Progress Jamboree Begins

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30951, 6 January 1966, Page 1

Progress Jamboree Begins

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, January 5. “Scouting is an example and the means to cope with the problems of life in a positive way,” the GovernorGeneral and Dominion Chief Scout, Sir Bernard Fergusson, said today when he opened the 1966 Progress Jamboree at Trentham Park. More than 5000 scouts and visitors thronged the jamboree arena for a massive colourful ceremonial parade before Sir Bernard Fergusson. It was an occasion for pomp and splendour. A grand march past of overseas contingents and representatives of the seven subcamps started the parade.

Fijian scouts in sulus, the sole European, W. Pergler, from Australia, in leather shorts, the two Filipinos decked in “salacot” cane hats

and a white-gloved Laotian were impressive.

I Sir Bernard Fergusson said much good could be done with the resourcefulness scouts got by their training. The Scouting movement taught young men to cope with every situation. It taught them to develop a sense of responsible relations with everyone—nationally and internationally. It instilled a true sense of spirit and adventure. “You will have fun and enjoy yourselves here and make friendships that will be everlasting. “When the Japanese return to Japan and the Laotians to Laos, I hope these friendships will be kept and be everlasting.” The chairman of the Far East Scout Advisory Commit-

tee, Mr Antonio Delgado, of the Philippines, said there was a lesson to be learned from all jamborees. “It is up to us to cultivate the lily of world peace.” Mr Delgado bestowed the silver tmaraw the boy scouts of the Philippines’ highest award—on Mr F. Horner, of Hawera, for his services to international scouting, especially in the Far East scout region. Mr Horner already has the Silver Wolf, one of the highest scouting awards in the British Commonwealth. After the parade Sir Bernard Fergusson went on a tour of the sub-camps in an open car.

At Freyberg sub-camp he was met by a guard of Fijian warriors in war paint and escorted to the Fijian- camp site. There the Fijians gave

a spine-tingling sibi ,(a Fijian warcry). He then took part in a kava drinking ceremony. One of the Fijian leaders. 110 Ho, presented the Chief Scout with a tanoa (bowl for making kava). Sir Bernard Fergusson spent tonight in camp but he did not “rough it.” He had two 16ft by 14ft tents erected for him. One was for day use, the other for night. Both tents had carpets, wardrobes, tables and other furnishings