Lancashire Evening Post 2 October 1911:
BOY SCOUT MOVEMENT IN LANCASTER
The annual meeting of the Lancaster and District branch of the Scouts Association was held in the town hall. Mr W. Garnett, JP, DL, Commissioner, presided. Letters of regret at their inability to attend were read from Mr H. L. Storey, Mr G. R. Roberts, Mr W. French, and the Rev. J. U. N. Bardsley. The balance sheet showed a balance of £1 2s. 9d. Mr H. F. Beaton proposed a vote of thanks to Mr R. Erskine, Scoutmaster, in recognition of the work he had done for the movement since its commencement. He suggested that the resolution be printed and signed by Mr Garnett, Mr. Wright (hon. secretary) and himself, and forwarded to Mr Erskine to encourage him in his efforts in the Newcastle district to establish the Scout movement. The resolution was carried.
The report stated that there were at present 172 Scouts, 10 Scoutmasters, and 6 Assistant Scoutmasters. They had only 10 troops last year, but since then new troops had been formed in Halton, Caton, Morecambe (2nd), Lancaster RGS, and Lancaster. 121 second class badges had been gained this year.
Mr Beaton said they experienced difficulty in getting Scoutmasters. Many people felt it was below their dignity to hold such a position, but he had not yet heard any Scoutmaster say he was sorry he had joined the movement
Mr Briggs said he thought it would be a good idea to ask some of the junior masters at the public schools to help them in that respect.
Mr R. E. Wright, was appointed hon. secretary., Mr A. B. S. Welch, auditor, and amongst those elected on the committee were the District Commissioner, Dr. W George, the secretary, Mr H Beaton, the Revs. H. A. Watson, F. G. Tizzard, A. S. Andrew, W. J. Locke, and J. H. Hastings, and Mr T. W. Helme. A number of gentlemen in the district were also nominated as members of the Association.
