BOY SCOUTS’ ASSOCIATION

Evening Star, Issue 22475, 21 October 1936, Page 6

BOY SCOUTS’ ASSOCIATION

DUNEDIN DISTRICT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The gratification of those in authority at the excellent support accorded them was expressed by the chairman (Sir Percy Sargood) in moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet at the annual general meeting of the Dunedin Boy Scouts’ Assopiation last evening. The preceding speaker (Metropolitan Commissioner Dr F. J. Borne) had spoken of his satisfaction at the membership; his personal opinion was that it should be further augmented to 1,000, when it would still be insufficient. The inadequacy of the staff of Scouters caused an unfortunate position to arise, that of training. More were required, and would be welcomed. The difficulties prevalent in the past few years had been surmounted, and all that remained was to instil the Scout law, loyalty to officers, and those things beneficial to the movement generally into the Scouts. Financial assistance and unflagging interest were also necessary. The boys were receiving training in citizenship, character building, and tuition in the meaning and use of life. They were being assisted to a realisation of their aspirations by the development of hobbies. and were given aims and ambitions to fulfil, he concluded. ANNUAL REPORT. Assistant Metropolitan Commissioner C. H. Wing presented tbe annual report, which stated: The total membership was now 867, comprising the commissioner, 86 officers, 377 Cubs, and 393 Scouts and Rovers. This showed an increase of 72 as compared with last year. It was pleasing to report the establishment of a new pack in Cargill road (Wesley Pack) and a new troop and pack at Opoho. The Outram Troop was at present without an officer, but arrangements were in hand for this troop to resume with a new Scoutmaster at an early date. Considerable changes had taken place in the district staff since last report. Commissioner Cottrell resigned in January, Commissioners Martin and Andrews resigned in March, and Metropolitan Secretary Williams resigned in April. At the end of March intimation was received that Dr Borrie had been appointed Metropolitan Commissioner, and he was installed in office at the Hobbies Exhibition on September 25. Pending the arrival of Commissioner Borrie, Commissioner Wing was in charge of the district, and the council expressed its sincere thanks to him for the work he did. Commissioner Wing was now assistant metropolitan commissioner. Mr W. F. Ashman was appointed to take Mr Williams’s place as secretary. During Christmas a Gilwell training course for Scouters was held at Passmore camp under Deputycamp Chief M'Grcgor and Commissioner Cottrell, also a Cub Gilwell training camp at Easter at Ocean Beach. These had proved a great benefit to the officers in the running of their packs and troops. The annual Founders’ Day service was held in conjunction with the Girl Guides at St. Paul’s Cathedral on February 23. Forty-eight officers paraded on Anzac Day. and a full parade was held at the Town Hall on Juno 23 in connection with the King’s Birthday, when 390 were on parade. This year the trophios for tbs ambulance, signalling, and pioneering were.

not competed for, as the officers felt that they wished to devote more time with their troop work and there was not sufficient interest to warrant holding a competition. The swimming competition attracted a good entry this year, and resulted in a win for North Dunedin Troop, with Christian Brothers’ Troop second. The Scout football shield was challenged for by 20 teams representing most of tho troops. Christian Brothers retained the shield by defeating Ocean Beach in tho final game by 3 points to 2. Jn tho Cub section St. Clair won the shield, 12 teams competing. The Hobbies Exhibition proved a great success this year, there being a larger number of entries and a better class of work compared with previous years. During the exhibition visits were paid by tho Dominion Chief Commissioner, Dr P. C. Fenwick, Deputy Commissioner Colonel Cresswoll, Air Marshal Sir Robert Clarkc-Hall, Dominion Commissioner for 'Rovers, and Major Furby, Dominion secretary. A special parade of Scouts and Cubs was hold to welcome these visitors. Lawrence, Owaka, and Invercargill districts entered exhibits tor the first time this year, and shared in the awards. Officers and Scouts from Invercargill and Lawrence stayed the week-end in Dunedin for the purpose of visiting the Hobbies’ Exhibition. On the Saturday evening visiting officers ami the local officers and committee members had an opportunity of discussing Scout matters with the visiting commissioners. A party of officers and Scouts visited Lawrence for the week-end of August 21 to help the work in that district, and earlier in the year a visit was paid to Balclutha to assist in the formation of tho Balclutha Troop. These visits wore much appreciated by tlie districts concerned. lb was necessary to sell two debentures to pay off tiie overdraft that had boon carried on from tho previous year. In August it was decided to establish a building loan fund for the purpose of assisting group committees that had decided to purchase or build a hull for their troop or pack. It was therefore necessary to sell a further two debentures to enable this to he done. So far three troops had taken advantage of this fund. The hank balance stood with a credit of £3B 19s lOd. fn speaking to the motion Commissioner Borrio, who had been formally

welcomed by Sir Percy Sargoqd, congratulated the association on its good financial position. He then expressed his indebtedness to Assistant Commissioner Wing, who had acted most capablv, and also to the honorary secretary (Mr W. F. Ashman), who had assisted Mr Wing. It was to them the success of the Hobbies’ Exhibition should, be credited. The troop membership numbers were gratifying, being iu advance of those of Christchurch, but Auckland still maintained a lead. In conclusion, he thanked the various committees for their support. The motion, was seconded by Mr J. H. Kirkwood. The report and balance sheet were adopted. Commissioner Borrio read a letter from Dr P. C. Fenwick (Dominion Commissioner) expressing Ins best wishes for a successful year, and conveying his thunks to committees for their good work. Tribute to the interest displayed and the untiring work of the chairjnan was paid by Air Wing. He then mentioned his appreciation of the services of group committees. Through the loan fund tho North Dunedin Troop had been making its own headquarters, and he hoped to sec them opened by the Gover-nor-General on his next visit to Dunedin. It was his-earnest wish that all clubs would shortly have their individual headquarters. The suggestions that the date of the Hobbies Exhibition be altered to avoid coniliction with the school holidays and that all Scout competitions, should be included in the metropolitan shield competitions were referred to the incoming council. Minutes of appreciation of the services of Sir Percy Sargood and Mr Ashman were recorded. At the conclusion of the meeting the chairman made the presentation of two shields won in competition during the past year.