SCOUT MOVEMENT AND EDUCATION

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 147, 22 June 1923, Page 10

SCOUT MOVEMENT AND EDUCATION

AN INTERESTING ADDRESS,

An interesting address on. the Boy Scout movement was delivered before the Council of Education yesterday by Sir Alfred Piekfovd, Overseas Commissioner oii tho Scout organisation. He spoke on the same, lines of the addresses he has already given on tho'; same subject in-Wellington. Ha added that he felt very critical of both ministers and teachers—that they had not, in the bulk, studied the educatiyo effect of the movement. It had been described by very high educationists in two ways—namely, as a revolution in educational method, and that it was the finest system of education ever devised. They were out to assist the teachers. The system beneficially affected 'the physical. mental, moral, and spiritual make-up of the boy. It was 'desired, by the, loaders of the Scout movement that they should enlist the assistance, of the'knowledge,, the sympathy, and support of the Education Department' and of the teaching profession.

On the motion of Professor J. Macmillan Brown, a hearty vote of. thanks was accorded to Sir Alfred Pickford.

Mr. J. R. Kirk (Gisborne) moved : — "That the Minister be, advised to give such support as can be given to the Boy Scout movement with a view to the closer association of the movement with the organised games for the lower standards of the primary schools."

Mr; T. It. Fleming heartily supported the movement.

The Director of Education suggested, that the motion be amended to reail: — "That the Minister be advised to express approval of the Scout movement, and commend it to the'support of parents and of the young peopi.e oi the Dominion ; and that teachers be urged to Btudy. the aims, ideals, and methods of the'movement, with a view to the application .of the Scout movement to the organised games of schools and colleges." t'ho suggestion was made that secondary schools be included.

•Professor Macmillan Brown heartily endorsed the proposal, and suggested "that university colleges Bo included. ■ He ccmid. not help thinking that if that had been done, we should not have seen some of those disgraceful' scones that liad occurred on somo capping days. Tiie motion, as !>:nended, was divided into two parts, and was unanimously ag:eed to.