SCOUTS AND CUBS

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 128, 3 June 1927, Page 8

SCOUTS AND CUBS

A GREAT RALLY

GOVEBNOPt-GENEKAL

PRESENT

THE BOYS AT WORK AND

PLAY

Any pessimism with regard to ' the future -of New Zealand and the younger generation would have been instantly dispelled by a visit to the Basin Reserve this morning, where the Wellington Boy Scouts and "Wolf Cubs held a monster rally. His Excellency the Governor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson, the Prime Minister, the Mayor, and many leading citizens were present, and it is to be regretted that the attendance. of the general public was not larger. It had been planned to hold this rally some weeks ago, but inclement weather enforced a postponement Today the conditions overhead could not hove been better, although it might have been drier underfoot. When His Excellency arrived, he was received by the Commissioner, .Sir Alfred Robin K.C.M.G., C.B:, and by Messrs. h' Miller and F. W. Vosseler, of the Rallies Committee, who conducted him to the grandstand. Then, through the south gate, entered the Cubs and Scouts, 1500 of them, in one long column. Headed by a band, first came the Wolf Cubs with their totem poles. Hard on their heels, followed the Sea | Scouts, another bandj.jind troop after troop of Scouts, each with colours gaily flying. The flag at the masthead was unfurled as the Royal Salute was given, His Excellency in the meantime having advanced into the centre of the assembled Scouts. An inspiring and vigorous liaka followed, and a grand'rally by the.Scouts. EFFICIENT SEA SCOUTS. A"ter these more or ' less introductory doings, the business of the morning commenced in real earnest. Addressing the Collingwood Troop of Sea Scouts' His Excellency handed over to them the Jellicoe Trident, which was presented two years ago as an award to-tho best troop of Sea Scouts in the Dominion. His Excellency congratulated this year's winners, who had beaten the previous holders (Nelson) by nJU mark. The fact that the winners had obtained 96 marks out of 100 showed to what a high degree of efficiency the troop had been brought. He congratulated those who had been responsible for the troop's training, and expressed the hope that the possession of, the trident would spur them to do even better. To the same troop he presented the Aoran"i Cup which is annually competed for by Sea Scouts who can muster a. crew to row a whaling boat over a course of at least a mile. JUNGLE GAMES. The Wolf Cubs, who are the Scouts to be, then introduced themselves by their "grand howl": this was.too realistic for a mongrel who. had strayed into their midst, and off he went with Ins tail between his legs. Their jungle action games were a delight to watch, lo see the pack of wolves creeping through the jungle, hunting their ovening meal, finding a deer, stalking him wi *h.o «??eßM«nl.kiH was charming! What did it matter that the jungle was but wet grass an inch or so high and the deer merely a.file of coats? Muddy hands and knees, too, are always amen- ?« % «.BOit P and water- The cubs entor, ™ Unu' and- so m th« Vectators. The subjugation .of Shere Khan, the big tiger bully of the jungle, was another distinct hit. " > " ■ SCOUTS AT WORK. r , AVhile the Wolf Cubs hsd; been doing thcr bit, the Scout troops had not been idle. Each had prepared a demonstration or display, and these were •varied m the extreme. One saw the Scout at work and at play: when at the former their ability would put many an adult to shame. They showed,firstaid and field stretcher work brought to a high stato of perfection: signalliriir bndgo building, life-saving, and rope making were but a few of the crafts displayed. Other troops, engaged in organised games, boxing, inarchinf or physical drill. D When one saw the ability and initiative displayed by these boys, many of them quite small, it was quickly realised that the numerous proficiency badges which most of the Scouts were wearing on their arms had been justly earned One realised too what a wonderfui start in lifo scouting gives to a boy and that the Scout movement should be encouraged by all right-thinking citizens. A largo debt of gratitude is due to the numerous scoutmasters who give their time and services voluntarily to help the boys, and they must have felt rewarded at seeing such a fine turn-out this morning. His • Excellency was more than pleased with the display, and did not hesitate to express his pleasure, and all. those present came away with a new and deeper knowledge of, the value of the Scout movement.