CHIEF SCOUT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20057, 14 March 1935, Page 5

CHIEF SCOUT

SHORT VISIT TO TIMARU

CAMP FIRE WELCOME More than 200 scouts and cubs from the various troops in Timaru, and upwards of 100 Girl Guides assembled at the Highfield Scout den last night to extend a welcome to the Chief Scout, Lord Baden-Powell. Although the function was hurriedly arranged, the programme was well carried out, and the noted visitor was accorded a most enthusiastic welcome. The scouts, cubs and guides were assembled round a camp fire which had been lit on a hillside adjacent to the den of the Highfield troop, and while awaiting the arrival of the Chief Scout, they entertained the large number of the public who were present with scout and guide songs. The first visitors to arrive were the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs T. W. Satterthwaite), and they were accorded a warm welcome. Later the Chief Scout arrived, accompanied by the Honorary Scout Commissioner for South Canterbury (Mr H. A. InnesJones). As Lord Baden-Powell neared the camp fire, he was greeted by hearty cheers by the guides. The cubs then gave their howl, which was followed by a haka by the scouts.

After the visitor had been introduced to the Mayor and Mayoress, a welcome was extended to him by the Honorary Commissioner. Mr Innes-Jones said that it gave them all very great pleasure to see Lord Baden-Powell with them that night. It would be impossible to express the joy the Chief Scout’s visit had given them, but he could assure him that they very sincerely appreciated his action in coming out at night at his age to spend a few minutes with them. He did not propose to keep the Chief Scout longer than was absolutely necessary, and he could not do more than thank him for his kindly action.

Reputation Built Up. The Chief Scout said that he did not like the reference to his age, because funny things happened to him. Last year he was 77. and this year he was 68 (Laughter.) On his birthday he had received a telegram from Scout Headquarters congratulating him on his 68th birthday, so it must be true. He was very glad of the opportunity of seeing the scouts and guides in Timaru. because the last time he was in New Zealand he passed through the station but did not see the scouts. They were more important than any station, and the guides were more important than the scouts. (Laughter.) The Chief Scout, referring to the absence of the Chief Guide (Lady Baden-Powell) said that she would have liked to have been present, but it was just as well she was not, because she would have gone on talking all night, and he would not have got home. (Laughter.) He said that he particularly wanted to see the Timaru scouts to thank them for the kind present they sent to England on behalf of the convalescent home for scouts. The gift was very must appreciated, and in the name of the scouts in the home he thanked them sincerely.

The Chief Scout went on to say that he supposed there were some scouts present who had been at the world jamboree at Melbourne. He hoped they had a lot of good yarns; true or untrue. He did not care which, so long as they were making a good showing. The New Zealand contingent had made a particularly fine showing at Melbourne, and with scouts having been present from many countries, the good name of New had been spread throughout the world. Now that they had such a good reputation, he hoped they would keep it up. '{hey had to be efficient, and carry the 10 scout laws into their daily lives. The same also applied to the guides, but he believed they acted on these lines. The guides had made a wonderful showing in Christchurch on Saturday, the display having shown the movement up in a wonderful light. They should all do their best to make opportunities. The Chief Guide made them, as was evidenced by the fact that she had got hold of him. (Laughter.) “I don*t know whether it is a good example to follow,” said the Chief Scout, “because I don’t say they are all as good as me.” (Laughter.) Lord Baden-Powell concluded by saying that he had to return home early, and he had only a few minutes longer to remain with them. Hero of Mafeking;. Opportunity was then taken by the Mayor to extend a welcome to the Chief Scout. It was indeed a very high honour to have him with them, after all they had heard and read about him. To have with them, if only for a few minutes, the Chief Scout of the world, was indeed a high honour. Lord BadenPowell had done work for the movement, of which he had made a wonderful success. Many of those present would remember the visitor as the hero of Mafeking. As Colonel Baden-Powell, he had for seven months defended Mafeking against the Boer forces, and they were proud to know him also as a great soldier. He trusted that Lord Baden-Powell would carry away with him many pleasant recollections of Timaru. (Aplause.) p The scouts and guides then sang a part-song, “O, How Lovely is the Evening,” after which the distinguished visitor said farewell, the gatheringsinging “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” and Auld Lang Syne. There were a number of official guests of the committee of the Highfield troop, including members of kindred committees, members of the Rotary Club and Toe H, and they were entertained at supper in the den, as were also the scout and guide officers. The troops which took part in the welcome were Highfield (Scouter T. Manthorp), St. Mary’s (Scouter R. Best), Northdown (Assistant-Scouter W. Jack), Endeavour Sea Scouts (Scouter G. Strachan), St. Vincent’s (Scouter Coles). The cub packs present were Highfield (Cubmaster Maxwell). Ngatahu (Cubmaster Marsden), and Northdown (Cubmaster J. Meechin). District Scoutmaster J. C. Bentley was in charge. The guide companies, which were under the control of Commissioner M. E. Marriott, were St. Mary’s (Captain M. Thompson). Takaina (Captain R. Cooper). Kai Arahi (Captain N. Cook and Lieutenant Borman). St. Mary’s Rangers were under the control of Lieutenant I. Young.