PARIS BOUND: 20,000 BOY SCOUTS

Grey River Argus, 12 March 1947, Page 3

PARIS BOUND: 20,000 BOY SCOUTS

(The second of three articles detailing the vast preparations being made for the Sixth World Scout Jamboree in France). Some 60 miles separate the lboO acres of beautiful oak and beech studded meadow land which has been made available for the two eeks, and the capital city of Paris. Moisson, similar in size to the majority of the country towns in New Zealand lies on the northern extremity of the camp boundary being little more than 300 yards from it. The central arena of the camp is, however, practically a mile distant. A soil strata composed mainly of chalk and gravel ensures rapid drainage of the camp sites. Cliffs on the northern border and forest country surrounding the remaining sides prevents winds from sweeping across the camping ground. In these respects the lay-out of the Jamboree camp was facilitated by natural existing conditions, but nevertheless, a large number of aspects govering the ease with which such a large camp can be run have also to be considered. While congestion of Scouts was undesirable to the Authorities, it was also found imperative to allow sufficient space for each camp site without isolating any one troop. Plans produced to date prove the organisers to have been highly successful. Within the borders of “Jamboree Town” they have included a general market, a large rally ground with seating accommodation for 10,000, a circus, two exhibitions, a car park, workshops and stores, five fairs, a hospital, a camp-fire and amphi-theatre and 15 sub-camp headquarters, in addition to the central headquarters block. The inclusion of these amenities in the general plan was further complicated by the trend of the programme and ivveral principles that it adhered to. For example, religious observances in the morning call for complete silence throughout the camp, and consequent arrangements had to be made.

The fir-lined road from Mousseaux to La Roche Guyon will provide primary access to the camp, and in a secondary 3 capacity 3 will divide the settlement into two parts. One section is to be composed of the Jamboree Scouts proper; the other camp containing transitory Scouters, Girl Guides, and other women helpers, and visiting French Scouts. Within the precincts of the main camp, selected sites-' for handicapped Troops. Air Scouts and Rover Scouts, have been reserved. Sea Scouts will be accommodated on an island in the river not far distant.

Jn the market, centre, every need from shoe repairs to postage stamps will be met, and every eating-house from a hot-dog stand to a French Cafe, will meet the more urgent culinary demands of true Scouting appetities. The kitchen and tent layout for each Troop will be contained within the ample area of 765 square yards. In this manner Scouts will have an opportunity to show initiative in" the erection of their individual camps, while the margin of space will allow for easy access to each component. A centrally placed sports ground in the sub-camp will provide an ideal common meeting ground for all Scouts within I hat area and the characteristic sports of various nations will here rival each other for popularity. The more thickly wooded portions of the composite camps will serve as fitting sites for religious services and for such a purpose have been carefully avoided by the workers already busy at Moisson. As* extensions to the programme of events for foreign Scouts during their stay in France were conceived, the task of supplying the necessary transport became more and more burdensome for those responsible. Fortunately the French Railways National Society has accepted the situation and recently approved the proposed itinerary which will necessitate the transport, of foreign contingents from their disembarkation ports to Moisson —from the camp on consecutive days to Paris, Versatile, Chartres and St. Germain —from the Jamboree to their host Provinces — and finally to their ports for departure. Twenty special trains are considered capable of fulfilling these requirements, and during the term of the Jamboree Scouts’ arrival and departure, are expected to ply continuously between Mantes, the nearest railway station to the camp, and practically every other coastal and border station in France. To augment transport facilities, forty motor buses will maintain a regular service between Mantes* and the camp site. It is possible that under normal conditions, France would have undertaken to transport Scouts from neighbouring European ports and towns across her border, but the present state of world communications has prevented her from making any such promises. There are certain rites which are apparently observed by unwritten law, at any International gathering such as the 1947 Scout Jamboree. At Moisson, therefore, Scouts of all nations will find various occasions on which their particular hobby or belief, will bring them together with others of a common interest. Such meetings include those of stamp collectors, sea and air Scouts, the Scout Alpine Club, Gilwell Scouts, Commiusioners and other Scouting Leaders, Scouts acting as Press correspondents, Red Cross Scouts, Esperantists and Rovers. Religious unanimity will also bring together Scouts* from distant nations. Early in the sequence of events at the Jamboree, campers will be assailed by Press correspondents from overseas and local papers. Scouts in this country have long since begun training to improve the standard of the camping ability of the contingent. In' addition, they intend to follow the advice of the Gov-ernor-General and Dominion Chief Scout, His Excellency Sir Bernard Freyberg, who in a recent address to Scout Leaders, stressed the importance of a high physical fitness standard to the contingent. New Zealand Scouts have the proud name of the Kiwis to live up to and though the task is no easy one, there is no lack of confidence among the fortunate three hundred.