BOY SCOUTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 26 January 1926, Page 5

BOY SCOUTS.

VISIT TO MT. COOK HERMITAGE. (BY TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION.) THE HERMITAGE, Jan. 25. By the characteristic courtesy and kindness of Mr Itigley, a party of 111) scouters and scouts are now enjoying the wonderful scenic beauties of Mount Cook. The party, which consists of scouts from Victoria (Australia), as well as troops representative of the whole of the Nortli Island, Nelson and Christchurch, detrained from a special train conveying 1000 scouts from the jamboree at Dunedin, and were conveyed to the Hermitage in special buses. They arrived last evening, and were soon made comfortable in the commodious quarters. This morning they were early astir. Under the guidance of the chief guide (Mr Williams) and his staff the whole party proceeded to the Mueller Glacier, and spent a most delightful day in brilliant sunshine on the ice, the majority getting their first experience of alpine climbing. The chief guide remarked on the capabilities of the hoys, also noting that it was the largest party which had visited the glacier. The artists of the paTty who pei'formed at the jamboree campfire concerts entertained the large number staying at the Hermitage with a most unique programme of scout items. The party, which was organised by Scoutmaster Savage, of Nelson, with the able assistance of Scoutmaster Stratford, of Stratford, was made possible by _ the courtesy of the camp chief of the jamboree, Colonel Campbell, who afforded every possible facility, for the trip. . The party is returning to Timaru tomorrow. proceeding north by the ferry steamer.

HAWERA SCOUTS RETURN. Tired, but very happy, the -Hawera and Manaia troops of boy scouts detrained at Hawera from the express on the return from the Dunedin jamboree. Mr E. Dixon, chairman of the Scouts’ Committee, was on the station, and welcomed the boys. He expressed his delight at the scoutmasters’ report of their good behaviour. Arrangements will he made for the committee to give the hoys a reception one evening this week.

In conversation with a representative of the Star, Scoutmaster C. Hitchcock, who was in charge of the Hawera boys, said that the jamboree had been a complete success, and the organisation had been perfect. A number of displays had been given at the exhibition, and these had been most successful. Splendid opportunities had been given for the boys to examine the exhibition, and of these full advantage had been taken. He regretted that the Hawera Scouts had been unable to take part in. the competitions, hut this had been found impossible, as the teams had been broken up owing to several hoys having to remain behind after weeks of training. The local hoys, however, competed in the tug-o’-war competition.

MANAIA TROOP WELCOMED. (From Our Own Correspondent.) A most enthusiastic reception was given to the Manaia Boy Scouts last evening on their return from the Dunedin jamboree after their splendid effort in coming second for New Zealand and fourth and fifth for the British Empire in the marching contest. The Manaia Municipal • Brass Band, 30 strong, turned out, and played several selections before the hoys’ arrival. It also played on the entry of the scouts to the town. Parents and children from far and near were gathered to welcome home the scouts. On arrival, Mr L. G. Nielson, chairman of the Town Board, addressed them, saying: “It is a great pleasure to me to see so many present this evening to welcome back our boy scouts, and especially in view of the record they have achieved for New Zealand in gaining second and third position in the marching contest for the British colonies. It is indeed a great feat, and speaks well for a small village like Manaia. He extended hearty congratulations to Scoutmaster Allan and his boys on behalf of the citizens of Manaia and district on this important event. I hope the Manaia Scouts in future will have every success.” He called for cheers, which were heartily given. Mr A. G. Bennett, president of the Manaia Boy Scouts, said : “I am glad to see you' here again, and heartily thank Scoutmaster Allan for the great interest he has taken in the scouts, who are indeed a credit to him, also to the town of Manaia.” He eulogised the splendid work of the boy scouts, and congratulated them on their success at the jamboree, which should long live in their. memory and should help the movement in Manaia. He asked Scoutmaster Allan to let his _ scouts give their haka, a request which was responded to in great style. He also heartily thanked the band for its cooperation in playing for this special function. He eulogised the work of the band in playing out for all public functions. ... . Scoutmaster Allan, in his re P*Ji said: “I heartily thank you on behalf of the Manaia Scouts for your splendid reception. The boys have had a good time, and their efforts at tlie jamboree speak for themselves. No doubt then' success at the marching contest will help the scout movement in Manaia. The boys are to be commended on their good behaviour and discipline.” He also thanked the committee for its generosity in providing cars to bring the scouts to Hawera' and back again to Manaia. He called for three cheers for the chairman of the Manaia Town Board, the president (Mr A. G. Bennett), and the band. The band then, played several selections.