BOY SCOUTS’ ASSOCIATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18540, 28 April 1922, Page 9

BOY SCOUTS’ ASSOCIATION

The annual meeting of the Dunedin Boy Scouts Association was held last night at the St. John Ambulance Society’s rooms; Major Fleming (provincial commissioner) presiding over a large attendance. The Mayor (Mr J. S. Douglas) was amongst those present, and occupied a seat at the chairman’s right. Before beginning the ordinary business the Chairman reterred feelingly to the death of the Rev. A. Gray, an esteemed scoutmaster, and a resolution of sympathy with the bereaved relatives was passed, the audience standing. The annual report mentioned that the association in its present form practically dates from the 22nd November, 1921) when a meeting waa held in the Y.M.C.A. rooms (Major Flaming occupying the chair) to reconstitute the movement in Dunedin. It was then decided that the area administered should be Dunedin and suburbs, including Ravensbourne. An executive of nine members was appointed, Mr A. H. Chadwick being selected as chairman. His Worship the Mayor accepted- the office of president, and Mr E. T. King retained his old position of treasurer. A little later on. the Hon. W. D. Stewart and Mr T. K. Sidey, M.P., kindly consented to act as vice-presidents. At the first meeting of the executive it was decided to app9int a paid secretary to carry on the official part of the work, the selection being Mr D. H. Rogers, who took over his duties on the Ist February. Mr A. G. Holdernese -was selected as district scoutmaster for 12 mouths. The short time which had elapsed aince_ then had been one of considerable activity for the executive and scoutmasters. A visit from the chief commissioner (Captain Cossgrove) on January 26 did much to increase the enthusiasm of members. Practically a complete list of examiners had been secured, and they had in some cases not only given time and trouble to examining, but also voluntarily offered to give demonstrations to the boys at places and hours convenient to them. The work being in the first_ stages of a transition period, there was little more to add save that the energy being put into this. most deserving movement - snowed promise of bearing good fruit in the near future. On© difficulty experienced was the lack of scoutmasters, which prevented the formation of . fresh troops. The executive would feel deeply indebted to any gentleman willing to act in this capacity if they would send in their names. Few movements contained such possibilities for good. At present there were six distinct troops in Dunedin ahl suburbs, comprising 239 registered Boy Scouts. It was hoped to at least double this number during the year. A rally of all the dominion troops was to bp held in Christchurch at the beginning of hext year, and Ipresetot indications pointed to the majority of local troops being present. It was the desire of headquarters that every troop in the Dunedin area should make the trip. Concerts and other sources of revenue should be organised without delay to pay the expenses of the boys. One troopy-the Ocean Beach, under Scoutmaster Gridgeman:—was to be commended for the way in which they were raising funds for the purpose. The boys collected firewood on the sandhills every week and sold it. Quite a tidy sum had been earned in this manner. The Chairman, in moving the adoption, of the report and balance sheet, stated that the executive had just about got into its stride, and, he hoped, would be able to do more work this year. He appealed far assistance for Mr Holdemess,- who would be able to do better work the more backing he received. He hoped every troop would be represented at the rally, a programme of the competitions at which would be issued shortly. He also urged those whose duty it was to send in returns as early as possible to the secretary. They had a small balance in hand, which would enable them to carry forward the work for a-itime without making calls, but he reminded them that the more monetary assistance provided the better the work that the executive would be enabled- to do. Mr A. H. Chadwick seconded the motion, and spoke feelingly of the lack of interest shown in the movement by parents. He thought if parents would only see the scouts I afc work their interest would b© aroused, as they_ would see that the promoters were striving for the improvement of the lads. If they only kept the boys off the streets it would be doing a good work, but they were also teaching them many things that would be of value to them- in ordinary life. The Mayor also spoke briefly in support I of the movement, saying that he had had i personal proof of the value of the Scouts’ I training and of the manner in which they i sought to carry out their mottoes. It was, i he considered, his duty as Mayor to sup- 1 port the movement, which was calculated I to make good citizens. Mr Holdemess, in supporting the motion, thanked the executive and scoutmasters for the assistance they had given him, and detailed some of his work. He had, he said, paid a surprise visit to the Roslvn troop, which was working well on solid lines. TTiey had just formed a new troop at Mosgiel, with a membership of 25. They had got a good scoutmaster in Mr M'Peak, , most enthusiastic in, the discharge of his duties, an<J would prove a true boys’ : friend. There was also a probability that a troop would shortly be formed at Oavershaim under on© of their enthusiastic scoutmasters—Mr Gridgeman. The motion was carried. The fojlowing officers were apnoinfed for the ensuing year:—President, his Worship the Mayor; vice-presidents—the Hon W I D. Stewart and Mr T. K. Sidey, M P’s; 1 executive—Scoutmasters Cowie, ’ Garden’ Gridgeman, and the Rev. J. Miller, Mesdames Smith and Glendining, and Messrs Tmen, sen., Hay, and Chadwick (chairman). Several remits wore decided upon dealing with administrative matters, to forward to he annual rally at Christchurch.