SCOUT NOTES

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 184, 2 May 1929, Page 9

SCOUT NOTES

(B

“Rover.")

A letter received by Dominion headquarters from Imperia! headquarters offering New Zealand a white ensign which had been hung on the Cenotaph In London was read at the last headquarters meeting. The offer was accepted with thanks, and the flag will, be received on behalf of New Zealand by the jamboree contingent which will leave on June 8. Dominion headquarters has granted a letter certificate of merit to Patrol-Leader Fraser Robertson, Kent Terrace Troop, to commemorate his Seout-llke action in rescuing a small boy from drowning at Clyde Quay some ‘months ago. Scouters desirous of taking the correspondence course In connection with the wood badge this winter are requested to forward their names direct to the general secretary, P.O. Box 487, Christchurch, not later than May G. The success which attended the 1029 wood badge Gllwell course and the camp at Wirlhana Bay, Lowry Bay, should Influence scouters of the Wellington district to enter for the 1930 series. The Commissioner has applied for twenty-five sets of part 1 correspondence papers. The twenty-first birthday of scouting is to be celebrated with a big jamboree of 80,000 scouters in England, and by a full rally and display of Rovers, Scouts, and Wolf Cubs in Wellington district on August 3, is not so far distant. The Guides of Wellington are going to help by their presence at the rally. Several troops are already furbishing up their flags, patrol signs, and totems, and at least one has made itself a burgee in anticipation of the birthday celebrations. All are looking forward to visits from the Commissioner, Sir Alfred Robin, during these coming Indoor months of winter. Scouting and cubbing is progressing ■plendidly in the hill districts, and a special meeting of all Scout and Cub officers, chairmen, secretaries, and members of troop committees of troops and packs of this district is to be held to-night at 7.30 p.m., at the Anglican Church iHaIL Khandallah, when it is hoped that all who are interested in the progress of scouting will attend. Brooklyn Troop have been somewhat depleted in numbers since the beginning of the year owing to the senior boys having to attend night school on their meeting night. Nevertheless, they are gaining a few new boys for the troop and pack. It was with regret that the resignation of their scoutmaster was received after a period of five and a half years’ service. It has been recommended that the assistant scoutmaster should take over the office, and some of the senior boys fill the position of assistants. Unfortunately this troop is without the services of a cubmaster and would be pleased to hear from any person desirous of taking up cubbing in the district. . Commissioner Edmead. from Bombay, India, visited the troop and pack and gave an interesting address on his native troop. On Anzac Day the troop paraded at the School Memorial service, and later at the Brooklyn memorial service, afterwards placing wreaths (one from the scouts and one from the wolf cubs) on the memorial. Last Wednesday night the St. James’s Troop held a pound night and were pleased to welcome the Koseneath Troop under Scoutmaster Middleton. The evening was spent ia games and competitions and ended up with a good scout supper to which full justice was done. Last week the boys spent an interesting afternoon on the warships In port. On Sunday, April 21, a Church Parade was held to commemorate Anzac Day, the service being conducted by Mr. Rees. On Saturday, the committee.will hold a produce sale at the St. James's Hall, Newtown, in aid of Scoutmaster Moss, who is leaving with the New Zealand Contingent for the Imperial Jamboree. All are Invited to attend. The Island Bay (First) Troop and Pack are still feeling the benefits arising from a successful annual camp and the lads are looking forward with keen interest to the time when such outdoor activities will again be to the fore. Meantime indoor work and games are the order. A few senior members of the troop camped at Easter under A.C.M. Whiteford, and “a very enjoyable time” was the opinion of those who took part. On Anzac Day the troop and pack paraded with the Island Bay Baptist Troop, all doing credit to themselves and the movement. Scouter L. Moss, of St: James and Cambridge Troops, and Mr. nitchins, district hon. treasurer, were present. The Island Bay committee were to have held a meeting last Monday, but owing to the state of the ■weather It has been postponed to a later date. As the twenty-first birthday of scouting will shortly be celebrated, the following extract from the “Scouter” will be read with interest:— “Let us weigh for a moment what Sir Robert Baden-Powell has accomplished In twenty-one years, and what his teaching has done for health and efficiency throughout the world. From the outset Of his career he has always been doing •Impossible’ things, to the confusion of the old fogies. ‘There’s nothing new under the gtin,’ says the old nroverb. Oh, but isn't there? Who else ever conceived, and built, a world-wide confederation of boys, ruled by the same law, wearing the same uniform, and actuated by the same unbounded affection for one revered chief? The next time you see a Boy Scout, look carefully at his uniform. The shorts and ekirt, the soft scarf instead of the stiff collar, and bare knees, the free play of every limb,'are points I want you to consider.. Do you remember, my old Victorian friend, the little tight trousers you Were rammed into at seven'years of age, the stuffy jackets, and the choking collars? Why, my dear sir, look at any outfitter's list to-day, and you will see that Sir Robert has revolutionised boys’ Clothes. And he has revolutionised boys' habits. Every Scout is a camper and a »wimmer (or ought to be), and it is his duty to do a ‘good turn' every day not by way of penance or expiation, but to build the habit of kindness, which Is the mark of the true gentleman.” How many scouters when dismissing their troop at the end of the evening use any words but “Troop dismiss”—not many, I’m sure. The latest “Scouter” suggests as an alternative "Good-night all.” Let us see now, the troop falls in at the end of the meeting in the usual way, and then the scoutmaster, after any final notices, gives a cheery "Good-night, all,” and the Scouts, turning right and saluting, reply “Good-night, Sir." A small point, but just one of those small points that may be a help. . On Tuesday next a farewell evening will bo tendered nt the Railway Social Hall, Waterloo Quay (near the station) to Rover A. Meachen, who will leave for England with the New Zealand contingent on June 8, All Scouts and friends arc invited to attend. Forward notes on or before Monday of each week to Rover A. Meachen, “Rautoaf.” Humhat Street, Island Bay.