BOY SCOUTS' ASSOCIATION

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 271, 31 October 1932, Page 10

BOY SCOUTS' ASSOCIATION

HAWKE’B BAY DISTRICT. COMMISSIONER’S ANNUAL REPORT The District Commissioner for Boy Scouts (Mr J. H. R. Cooksey) in his annual report for the year 1932, states: — “I have pleasure in reporting that the scouting in this district has gone steadily ahead during the past year. In spite of the difficulties created by the recent earthquake, troops are now even more firmly established than before, and numbers, both of officers and boys, have steadily increased. It is gratifying to find young men coming forward to offer their services as Scouters and so enable troops that had to close down through inability to secure leaders starting again. Two new troops have been formed, and two of our old ones re-formed, also two new packs of Wolf Cubs. There is every indication of two or more troops starting in the near future. “In the Hastings district we are still hampered through lack of fixed meeting places. The effort which was being made by the district executive to secure a district headquarters has to be postponed in the face of the urgent demands made by the slump. The money raised for that purpose is being set aside until such a time arrives when we can continue our efforts. “One of the outstanding features of the year is the formation of a Farm Troop at Rissington for boys unable to secure employment. Although at present our numbers are small the scheme promises to be a great success and is certainly fulfilling the aims for which it was started. The boys are well housed, fed and led and trained in the fundamentals of country life and when better times come should find themselves capable of holding jobs in the country. The scheme was primarily intended for the Hawke’s Bay district but as so few applications were received we have extended it to the rest of the Dominion. Great thanks are due to Mrs Absolom and Mr Absolum for making the scheme possible by lending the land and buildings for the purpose. Also to the special committee through whose efforts the necessary money was raised to start the scheme. I should like also to thank all who have assisted with money or goods. “It is further a sign of the steady scouting in this district that a large number of Scouters have taken the home course of the Wood Badge training. The increased attendance at all Scouters’ meetings also points the same way and shows that a growing keenness is working amongst our Scouters. This closer co-operation among groups must have a great strong strengthening effect upon the movement as a whole throughout the district, and be reflected upon the boys. “Miss Wilson (Bulls), “Akela” for New Zealand, with C.M. Callis and D.U.M. Mrs Hoggard kindly visited the district and held a training course for Cub officers. This was attended by a large number. “The spare time activity competition promises to be a feature in this year’s programme. The District Swimming Shield will! be contested for after Christmas. The contest for the Premium Troop also promises to be keenly contested. A new feature was introduced at the last Autumn Show when the Scouts were asked to put on a display, which they did with credit. “Our census for the district shows the following numbers: Troops 14, Cub packs. 9, Rover Crews 1, Scoutmasters 23, Oubmasters 15, Scouts ’351, Cubs 15; total all ranks 581. “In closing I should like to thank first the Scouters of the district who are giving up so much time to their younger brothers, the troop committees and the executive committee for their valuable work; to all ladies and gentlemen, who are acting as instructors and examiners; to the Press, who have been invaluable to us, and to Messrs Hallenstein Bros, for their great assistance in the furthering of the movement. Also, I would thank our supporters for their financial support and would ask that as many as possible become members, as at times like the present the influence of scouting on the young boy can prevent many a tragedy. Lastly, thanks to the district secretary and to the secretary of the Scouters’ Association for their efficient work.”