SCOUT NOTES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 97, 24 March 1939, Page 11

SCOUT NOTES.

MOVEMENT IN INDIA, (By “Tenderfoot.”) An important and progressive step lias been taken ill tnu Boy Scout Movement in Lidia by their affiliation as an independent national organisation to the Boy Scouts international Bureau, the offices ol which are in London. This move has the full ajiproval and support of the Boy Scouts Association of Great Britain, of which India was previously an integral part. It was felt that the time had come when Scouting in India was strong enough to be accorded this recognition.

It also has the full approval of the Viceroy, who is Chief Scout for India, the Indian Government and the Indian State Governments. The result of this affiliation will mean that Scouting in India will now be organised from its own Head quarters and will bring the Movement into closer touch with foreign countries throughout the world, thus strengthening the bonds of peace. The Boy Fcout Movement was first started in India as early as the year 1909, and three Troops lay claim to seniority, one in Bangalore, another in Tvirkec, and the third in Jubbulpore. These Troops were confined to Euronean and Anglo-Indian hoys. The Indian Headquarters was organised early in 1912, and a Chief Commissioner for India also appointed at tho same time. Scouting among the Indian hoys was started in 1911 by tho late Bishop of Nagpur in his school in Chanda. Records show that this Troop was included in the Imperial Headquarters Gazette. The late Dr \nnio Bes.anfc started a movement for Indian boys on the same lines of the “IVP.” Association between 1915 and 1916 and there were also several movements rrin on the same lines in Bangalore. Central Provinces and. the United Provinces. Tn the year 192021 practically all the Associations were amalgamated into one and affi'intod with the Boy Scouts Association in Tndia. Since 1922 the history of the movement in Tndia has been one of ram’d growth and development as regards both numbers and efficiency. Tn 1922 numbers were 15,202. In 1937 it stood at 3-19,084. TROOP ACTIVITIES. First Palmerston North (Central) Group. —So great, is the troop roll now that List Monday a new patrol was formed. The name of this is the Tui. Ray Brougham was appointed PatrolLeader. We are sorry to hear that P.-L. Don Palleson had to resign owing to other things interfering with his Scouting. Second F. Arnold was appointed to take his place. Four more new boys turned up at the last meeting, which now makes the membership 31. thirty attending last Monday. Scout 1. Ingram was chosen to take F. Arnold’s place as second of the Kingfisher Patrol. Third West End.—There was a very good parade held last Monday in the West End School. The inspection was won by the Dove Patrol, with the Seagull Patrol as runners-up. For part of the evening each patrol was instructed in various kinds of general Scout work. AVe then held knot-tying competitions for tho Tenderfoot Scouts and Morse, etc., for the second-class Scouts. The final points for the evening were: Kingfisher 72, Seagull 69, Hawke 58, Dove 54, Bull 38. We finished up with a Court of Honour, where we discussed certain points in connection with our inter-patrol rally, and also our parents’ evening. The Bull Patrol will lie having their camp this week-end, as the previous weekend was not suitable. All Saints’ Troop.—At the meeting of the troop held on Friday, we began with flag-break and prayers. Following this we did Tenderfoot and second-class work in the patrol corners. The new lxiys are progressing with, their Tenderfoot work. Next we had a game using the Scout laws. We had games of dodge-ball, after which we received instructions about our camp, which is l>eing hold at Easter. The meeting closed at 9.15 p.m.