The following is a transcript (accurate where possible - and noted in yellow where there is uncertainty as to what has been written) from an early Troop Log Book.  It is believed to have been compiled by Scoutmaster Rev. J Rich.

The author notes that this history is assembled mainly from reading the St. Matthew's Parish leaflets.

1922

The St. Matthew's Scout Troop was founded in 1922, but its history can be traced back to the earliest days of Scouting in New Zealand through its connection with the Avonside "Lady Liverpool's Own" Scout Troop.  This Troop which met at Avonside had the misfortune to lose its meeting hall through fire, and as no other meeting place could be secured it applied to St. Matthew's Church with the object of transferring the Troop to the Church Hall at St Albans.  The Authorities at St. Matthew's accepted the transfer of the Troop, which was now to be called St. Matthew's Church Troop.  Eight boys and Scoutmaster J. C. Robinson came from Avonside to their new quarters.

In April 1922 the Troop was sixteen strong.  Application was made by the Committee to Lady Liverpool for permission to transfer the title "Lady Liverpool's Own" to St. Matthew's Troop.  An Easter Camp was held by the SM in this year.

At a special function on May 9^th 1922 the Troop was formally welcomed by the Vicar and Vestry at a special function.  Items were given by the boys and friends, and speeches made by the Vicar, the SM, and Mr Clibborn.

The first visit of a Commissioner was on June 22^nd when Commissioner Lancaster inspected the Troop.  A Church parade was held on July 23^rd by which date the Troop had twenty four Scouts, six of whome were Choir boys.

1923

The S.M. left Christcurch in April and Troop Leader Walter Oliver was appointed acting Scoutmaster.  In September Mr A. V. Belson was appointed S.M. and under his regime the Troop had its greatest membership.  The committee wisely decided that fifty should be the roll limit.  The energetic labours of the Troop and committee resulted in a healthy Troop fund being created, but two items of expenditure did little to benefit the Troop.  The first was the creating of a drum and fife band, for the instruments bought were of Japanese manufacture and very inferior, and the band soon collapsed.  The second item was the providing of free uniforms, the understanding being they were to be restored to the Troop by the Scout on leaving.  The result was the inevitable one.  Boys were attracted by the prospect of free uniforms & the roll increased rapidly by the influx of recruits.  Experience showed that uniforms were not returned or were returned in a valueless condition owing to neglect or ill usage.  It is better for a Troop to be without uniforms that to provide them free in this way.

1924

Scoutmaster Belson resigned in March 1924 and Asst. S-M. Oliver and the Committee carried on for nearly two years as best they could.  The mushroom roll quickly subsided, and the Troop suffered from lack of permanent leadership.

1925

No record

1926 - 1927

In February 1926 the Troop was fortunate in securing the services of Mr F. E. Hutchinson, lecturer in forrestry at Canterbury College, as Scoutmaster.  The new S-M. had travelled widely, and his interests in the great out of doors were especially valuable to the Scout work of the Troop.  The Troop revived in numbers and efficiency, and took part in the combined Scout Camp at Cass in 1927.  His appointment as Asst. Commissioner for Christchurch led to his resignation in January 1928 - an unfortunate blow to the Troop after being placed once more upon its feet.

1928

In March 1928 the services of Mr H Hodgson were secured as S-M. and he ably carried on the Troop until Sept. 1928 when he resigned on being appointed District S-M.  Between September 1928 and March 1929 Mr J Bristnue was Acting S-M. being helped by DSM Hodgson wherever possible.

1929

In March 1929 an arrangement was made by which DSM Hodgson and S-M. the Rev. J. Rich BA, of Merivale took the Troop on alternative Troop evenings.  On March 29^th S-M. Rich agreed to take over the Troop until his departure in June with the N.Z. Sout Party for the 1929 World Jamboree.  From June to late in November the Troop was carried on by ASM's Reeve and Sey with occasional help from DSM Hodgson.  On his return to N.Z. S-M. Rich returned to the Troop, but after only three weeks was appointed District Commissioner of No. 1 Christchurch District.

Please contact us if you can provide any history on the St. Matthew's LLO Scout Group.  We would dearly love to gain verbal, photographic or written history to build on what little we have.