[English] HONGKONG BOY SCOUTS. Concerning the "Bodyguard" and Sea Scouts.

HONGKONG BOY SCOUTS.

Concerning the "Bodyguard" and Sea Scouts.

[SPECIAL ARTICLE]

In a special article in these columns on Tuesday the story of the formation of a troop of Boy Scouts, at St. Joseph's College, was related. From the start it was wonderfully successful; so successful that the ex-pupils of the College clamoured to be enrolled. Their admission, however, was out of the question. The age limit barred them, speaking generally, and, if their application was to be met, something else had to be done for them. The result was that they were formed into a bodyguard, the age limits being set at eighteen and twenty-five. This body was formed on November 26 with 24 members. To-day it numbers 46 and there are further applications for admission.

They have inaugurated a debating club and a choral Society; both are flourishing institutions.

Two Bodies.

Here, then, were two bodies of Scouts, the younger body being, by this time, affiliated to the parent Association in London, with the sanction of Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the Chief Scout, who sent a very complimentary letter. Meantime Sergt. Brooks, of the Royal Marines, had lent his services and had started a course of map-reading both to the Scouts and the bodyguard, but on different days. Dr. Coleman also held regular classes on first aid, and thus the whole course of a Scout's instruction was completed. These young people have been fortunate in securing willing voluntary helpers. Between the two bodies, as was natural, sprang up a healthy rivalry and a trial of skill was held. It was worth recording that the younger lads proved cleverer and actually won.

Sea Scouts.

One turns now to the sister body, the Sea Scouts. The First Commissioner of the Sea Scouts is Lord Charles Beresford who is no stranger to China. (He is writing his autobiography in Nash's Magazine, by the way, and mentions Hongkong and Kowloon in the most recent number.) The troop of Sea Scouts attached to the College is in charge of Captain Streatfeild R.N., M.I.O. and he is assisted by two instructors who will train the boys in the work of sailing a vessel. One italicizes the word, which must be stressed, because neither land nor sea Scouts are taught anything militant; quite on the contrary. Meantime the body is limited to 36. That is as many as can be handled efficiently at present; and efficiency is the first word in the vocabulary of these three bodies.

From this modest beginning we anticipate great developments. It will not be surprising if the organisation enlarges on broader lines. With his wide experience of the movement in England Capt. Streatfeild may yet do something more for Hongkong; for there is no denying the fact that the Scout organisation is an institution that has come to stay.

There is, obviously, a fine spirit animating the College at present and a fine work going on. Here are three bodies which should do much to turn out these lads strong, alert, self-reliant, and, in addition, is an Old Boys' Association, at the meetings of which lectures and addresses, on subjects actually helpful to youth, are given. Mentally and physically these young people are being given a chance, and it is good to know that they are seizing it with both hands.

Source:

1. Page 4, "Hongkong Telegraph", Thursday, 15th January, 3rd Year of the Republic of China

   • 20th Day, 12th Lunar Month, Gui-chou Year

   • Thursday, 15th January, 1914 Common Era