SYDNEY JAMBOREE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 29, 4 February 1939, Page 13

SYDNEY JAMBOREE

C.G.C. MEMBER RETURNS. GARDENS IN AUSTRALIA. (Written for the C.G.C.) This week I have received a letter from Claude Becker one of our members at Ohotu near Taihape. Being one of the lucky Scouts to attend the Jamboree at Sydney a short time ago, he has written some of his experiences which we will all find very interesting. Thank you, Claude.—"Carnatio.” The day we left Auckland everybody was in the best of spirits. Things were slightly different next day, however, the number at breakfast was very small, but I managed to get there myself. As a matter of fact I didn't miss a meal either way. The next day things had improved and by the time we reached Sydney every one was wishing that we could stay on board another day or two. As we were just about the first in camp the site looked very desolate. Hardly had we got our tents pitched when it began to rain, but not as heavy as it rained later on (it can rain sometimes). Despite the heat, flies and ants we had a great time in camp. We also went on many organised trips. The first one being to the Zoo on Christmas Day. After we had had a Scout service in the morning, we were taken to the Zoo, where we had a light lunch. Besides all the interesting animals they have some beautiful gardens at the Zoo. The cages are all set out in beautiful surroundings. On returning from the Zoo we had a special Christmas dinner. Thus ending a happy Christmas Day. Other trips too kus to Manly, The Gap, Luna Park, Palm Beach and other places. We were also taken for a cruise on the "Showboat" around the harbour. This is a beautiful boat, concerts and dances are held on it. It is practically unsinkable. There was a riding school somewhere near the camp and a good number of horses were brought to the camp to take boys out for rides. This was one of the few,things we had to pay for. On most of these trips we got our travelling free. The Australians were wonderful to us all and I hope their boys get the same treatment when they come to New Zealand, if they visit the N.Z. Jamboree next year. Quite a few, I heard, say they would like to come but they were afraid of the earth-

quakes. We saw one or two snakes round the camp, but they weren't very big. Some ot the boys got them in bottles to bring home. I musn’t forget to tell you about the cheap fruit. One day I got nine oranges for 3d, fancy three dozen oranges for one shilling. Did we eat oranges? I’ll say we did! “Carnatio” you would have loved the wonderful gardens everywhere, masses of blue hydrangeas, the climate must suit them. On the fourth day the New Zealand contingent gave a Maori display which was a great success even though it rained all the time. It was very funny to see the cocoa browned skins of the imitation Maoris all streaked with white after the rain had been at work. I couldn’t see myself but we all had a good laugh at one another. All summed up we had a very interesting and enjoyable trip and now will have to look forward to the New Zealand Jamboree.—" Aussie” (Claude Becker).