SCOUTS VISIT FIJI

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22464, 7 July 1936, Page 11

SCOUTS VISIT FIJI

THAMES VALLEY ROVERS STAY OF SIX WEEKS Nine Rover Scouts from the Thames Valley districts, imder their district commissioner, Mr. F. Southon, of Matamata, returned to Auckland by the Niagara yesterday after a most enjoyable six weeks in Fiji. The scouts, whose ages range from 16 to 21, made the visit as an expression of goodwill in return for that brought by the Fiji troop which spent a fortnight in the Dominion last Christmas on its way back from the Melbourne Centenary jamboree. The Fiji Government gave the jmrtv every assistance, issuing free passports, providing guides and allowing the troop to cainp on Nukukau Island, about eight miles seaward from Suva.

Tours in the interior and around the coast of Viti Levu and visits to Fijian and Indian troops occupied a large part of the six weeks. The scouts were entertained by the chiefs of many native villages with traditional Fijian hospitality and spent a good nianv days in Indian settlements. The Indian lads whom they met proved rather shy at first, but it did not take lone to establish the best of relations. The visitors demonstrated scouting ways as practised in New Zealand and did much to encourage isolated troops in their work.

The whole party grcatlv enjoyed the long tramps over native paths in the mountainous regions of the interior. Government guides showed the way and the travellers bulged for the night at remote native villages which few Europeans visit. They took part in the King's Birthday parade at Suva, and were, the guests of the various European communities at dances and garden parties. A farewell "camp fire" was attended by fully 2000 people, including the acting-Governor, Mr. J. Barton, and representatives of scout troops from all parts of the colony. Some of the scouts left for their homes yesterday afternoon. The remainder are staying with friends in Auckland.