Parewanui Scouts Celebrate First Birthday

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 71, 25 March 1936, Page 15

Parewanui Scouts Celebrate First Birthday

HAPPY PARTY MARKS THE ... OCCASION. To mark the first anniversary of the inauguration of the Parewanui troop of Scouts, a very happy gathering took place in the Apa hall, Parewanui, on Monday evening. There was an excellent attendance of parents and friends, the party having been convened by Mr. E. Marumaru, aetiug-Scoutmaster. Mr. J. Mitchell, chairman of the Scout committee, presided and associated with him were the Metropolitan Commissioner, Mr. H. Christie (Wanganui), group Scoutmaster Wells (Marton), Eover Scoutmaster Slesser, Scoutmaster E. Hooper (Marton), Mr. A. K. Drew (Sanson), also members of Eover troop. By special invitation, Miss Cl Warburton, ■ former district commissioner for Palmerston North, was also in attendance.

Extending a general welcome to the company, Mr. Mitchell made special mention of the Palmerston North and Marton visitors. Deferring to the importance of the occasion, the chairmau said they were indebted to Mr. Eangi Marumaru that this had been possible. That gentleman’s enthusiasm and hard work in the face of difficulties had made it possible for the troop not only to carry on but to prosper. Mr. Mitchell took occasion on behalf of the committee and residents to thank Mr. Marumaru for his whole-hearted enthusiasm in the work, which would have a far-reaching effect on the future lives of the .boys. The speaker paid tribute to the Marton friends, who out of the goodness of their hearts had followed out the great principles of Scouting and kept the flag flying when Mr. Marumaru had been incapacitated. Acknowledging these remarks, Mr. Marumaru, who was received with applause, added his welcome to Apa meeting house, giving a little history of the tribe to which he belonged. The speaker went on to stress the importance of fostering Scouting and guiding, among the Maori people as a means of keeping the young members in touch after leaving school. Mrs. Tattle, president of the Women’s Institute, assured the meeting .of her members ’ interest in the Scouts and. Guides, promising on their behalf to do everything possible to further these movements.

' Mr. Christie was the next speaker and ho based his remarks on'the Scout laws. The British nation had been founded on the laws of Moses and theso were the laws that had made the Pakeha great. The Parewanui troop was carrying out the high principles of Scouting, to fit them for all difficulties that might confront them through life. If they wanted to be true Scouts they must aim to have sound minds and clean bodies; then they could faco. the,,world, however sad and dreary it might bo at the moment.

- Miss Warburton spoke on the aims and ideals of guiding and reminded the.gathering that the late King George had said ‘ ‘ the glory of the nation is in tho homes of its people,” and the homes depend on the women and girls, the speaker remarked. Thus guiding aimed at training good home-makers, keeping up the national spirit and the glory of the nation as well. Speaking on behalf of the late commissioner for the Marton district, Miss Warburton. outlined the procedure in establishing a Guide company, the preliminary arrangements being the formation of a Committee 'and the training of a guider. It was unanimously agreed to form a committee.

Mrs. Tattle then took the chair and invited nominations for committee members, the following being elected: Mesdames Jamieson, Russell, Crossland, Mitchell, Apirana, Rogers, Tattle and Montgomery. The Scout committee was re-elected and it was tacitly agreed that the two committees should co-operate as much as possible. An excellent report on the year's activities was presented by Mr. Marumaru, the acting-Scoutmaster, being accorded an enthusiastic vote of thanks. It was further unanimously agreed to recommend the issue of a warrant as Scoutmaster to Mr. Marumaru. Thanks were also accorded the Marton members who had given such splendid servieo with the Parewanui troop.

Mr. Drew, as chairman of the Sanson Scout troop, offered liis congratulations on the work accomplished and his good wishes for further success. Rover Scoutmaster Slesscr then took charge and after speaking in general terms of the ideals of Scouting, enrolled a new Scout with impressive ceremony. Scout games and an exhibition of physical drill provided further interest and during an interlude in the serving of supper, the.birthday cake was brought in. Members of the Parewanui troop participated in the candle-light-ing ceremony and Miss Warburton cut the cake after offering her congratula : tions and good wishes for future success.