THE GREAT SCOUT.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1155, 30 May 1912, Page 18

THE GREAT SCOUT.

LI EUT.-GEN ERAL SIR ROBERT BADEN-POWELL. The founder and head of the Boy Scouts was an honoured visitor toAuckland this week, and it was a field day for the hundreds of zealous youths, who have joined in the admirable movement that is destined to play a great part in the development, both physically and morally, of the future citizens not only of this Dominion but throughout the British Empire. It was, consequently, only due to Chief Scout Baden-Powell that his visit to New Zealand should be made the occasion to pay tribute and honour to the man who conceived, initiated and organised so splendid a movement. That Auckland played its part admirably was amply demonstrated by the civic reception extended to him; by the spectacular review at the Domain; by the enthusiastic appreciation of his lecture at the Town Hall; and by the rousing farewell at the station as the “hero of Mafeking” took his departure for the South. In his lecture at the Town Hall Lieut.-General Baden-Powell gave a brief sketch of the Boy Scout movement, and indicated the manner in which the training of boy scouts inculcated in them the true spirit of citizenship, made them self-reliant and built up their characters and physical state, so as to make them better fitted for the battle of life, besides better fitting the youngsters to take their place in the ranks should ever occasion arise for them to defend theii’ homes. The outstandingqualifications of an efficient boy scout, the Chief Scout remarked, were a sense of duty and of honour, the capacity to fend for one’s self, and the application of observance and commonsense. The lecture was pithy, comprehensive and bright. The lecturer candidly disclaimed being an orator, but he certainly was an excellent raconteur, who illustrated his. interesting remarks with some admirable lantern slides and cinematograph films. To say the Chief Scout was well received is but a mild way of indicating the enthusiasm with which the khaki-clad followers welcomed their leader, while the reception accorded by the citizens was of a most hearty character.