[English] HONGKONG BOY SCOUTS. PRINCE OF WALES' BANNER PRESENTED BY THE GOVERNOR.

HONGKONG BOY SCOUTS.

PRINCE OF WALES' BANNER PRESENTED BY THE GOVERNOR.

TWO GALLANT SCOUTS.

At Government House on Saturday, H. E. the Governor presented the Hongkong Boy Scouts Association with a banner to be competed for by all troops in the Colony. This particular banner was one of the panels used in the Prince of Wales' chair when he visited the Colony this year, and is to be competed for by all the troops in Hongkong, the winning troop to be known for the year as "The Governor's Troop."

The boys formed up round the lawn, with troop leaders in the middle to accept the banner from His Excellency's hand. The troops present were:- St. Joseph's, St. Andrew's, First Wanchai, Murray's, Rolling Fifth, Ellis Kadoorie, Saiyingpun, and Wesleyan. The banner is a handsome piece of work in red silk and gold, with the Prince of Wales' feather in the middle and "Hongkong Boy Scouts" written over the top.

In making the presentation and explaining the conditions under which it may be won, H. E. the Governor said that the idea was fully approved by the Prince himself. His Excellency went on to say that the main object was to encourage the general efficiency of the troops, rather than individual brilliancy. He hoped every troop would do its best to win, and would value the banner as a souvenir of His Royal Highness's visit.

The Rev. G. T. Waldegrave, Commissioner for the Association, reported on the work done by the Association during the past year. He said that the various troops were spending a good deal of time in gaining general troop efficiency, and for that purpose they had been many days in camp where they were able to learn something of true scout craft. But whilst troop efficiency was put well to the fore, the great aim of the movement, "to serve others," was by no means forgotten. Many lads were learning ambulance work, nursing, and the means of saving lives from drowning. Others were learning handicrafts, such as basket making and carpentry, whilst others again went into the realms of art and were taught sketching, painting, and music. The movement in the Colony generally was marked by a most satisfactory vigour and enthusiasm. He hoped it would be possible for His Excellency to convey to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales their thanks and appreciation.

H. E. the Governor then presented a beautifully carved totem pole, made in the likeness of a wolf's head, to the Wolf Cubs. The image was given by Miss Ashon, of Birmingham, by whom it was sent to the Rev. Mr. Waldegrave.

The latter gentleman said the Governor's next task was a very pleasurable one, viz, to present medals for gallantry to two scouts of the Ellis Kadoorie Troop, named Li Hok Wai and Chan Hung Yun. On May 16th these two scouts were in their house when they heard shots from the street. They rushed out and saw a man lying on the ground bleeding from bullet wounds. Everybody else was running away, but these two boys went to the house, procured a door, and carried the wounded man to the Central Police Station. They returned to the house and said nothing of their deed to anyone, and the only way in which it became known was when a policeman searched them out for information.

The Governor then made the presentation.

The National Anthem was sung, and cheers called for H.M. the King, H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, and H.E. the Governor.

The boys then marched down to the Seamen's Institute where they were given tea.

Source:

1. Page 5, "Hong Kong Daily Press", Monday, 18th December, 11th Year of the Republic of China

   • 1st Day, 11th Lunar Month, Ren-xu Year

   • Monday, 18th December, 1922 Common Era