TE KORERO For Boy Scouts

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 282, 28 November 1929, Page 28

TE KORERO For Boy Scouts

By "MICHAEL."

The Annual Meeting. Scheduled to run for two days, the annual meeting of the Dominion Council of the Boy Scout Association commences in Christchurcli to-day. Our commissioner left Auckland on Sunday night for Wellington, and continued his journey to Christchurch on Monday night, in company with Sir Alfred Robin (commissioner for Wellington) and Mr. H. Amos (Wellington representative on the executive). Major F. W. Sandford, D.C.C.; H.SW., also arrived in Wellington on Monday, but did not travel to Dominion headquarters until Tuesday night, when he was accompanied by Commissioner Cooksey and the commissioner for New Plymouth. The com■missjoners of New Zealand were in conference on Tuesday night, preparatory to the council meeting on the following day. May "good scouting" pervade all j meetings.

I A Way They Have In The Army. Amongst other interesting facts to be gleaned from the 1929 annual report of the Dominion headquartcr's annual report is the fact that the assistant-com-missioner, E. B. B. Boswell, has resigned. This fact is all the more strange when it is learned from no less an authoritative source than Mr. Boswell himself that he has no knowledge of his resignation. "In fact," said Mr. Boswell, "as the man who was reported dead, said, 'the rumour is grossly exaggerated."" Perhaps it is just a way they have in the Army! * • • « A Government Cut. Another interesting item to be gleaned from the annual report is that the usual Government grant of £1000 to the Boy Scout Association (New Zealand section) has been cut this year. Dominion headquarters will surely think that the j unkindest cut of all! « • » • Your Good Turn. We have had an appeal from the Hospital Auxiliary (children's section) asking if Scouts would provide some small treat for the boys in the fever ward, Auckland Hospital, states a recent headquarter circular. A small donation from each troop will suffice, same to reach headquarters on or before December 8. » * » • i St. Barnabas' Concert. On Thursday last, when St. Barnabas' Rovers assisted the troop in the staging of an "all Scout" concert, the large audi- i ence were treated to a scouty enter-

tainment. It was a capacity house, and troop finances will benefit considerably as a result. The evening opened with well-rendered choruses by the combined Rovers and Scouts, and the audience were quick to show their appreciation of the items. Rover Mate Dick Jones, who, by the way, had come over from Warkworth especially to take part, was then encored in a well-delivered song. Following a humorous flute solo item by one of thef Rovers, a new stunt, "Studies in Expressions," was successfully staged. The Rovers then had the rest of the first half of the programme to themsehjes, and had the audience nearly in hysterics over the presentation or, rather, demonstration of Henry Ford's latest. Following a humorous introduction, the quintet then rendered several harmonised songs, which were heartily encored. More humour in song concluded the first half. Originality was the keynote of the whole performance, and another success was scored -in the presentation of a rather unique display of conjuring, which was performed by one of the Rovers, assisted(?) by the rest of the crew. A shadow play entitled "The Operation" was decidedly nove.l in places if somewhat startling in others, and the audience were highly amused when an alarm clock in full blast was recovered from the patient's internals. A novel feature of this item was the shadow of the patient's spirit fleeing his body when he was induced to insensibility with the aid of a wooden mallet. A successful concert staged entirely by members of the troop and crew was brought to a close by the rendering 1 of several Maori songs and hakas.

Exit the General. Telegraphic advice received in Auckland yesterday stated that BrigadierGeneral A. W. Andrew, Dominion Chief Commissioner for Scouts, has tendered his resignation to the council. Rumours of such a possibility had been freely circulated in certain quarters, so the news came not altogether as a bombshell. The General gave as his reason that he wished tp make room for a younger man. men he took office in 1924 (having for the previous four years been chairman of the council)', General Andrew had no small task to perform. Scouting was not on a very sound footing either financially or in numerical strength, and in the early days of his office the General did much to help the movement in these respects. There have been controversies since, but Scouting can rise above such administrative troubles, and we should all now put our shoulders to the wheel for better Scouting. We in Auckland are indeed lucky to have such a fine ehief as we have, and now with the coasts clear there is no reason why we should not lead the Dominion in strength and in the spirit of the Scout. » » » » First Gordon Activities.

The troop is nearly seven years old and our annual celebration will take place on December 7," writes Leader F. Whiting. "We hope to produce a good varied programme of Scout work and other items. The committee has been doing its utmost to secure a suitable den for us during the past, but has not yet had any success in its object. We are holding a combined camp with St. Aidan's at. Swanson at Christmas, providing we can get enough boys to come."

Items From the Annual Meeting. Next week's Te Korero will contain a full report of the annual meeting of the Boy Scout Association in Christchurch. The following items, which have an important bearing on the welfare of the movement, are published in brief. Dr. P. C. Fenwick, Deputy Chief Commissioner, has agreed to take over Acting Chief Commissionership until such time as the council can obtain the services of a suitable man. Messrs. Norton Francis and W. H, Montgomery, and Dr. Arthur Sandstoii were elected to the council, Mr. J. R. Kirk was re-elected as chairman, and the following retiring members of the executive were re-elected: Messrs. G. W. Bishop and H. Herbert Smith, Rev. W. I H. Orbell, and Lieut.-Colonel Cresswell. ! It was decided that in addition to the elected members of the council that body should consist of all the metropolitan commissioners, and all the district commissioners not serving in a metropolitan district. Major Sandford was appointed a special instructor for a period of six months. Comments on the above items of news seem almost superfluous, as all in the movement will welcome these steps for advancement, but perhaps the most important step of all was the appointment of Major Sandford to the position of training officer. During the six months (presumably a period of trial of the system) there is little doubt that the new service will tie proved so valuable that a definite appointment will be made.

Leys Pack Birthday. In the light shed by a single blue . candle mounted on the top of a tall . birthday cake, the Cubs of the Leys Institute pack repeated their promise last Thursday week, writes A.C.M. C. R. Cockfield. T&ere was a large attendance of supporters at the function, and Richmond, Heme Bay and St. James' packs were represented. Assistant-Com-missioner A. J. Veart and District Cubmaster N". M. Mathieson were also present. During the evening Cub work was demonstrated, and Cub games were played. An inspection carried out by D.C.M. Mathieson resulted in a shield being presented to the brown six, under the leadership of Sixer Dennis Ellerm. Towards the end of. the evening a Cub play, "The Prehistoric Pack" was presented. Second Russell Collins in the leading role acted splendidly, and earned the appreciation of the audience. The acting of all was quite good, and although each Cub excelled himself in his particular part, it is doubtful as to whether or not there was any more popular than "Oswald," the mascot of "The Prehistoric Pack." The propelling medium of this fearsome creature was Cubs Gash and Raven. The birthday cake was cut by the Assistant Commissioner, who made a short speech appropriate to the occasion. At the conclusion of the celebrations a Scout presented the pack with a book as a birthday present. _ The gift was received by Sixer Dennis Ellerm. [ The thanks of the Cubbers go to all parents and friends whose interest helped to make the function a success, and particularly to the members of the Cub executive who back up the officera in 1 their every undertaking. !

Birthday Celebrations. Last Tuesday evening the All Saints' troop celebrated its 20th birthday and the Hawke Sea Scouts the 170 th anniversary of Admiral Lord Hawke's great victory of Quiberon Bay, writes Mr. A. J. Veart, Master of the Hawke Company. Representatives of the other Sea Scout troops and Boy Scout troops of the No. 1 division were present. Mr. E. B. B. Boswell, Assistant Commissioner for Scouts, Mr. R. A. Woods, Assistant Commissioner for Sea Scouts, D.S.M. Walls, D.C.M. Matheson, S.M.'s Price and le ; Scelles, Swales and Abbott were also present. An apology was received from Mr. Holdsworth, District Commissioner. ' After Mr. Woods had inspected the Sea. Scouts the chairman of the troop committee, Mr. Coward, welcomed the visiting Scouters and Scouts, and explained the reason for the gathering. Greetings were read from Mr. J. ,D. Campbell, of Rarotonga, the troop's first scoutmaster. In a few happy words Mr. Boswell congratulated the troop on achieving the proud distinction of being one of the oldest troops in New Zealand and urged the boys to keep up the traditions of the saints. The committee took the opportunity of presenting a very handsome rug to Mr. Veart as a token of their appreciation of his work with All Saints' for the past five years. Games and competitions were played—a jumbled bus routes was won by Sea Scout Price (Fame) and Scout Middleton (St. Columba), who tied for first place, each receiving a fountain pen. In the tug-o'-war Hawke Sea Scouts were victors. Troop Leader Angus, of the Grey Lynn troop, danced the sailor's hornpipe, which was very much appreciated. Supper was served and a threetier birthday cake with its 20 lighted candles and other appropriate decorations was cut by Mr. Boswell and distributed. Mr. Lewin, A Squadron, Legion of Frontiersmen, who was present, gave a very inspiring little talk on an incident of the Great War, showing how the traditions of the sea still live. The singing of the National Anthem brought the evening to a close. The thanks"of the troop are due to the parents and committee for their efforts in making the evening so successful.

Fame Sea Scouts. "Fame" scribe, having developed animation after a long period of somnambulism, reports that instruction has proceeded regularly each week. There has been a smaller attendance due to a purging of the register of a number of boys whose attendance was irregular without sufficient cause, and who could not assimilate the scouting spirit even in email doses, due to inherent apathy. Saturday parades are being devoted to preparing the boats for active service. The assistance of the parents and others interested is desired to make the forthcoming bazaar, to be held 611 December 7, such a success that all necessary equipment for the complete training of the boys will be obtainable. 0 I

t. Badge Examinations. '* The fallowing is a resume of the a annual report of the Badge Examination Board, Boy Scouts' Association, Auckland ;* central district, for 1929, presented to the meeting of the board held 011 Noveni--9 ber 20, 1929, by the hon. secretary, Mr. a N. M. Mathiescxn, (As outlying country [ troops conduct their own tests, statistics given here do not include badges gained or issued, to them). 3 First-class Badge Examination.—ln October, 1928, I reported to the board that 42 first-class badge passes had been granted during 1928. - The year closed with a total of 60 passes granted. There were 162 applicants during the year, but a large percentage had not attempted 1 all the_ tests. During 1929 to the date of writing this report, SO applicants have been examined in part at least, and there have been 17 passes with good prospects of a further 15 completing before the end of the year. Examinations were held at the Western Springs on June 1, August 24 and November 2. Heavy rain caused the cancellation of two afternoons arranged for, early in the year. As the Otahuhu and Panmure troops had requested us to undertake the examination of their boys for first-class and cooks' badges, the board arranged to hold an examination at Lake St. John for the members of Ellerslie, St. Aidan's and St. Helier's Bay troops as well as the aforementioned, on August 31, and a second examination is to be held there on November 16. It is gratifying to see these outlying troops desirous of aiming at a common standard throughout the district. A fairly good standard has been maintained throughout the year, all examinations being held under Imperial Rules and Regulations, 1929. King's Scouts.—Twenty King's Scouts badges have been issued during the year to troops in the city and suburbs. Proficiency Badge Night.—Five proficiency badge nights were held during the year. Applications for examination on each occasion were as follows:— _ t No. of ■Date. Entries. April 18 150 June 6 OS July 24 120 September 4 132 October 31 104 This gives a grand total of GO4 badge applications handled. As the district secretary has issued over 400 badges as shown in schedule given below besides those forwarded direct to Scoutmasters by Dominion headquarters I estimate that Scouts have been examined for at least 500 badges. Badges issued by Auckland headquarters' office to November 7 as examined on badge nights are: Ambulance 54, missioner 43, healthyinan 27, public healthman 16, cyclist 78, handyman 62, pathfinder 31, electrician 25, musician 12, entertainer 10.

Twenty-five cooks' badges were issued during the year. Twenty-three different troops sent boys along to be examined. The thanks of the board and Scouts are due to the newspapers for publishing of notifications of date and place of examinations, and especially of the resulting passes, and in connection with this latter item we desire to thank the Press for extending the time for receipt of news in order that the boys -might have the results as soon as available. To all who gave of their.time iu order that these examinations might be conducted, the Scouts and Scouters as well as the board tender their sincerest thanks.