DEFINITE POLICY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 243, 14 October 1939, Page 6

DEFINITE POLICY

SCOUTING IN WAR TIME I>OM I MON ( OMMLSSION EK’S STATEMENT "The Scout ing movement has a definite war-time policy, and its idea" of service and preparedness will be carried out during the national emergency," said Mr. Hector Christie, Dominion Commissioner, in a staterg n’ to the “Chronicle" yesterday. Mr. Christie, making an appeal tor the continued support and co-opera-tion of all loyal supporters of the Boy Scout movement, said that the following resolutions had been passed at a recent meeting of the national executive in Wellington: That Scouting has a definite wartime policy. That this policy constitutes a national service. That the commissioner for training make a complete tour of the Scout districts of the Dominion as soon as possible to urge and advise on the policy. That military service by a Scoutmaster or assistant-Scoutmaster must be regarded as Scout service and so count in considering his term of office as a Scounter. That a Scoutmaster or assistantScoutmaster on military service is to be regarded as on leave from his Scout duties. That the following points be emphasised throughout the movement without, delay:— 1. An appeal to citizens (including old Scouts and committee men* who are not likely to be required for active service to prepare to replace Scoutmasters who may leave, as Scouting offers a channel for important national service at. all times but especially during war. 2. Boys be urged to join the Scouts as this provides a way for them to do a national service and to realise responsibility Io their country. 3. Citizens be educated to look upon Scouting as a national service. 4. This service is deemed to include all those subjects which fit a boy to become self reliant and I which develop leadership in him and make him physically and i morally sound. 5. Special attention be given to training for the following badges: Airman, ambulance, missioner, cook, camper, coast watchman, public health, healthyman, cyclist, pathfinder, handyman, farmer gardener, explorer, entertainer. 6. All Scoutmasters and leaders are asked to see that the spiritual side of Scouting receives special attention. 7. The scheme for national emergency already put forward be practised as fully as local conditions permit. 8. Country areas should offer help in seasonal work to farmers through recognised bodies such as farmers Unions and agricultural societies and thus take a part in increasing production. •