SCOUT NOTES.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20026, 6 September 1930, Page 9

SCOUT NOTES.

[Ejoluaiva to Tbb Pb«s».j [By Lokb Wow.] Coin" : ssioner Geo reports that on a recent visit of H.M.S. ujiedin to Timaru the ship's concert party, under the leadership of Lieutenant-Com-mander Branson, gave a concert at the Scottish Hall in aid of the Timaru Sea Scouts. Although only short notice could be given, a splendid entertainment was enjoyed by a crowded audience, and the sum of &26 resulted as a nucleus of the Timaru Sea Scout fund. It seems that Commissioner Gee's ambition to form a Sea Scout crew will soon be realised. Commander Boyle, R.N., who now resides in Timaru, has consented to join the committee of management. Mr R. McD. Brown, an ex-ofiicer in the Navy, has promised to act as master of the crew, and is enthusiastic about the prospects of eb-, taining a fine set of Sea Scouts. The annual meeting of the ->couts will be held at St. John's Ambulance rooms, Titaaru, on Thursday, September 25th. Dr. Clennell Fenwick intends to be present, and it is hoped that Commander Hall, Commissioner for Sea Scouts, may attend. A First Clabs Test Board is being formed to increase the efficiency of the test examinations. Mr Walt r, Superintendent of St. John's Ambulance Association, has promised to join the Board. Miss N. Yates has resigned from Dominion headquarters' staff owing to ill-health. District Cubmistress K. Scotter has returned from a health-recruiting trip to the country and has resumed duty. The Metropolitan Scout Commissioner (the Rev. J. Rich) and the Provincial Guide Commissioner (Miss Bromley Cocks) are co-operating in making arr rangements for tho combined rally of Boy Scouts and Girl Guides when Lord and Lady Baden-Powell arrive next March. The annual Dominion Scout census will be taken on September 15th, and will ■ be interesting as revealing what progress has been made during the past year. In Christchurch there has been a very marked advance in. the standard of Scouting, and although our numbers are still far below what they should be, the majority of the groups are well organised and are full of enthusiasm, efficiency, and keenness. Entries for the various tests and proficiency badges are coming in steadily, and it is apparent that the high standard now demanded for all tests and badges is resulting in sounder instruction and a higher degree of proficiency. Moreover, the badges when won are prized by the recipients, because they have been earned by hard work and perseverance. The Christchurch headquarters has a total of thirty-five highly qualified honorary examiners to test the work of Scouts who apply for proficiency badges. The Papanui Scout Troop is equipping itself with thd Army first field dressings, and one of these will always be carried by every Scout for use in caseß of accident. The Biccarton Scout Troop, which meets at St. Ninian's Hall, has changfed its name to "Riccarton Group." It is an "open" troop and will welcome boys of all denominations, Mr lan Cross has commenced work as assistant Scoutmaster.