TE KORERO

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 88, 15 April 1931, Page 17

TE KORERO

A Milestone of Progress. Tlie first conference of heads of scouting and guiding was held at Otimai last' Saturday when 15 members of the Scout Association were the guests of a number of Auckland Guiders. From flagbreak at 2.30 p.m. until the singing of "taps" in the fitful light of the dying embers of the campfire everything went with a swing, and one and all look back upon that day with the sense of inspiriting exhilaration ever associated with great doings. A ramble through the house and delightful grounds surrounding Otimai was a fitting preface to the subsequent conference when papers were read by various members of both movements on subjects of common interest; the patrol system and the Court of Honour were' introduced by Scout speakers, and camping by the Guides, and these and the subsequent discussions disclosed many interesting points. But the outstanding paper on Rover-Danger co-operation, read by the Commissioner for Rovers, was the feature of the afternoon. Through the handling of a difficult subject in a masterful way the path has now been opened towards a co-opera-tion between the two senior branches of the movements —a path that leads to true fraternity between the world's greatest brother and sister organisations. After conference all enjoyed a delightful tea prepared by the Guiders. Before campfire, which was lit to the accompaniment of an impressive ceremony, the scouters were introducec. to the mysteries of folk dancing, an activity much beloved of our brothers in the Old Country. Around the blazing campfire with Miss Burgin as campfire chief, the gathering sang songs and staged stunts until the time came for leave-taking when Metropolitan Commissioner W. J. Holdsworth thanked the hostess, Mrs. 11. J. C'oates, Provincial Commissioner for Guides, for -the happy day that her association had given the Scout people, and expressed the hope that the function was but the forerunner of more equally fraternal gatherings.

H.Q. Jottings. Advisory Board meets to-night at 7.30 p.m. First Class tests at Western Springs on Saturday next. First Class tests at Lake St. John, May 2. Badge exams, scheduled for April 21 cancelled. Next date May 26. * » * » Service Rc-cognised. The White Swan Baptist Church was crowded with Scouts and Scouters on Sunday last when Commissioner W. J. Holdsworth took the service. "Big things have small beginnings," was the text of the address, which was delivered in the Commissioner's usual telling manner. At the close of the service opportunity was taken to present the thanks badge to Mr. P. Turner for his extreme kindness to the Kaitaia Troop, who were the guests of the White Swan group during the recent rally. The presentation, which was made by the Commissioner, was all the more impressive in view of the presence of a Kaitaia leader, who came down to attend the service. Replying, Mr. Turner depreciated his own services, saying that it was an honour to be shared equally with the other members of his committee. "If as a result of their visit the boys had come to a closer understanding of the great Scoutmaster," said Mr. Turner, "then I am more than satisfied." * * * * Edendale Cubs. The boys of tlie above pack will be pleased to hear that Cub Ron. Brown, who is at present in hospital as the result of an accident, is progressing favourably. Ron. Is sent the best wishes of the pack, who hope to see him about again soon.

Post and Lone Troop. Probably one of the greatest works yet undertaken by the Rover section is the establishment of a Post and Lone Troop. As suggested in the title the membership is restricted to sick or disabled scouts who, through their disability, are unable to link up with an active troop, or lads in remote coun- j try districts who are not able to connect with a troop. These lads who are desirous of linking up with our movement are kept in touch with by post, by which medium training is given. Stencil letters are sent out once a month by the Scoutmaster in charge, and in this way the lads are kept in constant touch with scouting. Mr. Len Sladdin has been appointed scoutmaster for this work, which is being sponsored by the Auckland Round Table, who have agreed to act as troop committee to him. Boys of eleven years of age or over in the Auckland Province, who, for the reasons set forth above, are unable to participate in active scouting, and who would care to join up with the Post and Lone Troop, should write to Scoutmaster Len Sladdin, Post and Lone Troop, Box 12, Clevedon. Scouts or other people interested in the movement who know of lads whom they think would like to link up are invited to send in their names. This is a fine branch of service which has been started, and is deserving of the utmost support of all who are in a position to help.

"Fame" Sea Scouts. The scribe of "Fame" Sea Scouts reports that the Easter camp held at Vivian Bay, Kawau, was a real successful Scouty affair. Thirteen boys attended under S.M. R. E. Price. Captain Cambridge, of the s.s. Duchess, kindly permitted two boys to keep watch on the brrdge and to steer and receive practical compass work, both on the outward and the homeward trips. The action of Captain Cambridge in deviating from liis usual course to give the boys a close up of the barque Rewa was much appreciated. Mr. Vickerstair (our host) met the Duchess on arrival at Mansion House Bay, and after a short launch journey we arrived at the camp, which had been previously established in anticipation of our arrival. Fishing, hiking, and launch trips made the time slip past all too readily, and it was with regret that we bade farewell to our host on Easter Monday. An invitation to return was joyfully accepted.