BOY SCOUTS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 17009, 16 April 1926, Page 11

BOY SCOUTS.

The annual .meeting of 1 lie Poverty' Bay Boy Scout, Association was held last evening, Mr. A; C. Terry presiding over a gathering, comprising the District. Commissioner, Dr. W. A. Bowie, and Messrs. 1-1. J. Halford, ~T. McGinnity, E. IV Shelton, F. B. Palairet, T. B. Baker, S. V. Parsonson (hon. secretary), and the Revs. .las. Aitken and Da vies.

Steady, progress and- growth in all phases of.scout; work,.was reported to the meeting, and gratification -was ex-, pressed at the enthusiasm, shown by the established troops- and by those responsible for the formation, of new troops. It was mentioned that some.tie lads at Motuhora had lately .joined the movement,' and it'was decided to send, a model patrol‘ to the country centre on Friday, to demonstrate through’ the week-end- the various classes of work undertaken in the training-of a scout. The annual report presented by Commissioner W. A. Bowie mentioned that the outstanding feature of the year’s work was-the despatch- Of a troop to the Jamboree at the Exhibition, 24 boys having gone under, the. charge of Scoutmaster T: D. Baker, and competed with) some success in the various contests arranged. The ambulance squad had gained second place, a highly meritorious performance.>.-Other Successes were the winning.of'the divsing competition by Scout J. Halford,and the securing of second place in-a swimming race, by Scout A. Boss. The Jamboree added’greatly to the knowledge of the lads included in the troop, and was a first-class experience in real so,outcra.lt under.efficient organisation. The Association was deeply indebted to those, who had -assisted the funds for-the trip, and particularly 1o the ladies-who had-conducted-a successful jumble.- sale. INCREASED MEMBERSHIP.

The- report mentioned that the lion, secretaryship had been taken over by Mr. 8. V. Parsonson, .vice: Air. Terry, whose services to the, movement had been highly-valued. The-. Association heartily congratulated Mr. H. A. King, late Commissioner, on his gaining the Award of Merit, for services rendered to -the Scout- movement. Mention was made of the formation of the Motuliora troop, and the-likelihood of a seatroop being formed under CaptainHrjith, at Tcilaga Bay. Scoutmaster M'cAlurvay, whose eomteotiOn Willi the movement’had been interrupted for a time, hud again linked up with, the Association, and was again rendering valuable service. The increase in' the members of scouts throughout the district since last annual. meeting was about 50, ay.d more assistance was rcr y-uired ia the, training of the boys. .It l'tad been demonstrated that parents placed confidence in the system of training adopted, and the success of the work depended on getting additional assistance as the number of boys increased. All -the troops in the. district reported anticipations of further increases, and young men willing to undertake the duties of assistant scoutmasters would be welcomed. The unselfish- service of those officers at present handling the .training was fully recognised and highly - appreciated, as was also the work of the honorary examiners for , the various badges.' Without loyal support the Association could not hope to carry on, and the success of the Association was the best indication of the measure of loyalty forthcoming, ‘The meeting carried a motion, of which notice had been given, to the effect, that the respective troops be rc : quested to appoint .two delegates each, to comprise the. Association executive for the coming year.

The • keenest, appreciation was expressed of the action of Mr. T. Holden ip. providing a camping site for; the Christmas outings, and oft the many kindnesses shown to the, lads ‘while, in camp. These, kindnesses have been extruded to the-troops over a number of years, and in recognition, the Association elected 'AU., Mrs. and Miss Holden to life membership of the organisation.