DOMINION BOY SCOUTS. By "Tracker."

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 129, 27 November 1909, Page 14

DOMINION BOY SCOUTS. By "Tracker."

[Notes of general interest from scoutmasters will bo inserted in this column. Thoy should be addressed to "Tracker," care of Tho Editor, Evening Post, and bhould reach mo not later than Tuesday.] On Saturday last patrols of boy scouts from the Brooklyn, Kilbirnio, Kolburne, Mount Vioforia.r and Miramar troops met at Miramar and had good scouting practice. Under the direction of the deputy-cominandor, a flax hut was partly erected, but owing to shortness of time, tho finishing of it had to bo left over till anothor day. A troop of signallers did good work wagging messages from the hilltops, but the event in whioh most interest was taken was a search for hidden treasure. Reliable" information having beon recciyod that certain valuables lay hidden within a given area, the scouts sot to work with a will, and before very long one boy had found in the sand a small package containing many gems. Ho reported to tho deputycommander, and tho gems, being of an ediblo nature, ho was allowed to disposo of them as he thought fit. In a few minutes the number of happy faces and full mouths indicated that "treasure hunting" is very popular. Eventually all tho valuables were found. The same afternoon tho Wellington scout inspector examined somo twentyfive scouts in tho second-class test. It is pleasing to sco that tho boys are neon on passing their exams. This is the true scout spirit. Those who are content, to remain as "tenderfeet" are not wanted. On Tuesday evening next (30th insr.) Mr. C. J. Crawford will address boy scouts at tho V.M.C.A. Rooms, at 7.30, when badges will be handed to thoso vlio have passed their tests. Tho badges i)io of a now pattern, and are something to be proud of. Last Tuesday tho Island Bay troop held a concert, Mr. J. P. Luke, M P., in tho chair. Tho event went off very well, and tho proceeds will go lo.vards providing uniforms and equipment. Ibis means of raising funds is much bettor than canvassing for subscriptions, whioh, in fact, is not countenanced by the executive. Kelburnc troop propose forir-ing a cyclist patrol, jfnd recruits who poshes a bicycle will be welcomed. Any communication sent to mo will be forwarded to tho scoutmaster. Boys for this patrol should bo over thirteen years old. A district commandor has now been appointed to Eketahuna and Pahiatua district. Tho first annual rally of English boy scouts was hold aC tho Crystal Palace, London, on 4th September. Eleven thousand scouts wore present, and, in spite of bad weathor, the gathering -waa an unqualified success. Tho King sent the following message : "The King is glad to know boy scouts arc holding their first annual parade. Please assure the boys that the King takes the greatest interest in them, and tell them that if ho Bhould call upon them later in life, the sense of patriotic responsibility and habits of discipline, which they are now acquiring as boys, will enable them to do their duty as men, should any danger threaten tho Empire." To whioh the scouts replied : "Boy scouts assembled at Crystdl Palace present humble duty, and thank His Majesty for his gracious messago, which will bo a great incentive to them to bo prepared at all times to do their duty to King and country before all else." Hero is' an instanco of discipline. It is taken from Tho Scout's aocount of tho rally: — During tho firework display a good example of discipline was seen. A troop were leaving early, and were drawn up with thoir backs to tho fireworks. Their scoutmaster.-' was somo distance off, looking ior a stray boy when a huge flock of brilliant rockets wont shooting up in the olouds, accompanied by the usual "Ohs !" "Ahs !" and "Looks !" of orowd. Not a single boy in the troop turned his head, but every one of them remained with "eyes front." Now, scouts, ask yourself the question, "What would I havo done in a similar case?" Boar in mind that when standing at tho "Alert" your eyes must be in front