SCOUTS’ DISPLAY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 7 April 1924, Page 4

SCOUTS’ DISPLAY

FIELD DAY AND FAIR

A large attendance of the public were present at the Scout field day and fair Jield in the Botanical Reserve on Saturday afternoon. At 2.15 p.m., headed by the Regimental Band, and under the direction of District Scoutmaster J. Williams, a full muster ol Girl Guides, Sea Scouts, Wakntus, Kangitira, Baptist, Pioneer, and Wakefield Y.M.C.A. troops, followed by the Wolf Gub packs ot the various troops, marched to the Reserve from the Scout headquarters, Bridge Street. The Guides and Scouts and Cubs in their neat uniforms presented a very smart appearance, and their general hearing called forth many favourable comments.

Arrived at the Reserve the troops dispersed to their various camps and proceeded to erect bell tents as their troop headquarters, and toi carry out general scouting, after which a long programme of scoutcraft events was carried out Interspersed with the scoutcraft items were some special events, among which was an exhibition of country dancing by pupils of .Miss Allen, of the Girls’ College. Some twenty girls in old English fair costume danced to the strains of old time music, and' the excellence of their performance in the appropriate setting of the Reserve, won general approbation. Another special item was the rescue by rocket apparatus and breeches buoy of a crew from the Iron Duke' Sea Scouts The platform erected by the bridge builders was the supposed deck of the sunken ship, and the band rotunda the shore from which a rocket was fired, carrying a line to. the deck crew. A most excellent “shot” resulted in the line being caught the first time, [,om which the hawser and whip of the breeches buov were hauled over and attached to the mast. The subsequent rescue of tire, crew proved a most- amusing item and one of the best of the day. The garden tea kiosk under the control" of Mrs Thoms and a large staff of ladies had a most busy time, and dispensed tea to some hundreds of patrons Soft drinks and produce stalls did very good business. A largo number of side shows were operating and did good business between the short, intervals between the spectacular field events. The grounds had a most gay appearance but unfortunately an easterly wind blew very strongly all the afternoon, and a distinct chill'in the atmosphere no dnubf." prevented an even larger attendance, and must have resulted in a large number taking their leave before the end of tlie scheduled events. (Details of events will appear m tomorrow’s issue.)