REUNION OF SCOUTERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20977, 14 September 1931, Page 10

REUNION OF SCOUTERS.

IMPORTANCE OF MOVEMENT. LORD BADEN-POWELL'S VISIT. J lie importance of the recent world tour of tho Scout, Lord Baden-Powell, in consolidating the Scout, movement, in every country he. visited, was emphasised by Air. AN. ,T. Holdsworth, Metropolitan Commissioner, at the annual Auckland District Association of Scouters' dinner oil Saturday evening. Mr. Holdsworth said the Chief Scout had given an added stimulus to the movement everywhere, and the beneficial effects oi his visit, to New Zealand were alieadv noticeable, 'there had been a renewal ot interest, m scouting throughout I he Dominion, ami new troops were springing up in manv districts.

There were very few men iu the world who occupied so high a place in public estimation as Lord Baden-Powell, Mr Holdsworth said. More than 21 years ago ho had started a movement which hi'd quickly spread and flourished throughout the world, until to-day its members numbered more than 2,000.000. The, scouting movement, was of great' impoiiance apart from the fine training it imparted, as it was a valuable influence in encouraging a better feeling among the. peoples of the world, and in breaking down the barriers which existed between nations.

A'noii£ the guests at. the dinner were Bishop J. ]|. Dickinson, assistant-Bishop of Melanesia, who has taken an active mlciest in scout work lor many years, and Mr J W. Court, who acted as chairman ot the finance committee for the local association during the rallv organised to celebrate the visit, of the Chief Scout. A presentation ot a gold "thanks medal" was made to Mr. Court by Mr. Holdsworth, m appreciation of liis services at the period of tho rally. In roplyijig to the toast of "Old and Absent Scooters" (bo Rev. G. E. Moreton recounted some of his experiences at the great jamboree held in England some years ago, when 50,C00 scouts, representing practically every country in the world, assembled in one camp." He refened to the fine spirit shown, and stressed the importance of officers and scouts alike doing their utmost to ensure tho prosperity of the movement. After the dinner, the seonters present enjoyed a programme of musical and other items, whita community singing was held round an improvised camp-fire.