SCOUTING ON SOLID BASIS IN ENGLAND, SAYS WANGANUI ROVER

Wanganui Chronicle, 30 December 1947, Page 4

SCOUTING ON SOLID BASIS IN ENGLAND, SAYS WANGANUI ROVER

“Scouting is on a solid basis and is progressing well in the United Kingdom,” said Rover R. R. Babbage, of the St. George’s School Troop, Wanganui, on his return last night from his visit to the Scout Jamboree, held in Paris last August. Rover Babbage stayed for several weeks after the conclusion of the Jamboree and undertook a tour of England, Scotland, and Wales. Because of conscription for the Army, he said, the ranks of Rovers had been depleted, many youths entering the service. The New Zealand Scouts and Rovers had acquitted themselves well overseas and many friendships had been cemented with Scouts from other lands, he said. Purchasing a bicycle he made a comprehensive tour of the English countryside and visited as many places ot historic interest as possible, including several centuries old cathedrals, W|hich were steeped in England’s past. Scotland and Wales held much of interest for the young Wanganui man, who said the beauty of the countryside had to be seen to be fully appreciated. Among some of the places Rover Babbage visited were Oxford and Cambridge, Eton, and other public schools. The theatre season was in full swing when he was there and a spectacular production Rover Babbage went to see was the American musical, "Oklahoma," which was drawing big audiences. The stage productions in London were lavishly produced and the more popular one ran for months. While in England Rover Babbage made his headquarters at Gllwell Park, Chingford, about 12 miles from London He said the people oi England were facing tire present crisis with marked fortitude and patience. SAW THE ROYAL WEDDING. With some other New Zealand Scouts, Rover Babbage had an excellent view of the wedding procession of Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh. The night before the wedding they were in charge of a marquee in St. .Tames’ Park, which borders the Mall, and thus were able to have a front-seat view More than 2,000,000 people crowded London for the historic event. Thousands spent the night in parks and on the footpaths so as to get a good view of the wedding procession The cheers of the multitude when the happy couple emerged from the Abbey after the wedding ceremony could be heard all over London. A highlight of the return journey to New Zealand on the Rimutaka was the Christmas Day celebrations which were elaborate and memorable. A son of Mr. anti Mrs. G. S. Babbage, St. John’s Hill. Rover Babbage is an old hoy of Wanganui Collegiate Schorl, and was a member of last year's first fifteen.