CORRESPONDENCE.

[The opinions expressed by the correspondents are not necessarily those of the "Hongkong Telegraph"]

 

THE BOY SCOUTS.

(To the Editor of the Hongkong Telegraph.)

   Sir,- A letter has been received from Mrs. Eva A.S.Rayner, Scoutmaster, 56th South West London Troops, Barnes, and Cubmaster "Edith Cavell" Wolf Cubs, Kensington.

   She says that when she left Hongkong little more than a year ago His Excellency the Governor was Chief Scout, Lady May was President and over $3,500 had been collected for building a hall; and great interest was taken in the Boy Scouts. She is very sorry to learn that the Association can no longer continue to carry out the principal objects for which it was formed; vis, the making of the Boys of our Colonies into honest men and worthy citizens.

   The money collected for the Hall has been invested in War Loan, Mrs. Rayner considers this sound, but is greatly disappointed that it should have been necessary to do that at all.

   When the war is over, the real battle for our Empire will rage in the field of Commerce. This is what we are preparing our Scouts for now. "Love of country, the Honour of our word, cleanliness and uprightness will hold the victory which is being bought at so dear a price today. The boys of today are the business men of the future and it is for the welfare of the Colony that Mrs. Rayner makes the following appeal to the public of Hongkong:-

   "Please help the Two Troops left to carry on.

   "I am not asking for charity; the Scouts are not a Charitable Institution. We are only too willing to work to save our money, but cut in the East, where Chinese labour is easily obtained, it seems more difficult for the Scout to do his bit to help his "Troop".

   Mrs. Rayner's letter has the full approval of Headquarters.

   Scoutmaster Carvalho of the Kowloon Troop and the undersigned will be most pleased to give all information regarding the requirements of the Troops.

Yours etc.,

J.M.BRAGA.

Hongkong, Nov. 16, 1916.