BOY SCOUTS.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16711, 29 January 1926, Page 6

BOY SCOUTS.

THE DOMINION JAMBOREE.

HAMILTON BOYS' PLEASANT TRIP

The Hamilton patrol of scouts returned this week from the first Dominion Jamboree at Dunedin. They have had a wonderful experience and are keener than ever to carry on their scouting activities here. The camp at Tahuna Park, which they attended, was the largest gathering of representative scouts ever held south of the Line, and was the result of 18 months' organisation and unselfish work by the Dunedin scouts, scouters and supporters. Four tribes made up the complete group of campers, each under an elected leader and bearing the name of one of the first four Maori canoes to arrive in New Zealand. Some idea of the magnitude of the camp may be realised from the following list of supplies: Bread 5600 loaves, potatoes 7 tons, meat 6 tons, milk 500-600 gallons. The camp was lighted by electricity and was practically a self-contained town, having its own canteen (well supported), post office, telegraph office, savings bank, and safe depository. All these duties were voluntarily undertaken by scouters at the camp. Everything possible for the comfort and safety of the boys received careful attention by the jamboree executive, who indeed illustrated in a practical manner the scout slogan "Be Prepared." Commissioner J. D. Campbell, H.S.W., H.M.M., of Raratonga, occupied the position of Camp Chief, and was ably assisted by an efficient staff and the scouters each of whom was in charge of his own troop. The discipline of the troops was of such a high standard that not once during the two weeks was it necessary for any boy to be reported to headquarters for misconduct.

Displays at Stadium.

During the second week displays were given on three occasions at the Exhibition Stadium before large crowds. At the second of these His Excellency the Governor-General was present, and after inspecting the King's Scouts addressed the 1,200 scouts and scouters assembled. Massed displays of spiral running, the Dominion haka, and a representation of sending up a huge rocket, which was indeed most realistic, were given. This was followed by individual troop displays, including rocket life-saving, pitching camp on a hike, bridgebuilding, lariat 'throwing and ropespinning, first-aid transportation and rescue' work.. Altogether 32 troop displays were presented, giving practically the whole story of scoutcraft Many heats and qualifying rounds had to be gone through before the finals of the athletic events were reached, and although not getting placed the Hamilton boys did well to reach the final section and try conclusions with the pick of Australasian scout's.

In the swimming carnivals held at the City' Tepid Baths the Hamilton swimmers gained two second places, and the relay team came third, being beaten by a small margin by Victoria for second place... i Their total results for the competitions were as follows:— Scouting competitions, bridge building Ist; swimming, relay race 3rd; high dive, L. Denz 2nd; obstacle race, N. Smith 2ncl; running, relay race 4th.

Visit of Governor-Genera!. The Governor-General' paid a visit to the camp at Tahuna Park, and was welcomed with a great baka by the campers. Troops were inspected outside their tents by His Excellency, who was well pleased with the appearance of the boys and also of the camp itself. During the afternoon His'Excellency presented Scout Hilt with the Bronze Cross for saving life. The Governor, who is Chief Scout of the Dominion, addressed the scouters, laying emphasis on the importance of each troop having its own troop committee, which must eventually be formed of scouts' parents. All through the afternoon scouts were continually sniping their visitor from all sorts of odd places with cameras and open attack was made on him by autograph hunters, through all of which he displayed the best of good nature. His Excellency left the camp amidst the cheers and good wishes of the scouts and scouters, who had thoroughly enjoyed the visit of their Chief Scout.

The scouters; (formerly known as! scoutmasters) in camp were indeed a; varied company, There were amongst their number men of all classes, ranging in age from 18 to nearly 80. They were a jolly lot, as was evidenced by one of them who, returning from the Exhibition at an hour we will not mention, induced a cook to prepare a huge custard pudding. Armed with this he did the rounds .of the camp, and awakening his colleagues proceeded to treat them to a scries of supper parlies. Whether he indulged in pudding at each tent is not known. He concluded by hoisting the remains of the delicacy to the top of the flagpole, where it was found next morning by an astonished headquarters staff. Value of Conferences. Another meal, though at a more seemly hour, and probably the most memorable event of the camp, was the scouters dinner tendered by the Dunedin executive to visiting scolders, and held at the Strand Restaurant. U was attended, by representatives from Scotland, South Africa, Australia, Raratonga, and all provinces of New Zealand. After the first formalities were disposed of the gathering became quite informal, discussions took place, and ideas, opinions and experiences were exchanged, much to the benefit of ail prseent. If such conferences could be held more frequently scouting would be even greater in the Dominion than it is today. » The Jamboree concluded with a concert in the Exhibition Festival Hall. This was a most lively affair and was typical of the spirit of good comradeship arid enjoyment which characterised the whole of the Jamboree. During the evening certificates were awarded for compel.il ions and athletics, and prolonged cheers and bright streamers marked the close of the greatest event in the history of the New Zealand Boy Scouts.