SCOUTS’ RALLY SOCIAL

Taranaki Daily News, 27 April 1931, Page 8

SCOUTS’ RALLY SOCIAL

INITIATIVE OF TOKO TROOP. FUNCTION LARGELY ATTENDED. “The programme submitted to-night has helped to show what a vaiied thing scouting isj every boy has some difleient characteristic, some talent, peculiar to himself, and. amenable to development. Our movement gives to each boy the opportunity of expressing himself along desirable lines and to contribute sori ething to his own advantage as well as to the benefit of others. I desire to congratulate the Toko troop and to thank its scoutmaster, Mr. Alurray Urquhart, for his initiative in organising such a fine gathering.” In these words the District Commissioner for Taranaki, Air. I’. W. Horner, Hawera, paid tribute to the success of the big scout rally concert held in the Toko hall on Thursday evening. Over 100 scouts, drawn from the troops of Toko, St. Andrews (Stratford) and Eltham were in attendance, each troop coming with its own place to fill on the programme and in charge of its own leaders. The commissioner was accompanied by Scoutmaster Waite, members of thd Hawera committee and the Hawera cub mistress, Miss Britland. Members of committees from Stratford and other South Taranaki centres were among the large crowd that made up the audience. Air. Horner reviewed the items to show how their rehearsal had helped to keep up the intellect and develop bodily fitness. Scoutmaster Blackman’s campfire concert with its unusual numbers also served to illustrate how latent qualities of singing and voice production, too often neglected in young boys, could be fostered. Air. Horner was particularly pleased to see such large numbers of scouts at the function. “It is to gatherings such as this that wi' look for the building up of friendship and fellowship, for the development of mutual attraction and for the better understanding of the principles of our movement,” said Mr. Horner. Scouts who have got together invariably make better citizens in after life. The public ’ that night had caught a glimpse of the work done by scouts and had been able to notice the pride taken by the boys ; in their respective troops. Anyone could tell a scout and by liis bearing and con- ; duet know that he was proud-to bei' lorn' to a country with the fine reputa- • tion that New Zealand had. Therp were ; wreat opportunities, before those boys, ; but at present they were absorbed in . making and maintaining the good name • of their troop, of the Scout movement, ; of their towns and of their Dominion. . The commissioner hoped, that the gatheri ing that evening would be the forerunner - oAnany similar gatherings of scouts at - the different centres. • The programme was as follows: In- . spection of the Toko troop by the commissioner; haka (Toko); physical drill (Toko); quarterstaff display (Stratford) ; first aid demonstration (Toko Rovers); bridge building (St. Andrews); signalling (Toko); camp fire entertainment (Eltham); club swinging (Stratford) ; wrestling (Toko) and pyramid • building (Toko). Scoutmaster W. H. Humphrey led the boys in community singing, following which the commissioner presented badges . to the following Toko members:— As- ’ sistant’ Scoutmasters R. Claridge and G. Anderson and Rover B. Claridge, service stars; Patrol Leader P. Jones, all round cord third grade (the highest scout honour necessitating the holding of a King’s scout insigna and 18 other badges) cook, garden and service star; Patrol Leaders T. K. Needham and J. Goldup, service stars; Scout L. Cruickshank, second class; Scouts S. Death, L. Garlick, B. Rowe, S. Major, C. Rowe and W. Needham, service stars; Scout H. Alilne, tenderfoot; Scout B. Reader, second clnss, 1 Afterwards ladies of the district in- ’ terested in the movement served eupper, and cheers were given for the commissioner and the Toko troop.

GENERAL ITEMS.

At the conclusion of the Eltham Borough Council, the Mayor entertained councillors at supper, when mention was made of the excellent service rendered by the staff in all departments. The health of the staff was toasted, Cr. Kemp proposing the toast, and the town clerk, the foreman and inspector responded. The Mayor proposed the toast of retiring councillors, and in doing so referred to the harmonious relations of the councillors with each other.

Inquiries into the methods of financing the installation of “talkies” at Eltham were made by Cr. Lewis at the meeting of the Eltham Borough Council. The Mayor stated that the cost of £l7OO had been met fey way of an overdraft, the town clerk adding that it was really financed from the credit balances of the various accounts. The interest charges were made against the general fund, continued the Mayor, who considered that in 10 years the whole plant would be free of cost. Profits from all borough departments went into one pocket and all charges came from one source.

At the Eltham Borough Council meeting the Mayor, Mr. I. J. Bridger, said he believed the incoming council would be able to reduce the general rates by 10 per cent, and effectively carry on the work of the borough.

The painting of the grandstand at Taumata Park, Eltham, has been referred to the incoming Borough Council for consideration. “Our reserves have never looked better;” said Cr. Lewis, chairman of the reserves committee, at’ the meeting of the Eltham Borough Council. He also expressed appreciation of the co-opera-tion of the council during the year. / That t'Jie existing arrangements be not disturbed was .the recommendation of the works committee of the Eltham Borough Council with regard to a suggestion by. the Eltham County Council that the maintenance of boundary roads be divided between the two local bodies. The Eltham Boroug Council has leased the cemetery reserve to Mr. Moller, and permission has been granted the Eltham Ladies’ Hockey Club to use Taumata Park for a seven-a-side tournament on May 28. The Eltham Borough Council has contributed a guinea towards the Inglewood Borough Council’s law case costs, The Eltham Amateur Athletic Club will hold its annual dance this evening, when the prizes won during- the season will be presented. A euchre and. dance in aid of. school funds was held at Pukengahu on'Wednesday • evening, the prizewinners being Mr. If. O’Neill and Mrs. Harris. Mr. J. Hume won a competition for a box of tea. Music ■ was played by Miss Walsh, Mr. and Mrs. Macfle and Air. Joffre O’Neill.' The Eltham Manchester Uriity Oddfellows will commence a series of fortnightly dances on Wednesday evening. The proceeds are to aid the hall funds.

Progressive pairs were played on the Avon bowling green on Saturday. Several members of the Stratford club also took part. Six rinks .were occupied in playing five games of 12 heads each? B. Sanderson, Stratford, won the skips’ competition with 5 wins and Lawson and Harris tied for second place.with 4 wins, Harris winning the play-off’. The leads’ competition was won by W. Clark, Stratford, with five wins, W. Rudkin, Avon, being runner-up.

“MARIETTE? AT STRATFORD.

“Mariette,” the striking three-act musical war play by W. Graeme-Holder, which was produced with such conspicuous success in New Plymouth recently, will be presented at the Town Hail, Stratford, on Saturday next, under the auspices of the Mountain Club, which is raising funds for the erection of The Lance Gibson Memorial Hut. “Mariette” offers a rare opportunity to support a worthy object and to enjoy a first-class entertainment at one and the same time. Full of colour and life, the story moves easily through three acts of romance, laughter and thrills. Singing and dancing of a high order supply brilliant high-lights. Written and produced by one with a comprehensive knowledge of stage craft, “Mariette” is an outstanding achievement worthy of wide patronage, for it is more than full value for money judged by present day theatrical artists wellknown throughout Australia and New Zealand. • In these days of mechanised amusement a play of this order, is distinctly refreshing, and “Mariette” is heartily recommended to ■ all classes of theatre-goers.