BOY SCOUTS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 20095, 2 June 1914, Page 4

BOY SCOUTS.

The Scout movement which was initiated by General Sir R. R.. BadenPowell has now become very nearly universal 'among the white races, its popularity increasing steadily as its objects are better understood. The commonest misconception is that its chief object is to -train young men us soldiers ; this is not so, as, although a good Scout will provide the finest- material out of which to make.a good soldier, it is not iiecessai^' that lie should become a soldier at all. The first and by far tbe most important object is the | formation of character. The eai'liest j age at which a, boy may bc'Come a Scout is ten years, and he can continue to be a Scput almost indefinitely. It is dur- j ing the years of adolescence that the boy's character is ilo a great extent being formed. With lax parental control and the influence of bad companions, he may easily degenerate into an idle, pleasure-seeking waster, a spectator at football, cricket or other sports, instead of being a competitor; he works because, be must, and. when work is over, his h/gh'Gst aim is to fintl pleasure and amusement, harmless or otherwise, ff he .becomes a Scout he is pledged to higher ideals. According to Scout law a boy's honour is to be trusted, his word being his bond. He is trained 4o be loyal to* his King and his country, tcv bis parsrits, friends and employers. lib is his duty to be useful and to help others, to act the part of the Good Samaritan, should ho meet with anyone requiring help from any oati.se, although he. is not permitted; by the regulations to accept any reward for so doing. He must be a- friend to all and a brother to every other .Scout, no matter what hi:> social position. Ho must be cour- ! teoTis, a friend to animals, and obey tho orders of those in authority. Be must discipline his own mind by being | pure iii word, thought and deed, and by qualifying himself to do the right thing when, an accident or emergency occurs, land must prepare his bodiy by making himself strong and active, observing the laws of health, and preferring manly exercises to effeminate or enervating pursuits. These are a few of the principles which the Scout is trained to act i;p to. The whole cbar- | aeter of his work brings him into clcse i communion with nature. A Scout as : far »as is consistent with his occupation, must lead an outdoor life; ho becomes / familiar with all the landmarks of the neighbourhood in which ho lives, and observes and takes note of all his surroundings. The movement is not a class movement; every boy, irrespective of his religion or position in life, is entitled to. be enrolled as a Scout; whether lie a Scout will depend entirely on his own conduct, for if he does- anything to disgrace himself or 3iis troop !he will be. struck off the rolls. This severe penalty is not inflicted capriciously or for-trivial offences, but in crdcr to ensure good discipline and purge the troop of any who bring disgrace upon

it. Parents who wish their boys to grow up strong, clean-minded", henlthy young men with manly tastes and high ideals of morality and duty, would be well advised to encourage their sons to enrol themselves as Scouts. The expense is trivial, the movement beins practically solf-supnortiug, no tha-fc it nerd not deter anyone who wishes to join (from so clioing.