WHANGAREI BOY SCOUTS

Northern Advocate, 4 October 1930, Page 2

WHANGAREI BOY SCOUTS

ANNUAL MEETING OF TROOP

MOVE ME N T H A NiDIC APP ED

The above meeting was held in the Mayor’s room last aright. There was a mu all attendance, but the meeting was of a. hopeful and encouraging character. The. Rev, H, T. Steele was in the chair, and after the reading and adoption of the minutes of the previous year, ho gave a. resume of the activities of the troops during the pasjt year.

Mr Steele said: “The Scout movement in Whangarei has been handicapped by the lack of a scoutmaster. As was decided at the last annual meeting, the troop went into recess until the end of January, and after that date occasional parades were held -under the supervision of the committee, but in June, Mr Whclla-u came forward and -offured to act as scoutmaster, since when regular par ados have been held, and in consequence recruits have begum to flow in. At present 16 boys arc training. Another obstacle- in the way of success is the lack of public interest, due partly to (the absence -of full activity on the part of the troop. It is a matter for thankfulness that several members of the Rotary -Chib have expressed their desire to help, and this gives us much encouragement. Another great essential is a suitable hall. At present we are allowed the use- of the Winter 8 how buildings, but they are not at all ideal for the purpose. Wr need a, hall we can call our own when boys may meet aj any time, and where they may keep their paraphanalia, and indulge in club sociability. It is reported that a site cam- easily he obtained, -and iho committee ‘hopes to take steps to raise funds for the erection of such a place. Grateful thanks are due to Dr. Ward and ‘the members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade for their trainiing of some ot the- .senior boys in ambulance work. The bright spot in the work is ito bo found in the Cub Troop under Mrs Mcssent, who has carried om a splendid work with; • enthusiasm -and success. the-troop still exists is due largely to Mrs Messent’s work. The balance sheet was read and adopted aiud a new committee, consisting of the Rev. H. T. Steele (chairman), Messrs Baker, Kelly and Mrs Haines was elected, with power to co-opt two- other ge-mtlament from the Rotary -Club members, who, Mr Rishworth said, would be willing; to serve.

Dr. Ward informed the meeting that the St. John. Ambulance Brigade would very gladly lend a room in its headquarters for the use of the Scouts, and this was gratefully accepted .aiud left for the new -committee to arrange, Mr Rishworth suggested that the boys be informed of householders whe wbuld be willing to provide suitable work, for which a small payment would be made', thus helping to provide funds for various needs.

Mr Woods, of Kara, who kindly provided a camping site, two years ago, ronoiwed his offer and was thanked for this very practical proof of interest in. the welfare -of the troop.

A vote of thanks /to the old committee and to- those who had shown their willinjgness to help was carried.

The officers elected for the new year were as .follows: —Chairman, the Rev. H. T. Steele; -secretary, Mr R. C. Eurgnson; auditor, Mr Gunn; scout--master, Mr Whellau; cubmistress, Mrs Messent; trustees, the Rev. H. T. Steele a-nd Mr Ferguson.