BOY SCOUT MOVEMENT

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 February 1931, Page 4

BOY SCOUT MOVEMENT

NOT A “ONE-MAN SHOW.”

[per press association.]

WELLINGTON, February 27.

Addressing a gathering of 3000 people at a civic welcome to-night, Lord Baden-Powell said that the Boy Scout organisation was not a one-man show. It was easy to make a suggestion, but difficult to find people to carry it out. Much depended upon the character and energy of those putting the organisation into being. Even Mafeking was not a. one-man show, but was shared by the men and women who suffered so much but came out on top in the end. He recalled the time when he visited New Zealand after the Boer War, when he was presented with a piece of gold plate, an opposum, New Zealand furniture which filled his drawing room at Home, and a Maori war charm, which the Maoris said they did not need now that they were subjects of the White Queen. He recalled the civic reception he had on that occasion. He had to be at the Town Hall at a certain hour. On arriving, he could find the Mayoi’ nowhere, but eventually found him in a little back office, and on walking in, the Mayor said, “Oh, you’ve come at last, have you?” That was his civic reception then. Lord Baden Powell spoke highly of New Zealanders on the field of war, and the reliance to be placed upon them. He made a strong appeal for support for the Scouts and Girl Guido movements, which he.regarded as one of the greatest factors leading to international peace. Mr Cobbe extended a welcome on behalf of the Government.