OF INTEREST TO SCOUTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 119, 10 August 1927, Page 6

OF INTEREST TO SCOUTS

The question of the 1929 Jamboree came up for discussion at Imperial headquarters recently, and Mr. Martin International Commissioner, informed the committee that so far as replies had been received, the members of the International Committee were in favour of it being held in Great Britain, and that it should be both Imperial and international. An invitation was received. suggesting that the Jamboree might be held in Australia, but it was decided that Australia was too far distant to allow European countries to attend. Another suggestion was raised that a Far East Jamboree might be held in 1930. Says Sir Robert Baden-Powell, referring to his recent tour of South Africa: “I was glad for instance to see that romance and the picturesque side of scouting were not lost sight of and that is a point of full importance in these materialistic days. Again, one suspected that scoutmasters possibly erred on the side pf smartness and took a pride in the ‘efficiency’ of their boys, to the neglect of the more important ‘at-homeness’ in woodcraft. This seemed to be a relic of those old times when we were thought to be more or less glorified cadets, and was probably drifted into without reflection.” On the subject of Red Tape, the Chief Scout continues: “I have, both at home and overseas, found associations or commutes who have tied themselves up with red tape, giving no freedom for development or individual responsibility or initiative . . . Yet on these points so much of our success depends. * * * Mr. N. D. Power, Chief Wolf Cub Commissioner for England, announces that he intends leaving England for New Zealand, Australia and Canada, on November 17, on a health tour, and hopes to see (unofficially) something of cub life overseas.

From District Headquarters comes the following report of the recent Patrol Leaders’ Conference: A Patrol Leaders’ Conference was held at the Scout Club Room, Unity Buildings, last Saturday evening and was well attended. Forty-five leaders were present representing 17 troops. This is the first leaders’ conference that has been held for some years and the response is most encouraging. The idea of a leaders' conference is that the meetings shall be run entirely by the leaders themselves, with a consultative scoutmaster to assist in guiding their deliberations and activities. Scoutmaster George Iverson, of St. Mary’s Troop, will act in this capacity. Arrangements will be made for practical addresses by experts in various subjects connected with scouting. particularly with reference to woodcraft and camping. The leaders formed a managing committee of six, with Leader A. E. Anderson as chairman, and Patrol Leader Clarke as secretary. The first subject discussed was The Court of Honour. Various leaders spoke, giving ideas of the way in which the Court of Honour was conducted in their different troops. As a result it is more likely that some troops will give more prominence to the work of the Court of Honour than they have hitherto done. Games, suitable for small rooms, were discussed and five were played by those present. Scoutmaster Charles Swales gave an address on the first-class signalling test which was much appreciated. The next conference will take place on September 3, at 7.30 p.m., at the club room. On Friday, July 29, the St. Matthew's Troop held a successful pound night, 45 boys being present. On the last Friday of each month a similar evening will be held and other troops are to be invited.

Great White Bear writes that the Ley’s Institute Scouts are also holding a pound night next Friday. Scouts will be pleased to hear that this Scout Chief, who has been on the sick list, has now recovered. —REDFEATHER. A robin has laid five eggs in a nest built in the folds of a mackintosh hung in an apple tree in Cumberland.