THE BOY SCOUTS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 270, 14 October 1929, Page 2

THE BOY SCOUTS.

Flushed by the fires of youthful health Exuberant with joy;_ The bo- - alert; swift to fulfil The word of duty, urge of will, Must, for some object, good or ill His energies employ. The call of commerce, science, art; By clinic, studio, office, mart; To flesh, to soul, to spirit, heart, Lure our receptive boy.

And as the plastic boyhood years — While strength is daily sought— For virtue vernal—vice that sears; To bless or curse; bring cheer or

tears; . To raise bright hopes; depress with

fears— With weal or woe are fraught. So we are glad that by good chiefs. Nobly inspired, with proved beliefs, True to their trust, God’s praise

their fief Our Scout for good is taught,

And in his turn, the scout will learn, As he is taught, to teach' , • His elders, who, through stress and strife, For money keen, by cheapened life; Or pleasures’ schemes; or hazards rife, . /f.None else their ear* can reach; To case the strain of sordid toil; Nor head, nor heart, in wrong embroil ; . , , Nor hands with ill-gamed wealth to soil, . . But guilt and greed impeach.

And look to where, above - this sphere, Christ died ’tween earth and heaven; To bring goodwill and peace on earth; • . To save man’s soul —God knew its worth — - : : > And sins might be forgiven. That man, as child, might.have rebirth. , ~ Then let them think of those in dearth; ■ - --. Their lack of food, their fireless hearth; * And give for sorrow, ]oy and mirth; And light their dark at even. . . 4 So, on! brave scout; God speed your way; . Aid, cheer, advise or mend. Know that by stream, farm, field, or street; * Where crowds foregather—few may meet; 1 /' Scouts still must bend their welcome feet— Their strength for good to spend.For while, r mid life that throngs US round, . Much social help to-day is found; Yet cases everywhere abound, None but the scout can tend. —W.H.M.. Palmerston North.