SCOUTING

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18597, 7 January 1935, Page 7

SCOUTING

“BEACON OF FRIENDSHIP”

JAMBOREE ENDS

CHIEF SCOUT’S MESSAGE

(Received Jan. 7, 10 a.m.) MELBOURNE, Jan. 7.

Fickle weather gave the Scouts attending! the jamboree a boisterous farewell. Contrasting with the brilliant sunshine and beat of the previous days, a cold southerly gale with heavy rain swept across the camp on Saturday and Sunday, when the jamboree ended. Much pageantry which had been arranged for the final days was spoiled. The boys spent an uncomfortable night on ‘Saturday, many tents being flooded, but their enthusiasm was undaunted to-day, when all took part in a touching farewell, to the Chief Scout, Lord Baden-Powell.

At a combined service to-day, the Rev. John Flynn, of the Australian Inland Mission, described the Scouts as missioners bringing comfort and happiness to the lives of many. “Scouting is a beacon of friendship in a world dark from the lack of it,” he added. About 1200 Scouts left to-day for a cross-country hike to Gilwell Park, Victoria, the Scouts’ hill-camping ground in the Dandeuong Ranges. They will arrive tm-Thu-rsday, gather round-the camp fire m the evening, and talk over the events of the jamboree. Lord Baden-Powell, in a farewell message to the Scouts, said : “ Now we have come to the end of our jolly camp no one is more sorry than l that it is time to say good-bye. I can see from your faces that you enjoy life. Thank you for coming here.” Presenting a boomerang of friendship to the leader of each contingent, Lord Baden-Powell attached a message, saying: “Keep alive the memories of the friendships you have made at this happy gathering, and act as apostles of scouting by spreading its lesson far and wide. By so doing you will be helping to promote peace on earth, and goodwill among men.”