Transcript of Fern Tree Gully News from 6th of March 1926

Transcript of "Scout Competitions" from the Fern Tree Gully News of 6th of March 1926.

Scout Competitions

SUCCESSFUL GATHERING AT THE GULLY.

A scouts’ carnival, which it is hoped will be held a forerunner of many similar competitions in the future, was held on the Fern Tree Gully Recreation ground on Saturday afternoon. In the hands of the committee of the 1st Fern Tree Gully Troop, Boy Scouts, the organisation was excellent. There were numerous entries for all the events, and the keen competition throughout was much enjoyed by the spectators and the onlookers. Officers in attendance were Commissioner Russell, Scoutmaster Rudge (Box Hill), Scoutmaster Currey (Camberwell) and Scoutmaster McKenzie (Fern Tree Gully). The Gully and Box Hill Troops mustered in strong force. Included in the later with two English Scouts, who had arrived from the homeland on Monday previous. Patronage to the carnival was also extended by the Fern Tree Gully Girl Guides, under the captaincy of Miss Spicer.

Dainty afternoon tea, aerated waters, and teas(?) were dispensed by the ladies committee, comprising Mesdames Morris, Martin, Willcox, Williamson, Garnham, McGregor, Colliver, Newton, Winters, Fiven, Ford, Murphy, Saville, Westly, Carroll, Myford(?), Chudleigh and Piper.

The committee in charge of the sports proceedings consisted of Mr. Morris (president), Mr. Colliver (secretary), Mr. Carroll (treasurer), Rev. Arthur H. Westley and Messrs. Ford, Fiven, Saville, Blackrock and Garnham. Messrs. Saville and Garnham officiated as judges, Scoutmaster McKenzie and Mr. Blacklock as handicappers, and Mr. Colliver starter.

The following were the winners of the respective competitions: - High Jump – W. Carroll (3ft 11in), 75 Yds race, under 12 years – D. Fiven. Bicycle Race 50 yards fast and 50 yards slow – J. Morris. Long Jump – W. Carroll. 100 yds Race – J. Morris.  Stepping the Chain – C. Colliver. Threading the Needle – Miss A Grattidge.  Flag Race ( ? troops) – Box Hill (whites). 150 yds. Race – D. Fiven. Sack Race – W. Carroll.  Bowling a Wicket – C. Williamson. Siamese Race – A. Ford and C. Winter.  Hop, Step and Jump – E. Payne (Box Hill).

In presenting the prizes, (useful inexpensive little gifts), Commissioner Russell remarked that ordinarily, whatever a Scout did, whether a good turn or testing his prowess in the arena of sport – was done for the sake of doing it, and not in anticipation of any reward. He related that a friend of his who had become interested in Cubs, offered a prize of 5(?) for a tug-of-war, but was surprised on being informed by a leader of the pack that the offer could not be accepts. The suggestion for a tug-of-war was accepted upon, but no money was required.   The committee of the 1st Fern Tree Gully Troop had, however decided on recognising in a small way the performances of the winners.

Proceedings concluded with hearty cheers for Commissioner Russell and the Scoutmasters.