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~ ,1Q I January~.~1954~ ~

IN THIS ISSUE

PAGE 1 New Year Resolutions.

PAGE 2 Award of Bronze Medal.

PAGE 3 Annual Report.

PAGE 6 14th. International Conference.

GOOD RESOLUTIONS I

In the October issue of nThe Scouter” (U.K.) the Camp Chief of Gilwell has suggested a number of good resolutions for Scouters to put to themselves. As they are applicable to all Sccuters in all countries, we reprint them here.

First, for the Scouters of the Pack.

1. I am going to take my Pack out into the country at least twice in the next six months.

2. I am going to make sure that every boy in the Pack passes at least three tests before Christmas.

3. At least at every alternate Pack Meeting somebody is going to tell the Pack a y a m .

Secondly, for the Scouters of the Troops

1. Whatever the weather I shall be wearing Scout uniform at every Troop meeting.

2. The Court of Honour really will meet at least once each month and I will not talk for more than 25 per cent of the time.

3. Every Scout in the Troop is going to make progress by passing at least three appropriate tests before Christmas.

4. Between now and the end of the year the Troop is going to have at least one worth-while hike.

5. I am definitely going to introduce a brand-new game.

6 . At least once a month I am going to tell a yarn to the Troop, and it is going to be a good yarn.

7. I am going to enquire into Good Turns and find out if any have been done except during Bob-a-Job Week.

8 . As a Scouter of the Troop I am going to put the interests of the Troop first and all my other Scout interests second. t

I am not going to offer anything specific for the Senior Scout. Troop because all the above seems to me to hold good, but for the Rover Crew I offer you these resolutions2

1. I am going to make a real effort ..to give the Rover Squires the appropriate training to fit them for member­ship of the Crew.

2. If the Crew numbers fewer than twelve, I am going to recruit, both from inside and outside the Movement.

3. The Crew, including myself, is going to talk a little less and do a little more.

4. Apart from whatever service individual Rovers may be undertaking, we are going to render at least one corporate act of service to the community before Christmas.

5. As a Crew we are going to do all we can to help both the Cubmaster and the Scoutmaster, particularly in regard to instructing and testing.

Lastly, for the District Commissioner (I will notventure further into the hierarchy ) %

1. I am going to ensure that every meeting of Scouters has a training contest, a demonstration of a new game, or a discussion on some Scouting topic.

2. I am going to encourage Scouters to take training appropriate to the job they are doing.

3. Whatever District activities we have are going to he first-class in every way.

4. I am going to put the interests of the Groups first and those of the District second, and I will do all I can to keep centralized activities and meetings to a minimum.

5 . I am going to recruit more and more lay helpers for the Association and really bring our team of Examiners and Instructors up to full strength.

6 . I am going to read the "Transvaal News Sheet".

Prom "Jamboree"Journal of World Scouting

AWAED OP THE BRONZE MEDAL TO AFRICAN SCOUTMASTER MASIKE OP RUSTENBURG BY HI'S EXCELLENCY-THEr GOVERNOR GENERAL IN PRETORIA ON TUESDAY,

»TH DECEMBER, 1951

His Excellency the Governor General, his Secretary,Mr. Preller, and other government officials attended the above ceremony in the garden kindly lent by the Rev.T.S. Harvey of Christchurch, Arcadia, Pretoria. The South African Scouts Headquarters was represented by the Chief Scout's African Scout Commissioner, the Ven. Arch­deacon S.P. V/oodfield.j the Deputy Divisional Commissioner, Mr. J.R. Rathebe; the Assistant Divisional Commissioner,Mr. D.C. Marivate. Mr. J. Wratten, D.C. Rustenburg, brought our hero from Rustenburg of whom we are all proud.

A Guard of Honour was formed by the Scouts officers and Boy Scouts from Attridgeville. The Archdeacon briefly outlined the history of the Scouts Movement. He mentioned that the chief aims of the Scouts Movement were to develop the good character, to combat juvenile delinquency and to make these boys good future citizens of South Africa. The Movement was divided into European, Indian, Coloured and African Scouts. He sincerely thanked his Excellency for his presence. The second speaker was Mr. J.W. Wratten, the D.C. of Rustenburg. He explained how "Oom Piet '1 risked his life in driving a burning petrol lorry on the 16th February, 1953. He thus bravely prevented a probable disaster to life and property in Rustenburg.

His Excellency expressed how pleased he was to award the medal for Piet's gallantry. Mr. J.R. Rathebe, speaking in Afrikaans, thanked the Governor General. Piet was awarded a Bronze Medal, a Certificate and Ribbon.

From Scoutmaster C.J. Grootboom

TRAITSVAAL DIVISIONAL ANNUAL REPORT PRESENTED TO~^QirairA?RTcAjrT^ADQTjart^ ^ l m r n i r -qy

THE AERTCAN M ^ C O U T S “ ASSOCIATION HELD ATto pRioRrrw^TTMvim v m Thursday. 7tT T j a n u a r y;'~1934-------------

By J . Richard Rathebe Deputy Divisional Commissioner

As you will recall the year 1953 opened with a very sad olovv to our Association in tlie passing of our former Chief Scout's Commissioner, Mr. J.D. Rheinallt Jones, at his^home on 30th January, 1953. As a result, the Order of service for his funeral and the very fine tribute among many others, paid to him by his then Deputy, the Venerable Archdeacon S.P. vvroodfield, M.A., and incorporated in the first printed Annual' Report and Accounts of the Transvaal Division for the year ended 3 1st December, 1952, will forever enshrine our Scouts archives. Then, true to’ our Motto "B.P.", we are gratified that the choice of his successor, Archdeacon vfoodfield, was unanimous, and I am sure we are agreed that we wish our new Chief a long and happy term of office and assure him of our loyal support.

Now, in the Transvaal, the year under review has been more marked by an emphasis on those activities designed to publicize the Movement. This has been prompted by a considerable dearth of -funds to ensure the continued progress of the Movement.

Bob-a-Job Week

This was held on 27th March - 6th April as our second Provincial effort. Its organization was so intensified that our two full-time organizers had to travel to practically every troop to enlist their support. The result was an increased gross taking of £1 ,0 7 5 .1 5 .5d. and, after a refund of ±0y° to each district which raised a ' minimum of £ 50, and a deduction of travelling expenses, together with costs of printing, postages, etc., we have been able to place £1,400 on fixed deposit since under­taking the scheme on a trial basis in 1951. This is to meet the request of the Scouts themselves that a greater portion of these funds should be spent on sending a contingent to the Centenary Jamboree in England in 1957.

Inanda Club Show• *

Through the untiring efforts of our Divisional Commissioner, Mr. C.N. Wallace, it has been possible for the Inanda Club, Johannesburg, to donate to the Division the entire proceeds of its Annual Horse Show held on its grounds on 9th and 10th October. A total of 416 Scouts and Scouters from the Reef and Pretoria were asked to figure on the programme drawn up by the promoters, and there is ample testimony that the Scouts gave a good account of themselves. They were neat and smart and every performance was warmly received. The result was the raising of a nett amount of £500 odd.

I

Organization under Sub-Committee

It has been decided to delegate the authority of the Transvaal Council to several committees with powers to act but answerable to the Council as the main Executive body. Ex-officio members of all eight committees are the Divisional Commissioner and his Deputy and the Hon. Divisional Secretary and the Assistant Divisional Secretary. This has given Councillors something more definite to do and the Development and Finance Committee, to which we are particularly indebted, has done a marvellous piece of work in its appeal for funds and the proper handling of all the Association's financial affairs.

Gilwell

The Transvaal has reluctantly had to dispose- of its Gilwell grounds at Roodepoort for a sum of £1,100, but it is sincerely hoped to remedy this state of affairs in the near future as it has been the ideal of the Transvaal Scouts that they should have their own Gilwell.

This brief account of our financial efforts should not misrepresent us to be a rich concern. Our expenditure exceeds our income in the costs to be met for the adminis­tration of the Movement.

Rallies

The greatest rally of the year was arranged at the Bantu Sports Grounds, Johannesburg, on 2nd June, to commemorate the Coronation of our Patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. A total of 908 persons, comprising 619 Scouts, 88 Cubs, 129 Girl Guides and 72 officers, attended from all over the Transvaal. The special Service Form prepared by our Headquarters Office at Cape Town was a great help. Officiating was the Rev. M. Buchler, one of our Councillors. The Divisional Commissioner, Mr. C.N. Wallace, also read a message of loyalty to our Queen.

The following competitive rallies were also held!

On 28th February at Vereeniging for the Evaton- Vereeniging District \

On 14th May at Dzingahe, Sibasa, for the more Northerly areas of the Transvaal

On 15th May - 17th May at Jane Furse, Sekhukhuni- land, for the Middelburg (Transvaal) and Sekhukhuniland districts;

On 5th September at Atteridgeville for the Pretoria District.

In addition, Mendi Day Anniversary Parades were held at Johannesburg and Pretoria on April 9th, and on 10th May a Joint Scouts and Wayfarers Parade of all the Methodist Troops in the Transvaal was held in the Central Hall,Johanne sburg.

Training Camps

Training Camps to promote training in Scoutcraft were held as follows

On 14th - 17th May at Moloto, Pietersburg, for the Diocesan Training College Troop under S.M,E.M. Mabiletsaj

On 29th June - 3rd July, the 3rd Pilot Camp specifically for the Reef, Evaton-Vereeniging, Heidelberg- Nigel and Western Transvaal areas at Roodepoort;

On 4th -• 7th September, a district camp at Mukaka,Sibasa, under D.C. Muduvhadzi and A.D.C. Nemahunguni;

On 11th - 13th September a Scouters1 Preliminary Training Course at Bushbuckridge under D.C. Pred Maboko 5

On 18th - 20th September, also under Mr. Maboko, a Patrol Leaders' Training Camp at Bushbuckridge5

On 27th September - 4th October the 4th Scout Wood Badge Course at Roodepoort under Senior D.C.C.Marivate and a panel of trainers. All 14 trainees passed.

Census

Our comparative census is as follows

1951 Total all ranks - 6,6121952 " " " - 7,6031953 " " " - 5,920 (incomplete)

News Sheet ,

Because our panel of contributors could not send in manuscripts regularly for one reason or another,, it has been decided to supersede our former Scout Gazette with a monthly News Sheet. This has been most successfully handled by our Hon. Secretary, Mr. J.P. Rees, and our Hon. Art Editor,Mr. Sol. N. Maqambalala. So far there have been nine issues and this News Sheet forms a valuable link between Divisional Headquarters and our 258 Scout Groups scattered all over the Transvaal.

Bronze Cross

Last December the Transvaal had the honour of one of its Scouters, Piet Masike, of 1st Phokeng Troop, Rustenburg, receiving the award of the Bronze Cross for Gallantry from the Governor General of South Africa at Pretoria. This makes us proud that we too are Scouts.

D.J. Matsepe

The Transvaal had another sad blow in the loss of D-.C, Christiana, Mr. D.J. Matsepe, who was burrled at Croesus, Johannesburg, on Sunday, 22nd November, 1953. R.I.P.

Thanks

Finally, the Transvaal is most grateful to all its executive members for the services they have given so unstintingly during the year. In particular, a big Thank You is due to our Divisional Commissioner and Hon. Divisional Secretary who have always found time to promote the welfare of Scouting amongst the Africans, despite their very busy private occupations. Theirs, they can be sure, is not the lot of "Love's Labour Lost".

SAFETY FIRST

Here are three more hints for cyclists;

19. Ad .just your Machine

Check up on your lights, brakes, tyres, chain and height of saddle and handlebars. Your riding will then be safer and more comfortable.

20. Bell Position

Have your bell in a position where you can ripg it and at the same time apply your brakes.

21. Foot Position on Pedals

Keep the ball of the foot on the pedals. If you pedal flat-foot (with the pedal up against your heel) your toe sticks out and may touch the front mudguard when you proceed at slow speeds or make a sharp turn, causing a spill or a bad swerve.

14-TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE. V A D T T 7 ,

ITCHfSNSTElN, 1953 -------

Extracts from Report by District Commissioner, Mr. R.G. Nuns.who attended the Conference at the request o f S.A.H.Q.

as Representative for South Africa

I felt proud that South Africa was among the 34 countries represented and on my arrival I was given the warmest welcome. During my stay at the Conference I was shown the greatest friendship by delegates from all countries. The International Committee stated its pleasure that South Africa was once again represented at the Conference.

The following International gatherings were decided upon;-

1954 - International Commissioners Get-Together -Finland

1955 - Jamboree - Canada1956 - World Scouters Indaba - Holland1957 - Rover Moot and Additional Jamboree - Britain

The Deputy Director of World'Guiding, Mrs. K.Woollacott, was present and she asked, on behalf of world guiding, for a closer understanding and co-operation from our Association. This was well received by the Conference and the joint committee of these two Association will meet in Switzerland to discuss the matter.

I feel that South Africa is keeping abreast with the rest of the world, so far as scouting is concerned. The problems that we are meeting in South Africa, especially as regards the losing of boys at certain ages, are being met by all other countries, and the same cry comes from all ovef* - better scouters will result in better packs, troops and crews. Wood Badge training is being encouraged by all countries.

I feel that I must mention that on one day I missed most of the proceedings, as I was asked by the delegate from the Phillipines to accompany him and a delegate from China, Indonesia and Korea on a short trip to Austria. Although I was anxious not to miss any of the meetings, I was assured’that it would only mean an hour's run over the border and, as I was the only European asked,I felt it would he in our best interests to accept-,

t •"I feel that the Conference was conducted in the most

satisfactory manner possible in very pleasant surroundings. In the evenings the delegates were well looked after, being entertained by the reigning Prince and Princess of Lichtenstein in their castle, by the Municipality, the Government who held a banquet in our honour, and by the Scouts and Guides. At the latter function, the Chief Scout of Lichtenstein, Prince Emanuel, was presented with his Wood Badge by Col. Wilson and John Thurman.

HEADQUARTERS NOTICES

GREETINGS

We acknowledge with pleasure Christmas and New Year greetings received from:

His Worship., the Mayor of Johannesburg, Mr.C.J.H. Patmore;

The Chief Scout's African Scouts Commissioner, the Venerable Archdeacon Woodfield;

South African Scout Headquarters, Capetown;

The Department of Non-European Affairs, Germiston;

Messrs. Ellams, Ltd., Johannesburg.

THE SHOP

The following popular lines have arrived

First Class Tests Books First Steps in Scouting Patrol flags First Class badges Hats for Scouts and Officers How To Do It Books How to Run a Pack How to Run a Troop Khaki shirts and shorts KnottingPatrol System Books Pioneering Books Policy, Organization and Rules Prayers for use in the Brotherhood

Aids to ScoutmastershipScout beltsBraidComplete Troop registers Cub Book Cub CapsCamping standards Cub Tests Record Cards First Class Record Cards Proficiency Badge Scheme Patrol Leader hat badges Rovering to Success Scouting for Boys Scout Law (booklets) Signalling for Scouts

The Shor will be closed from Thursday, 11th. February till Thursday, 25th. February, 1954 (inclusive), and it will be open again on Friday, 26th. February.

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

It is not the size of the Scout in the game, but the size of the game in the Scout, that matters.

CORRESPONDENCE

Mr. C.N. Wallace,African Scout Commissioner.

Dear Mr. V/allace,

I am directed by my Committee to express to you their gratitude for the part played by the African Boy Scouts in our recent street collection, and for their willing and ready co-operation. We do appreciate all the help we received from them.

The amount collected from the boxes was £22.19.2d. which we consider a very substantial amount.

Thanking you for your assistance,

Yours sincerely,

R. Melamed

Secretary,Margaret Ballinger Home Convalescent Home for Bantu Children.

Wedding

Congratulations to Mr. N&aio, our Asst. Div. Sec., whose forthcoming marriage to Miss Flora M. Le&goasa ie announced for Sat., 13th. February, 1954. The wedding will take place in the Aju£lican Church of All Souls, Brakpan Location at 9.30 a.m.

We wish him happiness and joy in his new home.

Collection Number: AD1715

SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF RACE RELATIONS (SAIRR), 1892-1974

PUBLISHER: Collection Funder:- Atlantic Philanthropies Foundation

Publisher:- Historical Papers Research Archive

Location:- Johannesburg

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