BOY SCOUTS

Evening Star, Issue 17954, 27 April 1922, Page 10

BOY SCOUTS

THE ANNUAL REPORT. DEARTH OF SCOUTMASTERS. The annual report of the Dunedin Boy Scouts’ Association states that tho association, in its new form, dates from November 22 of last year, when it was decided that the area administered should ba Dunedin and suburbs, including Ravcnsbourne. An executive of members was appointed, Mr A. 11. Chadwick being selected as chairman. _ The mayor accepted the office of president, and Mr E. T. King retained his old positron of treasurer. A little later on tho Hon. W. D. Stewart and Mr T. K. Sidey, M.P.s, consented to act as vice-presidents. At the first meeting o! the executive it was decided to appoint a paid secretary to carry on the official part of the work, the selection being Mr D. 11. Rogers. Mr A. G. Holderness, ono of the keenest and most enthusiastic members, was selected as district scoutmaster- for twelve months. The short time which lias elapsed since then has been one of considerable activity for the executive and scoutmasters. On January 26 wo had tho privilege of a visit from the Chief Commissioner, Captain Cosegrove, which did much to increase the enthusiasm of members. Practically a complete list of examiners has been secured, and these in some cases have not only given time and trouble to examining, but hero also voluntarily offered to give demonstrations to the boys at places and hours convenient to them. The work being in tho first stages of a transition period, there is little more to add save that the energy being put into this most deserving movement shows promise of hearing good fruit in the near future. One difficulty which is being experienced ia the lack of scoutmasters. This prevents tho formation of fresh troops, and l corrcepondingly limits the work of the association. The executive would feol deeply indebted to any gentlemen willing to act in this capacity if they will send in their names. Few movements contain such possibilities for good as toe training of young people at their most impressionable age, when tho mind is “wax to receive and marble to retain.” At present there are six distinct troops in Dunedin and suburbs, comprising 239 registered Boy Scouts. The association aims at much higher figures, and hopes to at least double this number during too year. An important innovation has been made in 1 connection with he peace flag competi-

lions. Hitherto these have been held 1 at varying times. In future it lias been decided to hold them on the samo_date, of ■which a month’s notice will bo given- _ It is considered that this will a fairer system, and more likely to give good results than that formerly in vogue. I A rally of all the dominion troops is to bo held in Christchurch at the beginning of next year, and present indications point to tho majority of local troops being present. It is the desire of headquarters that every troop in the Dunedin area should make the trip. Concerts and other sources of revenue should be organised without delay to pay tho expenses of toe hoys. One troop—the Ocean Beach, under Scoutmaster Gridgeman—is to be commended for the way in which, it is raising funds for the purpose. Tho boys collect firewood on the sandhills every week, and sell it. Quite a tidy sum has been earned in his manner. The ‘ Scouts’ Gazette,’ tho official organ of the movement in the dominion, enters its second year of publication in May. Scoutmasters and officers are urged to push its sale, so tout at least every Scout will bo a subscriber. The list of subscribers in Dunedin is not what it should be, and headquarters ia very anxious to increase the circulation. The chairman of the local executive instituted a subscribers’ campaign, but, although all too troops with the exception of two have had the matter placed before them, the response to date has been very disappointing.