TWENTY FIVE YEARS OF SCOUTING
ST. ANDREW'S TROOP'S "AT HOME"
LOCAL JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS

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A UNIQUE event in the history of the St. Andrew's Boy Scout Troop - indeed, in the annals of scouting in Hong Kong - was celebrated in fitting manner yesterday afternoon, when the St. Andrew's troop were "At Home" to their friends in the Church grounds on the occasion of their Silver Jubilee.
   The large gathering who were present to see the scouts give the display that proved to be the highlight of the programme was distinguished by the presence of Sir Henry and Lady Pollock, Mr. C.Champkin, the Acting Commissioner of the Boy Scouts in Hong Kong, and the Hon. Dr. R.H.Kotewall.

   His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, the Hon. Mr. N.L.Smith, sent a note regretting that he would be unable to attend, as did also Sir William Hornell, the Puisne Judge, Mr. R.E.Lindsell, and the Bishop of Victoria, the Rt. Rev. R.O.Hall. All joined, however, in congratulating the Troop on their 25th birthday, and wishing them all prosperity.
   The function commenced at three o'clock with an impressive march past of the Cubs and Scouts, each section being led by its respective Colour Party. All stood at attention while the troop leader, F.Wynyard, broke the flag.
   The cubs then gathered in the centre to give the "Grand Howl." This was rendered as effectively as the name suggests it should be, and when this ceremony had been performed the Colour Parties marched off.

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"Jungle Dance"

   Through the medium of a microphone erected in the grounds, Miss I.Woolley, the Cub Mistress, explained to the spectators the significance of the next event, entitled "Jungle Dance," which was performed by the cubs. The antics of the youngsters in their manifestations of jungle prowlers were both illuminating and amusing.
   A group of scouts then began the difficult task of erecting a signalling tower, and taking everything into consideration, they did the job both quickly and well. Simultaneously, another group was building a monkey bridge. When the tower was completed two scouts climbed to the top and demonstrated its usefulness by signalling to another couple perched on the roof of the Vicarage.

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Life Saving

   A demonstration of life saving and first aid was then given by the scouts and this was followed by a portrayal, by the cubs, of an adaptation of one of Rudyard Kipling's jungle stories.
   R.Wong, the Assistant Scoutmaster, gave an interesting running commentary to an item entitled a "Cavalcade of Cubbing and Scouting."
   An excellent tea was then served and when this was concluded the presentation of badges was carried out by Lady Pollock.

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Highest Distinction

   P.L. J.Wynyard gained the highest distinction a scout can attain, when he was presented with the King's Scout Badge. In addition he was given the Proficiency Badge and the Cub Instructor's Badge.
   Other awards were as follows:-
   P.L. L.Millington, First Class Badge and Rescuer's Badge; J.Hooi, First Class Badge and Pioneer's Badge; P.L. L.Gibson, First Class Badge; A.Hicks, First Class Badge; W.Hicks First Class Badge; G.Large, Cub Instructor's Badge.

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Thanksgiving Service

   When the presentation was over the Rev. J.R.Higgs, Vicar of St. Andrew's, traced the history of the Troop since its inception in 1910. He went on to say how deeply gratified the local founders of the movement would be if they could realise the roots. It had taken in the Colony, and how it had grown during the past 25 years.
   He thanked all those who had attended, those who had borne the burden of the work in making the function the success it was, and the boys themselves. He added a reminder, however, that the real celebration will take place today, when a Thanksgiving Service will be held in St. Andrew's Church.
   An inspection of the scouts' handicraft work was then held, and a successful afternoon was brought to a close with campfire singing.