TE KORERO For Boy Scouts

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 230, 28 September 1932, Page 16

TE KORERO For Boy Scouts

(By MICHAEL.)

Proficiency Badge Night. Tlie final proficiency badge night will be held at 11, Commerce Street, City, on Wednesday, October 5, at 7.15 p.m. * * * # First Class at Western Springs. The final field day at Western Springs for 1932 will be held on Saturday next. There will be someone on the ground by 1.45 p.m. * * * * St. Aidan's Troop. With the object of promoting good fellowship among past and present members of St. Aidan's Troop (No. 3 District), and thus helping t° foster the movement as a whole, this Troop's Committee has decided to hold a dance in St. Aidan's Hall, Ascot Avenue, Eemuera, on Wednesday, October 5, at 8 p.m., to which past and present members and their friends are being invited. All old boys who may not have received an invitation are asked to get in touch with Scoutmaster Davies, telephone 25-COB, and let him know if they can attend. A small charge will be made to defray expenses. With the support already in sight, an enjoyable evening is assured. It is hoped to hold other similar functions throughout the coming year.

Hike to Pirongia Mountain. Eecently a well-planned expedition successfully climbed • to the summit of Pirongia Mountain, which is 3184 feet high, writes the Otorohanga troop scribe. The trip was set down as a test for Ranginui (which is to follow shortly), a still higher mountain. Each Scout had to have a rucksack made by himself, his cycle had to pass a thorough test by the cyclist badge examiner, and his provi-> •sions had to be according to a supply list on the notice board. At 1-p.m. on Saturday-afternoon the four patrol sections, Nos. 1, 2, 3 and Headquarters were ready to start. All blankets and heavy gear were taken on a motor lorry to the 10-mile peg, and the patrol sections followed in quarterhour intervals, to meet for an early tea on the road. Rucksacks and blankets were then loaded on-cycles for the rest of the 24-mile trip. Heavy clouds liung about- the foot of the ranges, and the track was very heavy going until Pirongia township was reached. A short stop here to make certain of the route to base camp, which had been previously arranged for at an ideal point half a mile from the forest edge, and approximately a thousand feet above sea level. By 8 p.m. the last Scout was safely accounted for, punctures and mishaps having sadly delayed programme times. A cheery fire outside and beds made in a warm wool-shed made , base camp a haven of comfort, after an arduous journey over greasy roads and clay hills.

Next morning dawned clear and sunny, perfect prospects for the ascent. Breakfast over, then morning prayer ancl flag salute, and the troop, 10 strong, Was ready. Before half-past nine the party had reached the first summit. The Scouts had followed the training programme set out on the notice board rather- too well, and beat the S.M. to the top, so that when he arrived labouring for breath, he found patrol fires alight and dinner well on the way. They were very disappointed to find that it was not yet 10 o'clock, breakfast having seemed an age ago, but when the S.M. said that they had not yet reached the objective, the trig at highest point, only five set out for the last half-mile over ridges, t It seemed only 10 minutes before the trig was reached. A magnificent view of the "entire Waikato Plain, portion of the King Country and the West and East Taupo Blocks, with a horizon line extending from 50 to 100 miles was obtained. The record party was busy making compass bearings on Mounts Ranginui, Kariol, Ruapehu and Egmont, to check up on Ranginui next month. A fire was quickly lit, the flag raised, and photographs taken. As the last ascent was made to the trig, a dozen wild goats beat a hasty retreat down the precipitous slopes. After lunch and a final look at one of the finest views to be had anywhere, preparations were made for the descent. In a sheltered spot a totara tree was planted to commemorate the ascent. I Pirongia is steeped in New Zealand history, and looking down on the plains below it was not difficult to imagine the armies of redcoats moving across in their skirmishes with scattered tribes. After once more looking over the cycles, the journey hope was commenced. Tea on the road a't 10-mile peg again,, an hour before sunset, then cycling the remainder of the distance in the cool of the early evening, brought a never-to-be-forgotten trip to a close. Not much homework done that night I am afraid, but it will all be done before we set out next time for Ranginui..

An Urgent Call. To raise £5000 is the determination of the Unemployed Boys' Committee, and in this connection they are seeking the active assistance of the Boy Scouts of Auckland. The public of Auckland has seldom called on the Scouts to assist a more worthy cause, which seems to ask assistance in the name of our fourth law. Headquarters have accordingly organised various areas as shown below. Scouts and senior Cubs are asked to make this a special effort on behalf of their less fortunate brothers. Scoutmasters are asked to advise their D.C. at the earliest possible moment of the number of boys available. THE MEETING PLACES. RESERVOIR—St. Columba, St. James'. All Saints'. THREE LAMPS.—Herne Bay, Leys, Franklin, Hawke. BALMORAL.—Edendale, Cornwell, St. Albnn's, White Swan. MOUNT EDEN.—St. Barnabns', Kitchener. VICTORIA AVENUE.—St. Aidan's, North Memorial. NEWMARKET.—St. David's, St. Mary's. ONEIIUNGA.—Mount Smar£_ Oneliunga Town, St. Peter's. KINGSLAND. —St. George's, Gordon. DEVONPORT.—Devonport and Calliope. . GREENWOOD'S CORNER.—Epsom, Taiuitamai. The following groups will meet as under— GREY LYNN.—Surrey Crescent. FAME SEA SCOUTS.—Point Chevnlier. WATERVIEW.—AvondaIe Tram Terminus. NEW LYNN.—Post Office. GLEN EDEN.—Routley's Store. HENDERSON.—HoteI. MOUNT ALBERT —Tram Terminus. ELLERSLIE.—Parish Hall. PANMURE.—SchooI. ST. lIELIER'S.—Troop Hall. OTAHUllU—Anglican Church. PAPAKURA.—Methodist Church. TAKAPUNA.—HaII's Corner. NORTHCOTE.—Post Office.

Frontiersmen's Boxing Shield. Arrangements are now in hand to hold this competition on Friday evening, October 28, at Scots Hall, Symonds Street. All Wolf Cubs and Scouts are asked to made this competition well known amongst their friends to ensure a good attendance at Scots Hall that night. Conditions governing the competition are given hereunder, and all troops are asked to have their entries in before Monday, October 17. Special attention should be paid to information required on entry form. RULES FOR COMPETITION. (1) The shield, presented by "A" Squadron of Frontiersmen, shall be deemed to be a perpetual trophy, and shall be competed for annually at such time and place as shall be decided upon by the Auckland Headquarters of the Boy Scouts' Association. (2) The- shield shall remain the .property of the Auckland Headquarters of the Boy Scouts' Association, and any point arising with regard to Its disposal, and not provided for or covered by these rules, shall be decided by that body. (8) Any Boy Scout Troop under the Jurisdiction of the Auckland Metropolitan District may enter two competitors on its behalf at the annual competition for the shield. Entry forms, which must reach the Auckland oflico of the Boy Scouts' Association on or before a date duly specified, must show the troop, rank, age (as at date of competition) and weight without clothing (as at time of entry) of the competitors. The shield shall be awarded to the troop whose two competitors are duly awarded the highest aggregate number of points by the referee during the competition. The decision of the referee shall be final.

(4) The troop winning the competition shall be entitled to hold the trophy until the next competition, or for one year (which ever period shall be the 'shorter) and shall be responsible for Its safe keeping until returned to the Auckland Headquarters of the Boy Scouts' Association. (5) Each competitor shall be required to contest one pout at each competition. A bout shall consist of three one-minute rounds, separated by intervals of half a minute each. Provided that, In the event of a tie, the referee Bhall have the right to recall any competitor to contest an additional bout. (6) Competitors shall be classified as follows:— Class A (junior lightweight).—Under 15 years and under 6J stone weight. Class B (junior heavy-weight).—Under 15 years and over 6J stone weight. Class C (senior lightweight).—ls years and under 18, and under 9 stone weight. Class D (senior heavy-weight).—ls years and under 18, and over 9 stone weight. Provided that; (a) If a competitor under 15 years is over 9 stono in weight, he shall be classified in Class C. (b) If a competitor over 15 years is under 6J stone in weight, he shall be classified in Class B. (7) Weights shall be checked by an official appointed by the Boy Scouts' Association, and candidates Bhall be medically examined, immediately prior to the contest. And any candidate who has not presented himself for weighing and medical examination at the place and time stipulated shall be ineligible to compete. * ' (8) Competitors may wear any suitable form of costume consistent with decency while contesting a bout; but the association recommends singlet, shorts, and rubbersoled shoes. (0) All officials (including seconds) necessary for the proper conduct of the competition shall be appointed by the "A" Squadron of the Legion of Frontiersmen, and such officials shall have power to carry out the competition in accordance with those rules, and to give a ruling on any matter not covered hereby? and which would result In a postponement of the competition ; such ruling to have effect only for the duration of the competition then current. i

No. 1 District Pages. The Acting District Rover Scout Leader advises tliat the function arranged for the Pages on Saturday next has been postponed. The meeting will now be held on Saturday, October 14. The November meeting will be held on November 5. * • • • • Northcote Group. The annual meeting of the group was held last Thursday evening, writes the scribe. The Rev. F. W. Wilkes presided, and expressed appreciation of the good work done by the G.S.M. and the former lady Cubmaster, Mrs. D. B. Reid. The G.S.M.'s yearly report and treasurer's report and balance-sheet were read and adopted. All retiring members of the committee were re-elected, and the following new members were welcomed: Mr. and Mrs. N. Harvey, Mr. and Mrs. Sliarpe, Mr. and Mrs. Gray, Mrs. Neil, Messrs. Ward, Ennion, Eades and Ambler. Mr. A. W. Christmas was appointed hon. auditor. • • • • Whangarei Celebrates. The eleventh birthday of the troop and the seventh anniversary of the formation of the pack was celebrated at Whangarei on Saturday last. Twelve boys of the recently formed Trinity Congregational Troop were present under Scoutmaster Shaw, and contributed to the campfire items. In the absence of the chairman, the Rev. Steele welcomed the many parents and friends, and made interesting reference to the group with which he had been actively associated for ten years. The Cubs, under Cubmaster (Mrs.) Messant and A.C.M. (Mrs.) Sharman, gave several items, whilst S.M. C. Whellan and A.S.M. Williams directed several Scout activities. The D.C. was present to distribute several badges and service stars and to have a short yarn with the parents. Later lie presented to Mr. G. R. C. Ferguson, who was the troop's first S.M., his warrant as Group Scoutmaster of the Ist Whangarei Group. Due ceremony marked the cutting of the two cakes and the wishing of many happy returns to the cub pack and scout troop.