SCOUT NOTES

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 138, 7 March 1930, Page 18

SCOUT NOTES

(By "8.A.M.”) The Chief Scout, Lord Badeu Powell of Gilwell, in Ills “Aids to Seoutniastersliip,” states that from a national point of view there are too' many drones iu our social hive, both among the well-to-do and the poorer classes. The English nation is a small uatiou in numbers, and tlm services ot every man of the race are needed to keep Its place in the heavy competition ot trades and manufactures that lias been taking place. There is a fearful waste of human material iu Great Britain to-day, and this is mainly due to ineffective training. The general mass of boys arc not taught to like work. Even when they are taught handicrafts or business qualities, they are uot shown how to apply these in making a career, nor is the flame of ambition kindled in them. Where they happen to be square pegs they arc too often placed in round holes. Whether it is the fault of the schoolmaster, the parent, or the system of education, one cannot say, but the fact remains that it is so. Consequently, those boys who have not got these gifts naturally are allowed to drift and become wasters. They are a misery to themselves and a burdens even in some cases a danger, to tlm State. .And" the large proportion ot those who do make some sort of a success would undoubtedly have done better had they trained In a more practical way. In the Boy Scouts something can be done to remedy these evils. Steps ean be taken toward giving even the poorest boy a start, and a chance in life—equipped, at any rate, with hope and a handicraft. Someone asks how'.' Naturally one's fhoughts run to handcraft badges. Though these are called “handicrafts;” they are, witli the low standard of tests, little more than hobbles. That, however, is part of the policy of leading the hoys on witli small and easy beginnings; and as these hobbles become more specialised as vocational training for tlm Rovers. In tlm meantime, however, hobbies have their value; through these the boy learns to use his fingers and Ids brain, and to take pleasure in work. For tlm well-to-do these may remain hobbies for years:, for the poorer boy they may lead to craftsmanship, which will give him a career. In either case, the boy ts nnt likely to become a waster later on. Hobbies are an antidote to Satan’s little games. Hobbies or handicrafts are not likely to make a career for a boy without the help of certain moral qualities. Thus, the craftsman must have self-discipline. He must adapt liimself to tlm requirements of h’s employer, must keep himself sober and efficient and willing. He must have energy, and that largely depends on the amount of his ambition, of skill, of resourcefulness, and of good health. Now. how does this annly in the bov’s training? The progressive steps by which yon work up to them with thff boys is laid down in the book “Aids to Scoiitniastership." which should be !n the possession of every Scooter and boys’ worker. Local Activities.

A number of .Scouts from the Kalwarra group spent an enjoyable time as guests of the Paekakarikt Scouts over the weekend. On Saturday a life-saving practice was held on the beach, and on Sunday there was a church parade—33 being present. Two new members joined and tenderfoot badges will be presented next Saturday night. The Kaiwarra Troop have been invited to tile. Girl Guides’ initiation ceremony, and all are lookng forward to the Easter camu at Paekakarikl. The Wellington North District held a meeting last Saturday evening and formed a local association under the chairmanship of Commissioner F. W. Vosseler. Troops represented at the meeting were Brooklyn, St. Peter's, Ist Jewish, Terrace, Wadcstown, Roseneath, Cambridge, Kelburp, Karori and Wellesley College. In addition to the local association, a strong executive committee of the following was set up:—Messrs. F. W. Vosseler. J. W. Russell, T. W. .Martin, W. Gotlleb, — Foster, — Watson, J. W. Bloodworth, D.S.M. Donkin and D.C.M. I. Macdonald, with Mr. R. Fletcher lion, secretary. The Ist Wellington Rovers hiked to Butterfly Creek last week-end and opportunity was taken to put through those members of the troop who had not yet taken the Vigil. Next Saturday a special evening will be held in the rooms at the St. John's Ambulance Association, when parents and friends will be invited. The visit of the Metropolitan Commissioner. Sir Alfred Robin, to Otaki last Friday afternoon and evening was made the occasion of a special parade of the Cubs and Scouts of the Ist Otaki Troop, and also a parade of the Otaki Maori Cub Pack. Warrants were presented under ceremony of Iplse to Miss Swabey of the former pack and Misses Kenworthy and Wereta of the Maori Pack. A gold Swastika was also presented by the boys of the Wellington Y.M.C.A. Troop to Mrs. Knight for the many kindnesses shown during ths Cbzlstauts camp*