NEW SCOUT BUILDING

Taranaki Daily News, 4 August 1934, Page 4 (Supplement)

NEW SCOUT BUILDING

CENTRAL TROOP FACILITIES. ERECTION ON SCHOOL FLAT. That every troop of boy scouts should possess its own meeting house has long been the ambition of Major W. F. Sandford, commissioner for training. With the official opening of the Central troop room to-night Mayor Sandford’s hopes will to a certain extent have been realised as it is believed the Central troop is the only one in the Dominion that possesses its own building. For ten years the troop has worked with this objective in view and as a result of the fine co-operation of the Central Home and School Association an ideal building has been provided adjoining a shelter shed on the school flat. Close on £5O was raised and free labour was provided to erect a corrugated iron shed 25 feet by 16 feet. As yet the building is unlined but it is hoped that gradually the walls and ceiling will be completed. The troop has been divided into four patrols and each patrol has been made responsible for the decoration of a quarter of the room. When visited yesterday the building provided a very neat appearance. Several pictures, photographs, maps and diagrams adorned the walls, while in the centre of the room was a large square concrete fire place. This type of fireplace is a novelty to Nev/ Zealand scouters. The fire is kindled on the concrete and a large funnel-like canopy is lowered and carries off the heavy smoke. As soon as the fire has settled down and is free from smoke the canopy is removed and the troop sit around in true camp-fire fashioon.

The scouts and cubs and probably the girl guides will use the room for meeting purposes. A flood light has been provided in the adjacent shelter shed where drill can be done. All the troop’s material, tents and hand carts will be kept under cover. The building will fulfil a long felt want at New Plymouth.