The Te Awamutu troop of the Waikato Battalion of Dominion Boy Scouts attended its second annual camp on the banks of the Waikato River at the picnicking ground The Narrows.
There were four troops in the Waikato and they mustered about 120 boys, around 80 of whom spent 10 days under canvas. The spot chosen was an ideal one, with plenty of fairly level ground for exercises and sports and a suitable surrounding country for scouting pure and simple.
While the first few days in camp were fairly wet, it was compensated for during the last week by more favourable weather, and work and play went along right merrily. The Rev Mr Drew, of the Melanesian Mission, conducted a service at the camp and pointed out the things in common between a good scout and a good Christian.
Image – Boy Scout patrols from Hamilton, Frankton, Te Awamutu and Cambridge in camp.
The camp was afterwards inspected by Major Rastrick and the District Commander, Captain Bennett, the officers expressing themselves well pleased with both the Scouts and their tents. Many boys qualified for various proficiency badges, and they were all put through various forms of instruction under the Chief Scoutmaster, Rev Connolly, and Scoutmaster Richard, of the Te Awamutu Troop. On sports day there were numerous events well contested in a good scout spirit. There were also a good number of visitors, the major portion consisting of members of the fair sex, and they had no cause to complain of want of hospitality. There were no accidents and no sickness during the camp and on the final day the consensus among the boys was that it ought to last another week at least.
Image – Boy Scout patrols from Hamilton, Frankton, Te Awamutu and Cambridge in camp.
The Pirongia Lawn Tennis Club was blessed with glorious weather for their official opening. The ceremony was performed by the patroness of the club, Miss Miller, by hitting the ball over the net and declaring the courts open for play. Visitors from several surrounding clubs all seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves. The club had the courts looking very nice and in good order, though a bit soft in one or two places. Afternoon tea was provided by the local ladies, and, served as it was in the shade of the pine trees which sheltered the courts, was greatly appreciated. During the afternoon the club and their friends were photographed by Mr Prentice. Play was kept up until nearly 7pm. In the evening there was a social in the hall, where about 25 couples graced the floor. Light refreshments were dispensed about 10.30pm and one of the most enjoyable little dances held at Pirongia for some time came to an end at 11.45 pm.
Visitors to Ōhaupō remarked on the wonderful progress the little settlement had made during the past few months. A large number of sections were being cut up in anticipation of building operations. The Government had provided funds for a new Post Office, and the preliminary work had started. As soon as the building was completed the telephone was to be installed, 29 subscribers having notified their desire for connections. The settlers were out for progress, and the erection of a new hall was contemplated, while some were thinking it quite time they had their own Town Board.
Image – Boy Scout patrols from Hamilton, Frankton, Te Awamutu and Cambridge in camp.
