Rover SARSI: 1950 Report
General Smuts Farm, Irene, Pretoria: 5th SARSI
7 to 10 April, 1950 – Easter
Report from R/S J. 0. Borain (scribe) 6th Bloemfontein Crew
This was the first South African Rover Scout Indaba that we three Rovers from the Orange Free State have had the good luck to be present at. My personal feelings are that this was a first class show indeed, and I feel sure that the other chaps of our Crew are going to feel mighty sorry that they could not be present with us.
First the general atmosphere in the camp was champion. The fellows acted as B.P. probably would have liked them to have acted. The papers were in my mind very well prepared and exceptionally well delivered. The discussions after the various papers proved an information bureau to me. The ideas of the S.A.R.S.I., I can assure you, will, by me, be taken back to our Rover Stronghold, Bloemfontein. Though few in numbers we try to be youths fit to wear the uniforms of the Rovers.
I feel that if we can keep up to a few or even one resolution arrived at, at this meeting, we will be doing a good job of Rovering indeed.
The organisation of the meeting was first class and the bus tour extremely interesting indeed. The campfire was also "Topping what"! Indeed it was.
I for one am only sorry this S.A.R.S.I. could not go on for a far longer time - but "Time marches on" - and even S.A.R.S.I. must come to an end unfortunately. Still I'll be at the next one if all goes well.
Now for some suggestions: I only wish someone or the Committee would make up a paper on "SERVICE" our motto. Everyone seems to have a different idea on how to carry it out. If I were able I should have liked to have done it myself - but being still a mere youth I feel it could be done by one much older than myself. Still, hoping it is done soon I leave the subject.
The splitting up of the various contingents was also a champion idea indeed. I would have liked to have seen a few more souvenirs than was available as I feel many chaps would have bought them up. I also heard this opinion expressed by a number of other Rovers who were present at the last one. Well "Enough said."
BUS TOUR
Saturday, April 8th, 1950. Due to last minute entries the Committee had to hire a fourth bus to enable them to accommodate 156 Rovers. It was announced that all visitors would go on the trip and that Transvaal Rovers would occupy the empty seats. The time of departure was altered from 9.00 a.m. to 8.30 a.m. and to prove how keen the Rovers were to go on the trip, the last bus left camp at 8.25 a.m. R/S/L D. Higgs was in charge of the first bus which left at 8.15 a.m. He had made arrangements to take a party of 36 to the Institute of Medical Research. Only visitors went to the Institute but a further visit for local Rovers will be arranged at a later date. R/M P. Cane was in charge of the 2nd bus. R/S/L C. J. Ballenden was in charge of the 3rd bus. R/S/L J. Blair was in charge of the 4th bus.
The itinerary was followed as planned. The visit to the Voortrekker Monument much impressed the party and they climbed to the top and looked down into the centre of the Monument and also saw the wonderful view of the surrounding countryside. At this point in the trip 2 members were missing but they managed to link up with the party in Johannesburg. Two of the buses then proceeded to the Africana Museum while the other two went to Escom House.. The buses then left for their depot. The parties joined forces at the Library at 1.30 p.m. Everyone enjoyed the visit to the Africana Museum and only regretted the shortage of time at their deposal. R/S/L J. Blair had arranged for 3 lady guides. Miss Smith, Miss Chapman and Mrs. Ballenden to conduct the party and describe many of the exhibits.
Back row: (L to R) N Heydenrych, W Douglas, Carveth Geach (Chief Scout 1963-73), T Geach, D Smith, T Bourke
Middle row: K Uphill, R Douglas, L Pearson
Front row: P Tudhope, M Brown, P Cochrane
Absent Richard Dey
Parties of Rovers were taken to the top of Escom House to see probably the best view of Johannesburg. Thanks are extended to Mr. Jack Moss, Commissioners for Publicity for arranging this visit. At 1.45 p.m. the first bus left for the Zoo, passing the stragglers making their way back to the meeting place. Lunch was served at the Zoo which was thoroughly enjoyed and soon the Rovers were visiting the different cages of animals, the visitors expressing their appreciation of this opportunity of seeing the Zoo, and agreed it was first class. After about 2 hours the party set off for Glen-William where they had the opportunity of swimming, etc., until 5.00 p.m.
Certain fellows seemed a little dubious of this and decided to play rugger instead. A few did take the advantage of a swim although it was rather cold but no doubt it whetted their appetites. At 5.00 p.m. came the usual queue for food which was laid out on tables - sausages, potatoes, green mealies, coffee, bread and butter (with two helpings if needed)! One helped oneself and soon the grass surrounding was filled with Rovers enjoying their tea. All agreed it was an excellent meal and thanks were expressed to Mr. and Mrs. Poultney and their staff for a job well done.
The party left about 6.00 p.m. arriving in camp soon after 7.00 p.m. after having spent a very pleasant day, and feeling they had really seen Pretoria, Johannesburg and the countryside around all in one day.
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