THE BOY SCOUTS.

[To the Editor of the "Hongkong Telegraph."]

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   Sir,--The Boy Scouts organisation in Hongkong was inauguratad during the latter part of 1914, with Major Bowen as Chief Scout. At the time it was inaugurated, every hope of it usefulness was cherished by all who were interested in the movement. But things have been gradually allowed to sink to such an extent that the Scouts, existing as they are at present, are a mere skeleton of what they formerly were. From bad the organisation has gone to worse and it will not surprise many if it be blotted out of existence altogether.

   Several well-known and prominent business men of the Colony have, during its period of existence, extended their sympathy to the movement and it is certainly an undesirable thing that the Boy Scouts should be totally wiped out of existence. Considering the high ideals of the movement when first introduced by Lieut-General Sir Robert Baden-Powell and as set forth in the Scouts Code it is highly desirable that the Scouts should continue, as the aims are emphasied in the simple words "GOD, KING and COUNTRY." The purpose for which the Scouts were introduced was to train them up to be useful and loyal citizens of the British Empire, and it is a matter of regret that the Scouts movement, which was so enthusiastically greeted by a large number of persons, be allowed to be a thing of the past.

   We are still in the midst of the Great War and though we are seeing the beginning of the end, still the matter should not be shelved, as through its office we may inspire the younger generation to keep up that love of Country which is deeply cherished by all.

Yours etc,
WELL-WISHER.
Hongkong, Nov. 5, 1918.