TE KORERO For Boy Scouts

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 13, 16 January 1929, Page 18

TE KORERO For Boy Scouts

Assistant-Commissioner E. B. B. Boswell yesterday received a wire from the scoutmaster of our island visitors saying that they had thoroughly enjoyed their camp at Stratford, and were en route to the capital city.

Vindictive , s Rescue. On Wednesday, January 2, the launch Mona was seen to be in difficulties, and was drifting to a lee shore (Motutapu), writes Mr. L. Thode, master of the Vindictive, describing the rescuing of a valuable vessel. Mr. Lees, with a crew in the whaler, attempted to tow the Mona clear, but, owing to heavy seas, was unable to do much good. Later the master, with a scratch crew, went off to help in the .Mongagu whaler, and managed to drop another anchor for the distressed launch. Finally, Mr, Clough, the caretaker of the -Quarries in which the troop was quartered during their camp, ran a line out to then), with the aid of his little speed boat. Mr. Lees' boat assisted in running tlie line to a rescue launch, the Olivcnc, which soon towed the Mona clear, and into safety.

Onehunga Town Troop.

There are now 50 scouts and cubs in the above troop, writes their scribe. Twenty-four boys, including seven cubs, along with three leaders, spent ten days under canvas at Cornwallis. Unfortunately bad weather was experienced for a few days thus preventing our doing much outdoor work. Some of the older boys put in a fair amount of practice for the swimming badge. On New Year's Eve, at 11.45 p.m., ten scouts and the A.S.M? went for a walk along the beach and then on to the wharf where they awaited the coming of 1929. At 12.30 they returned to camp. On Wednesday, January 2, ten second-class scouts left Cornwallis for Watipu (12 miles away). They returned on Thursday, January 3. Very little fishing was done at this camp, although a few large fish were caught. There were no accidents worthy of attention. The troop will probably be going to Cornwallis again at Easter, where a happy time is anticipated.

Hawke Week-end Cruise. The following is a report of a weekend cruise of the Hawke Troop, under the mate, Mr. Smith. V/c slipped our moorings in Cox's Creek at 4 p.m., Saturday afternoon, January 12, and rowed to Te Atatu, calling in at Hobsouville, en

route for water. Te Atatu was reached at 6.30 p.m., and tea finished we had a swim off the end of the wharf; the mate put a jury iig, comprising of a tent fly and poles on the boat; as it proved successful. Leader R. Wright took a crew out on the river for a sail. Second Maguire knocked the primus overboard in two. fathoms, Second Wilshire.. atea lost a billy the same way. After breakfast on- Sunday we had a look round and found a welC so then had plenty of water. Leader P. Henry -took a boat's crew for a sail. At 1.30 p.m. we stowed all gear aboard for the sail down harbour and passed Onetangi at 2.4.3 p.m., clearing the Rewa at 3 p.m., and put about at Stanley Point at 3.40 p.m. It was a close haul up the harbour to Northcote, where we lowered sail and rowed over to Watchman Island for a run'ashore. The sail was hoisted again at 0.30 p.m. when we slogged up to Cox's Creek, • arriving home at 8.10 p.m. The Victory Troop called up from off Heme Bay, but owing to the distance and the failing light we were unable to read their signals. ' ".■

Leys Institute -at Huia.

For seventeen days the Leys boys found good camping in the Huia Valley, despite the decidedly unseasonable weather. There were 12 boys under canvas under the scoutmaster. The camp was run on the patrol lines with central cooking and messing. The site seems to be naturally divided into the various necessary camping sections with three separate patrol grounds, each about 150 yards away from.the;parade ground, cook house, and, eating . place. Before camp there were iatrigiii-ng, whisperings among the boys about a hydro electric scheme, but it is now definitely stated that the S.M. is glad lie bouglrt a packet of candles, although the troop electrician declares that the flood was to blame—"fluff said,"- -In scoutwork, the construction in. four jnch tea-tree of a double trestle diving wharf 12.0 ft above water level was 'perhaps the most noteworthy , performance. Treasure hunts, "gold rushes'," dispatch running and similar stunts were the main outside activities which were sandwiched in between long distance signalling (with the aid of telescopes) and buzzer work. Leaving the senior leader in charge of the camp, • seven seniors under the S.M. set out on Boxing Day for Big Muddy Creek, where, on the next day, they assisted the advance* party of the combined Ponsonby District Guides in pitching camp. A few days later 20 of the guides hiked over to the Leys camp for tea. Unfortunately the rain god wept on them, and .although their spirits wer e in no way damped, it was impossible to carry on with the pre* arranged camp lire programme. The visit was much appreciated by the bovs, and it is to be hoped that another time better weather will mark our meeting The seven mile return trip in the dark along a muddy bush track was a' creditable performance on the part of the girls, who were led by Captain Roberton. On the day before camp wae struck the entire camp visited the Huia Dam, and from there hiked through the bush to the Piha Road, where they had lunch. Camp was struck at 2 p.m. on Sunday January 6, immediately after inspection by D.B.M. K. L. Dyer. Mr. Dyer wae accompanied on his inspection by •Mγ; and Mrs. T. Eames, two local residents' who have ever been our staunch friends' and helpers whilst camping in the Valley Mrs. Eames, already a"'thanks badge bolder, deserves a bar to the decoration, and the D.S.M. in thanking her for all her kindnesses, said how the movement is ever grateful to its outside helpers. With cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Eame* still ringing in the air the boys caught the launch back to Auckland.

Vindictive Sea Scouts (Bayswater). On Friday last the Vindictive Sea Scouts held their first parade of the New Year; eleven boys an&wered the roll call. A few '•cleaning up" jobs were done, and an unsuccessful attempt was made to get the whaler out of the water. On Saturday two boys beached the whaler on the morning tide, and in the afternoon she was cleaned and painted with "anti-fouling." The 12.6 was also cleaned. Linoleum was laid in the officer*' cabin, then afternoon tea was made. All hands are requested to parade regularly from next Friday. The reason for this request will be learnt ironi their master when next they parade. Recruiting has now closed for senior boys, but sea cubs between the age of 10 and 12 will still be enrolled. It is to be remembered that Vindictive's regatta is to be held at Bayswater on March 23, 1929. Sea Scout Coxswain George Carter left last night (Tuesday) for the south, where he will be racing in the Cornwell Cap competitions.

Victory Sea Scouts. A party of six boys, under the bos 7 un, wont up to Pine Island on Christmas Day to erect camp in readiness for the remainder of the troop, who were expected next day, writes Bos'un R. McIntyre. All our gear was carried up by Mr. (Jreives' cruising launch, and we left the boatshed at about 2A~> p.m., arriving at Pine Island at about 3.30. Instantly

all hand.* sot to work to tranship stores and pear on to the truck, kindly lent by Mr, Maynell. Although the* camping ground was in a deplorable condition, being covered with gorse and brambles, we f>ooll set it to rights, and by nightfall had six tents erected. On Sunday, January t>, Mr. Dean and one of the boys applied first aid measures to a yachtsman who was suffering an attack of sunstroke. On Wednesday morning we struck camp, and by 12.:i(l p.m. were sailing home. We wish to thank Mr. Miijuel! for his generosity to us while in camp.

: Fame. Sea Scouts. On Friday last we had about 23 boys on parade, when the usual instruction was given. At 2.30 p.m. on Saturday a crew left to spend the week-end at Pine Island, returning on Sunday at 5.30 p.m. a,fter a very pleasant time spent both in theory and practise of- the art of sea scouting. Many thanks are clue to Mr. B. Roseman, the skipper of the launch Valda. for his assistance in towing Uβ from Oiu'taiinga to Walker's Reach on the return journey, which saved us some hours' sailing. The boys who were unable to go to Piiie Jsland received instruction from Captain Price at Walker's Beach. * * ♦ • St. George's Troop, Kingsland. St. (Jeorge's held their camp at Rooky Bay, Waiheke, under the charge of S.M. K. J. .MeFarJand. Eighteen boys were in cam]>, which was very successful in every way, even though they did get a bad start as far as the weather was concerned. But nobody seemed to mind that and a cricket match in bathing togs was an enjoyable novelty. The Beaver Patrol, under the leadership of P.L. Ted Legge, proved themselves the best patrol in camp by winning the cup competition most days. The departure from camp .proved a little exciting, owing to the late arrival of the boats to take the baggage across the bay, and also'owing to a head wind and choppy sea. But the timely help of a launch in towing the boats and the magnificent work of A.S.M. Macferson and P.L. Bill Mackie in holding on to the baggage boat and unloading it. when the mooring rope broke, saved the situation.

Cruising With Calliope. Although the weather during Christmas war; not good, the Calliope Sea .Scouts spent a very enjoyable time jji camp. On""Saturday,'December 22, they left their headquarters for the ketch Rira , ; moored in Shoal Bay, and stayed on board until Monday afternoon, when they left for Shark Bay, where camp wa-* pitched. In the afternoon of Cinemas Day they moved on to Pine Island, where they remained until January 2. Owinjr to the waather it was not possible to carry out as much boat work ae had been hoped, but injtructioiits were carried on inside the tent. Visits were paid to (ireenhithe ■ and Hobsonville. On Xew Year's. Day the assistant Sea Scout Commissioner, (Mr. R. A. Woode) visited the four companies camped on the "island, and seemed pleased with the smartness and discipline. The

return journey from Pine Island was made in two and a half hours in epite of the fact that the gig had to tow the cutter, which is, a larger boat. Mr. IJ. Iversen, the master, wae in charge. and he was assisted by Mr. R. Haselden, lirst mate, and Mr. H. Hcudcr, second mate. . . * * • • Hawke Sea Scouts. ' On • Boxing Day six Scouts and the Scoutmaster left Cox's Creek for camp at Pine Island. The crossing to Kauri Point was hard rowing, as there was a strong sea running, one JScout losiug his oar, which, after some manoeuvring, was picked lip. After a run ashore at Onetaunga, we felt refreshed and set out for Pine Island, arriving there at ">.lo p.m., two hours after leaving the creek. Tents were pitched and tea eaten, the Calliope Troop very kindly boiling the billy for us. We "turned in early and were soon asleep. Thursday morning saw us awake early, so we set to and completed camp. We took it easy for the remainder of the day and in the evening we manned t'ae boat and rowed right round the island. Friday was very wet, so the greater part of the day was spent in the tents reading, yarning and playing games. Preparations were made for a hasty flit to the shelter of the dancing floor in the event of the tents becoming flooded during the night, but fortunately the tents kept dry. Saturday morning was cloudy, but showed signs of clearing up, so lines were rigged and blankets and gear spread out to air. During our morning swim we loaned our boat to Fame, as their boat had not been brought. The Assistant S.M. and one of the leaders came up by the afternoon boat. That evening we received an urgent message that distress signals were

being made by a boat near the Hobsonville shore, so our boat was manned and put out under the A.S.M. to investigate. It was a wild goose chase, as no boat could be found and inquiries made of campers near the shore showed that they had not seen anything.. Sunday was a quiet day, and several - b'f the parents visited us. On Monday we took advantage of the tine weather and rowed up Lucas Creek to Albany, where we visited the Falls., On returning to camp some instruction in signalling was given and Scouts H. .Barnaby and C. Hammond were tested for tenderfoot and secondclass respectively, both passing. Tuesday (Nevy Year's Day) we were inspected by the Assistant District Commissioner for Sea Scouts, who expressed himself as very pleased with tha appearance of the boys ajid the camp. In the -evening we did some rowing, and meeting Fame out

in Calliope's gig gave them a challenge. After several good races honours were even. At the invitation of the* S.M., the officers of the Calliope Troop inspected the boys, tents and galley oi the Wednesday morning to award marks for the smartest watch. It is 'the intention of the Troop officers to present a trophy for interwatch camp competition, to be competed for each time the Troop camps, and as this is the first competition the result of the inspection is being eagerly awaited. By some means our boat got adrift during the morning and it watf found swamped under one of the hulks off the beach. Calliope and Victory manned their boats and brought it ashore, where it was soon bailed out and inspected for any damage. It fortunately escaped any injury. After midday dinner bags were packed and tents struck and all gear was taken down to the beach and loaded into the boat. After which we fell in around the flagstaff and Scouts H. Barnaby and H. Knderby were invested as tenderfeet. The flag was then liauled down and we embarked for home. The row home to Cox's Creek was a strenuous one, as the strong southerly wind made a heavy sea and we were glad to put into Onetaunga for a spell. Edendale Scouts' camp was visited and they very kindly boiled us a billy of tea, "and later helped us to launch the boat, which had taken the ground through the tide going out. Cox's Creek was reached at 5 p.m. and though tired out. one and all regretted that our camp was ended.