BOY SCOUT HELPERS.

Putaruru Press, Volume V, Issue 212, 24 November 1927, Page 2

BOY SCOUT HELPERS.

MR. AND MRS. H. CLELAND. Tributes to Their Services. The forms round the walls, the chairs, and the vestibule were not sufficient to accommodate the people, juvenile and adult, who attended a social held in the Matamata BoyScouts’ Hall on Friday night to bid farewell to Mr. and Mrs. H. Cleland, prior to their departure for Wanganui, to which important centre Mr. Cleland, Government Stock Inspector, has been transferred. After all the seating and the usual standing space near the door were occupied, many of the younger folk had to sit on the middle of the floor which did not seem to trouble them much, for they were having an hilarious old time of it, and frequently “ found the floor ” in a hurry. But Scoutmaster Simpson kept them in good order. Mr. T. H. Prowse, chairman of the Boy Scouts’ Committee, said it was with both pleasure and regret that he looked upon the function that evening, for they were there to say goodbye to Mr. and' Mrs. Cleland, who were going to a larger centre. Mr. Cleland had done a great deal of good in the district. The Boy Scout movement had been started in 1921, and since then two bands had been formed. The first had weakened owing to departures from the district, and another had been got together by Mr. Cleland. He had carried on very ably indeed as band instructor, and had done some very good work in that direction. The boys were all new to the practice, but Mr. Cleland had made a success of them, and up to two years ago the band was equal to anything of the kind in New Zealand. Their worthy scoutmaster "had started the troop again, and Mr. Cleland the band. The present boys had had only eight or nine months of training, but were already competent to perform in public, which the speaker considered was a tribute to them and their instructor. On two occasions the scouts had been taken to Waihi beach, and on these occasions, and with the help of Mrs. Cleland, the boys had been given a real good time. Mr. Cleland had foregone his own holidays, given the boys a fortnight’s treat, and brought them home again safely, and both deserved every credit from the boys’ committee and community. The committee felt that they would like to do something by way of showing their appreciation of Mr. Cleland’s splendid services, and to that end photographs of the old and new bands had been taken, and these, with inset of Mr. Cleland, would be incorporated in an illuminated address to be presented when ready. Unfortunately, several delays had occurred, two photographers having been unable to keep appointments, through sickness. It was hoped that Mr. Cleland would be able to return for another little function. Mother, Doctor, Nurse. Mrs. Cleland had been a mother to the boys at Waihi beach mother, doctor, nurse. (Applause). The committee could not let her depart without some slight token of their appreciation, and on their and the Scouts’ behalf he would present Mrs. Cleland with something as a remind-

er of the gratitude of Matamata Scouts and committee.

Mr. Prowse handed over a very fine solid brass vase, beautifully and profusely engraved with floral designs. Mr. J. W. Simpson also added his tribute, and humorously commented that he was surprised that Mrs. Cleland allowed her husband to be away so much as the scout work required. He appreciated Mr. and Mrs. Cleland’s kind efforts to make the boys better men and better citizens; than the improvement of the rising generation there could be no higher aspirations. (Applause). Characteristic Response. “ The band is one of the greatest gags I’ve had in my married life,” said Mr. Cleland, when he rose to respond. “ Whenever I wanted to get out I only had to say it. was band practice.” (Laughter). “ It is a great honour to be associated with scouts, I can assure you, for we are in the company of the Prince of Wales, the past and present Gover-nors-General, Lord Jellicoe and Sir Chas. Ferguson (Renewed laughter). It seems that I am doomed, to have to get up and make the funny speech of the evening always,” lamented the speaker, but that didn’t get him any sympathy. He proceeded in serious vein to recall that the Rev. W. E. Connolly was the founder of the Scouts in Matamata, along with Messrs. Bowler Bros, and other pioneer helpers who were always ready with both personal assistance and money. Irrepressible as ever, the speaker went on to say that a Government official could not shine on the town board, so he took on the band, where he could blow his own trumpet and be in the limelight all the time. (Laughter). The boys afforded a great' study in human nature, and anything he had done for them had been done gladly and willingly. As to the camps and Mrs. Cleland’s held, when there was twenty pounds of sausages for thirty boys they would have need of a nurse and a doctor. (Laughter). Mr. Cleland urged the people of Matamata to keep the band going, for it was the cheapest band in New Zealand. They had their own instruments and hall, and would never lack public support for funds. Three of the old boys had got good positions, ifter receiving references for their conduct in the Scouts, and all were turning out a credit to Matamata. Mr. Cleland concluded by thanking the people -’"cerely for their kindness.

Musical honours and cheers were appropriately interspersed. Mr. Cleland was given a farewell at the Matamata Gentlemen’s Club on Saturday night, and left on Sunday by car. with Mrs. Cleland and family, for Wanganui. Band’s Beginning. The Matamata Boy Scouts’ Band was formed some six years ago. One Anzac Day the Souts were being paraded on the street. Mr. Cleland and Mr. A. G. Yardley were standing talking on the sidewalk, and Mr. Yardley remarked: “It is a pity that those boys have not a band.” “ Well,” replied Mr. Cleland, “If the instruments can be got I will train them.” Within about a week, thanks largely to the canvass made by Mr. Norman Blackburn, £IGO was collected. The Rev. Connolly, Messrs. J. W. Simpson, J. Price, Bowler Bros, and others were prominent supporters. Since then a great jamboree had been held in Hamilton, where the lads earned great praise. The Governor-General and the Commissioner for New Zealand (Brigadier-General Andrew) have expressed surprise and delight with the Scouts and their band, the latter comprising twenty instruments. The Scouts have helped themselves and all other worthy movements, and never turned down an appeal. Undoubtedly, it is the finest movement of the kind any district could possess, and is well worth cherishing.