The China Mail.
Hongkong, Thursday, May 13, 1926.
No. 19,799
Page 3
SCOUT RALLY.
H.K.V.D.C. HEADQUARTERS INSPECTION.
H.E.'S ADVICE.
The Volunteer Defence Corps parade ground was the scene yesterday afternoon of a rally of the local Boy Scout troops and of their inspection by H.E. the Governor, Sir Cecil Clementi.
The arrival of His Excellency, who was accompanied by Lady Clementi, was the signal for the salute and the inspection followed after which an interesting series of displays was given embracing the various branches of Scoutcraft. The Volunteer band of H.M.S. "Durban" played appropriate music throughout the afternoon.
On the conclusion of the display, His Excellency presented awards to various members of the troops, these being the Prince of Wales' Banner for general proficiency and smartness, which was won by the 7th Troop (Saiyingpun School); the Silver Medal and certificate signed by Sir R.Baden Powell to Scout Master Braga of the 1st Hongkong Troop for services rendered in rescuing a girl at the Po Hing Fong collapse on July 18, last year; letters of commendation to Troop Leader Kwok Mok-hoi, of the 13th Troop, for rendering first aid to injured persons on two occasions, and to Scout Chan King-ming for aid rendered to the Health Authorities in discovering a case of concealed smallpox.
Two Scout Masters were presented with warrants of appointment, and took the Scout Promise in full view of the assemblage.
After His Excellency, had been welcomed by the Rev. G.T.Waldegrave, Commissioner and Deputy Camp Chief, the Scouts were addressed briefly by His Excellency who stressed the need for an increase in Scout Masters, particularly in the Chinese troops. If the graduates and undergraduates of the Hongkong University would interest themselves in the movement, they would be able to instil that fine spirit which had met the Bolshevik menace last year. If last year in the schools there had been a strong Scout detachment, there would have been no such youthful folly as the schoolboy strike.
The Scouts were a brotherhood of boys, and they would eventually become a brotherhood of men. Their training way such that it would be of great value, not only to their motherland, but to the world in general. Concluding, His Excellency pledged his support to the movement and assured all those present of his assistance in whatever capacity it might be needed.
The Commissioner was assisted by Lt. Colonel T.A.Robertson, O.B.E. His Excellency the Governor attended in his capacity as Chief Scout.
The troops taking part were:-
Rover Scouts.- Sea Rover Patrol, Roving Fifth Patrols, 6th H.K. Rover Patrol; Scout Troops.- H.K. Sea Scouts, St. Joseph's College, St. Andrew's, Kowloon, 1st Wanchai Wesleyan, Murray, "Roving Fifth," Ellis Kadoorie School, Saiyingpun School, 1st South China Athletic Association, Taikoo Scottish, St. Paul's College, Ying Wa College, 2nd S.C.A.A., 1st Taikoo Chinese, 2nd Taikoo Chinese, 3rd Taikoo Chinese, 1st Yaumati, Central, and Japanese H.K.B.S.A., as well as the following Wolf Cub units.- "Bulldog" attached to 5th Troop, St. Andrew's, Kowloon, and Peak.
The programme was as follows:-
Ambulance display, Wolf Cub display, Jiujitsu and Japanese fencing, Ambulance instruction, Scout games and physical exercises, Bamboo tower construction, Trek cart drill, Pyramids, Chinese boxing exercises, Highland dancing, Scout games and mimetic exercises, Camping, Tent pitching and striking, Signalling, Fleet manoeuvres (illustrating control of fleet by signals, and concluding with the signal to "Chase the enemy," by 1st Sea Scouts, under Chief Yeoman of signals Smith, H.M.S. "Tamar," each Scout representing a warship), Fire fighting, Ambulance work, Signalling, and Cycle stretcher work.
The fire fighting display included a jump into the life saving sheet from the cornice of the Headquarters of Sub Officer Chan, of the Hongkong Fire Brigade, who was in charge of that particular branch of the display.