TE KORERO

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 108, 9 May 1928, Page 16

TE KORERO

The Examination Board meets tonight at 7.30 p.m. t * i *

Despite a threatening and .somewhat f showery morning the First Class tests were carried out at the Springs on Saturday last in fair weather if not in glorious sunshine. In all there were about < 100 on the grounds, and it is expected that there will be nearly twice that number on June 2. Taken all round the standard of work was only fair, and there will not be a high percentage of passes. Despite the fact that two circulars warned Scouters that names of candidates must be handed in at least one week before the date of the tests, nearly 50 boys whose names had not been handed in presented themselves for examination. Although accepted on this occasion, in future no Scout will be allowed on the grounds unless his Scoutmaster has previously handed in his name. S.M. C. Swales is to be thanked for the loan of two tents, which, although as the rain fortunately held off and were not used, at least added a Scouting appearance to the field day. • » • • Although now past history, Auckland will long remember the disastrous fire at Winstone's oil store. They have still to learn, however, of the splendid work carried out by their Auckland Scouts. Since the fire "Michael" has been endeavouring to ascertain the names and troops of those Scouts who were assisting, but even now feels that some are omitted. If such be the case, "Michael" would be pleased to receive information. The four Scouts definitely known of are: Leader L. Harlen, of All Saints', Scout Ray Gee, of St. David's, and Troop-leader Ed. Gee and Scout R. Waugh, of St. James'. When "Michael" spoke to Deputy-Superintendent Avenall, of the City Fire Station, concerning the work done by the Scouts, he said that it was impossible to say too much or speak too highly of the boys, who rendered invaluable help to the brigade. Harlen and Waugh assisted in manning the hoses, playing them on the walls of the building, and all assisted in removing those . hoses not in use away from the fire, and thus saved them from being burnt. I They covered the fire engines with tar- \ paulins to protect them from the fierce heat, carried buckets of drinking water i to the men, and in some cases threw water on the smouldering clothes of the i firemen. They made themselves dei useful, almost invaluable in fact; t, in short—they acted as Scouts.

A report from the Vindictive Sea Scouts shows that company to be doing very well, and making rapid strides under the able leadership of their S.M. (Mr. L. R. Thode). The report says: "The troop roll now stands at 25 f and of

this number 21 paraded on Friday night. Next week the boats' crews arc to be picked- They will consist of coxswain, bowman, and five sea scouts each, so this will mean promotion for some of the lads. Arthur Granger has passed his tenderfoot test, and a new recruit, Alan Brown joined last week. On Saturday last Dist. Sea Scout Signalman R. Daverne visited the troop, and gave them instruction in the navy method of semaphore. The troop hopes to gather in some of the signalling trophies soon. June 12, the fifth anniversary of the troop is, so "Michael" is told, to be a redletter day. » « ♦ » Included in the Vindictive report is a challenge to Calliope to produce a better boxer than can be found in the Vindictive ranks. May 15, at the Bayswater Boating Clubhouse, is the time and date. The trophy is a splendid cup, presented by the Bayswater boating people. [Calliope, go for them, and teacli them a lesson-—"Michael."] • • • . Lntir such time as Headquarters can see their way clear to keep a stock of such badges as are in general demand, Scouters will find some difficulty in obtaining badges. However, meantime, Scouters should realise that Headquarters are doing their best in an awkward situation. . For those who do not know the following is the procedure: Every Friday a badge order is sent to Christchurch, who are instructed to forward the badges direct to the Scoutmaster who has applied. This gets the badges to the boy in the quickest possible time. Any delay in receipt must be attributed to Christchurch, and not to the local headquarters.

A meeting of. the Examination Board was held at headquarters last Wednesday with Mr. A. F. Berry in the chair. The following Scouters were appointed examiners for the first-class tests:— Signaller, Mr. C. H. Swales; ambulancc, Mr. N. S. Conquer; oooking, Mr. R. L. D. Jones; signs and map, Mr. E. C. Iversen; judging, Mr. H. Robinson. A field secretary was found in Mr. N. M. Matheson, to whom all candidates were to report upon arrival at the grounds. Two other important decisions were made as follows:—(a) The Springs will be definitely out of bounds to all except Scouts whose names have been previously handed in as candidates for the exams, (b) Each troop will before leaving report to D.S.M. A. E. Berry, that the ground used by them ha« been left clean and tidy.

On the 7th April we sustained our first defeat at cricket this season by the Devonport Troop, who played an excellent game, and richly deserved their win, writes Troop-leader J. Marshall, in the monthly report of the Avondale troop's doings. At Easter two parties of boys went into camp, one under the S.M. going to Blockhouse Bay, while the other, under the A.S.M. went to Piha for I three days. At Te Henga they were invited to a Maori feast known as a "tangi," and received a wonderful reception by the Maoris. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves at the coast, and returned home on Easter Monday, feeling rather tired after their long journey. The annual meeting of the troop was held on the 20th April, when they were inspected by Commissioner R. C- Grigsby, who was accorded a vote of thanks at the conclusion of the meeting. A strong committee was elected for tH ensuing year, and the retiring president, Mr. Blackman, was re-elected. One or two items and a haka were given before supper; the singing of the National Anthem concluded the meeting. D.S.M. A. E. Berry, with his Shackletons, paid them a visit last Friday, and a very enjoyable evening was spent, close on a hundred boys being in the hall. On Anzac Day a combined church parade with the municipal band and the fire brigade was held; 42 were on parade, this number being almost full strength. The fact that new boys are constantly enrolling with the troop is convincing proof that Scouting has obtained a good hold in the district.

Last Friday night, April 27, was n 1 great night for the newly-formed i Punua Troop, writes Miss M. Watts, '■ their acting Scoutmaster. We all 1 accepted an invitation to visit Shackle- ; ton Troop. During the evening D.S.M. < A. E. Berry enrolled eight recruits of ' the Punua Troop, making nine Scouts on the roll and three recruits. Contest games were competed for by the two troops and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the visit. • • • * The New Lynn Troop paraded on Anzac Day, April 25, together with the Cubs and Guides. With them, were the retuined soldiers of the district and the New Lynn Boy's Band. They' marched to the picture theatre, where a service, conducted by the Rev. W. Rankin, was fairly well attended. In the afternoon Second R. Graves placed a wreath from the Guides and Scouts, upon the Auckland Cenotaph, while the remainder of the troop attended the service held at the Soldiers' Memorial at Titirangi. • ♦ ♦ • A good joke was going the rounds last Saturday at the Springs- The time and setting was at the last tests of last year; an examiner was taking a boy in his first aid, a subject, it was clear, of which the boy did not know much. Wishing to help the boy out the examiner gave leading questions to which he always received a prompt "Yes, sir." Eventually the boy's knowledge was tested on the assistance he would give a person who had come in contact with a live wire. "Would you use your staff to free the man from the wire?" "Yes, sir." "Would you afterwards apply artificial respiration ?" "Yes, sir." "Now, remember, this is a live wire the man has come in contact with; would you give him an emetic?" Promptly came the answer: "Yes, sir!"