SCOUT NOTES

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 99, 21 January 1926, Page 12

SCOUT NOTES

(By

"Scouter.")

The ten South African Scouts, with

one Tasmanian and ten Victorians, arrive in Wellington on Alonday morning by ferry and go straight to the Seouters' Den to leave their baggage. It is desired to billet these boys for one night in Wellington, and those who can accommodate one or preferably two are asked to notify the secretary’s office at once (telephone 41—441). On Tuesday the party leave by the daylight limited toi WaiComo Caves, thence Rotorua, Auckland, and back to Wellington. The reinalning six Victorians return via the Bluff to Melbourne. It is hoped that as many Scouters, Scouts, and members of troop committees will be down to welcome the home-coming of our lads on Alonday morning next, and for as many as possible to wear full uniform. On Alonday night next at the new Y.W.C.A. Hall, Boulcott Avenue, Wellington, all visiting Scouts will join iu a fiee and easy concert for the entertainment of local Scouts and supporters. It is hoped that all Wellington Smuts will make a point of being present. An announcement in this issue gives further particulars. We learn with the greatest pleasure that the Springboks have had at least two wins at the Jamboree, these Scouts being successful in the first-aid competition and also in the smartest patrol and marching event. Those who have seen this smart outfit will join in congratulations to the visitors. The visit of the four Scouts from New South Wales has been a flying one. Six days were spent at the Dunedin camji, and this week-end was spent at Waitomo and Rotorua. On Friday they leave Auckland for home. A rather amusing incident occurred last Friday, when the Scouter who was billeting two of the New South Wales Scouts went down to meet the ferry from Christchurch, He had been told to look out for two Cubs, and had prepared a small bed, besides a good meal of “Glaxo,” and was happy in the thought of Yucking the Cubs in bed that same night. The "Cubs” turned out to _ be Rovers Salmon and Bryce, of Epping, Sydney, each of whom was not far short of 6ft. tall. Needless to say the bed had to be adjusted and something more substantial than "Glaxo” provided. On Saturday, Boxing Day, St. Alark’s Scouts, under S. Al. Elvines and A. S.. Al. Wiggs, commenced their camp at Paraparaumu on Air. J. Howell’s farm. The camp lasted for ten days, and was highly suecessful. On Tuesday a number of visitors made their way out to camp to sec their boys under canvas. They were delighted with the cainp site and the efficient manner in which the outfit was run. Owing to Air. Howell’s kindness in lending a horse and dray and later his car, St. Alark’s were able to spend a day at both Raumati and Paraparaumu beaches. ’The night before striking camp, a visitors’ camp fire was made in one of the paddocks, and about thirty visitors joined together in a community sing, and recitations were contributed bv the Scouts. After supper, A. S. Al. Wiggs thanked Air. Howell for his many kindnesses to them. In responding, Air. Howell said that he could truly say that he had found the lads well behaved, and they could camp on his property at all times. Cheers were then given for Mr. J. Howell ana Mr. Frank Howell (an old friend of the troop) and the visitors. On Tuesday, January 12, the committee of Lyall Bay Troop met in the school-for the first time this year. A concert, which is to be given by the Stop Out Club on January 15, was arranged for. During the/evening the Scoutmaster gave his report on the camp which was hold at Paekakariki; also a presentation was made to one of the members of the committee, who is leaving the district. The troop commences work again on February 2, and it is honed to have a very suecessful year During the holidays the Wakefield Banner contest was held nt the Tahnna Reserve. Troops competing were Killiirnio (Wellington). Wakatu (holders), Anzac, Pioneers. Richmond, and Rangatira. A fair attendance of parents and friends were present to witness the keen spirit of the boys. The Kilbirnio and ■Wakefield Troops fought out a rather keen contest for the honour of being the smartest patrol, which ended in a dead heat. A combined church parade was held at the Cathedral, the following, troops being represented :—Kilbirnie, Pioneers, Rangatira. Anzac, and Wakatu. The flag of the Kilbirnie Troop was received by the Dean of Nelson. lhe body guard consisted of a member of each troop. Bishop Taylor-Smith gave an interesting eerinon to the Scouts. On January 4, the Kilbirnie Seouts were the guests of Dr. Stoney Johnston and Captain Moncricff at the pictures, followed by supper at the commissioner’s bouse. Scoutmaster Calvert presented the commissioner (Captain Aloncrietl) on behalf of his troop with a. gold swastika ((banks badge), for what he had done to make their trip a success. . There are many advantages to be derived from the ‘cultivation of hobbies

and handicrafts. There are moral lessons, such as the joy of doing good work, and financial lessons, such as the economy of good work. There are the direct values to be obtained from a sensible use of leisura, and from the power to do oneself. The social results io the community may prove of incalculable benefit. So many .boys,leave school with no idea of what they want to be or what they can ’do. The result is that they drift into the first job that offers, irrespective of whether it presents any prospects of permanent employment" or not, and they drift from one job to another with a light-hearted irresponsibility that spells disaster to thousands iu after life. If Scoutmasters will lead their Scouts ti find out, through handicrafts, hobbies, and games, what are their particular aptitudes, and can direct them into pursuits where those aptitudes can be profitably developed and employed, they will increase a hundredfold the debt which the nation owes them for their self-sacrificing endeavours in so many other directions. Now that the holidays are over, po doubt the lately appointed committee to form a Rover company will resume operations iu this hugely essentia] part of Scouting. Information regarding the forming of Rovers can be obtained from the local secretary, Panama Street. Patrol leaders and seconds have formed themselrcs into a tramping club. Their first tramp will be from January 22 to 24. and they hope to make the round trip through Waikanae and Upper Hutt. By these tramps they also hope to be able to qualify for some of the proficiency badges. Kinflly forward notes to Scoutmaster C. Meacheii. Ithaca, Thorndon Quay, on or before Morday t.f each week.