YEAR OF PROGRESS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21394, 11 July 1939, Page 11

YEAR OF PROGRESS

Northdown-Te Rangi Scout Group Officers Elected A successful year was disclosed at (lie annual meeting of the Northdown Te Rangi Scout Group last night. Mr A. R. McDougall presided over a good attendance of members and parents Reviews of the year’s operations were presented by the Group Scoutmaster,) Mr J. W. Cooke, and the Cubmaster, Mr J. D. Meechin. The balance-sheet disclosed a credit of £2/18/1 on the year's working, and there was a surplus of assets amounting to £136/14/4 over liabilities in the account in connection wtih the scout “den." The chairman, who expressed thanks to the members of the committee for their assistance during the year, referred to the help given by the guarantors and trustees in connection with the erection of the new “den." Mr McDougall also paid a tribute to the services rendered by the honorary auditor, Mr J. C. Bentley, both in that capacity and also as District Commissioner, in which work he spared no effort. He congratulated Mr Bentley on the success which his efforts had achieved, and his encouragement to the country Troops was already having a stimulating effect. Mr McDougall also referred to the services of Messrs W. Walker and C. Smith, who represented Northdown Te Rangi on the committee responsible for the control of the Scout camping area which had been so generously given by Major Johnson at Raincliff. Appreciative reference was also made to tire services of Scoutmaster Cooke and Cubmaster Meechin and their assistants. In referring to the finances, the chairman said that in view of the erection of the “den” during the year, the position was most satisfactory. The annual report and balancesheet were adopted on the motion of Messrs C. Smith and J. Meechin without discussion. District Commissioner J. C. Bentley mentioned that during the last 18 months the committee had paid out £2lO in connection with the new “den,” and the position now showed a substantial margin of assets over liabilities. It was a matter for congratulation that a small group, such as the committee, had been able to carry out a scheme involving a heavy’ expenditure. It said much for the energy of the committee that such an ambitious project could be undertaken and carried into effect. Such a useful building would not only benefit the present Scouts and Cubs by providing ideal conditions for their indoor work, but it would prove a boon which the boys of the future would also enjoy. Mr C. Smith, who endorsed Mr Bentley’s remarks, paid a tribute to the work of the chairman, who had carried out his duties in connection with the opening of the den so efficiently. Election of Committee The election of officers resulted as follows:—Chairman, Mr A. R. McDougall; deputy-chairman, Mr C. Smith; hon. secretary, Mrs V. Cunningham; hon. treasurer, Mrs C. E. Richardt; hon. auditor, Mr J. C. Bentley; committee, Mesdames I. Meechin, A. E. Lower, J. Luscombe, F. Welford, J. W. Cooke, E. Brodie, C. Smith, Miss V. Lower, Messrs C. Smith, H. Dingwall, W. Walker, J. W. Cooke, J. Meechin. G. Nelson. ‘Tribute Io Major Johnson Referring to Scouting matters generally, the District Commissioner, Mr J. C. Bentley, referred to the generosity of Major Johnson, who had not only provided a site for a permanent South Canterbury Scout camp at Raincliff, but he had also given the timber for the construction of a den which would be a wonderful asset to the movement. Mr Bentley mentioned that it would be available for both Scouts and Cubs. Under the rules Cubs were not permitted to camp under canvas owing to their tender years, but the provision of a properly equipped den at Raincliff would mean that Cubs would be able to camp there both at week-ends and during the school holidays.