TE KORERO

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 150, 28 June 1933, Page 18

TE KORERO

(By MICHAEL.)

i Kitchener's Tenth Annual. The tenth annual meeting of the Kitchener group committee was held on Friday evening last at the Mount Eden Presbyterian Sunday school. A total of SO scouts and cubs were on parade, while the attendance of parents and friends constituted a record and was most gratifying to the oliieers of the group and to the outgoing, committee. The annual report revealed a very healthy state of affaire, both troop and pack being in a very flourishing and active condition. A special welcome was accorded to the Rev. E. J. Tipler, recently appointed minister of the Mount Eden Presbyterian Church, and his acceptance of the office of group chaplain was a source of gratification to all. Addresses were given by the group committee chairman (Mr. R. Richmond), G.S.M. Bach, S.M. Dunningliam, C.M. Arthur Gaily, and also by Mr. A. J. Gaily, District Commissioner for Xo. 2 area. A strong committee of 20 was elected for the ensuing year, and after items by both cubs and scouts a most enjoyable , supper was served. Many parents and friends took the opportunity of inspecting the den recently fitted up by the cubs, and the Xational Anthem brought * to a close one of the most successful annual meetings the group has yet held. No. x Patrol Leaders. The two dozen leaders and rovers who attended the patrol leaders' meeting, held last night, thoroughly enjoyed a most excellent talk on astronomy delivered by Mr. Jones, M.A. One usually associates astronomical knowledge with grey bearded professors and the use of Ions: and technical words, hut Mr. Jones'

pleasing manner and simple, clear explanation of his subject matter soon dispelled this idea as he progressed with his absorbing topic. Facts and figures, were given in such a way as to ensure the retention of the correct impression which is undoubtedly more valuable to the layman than a knowledge of mere figures. The size of the party restricted the use of the telescope to the observation of only three subjects, but no doubt all were left with the desire to delve more deeply into this interesting subject. Hearty cheers were given by those present at the call of A.D.C. K. Downey, who thanked the speaker oil behalf of No. 1 district.

Otoroh&nga News. Now that real winter weather is upon us, talking of camping would seem a little unseasonable, but we write to you so seldom that there is our Easter camp to report on, and a glorious week at Mount Kuapehu too, writes the S.M. When S.M. Clark said that it was possible that lie could bring St. Peter's Troop through from Hamilton to camp L with us at Easter we were in high glee, for we had met these scouts before in * competitions, and formed a very good . opinion of their efficency. The camp was [ held at Te -Anga, which is nearly 30 i miles from Otorohanga in interesting i forest country. For the period of three days fine weather favoured the combined troops, enabling us to make allday treks to scenic spots in the ncigh- . bourhood. We learned many little points about camp work from our northern visitors, and we in turn showed them how we have learned to enjoy ourselves ' out in the open. On the lirst day exploring a large limestone cave touk all the morning, and in the afternoon we ; hiked off down the road a mile to sec • the Marakopa Fall —a magnificent sight, with clouds of water vapour floating oIT from the impact with the rocks. On Saturday, with a native guide, a long journey into the bush was made to a point where a stream runs through a hill. The cavern roof hundreds of feet above, studded with glow worms, was a majestic sight. On the way our Maori guide gave us all the thrills of a boar chase, when the dogs baled up a wild pig, which made a fine trophy you may one day see in St. Peter's club room. Very tired after this long trip, but astir early next morning, we packed into the bus for a still more interesting ramble. A piece of country marked on the map as the Pourua Gorge, largely unexplored, where wild horses and cattle are said to roam still, was the objective. We wandered up the rapids of a winding to strike off across the hills towards the bush. After a late lunch A\e walked on again and gained the outskirts of the gorge country —wild and rugged it looked, with limestone ramparts just like fortresses jutting out everywhere. Singing and happy, wc made our way home again, and back to Otorohanga the same night. Our boys said it had been the best camp they had so far had.

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