CHIEF SCOUTS VISIT.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18822, 10 March 1931, Page 5

CHIEF SCOUTS VISIT.

RALLY AT CHRISTCHURCH. SOUTH CANTERBURY’S PART. South Canterbury Girl Guides and Boy Scouts were well represented r.t the big rally held at Christchurch on Saturday, and played no small part in the wonderful welcome accorded Lord Baden-Powell, Chief Scout, and Lady Baden-Powell, Chief Guide. A special train left Timaru at 8.35 on Saturday morning, and this conveyed 150 Guides, and 210 Scouts and Cubs. The Scouts. District Commissioner A L. Gee, and District Scoutmaster J. Bentley were in charge of the Scouts, while seventeen Sea Scouts were under the command of their master, Captain R. McD. Brown. The troops represented were N orthdo wn-Te Rangi, under Scouter Smith; Chalmers, under Scouter Downes; St. Mary’s under Scouter Keen; St. Peter’s under Scouts er Sullivan; Waimate under Scouter Thomas; Geraldine, under Scouter Turner; and Highfiqld under Scouter Man thorp. The contingent reached the northern city at noon, and it was pleasing to find that the weather was favourable They received their orders and settled down at the allotted section at the Show Grounds, where the gear was unpacked. The unit was self-contained, and meals were cooked and dispensed at the special section. On arrival of the Chief Scout, the gathering of approximately 3000 Scouts and Guides observed a minute’s silence in remembrance of those who suffered in the earthquake disaster. The Dominion haka was enthusiastically given by 100 Canterbury Scouts, this being followed by “God Save the King.” The march past, at which the salute was taken by the Chief Scout, was a most spectacular affair, the different troop flags being very fine. South Canterbury were given pride of place in the march, the Sea Scouts, under Captain Brown being at the head. The Cubs, with clasped hands, led by The Old Wolf, looked splendid, as did also the Brownies, who were driven with streamers by the officers in charge. After the march the South Canterbury section proceeded to the display ground, and commenced the erection of exhibits which were the subject of such favourable comment. Scouter Keen, in charge of St. Mary’s, directed the erection of a camp hut with willow and broom, together with a Scout loom and the accompanying gadgets made of native woods. A 15ft. flagpole was erected in the centre of the camp, which was fenced, with a gate leading towards the next exhibit. Boys not engaged in this work were kept occupied making flax mats, over which the Chief Scout and his staff passed on their way to the bridge. A 40ft. bridge was erected by the combined Timaru troops. The structure was made of mar.uka, which was given by Mrs Hall, of Kakahu. Over 350 small manuka trees were commissioned, these representing 1400 feet. Atmosphere was lent by th~ provision of an artificial stream, decorated with growing tiees. Here a Scout was seen fishing. while another was in a canoe. The Chief Scout evinced much interest in the bridge, and with about six of the escorting staff, proved the stability of the work. The bridge was commissioned for service in a little under an hour, and was considered to a splendid piece of work. Waimate and Geraldine devoted their energies to the erection of a 20ft. tower, which also was of manuka. It was tested by four Scouts who raced to the top, and was said to be a credit to the builders. At the top of the structure was the look-out post over which floated the Troop’s colours. At the end of the inspection, orders were given to dismantle, and in the space cf a quarter of an hour South Canterbury’s exhibits were completely demolished. While the inspection was being carried out, some of the southern visitors were engaged in ambulance and field work.

Lord Baden-Powell expressed himself well pleased with the standard of the work of the South Canterbury boys, and complimented the officers on their efforts.

Just prior to the conclusion of the demonstration, the Chief Scout proceeded to the Counsellor Rock, and at a signal, there was a grand rush by all Scouts, Brownies, and Cubs, after which Lord Baden-Powell addressed the assemblage. South Canterbury then returned to their section, where the ground was cleaned up, the contingent embarking for Timaru, where they arrived at 10 p.m. THE GUIDES. The Guides, who also travelled by special train, numbered 150, and were under the command of Captain Marriott of St. Mary’s troop, while Mr 3 Herbert Elworthy. District Commissioner for South Canterbury, was present at the rally. Of the total number who travelled, fifteen were Rangers and seventeen were officers. The companies were :—St. Mary’s Rangers, under Captain Marriott; St. Mary’s Guides, under Captain Cooper; Chalmers. under Lieutenant Hunter; Waimate No. 1, under Captain Herslet; Waimate No. 2, under Captain Jones; Geraldine, under Captain Woolley; Woodbury, under Lieutenant Flatman; and, Temuka under Captain Richards. South Canterbury’s representatives participated in the march past, which W£*s headed by Central Christchurch, with South Canterbury next in order. They were prominent in the parade in front of the grandstand, where each troop was dressed to represent one of the badges that may be won by a Guide. The local troops engaged in this display were : Woodbury, dairymaids; Temuka, dancers; Waimate, athletes; St. Mary’s, knitters; Chalmers. boatswains; Geraldine, gardeners. Some of the displays were very thorough. Chalmers, in presenting the boatswain’s badge, made provision for a boat, while two of the Guides danced a Sailor's Hornpipe. Woodbury went to the extent of creating the correct atmosphere by having a cow on the grounds in demonstrating the dairymaids’ badge.

Ten girls from South Canterbury were included in the Guard of Honour, and one acted as special messenger throughout the rally for the Chisf Guide. Nancy Neilson. a Mary's Ranger, the only Gold Cord Ranger present at the rally, was given the honour of being appointed Lady Baden Powell’s standard bearer, a distinction which did credit to the South Canterbury contingent.

Captain Marriott told a “Herald” representative yesterday that the rally was a great success. She said that the train arrangements were excellent, and she desired to thank District Scoutmaster eßntley for what he had done for the Guides in this direction.