BOY SCOUT MOVEMENT

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 September 1945, Page 8

BOY SCOUT MOVEMENT

NEW ZEALAND REPORT From Cubs to commissioners there are close on 20,000 directly associated with the Boy Scout movement in New Zealand, an increase of nearly 900') in nine years. The giowth, according to the annual report of the Boy Scouts' Association (New Zealand branch), has exceeded the executive’s greatest expectations, and it also covers “nonwarranted workers,” whose numbers carry the total of Boy Scouts and active helpers to over 25,000. The vastness of the organisation makes it a difficulty to assess accurately whether the efforts put forward by the organisalion produce proportionate results, says the report. “We believe they do to a certain extent," the executive states. “There is, at any rate, one fact which we hold to be sure, and that is that no boy can pass* his Tenderfoot Test without having a lasting impression, however slight it may be, made upon him.” It is recorded that more districts are securing their own camping grounds. Quite a number of excellent sites are now owned by the groups, and others are in process of being acquired. There has been a marked increase in the number of Scout dens erected. In some cases old houses and other buildings have been purchased and altered. “We have always pointed out the advantages in groups having their own meeting places, but have not encouraged the acciuis’ition of expensive properties,” the executive adds. “It is a good thing if the boys can assist in the erection or alteration of their dens or huts.”