ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE.

A BOY SCOUTS' BREAKFAST.

Interesting Presentations Made on Sunday.

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   After their Church parade on Palm Sunday - briefly chronicled in these columns yesterday - the St. Joseph's Troop of Boy Scouts enjoyed a hearty breakfast at the College, through the kind hospitality of the Brother Director. Close on 40 boys sat down to a large spread, which they manifestly enjoyed.

   Towards the close of the meal, Scoutmaster Edwards gave a pleasant surprise to the company by presenting Major Bowen, in a graceful little speech, with a parting gift from the Senior Troop, in the shape of the "Swastika" Badge - a Boy Scout token of thanks that is highly prized, entitling the recipient, as it does, to the services of any Scout in any part of the world.

   In the course of a reply, Major Bowen said he had intended to say a few parting words to the boys, as this would be the last time he would have an opportunity of addressing them, and there were certain lessons he was anxious to press home to them, but first he could not help thanking them for the very delightful token of their regard which they had that morning given him. Continuing, he said that, while it was with deep regret he was severing his connection with them, he took pleasure in the thought that the Boy Scouts in Hongkong were sure to prosper. They had weathered some rough storms together, and the attendance at exercises had not always been as satisfactory as it might; but latterly they had experienced finer weather. Many people were beginning to interest themselves greatly in the movement. For the kindness of Lady May, whose unfailing sympathy and enthusiasm had done so much to encourage them all; Mrs. Kelly and Mrs. Anstruther , who had all by their presence graced the parade last Saturday week; Major-General Kelly, who had always been their staunchest friend; the Commodore, their new Commissioner, a keen friend of boys; and for their patrons, the Bishop and Brother Director, they could not be sufficiently grateful. The parade had been an unqualified success. Such successes did much to stimulate them, but they must not think they were the "be all and end all" or even the most desirable factor of Scout life. That was the ideal they had to live up to, day by day and hour by hour, in season and out of season, in sunshine and in shadow. If they were able to acquit themselves well in a show parade it was only by virtue of the sound, hidden, spade work done before and after, though none might see it. The Scout ideal was a high and noble one, rightly compared by Sir Robert Baden-Powell to the ancient ideals of chivalry. It might be difficult to live up to always, but less difficult, he thought, for those who had been brought up in a great Christian school like St. Joseph's College. The Brother Director and the Christian Brothers had shown their keen interest in the Troop by inviting it to breakfast that morning and by their kind presence there. They were doing everything to forward its interests. The influence for good on a boy's after life by a great school could not be overestimated, and as long as the old boys of the Senior Troop kept in close and constant touch of their Alma Mater they could not fail to succeed in carrying out the high ideal of the Boy Scout.

   The references to the College and the connection of the troop with it were received with great enthusiasm, and the mention of the Brother Director's name was greeted with loud applause. Glasses by this time had been filled, and the toast "To the Brother Director and the Christian Brothers," was drunk with musical honours. The health of the departing Chief Scoutmaster followed, the toast concluding with the familiar (and appropriate?) strains of "It's a long, long way to Tipperary" Medals of the Apostleship of Prayer were then presented to the Scoutmasters and Patrol Leaders in token of the special hard work that had fallen, through a long period, to their share; and finally "God save the King," with the Scouts' Verse at the end, was sung in true Scout fashion.

   On adjourning, the Band of the Scouts played a bugle march around the College Square, and the Troop "marching past" saluted the Brother Director. It then marched away to be dismissed, and the very pleasant proceedings, which were enjoyed by all, came to an end.