"THE MAN OF MAFEKING."

West Coast Times, 26 June 1912, Page 1

"THE MAN OF MAFEKING."

WANTS SEA SCOUTS. TTMARU, .Time 21. Alt'. Craigie, JI.F. for.d'imant, has received a letter from General BadenPywell stating that ho had received much evidence that the junior cadet system was not much thought of, and suggestions that the Boy Scouts system would he preferred by many parents. The General says that he favours this idea, knowing the “ vaJnolessness of more drill without a thoro-

ugh preliminary grounding in the. right spirit and manly, attributes” which are inculcated in scouting. He asks Air. Craigie’s advice as to starting a branch of Sea Fronts in New Zealand. They are popular at Home and going ahead in Canada. Air Craigie in reply states his disapproval of doing away with the junior cadet system and adopting scouting as a compulsory substitute as the essence of scouting is its voluntary nature. Moreover, the Defence Act contemplates the beginning of training with the junior cadets. As for Sea Scouts ho doubts whether the idea is practicable hut, if practicable anywhere, it would have a good chance of success at Christchurch, and he suggests that “ B-B ” should communicate with Commander Blunt who is at the head of the hoys’ sea training movement at Christchurch. Ho doubts whether there is a sufficiency of suitable men with leisure and inclination to make sea scouting a success in this country though he regrets throwing cold water on any patriotic scheme.