TE KORERO For Boy Scouts

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 119, 22 May 1929, Page 18

TE KORERO For Boy Scouts

Scouts at the Farmers'.

The great day has come and gone, but it has left a memory that will linger long. Members- of the finance executive are to be justly proud of being responsible for inducing one of Auckland's largest business houses to entertain a scheme which has been such a great financial lift to our movement at a time when money was winning low. As a result of the effort the sum of £20S 10/ will be handed over to the Boy Scout Association. The position of troops in order of value of redeemed coupoM was: —

Fame Sea Scouts. Hawke Sea Scouts. Herne Bay Scouts. Accordingly the three tents will be presented to the Point- boys and Mr. Veart's company will receive two. A kindly action on the part of the Farmers' was the gift of the one additional tent to the Heme Bay troop, who came third. On the Farmers' side the organisation was splendid, and arrangements made by Mr. K. W. Fraser were carried out smoothly and without a hitch. Assist.

Commissioner E. B. B. Boswell was in attendance throughout the day and kept an eye on the proceedings. A tower of strength to the movement was ■ Captain Price (Tame Coy.), who .assumed the role of general supervisor and organiser for the Scouts at the warehouse, and in this

he was ably assisted by Mr. Walker, of Ellerslie Troop. Mr. Lound (Mount Albert) was in charge of the parking area. For a first appearance in 'such a capacity the boys acquitted themselves well, and wero certainly always willing and helpful, although it was noticeable that far, far too many seemed to require the warmth of their pockets to keep their hands warm. It was rather unexpected to find Scouts distributing their own troops coupons in the warehouse. No instruction had been given regarding this, as-it was no doubt assumed that such instructions were unnecessary. If we are lucky enough to have a similar opportunity next year the experience gained on this occasion will stand us in good stead. All worked well and deserve credit for what they did.

The Rew Scout Badge,

The following comes from the latest green 'un: —It did not take a Sherlock Holmes to discover that the new metal Scout badge was unpopular in some quarters; but it did take the ingenuity of a certain Scouter, famous for his gadgets, to find a way of improving it. A 1929 model Scout badge is the result. Scouts can bring their own badges up-to-date by blackening in (with Indian ink or paint) the scroll which contains the words "Boy Scouts" and, when dry, rubbing the whole badge on fine glass paper. This removes the paint from the raised parts, leaving the words against a black background. The result is pleasing and we get back to the distinctive arrow head design. In future the Badge Department will issue Scout and patrol-leader buttonhole badges' in the new style.

Cubters , Meeting. A thoroughly representative meeting of Cubbers was held at H.Q. on Wednesday last. The arrangements for the rally were gone into and the various packs arranged to present displays dealing with first and second star and Cub badge work. An important decision was the resolution to hold a regular monthly study meeting and social. The first of these functions will be held on Wednesday, June 12. '

St. James' Iroop. This troop is working along quietly on first and second-class work, writes their S.M. They intend to hold a concert at the end of June and hope that their funds will benefit as a result. The troop was visited last Friday by Mr. J. R. Micldlcton, of Wellington, who waa attached to the Troop before leaving for the South. ,

The Acme of Efficiency. Recent P.A. news advises that the Trident this year has been allotted to ; the Iron Duke (Nelson) Company. Congratulations Iron Duke. When in Auckland recently Commander Hall spoke to "Michael" regarding his method of crediting marks for this Trident. In the course of his remarks Commander Hall stated that two points weighed with him in deciding the winners--efficiency and improvement both coupled with Scout spirit. Commander Hall had at that time visited all companies except Nelson and in discussing the relative standards definitely stated that up to date Calliope was far and away the \ most efficient company visited, and further that they "showed 100 per cent improvement since my last visit a year ago.". Sincerest congratulations then, to Iron Duke, Nelson, who have risen in one year from runners-up to the most efficient company and shown over 100 per cent improvement. .

Sea Scout Signalling. With Petone's winning the set of international code flags, presented by a member of the Dominion Council, two companies now are well equipped in this respect. It is just as well that Calliope did not win this competition, for, as Commander Hall said, it would be of no use to them as they already have a set.

First-Class Tests. The next first-class tests will be held at the old quarry site on the Western Springs on Saturday, June 1. Entries close with the lion, secretary (Mr. Mathieson) at H.Q. on Monday, May 27. The badge application lorms, which were sent in for tho last tests, which were postponed, will not cover an entry for the tests on June 1. All old applications are cancelled and fresh ones ai/t required in every case. Entries for cook's badge, which will be taken on the same day, should be sent to H.Q. as soon as possible. Mr. R. L. D. Jones is the examiner.

New Badge Night.

The tentative date for the badge night arranged for May 23, is cancelled. The next examination will be held in St. James' Hall on Wednesday, June 6, at 7.15 p.m. Entries close with the badge secretary (Mr. N. M. Mathieson) at TI.Q. on Wednesday, May 29. There are one or two points to note. The handyman badge will no longer be taken on the badgo night; those who wish to take that badge should communicate direct with Mr. E. L. D. Jones, the newlyappointed examiner, at his address, 9, Watson Avenue, Mount Albert. Mr. Jones will visit entrants at their own troop headquarters. All King Scouts must report to the badge secretary at St. James' Hall on June 6 for re-exainina-tion in their badges. Any King Scout who does not so report will be required to take down his badge unless excuse is sent for non-attendance.

Victory Sea Scouts. On Wednesday, May 15, the Victory Sea Scouts paraded at Herne Bay with 20 boys. As Mr. Dean, our popular first mate, is leaving for Sydney shortly, we have installed in his place Mr. Jackson, an ex-naval man. We hope to be able to give Mr. Dean a send-off. Three

Green-Horns were invested and after a little marching the parade was dismissed at 9.15 p.m. The Cub section of the company is coming on in great strides and the efforts of Mr. Jackson and Mr. Gaddis, master and mate respectively, combined with the enthusiasm of the boys themselves, foretell good times for the Cubs.

Vindictive Report. On Tuesday last, the boys, assisted by Captain and Mrs. Carter, practised some sea chanteys. Mr. Hill continued with the boxing instruction. On Saturday afternoon all hands spent ■ a good half-hour delivering tickets and pamphlets for Farmers' Day. A boat's crew under Mr. Dunn put out for boat pulling instruction. Two Girl Guides from the Milford Company were given instruction in how to steer. A boxing match between two of the smallest boys caused some great excitement and concluded the parade. June 15 is our prize night.

From the Green 'On. A word of advice to those about to marry: Insist on two things on the part of your proposed wife, and if she hasn't got them, discard her. First, she must have the same birthday as yourself. Secondly, she must have a nice mother, who is liable to give a generous double birthday present. I am not talking through my hat on this matter, but as one who knows from actual and personal experience. Our birthday present this year took the form of a trip to the "Isles of the Blest. ,, We hadn't a blessed notion of where the Isles of the Blest might be, but we accepted the gift and went.