, of the Christchurch Past and Present Scouters' Association 1'- hed f °s atl" Major W. E. S. Furby:— Public Control Kcscnted.-The Scorers" Association agreement with tne lruop _„,- , system of control, and are oominced that it is the only way of *«<*e&ful organisation. No evidence of resentmJiit against this system oan be lound Responsibility 01 Troop _ Commit-tws.-The Scooters' Association have always stressed tlie desirability ot Troop Committees exercising to the full their responsibilities, thus leaving the scouter free to carry out his duty, i.e., training. . _., English Troop Committees.—The English rule 9 (clause 5) reads as follows: "It is desirable in al cases that a troop committee composed of parents and others interested in the troops! should be formed." The rule proceeds specifically to lav down the duties ot this committee. Major Furby is evidently misled by the words it is desirable." It is in this essential that the New Zealand authorities fail to grasp the essence of scout discipline. It is the oft-repeated word "must in the New Zealand rules and regulations tliat runs counter to the whole spirit of the movement. Major Furby s statement that "in England the formation of a troop committee was optional and no specific duties were laid down for them," shows incomplete knowledge of Imperial rules, which are more comprehensive on this matter than are those of New Zealand^ Refusal to Issue Warrant.—Reference was made by Major Furby to "a scoutmaster under whose jurisdiction a troop fizzled out." It is pointed out that since the adverse report on tho work of this Scouter was received (some eighteen months ago) be has qualified in the practical section of the Wood badge, the highest practical test for a Scouter He was permitted to enter this course on account of the splendid enthusiasm lie has displayed, and his valuable work for the Scout movement. The main point stressed fcv the New Zealand authorities is the importance of the recommendation of troop committees, and their responsibility tr provide troops with Seouters. In full knowledge of the foregoing facts, the troop committee recommended that this Scouter be appointed to their -troop. Theii recommendation was rvfused by Major Furby, who therefore defeated the very object of th? rule, at the same time depriving the Scouter of the opportunity to qualify in part 3 of the Wood badge. Seouters' Association and Finance. — Major Furby is convinced 'that these members of the Seouters' Association are the last persons on earthy to be trusted with financial matters." The Seouters' Association never controlled funds in this district. District funds are under the control of the District Commissioner, and troop funds are administered by Troop Committees. It would be interesting to know just what is the "old system" to which he refers. Hush. Hush Policy.—When, early last month, Major Furby met the district officers, all information in their possession was communicated to biin. When, however (shortly after his appointment was confirmed"), a representative of the Seouters' Association asked him to interview the executive on various matters, he was told that the District Commissioner would discuss no matters with them until after the meeting of the Dominion Executive on the 18th instant. However, before this meeting of the Dominion Executive the services of the three district officers were dispensed with. Surely his accusation of a "hush hush" policy is unfounded. Incompetent Training.—His remarks with reference to incompetent training are not understood and require verification. Does two months' experience as a commissioner render him competent to criticise the training carried out by Seouters of long standing? Non-Members of Seouters' Association.—AH known warranted Scouter* in the Christchurch district belong to the Association. Seouters Running Whole Show. —A member of the Dominion Executive has declared that "the trouble is that they (the Seouters) have been allowed to run the whole show." This is not so. The Seouters of Christchurch have always loyally deferred to the authority of the past commissioner, who can himself best testify upon this point. Parents' Representation. —This gentleman further declared that "tho parents had exactly the same share m the control as anybody else." How many troop committees have been asked to nominate a member on the Dominion Council? None. It is admitted that recent nominations have been virtually made on the Chief Commissioner's own recommendation. They apparently represent nobody but themselves. Question of Rules. —The only rule to which the Seouters' Association takes any exception is that which denies the right of appeal. The Mess.—The admitted rise in numbers during the administration of Major Ashworth is not compatible with Major Furby's statement that his task is definitely "to clean up the mess." The credit for this rise in numbers is due to the last commissioner. His tactful advice and brotherly sympathy with every Scout and Scouter, together with the close co-operation that existed, could not fail to bring results, and stands out in strong contrast to the present unhappy position. At all times and in every difficulty we found in Major Ashworth a true friend and brother, who always placed first the interest of the movement, inculcating in all Seouters who came under his influence the true Scout spirit.