SCOUT NOTES

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 171, 19 April 1928, Page 18

SCOUT NOTES

(By “Bover.”) April 23 is a date which every English boy should celebrate by some especially brave, kind, or self-sacrificing deed. It is St. George’s Day, and St. George, of coures, is the patron saint of England. England is by no means the only land where bis name is . held in high esteem. He was born sixteen hundred years ago, at ■ Lydda, in Palestine, i f noble Christian parents of Greek origin, and his name has been honoured all over Europe. During the reign o£ Edward 111 the barons were summoned to appear before him, and he declared his instituting an order, bestowing upon all who were fortunate enough to belong to it the title of “Knight of St. George." The badge was "The Garter," and each of Edward's barons was made a member. And so to-day the greatest honour our King can confer upon anyoix is to make him a “Knight of St. George.” Even kings are proud to possess the coveted title. And, though it does not fall to the lot of many of us to possess this badge, yet we can all determine to secretly dedicate ourselves to the service of this brave and true knight, who, whether he killed the dragon at Silene or not, certainly killed the dragon of cruel Paganism and so gained freedom for Christians to worship God without fear ol persecution. And each time wa see the Bed Cross on our English flag we can remember that it is there as an emblem of our desire as a nation to protect the helpless and to suffer ourselves in the cause of righteousness rather than gain a shameful victory. (So by kindly, helpful deeds we can en deavour at all times to be worthy followers of that brave St. George, the patron saint of England. The work of the City Bovers in help ing newly-formed troops and troops short of scouters, is to lie highly commended. Help in this direction often saves a troop in temporary trouble. The Karori Troop met on Friday last, with a good muster of 28 boys. All are doing well in their work. The troop desires to thank Mr. A. F. Williams for the donation of twelve ambulance badges, eighteen splints, also a beautiful frame of Karori Troop badge roll. t As each boy wins a badge, his name put on the roll, also the badge he wins. Naturally they are all keen to get their badges. The troop went for a tramp over the hills during the week-end. The annual birthday will be celebrated by a pound night on April 27. A cordial invitation is extended to any Scouts or scouters. A wolf cub pack has recently been formed. Warrants for Mr. 0. Clarke as scoutmaster, and Mr. Palmer as assistant scoutmaster, were passed. The Bev. Mr. Wood was elected chairman for the coming year, with a much strengthened committee. Notes of thanks were passed to A.D.S.M. Smither for past interest m the boys, and to A.D.O.M. Grattan, who promises to help the cub pack into being. In the absence of a chairman, the District Comm "‘doner occupied the chair, supported by D.S.M. Donkin, at the recent troop committee meeting. The Anglican boys and wolf cub pack will hold a birthday party at Lower Hutt ou Saturday week. Given a fine day, the beautiful grounds ana park will be a happy place for happy boys. The results of the recent Sea Scout aquatic sports have already appeared in the Press. The Aorangi Cup was won by Port Nicholson, and the Washburn Cup by Iron Duke, Nelson. The swimming, diving, dinghy, life-buoy, rescue and spar boxing events were keenly contested, givng interest and amusement to the many onlookers. Lady Bell kindly performed the ceremony of launching the Te Pere boat, generously given to the i Evans Bay company. Lady Bell also, at the conclusion of the day, presented the cups and many useful prizes to the winners. Sir Douglas McLean, Captain Martyn-Hoberts. Guide Commissioner Miss Bell, Mr. E. D. Bell, and Mr. Darrock, and many others, were interested spec6t. Mark’s Church Troop are about to start a pack of cubs, and pending the appointment of a cubmistresa or master, Mr. Cargill, the late S.M.S., has consented to assist. , , . The following cubs of St. Judes passed their tenderpad last Monday:—R. Cording, D. Evans, D. Hogan, S. Morris, 6. Allcocks, W. Buddick. and F. Wade passed his first star. The troop, is holding a fancy dress dance on April 21 1 in order to increase the troop funds. No doubt the boys will do their utmost to sell as many tickets as possible. The Caledonian Society, being now in possession of suitable premises, have decided to form a troop of Scouts m connection with their society. Mr. E. D. Nicholson has consented to act as scoutmaster. A parents' committee has been formed in connection with this movement. Boys of Scottish parentage wishing to enrol will meet on Friday evening at 7.30 p.m., in the Caledonian Hall, Sturdee tJtreet. r A party of eight older Scouts of St. Cuthbert’s Troop had an enjoyable Easter outing. Leaving town early on Saturday morning on cycles, Carterton was reached at 5 p.m. Except for a little dampness experienced in the hills, the weather was fine, but a wet Sunday gave a kind resident un opportunity of doing a real •od turn, which was very much appreciated by the Scouts. Her home was made welcome for the (lay, an act which stamped her as a real Scout at heart. The return journey on the Monday was accomplished without mishap. On ‘Friday last the troop acted as hosts to the Guide company, when over fifty young people spent a thoroughly enjoyable evening at games. Supper was served at the close, and the evening brought, to a finish by expressions of goodwill between the Guides and Scouts of St. Cuthbert’s. The monthly church parade takes place next Sunday morning at 11 a.m., when any visitors will be heartily wel-

come. Kindly forward notes on or before Monday of each week to Rover A. Meacben. ' Baumai,” 8 Humber Street, Island Bay. , An urgent and compulsory meeting or

tho First Wellington City Rovers will be held at their den this Saturday. Rovers, please come in dress.