BOY SCOUTS’ ASSOCIATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19000, 24 October 1923, Page 4

BOY SCOUTS’ ASSOCIATION.

QEAIITEI’LY MEETING. The quarterly meeting of the Dunedin Boy Scouts' Local Association was held in the St, John Ambulance Association rooms last night, Iho Commission! 1 (Major Fleming) presiding over a small attendance, which included a number of ladies. In bis opening remarks, tho Commissioner welcomed the representatives of tho Anderson’s Bay Troop Committee, which manages the affairs of the recently-formed troop at Anderson's Bay. Ho continued that since the last quarterly meeting, which was held on August 7. tho most outstanding, and (he moat satisfactory feature, of Iho asoeiation’s work had been tho interest taken in the scout movement by the Rotary Club. Thirty-one members of that body bad joined the association, and Rotavians had given freely of their time and talents towards tho starting of the Anderson’s Bay troop, and in many other ways. With the support of such an organisation it would be the association’s own fault if scouting did not flourish in Dunedin Ho was very pleased to see Rolarians presold, and was sure that their advice and sympathy would be very helpful. At the last meeting hopes were expressed that exemption from . mili r tary training might bo secured for scouts under certain The association had been in communication with its head office on the subject, but gathered from latest advices that it was very unlikely that the Government would consent to such exemptions being granted. In tho opinion of many people, the scout training was quite as good if not better than that received by cadets, but as loyal citizens they bowed to tbo decision of those in authority. The formation of a new troop at Anderson’s Bay was a very successful function, and there were no. fewer than S 3 boys on tho roll, with promises of others. Scooter Jenkin's other engagements, ■ unfortunately, prevented him from taking charge as had been originally intended, but. tho boys were in the capable hands of Scouter Agnew, who reported very favourably on their conduct and smartness. In a short time the older established troops would have to look to their laurels, as a healthy emulation was good for every troop, as it was for every body of men or boys. In addition to the Anderson’s Bay extension, a troop has been started in connection with the All Saints’ Boys’ Club. This owed its inception to Mr N. F. Benham. Notwithstanding tbo name, the troop was undenominational, and all lads wishing to join were welcomed. It was hoped that yet another troop would have been formed by this time, but unfortunately Scouter Jenkin. who was tho prime mover in the matter, had to drop the idea owing to pressure, of business. However, the lads ho had gathered together would not be lost; to tho movement, and would join other existing troops. There was a proposal before the association to send a few representative scouts or scouters, or both, to the jamboree to be held in England in August next, but, unfortunately, the cost of the trip was estimated at £125 per head, which amount, moreover, had to bo deposited with tho head office before December 1 next. This was prohibitive so far as the finances of the local association wore concerned. Opportunity had been given to certain of the troop committees to finance picked representatives, but, again* tho same difficulty arose.

After some discussion a motion that scouters or scouts representing Dunedin bo sent to the jamboree in Kneland in August next, the financial burden to bo borne bv the district, .was lost by a largo majority.

Notice of motion, under the name of Scoutor A. G. 11. Holderuess, which was given at the last annual meeting—viz., "That the commissioner (Major Fleming) be asked to resign,” was received. The commissioner left the chair, but, as Scouter Holderuess was not present, the motion lapsed.

District Scoutmaster T. 11. Jcnkin wrote expressing regret that it was necessary to ask. the association to accept his resignation from the position. Since he had accepted the office he had had such an increase in School of Art and private work that ho could not. possibly anord the time or attention which he might give to scouting, and ho thought that considering the great problems and difficulties with which scouting was faced it would bo better if he dropped out, at any rate for a time, rather than carrying on in a spasmodic and half-hearted way.-—The resignation was accepted with regret, the commissioner expressing satisfaction that as District Scoutmaster Jcnkin, who was an enthusiastic scoutor, was willing to act as an examiner and would still be a member of the local association, his services Would not be lost altogether.—lt was decided to leave the appointment of a district scoutmaster in the hands of the executive. Scoutmaster Garden asked whether any information had been received of scouting activities in the north.

The Secretary (Mr Rogers) reported that no such reports had been received. Scoutmaster Garden continued by saying that the scout movement was in a perilous position at the present time. Ho felt that in Dunedin there was a gradual drifting away of troops, and the boys were losing interest. The football competition among scout troops during the past season had stimulated great interest among the boys, but that was not scouting. Ten years ago the scout membership was much larger than that of the present time. One reason of this was that they had no district scoutmaster, and tho officers did not visit tho troops as they should do. Mr Holdcrness, who apologised for his late arrival, was of the opinion that the association was not carrying out its duties. Tho visits of scout officers to the various troops was very encouraging to the boys, and, if there were no such visits, the boys lost interest and drifted away. Air Dorman stressed the necessity of reviving the scout spirit, not only in scouting but also in all the other phases of life. If the true scout spirit prevailed among all the troops the position would bo different. as the co-operation of the various troops would effect a great improvement. Tho Commissioner said that if the .association’s members took a renewed interest in scouting and the officers made a point of visiting the various troops regularly the present position would improve considerably. The matter was then dropped.