DOMINION BOY SCOUTS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 20, 25 January 1911, Page 4

DOMINION BOY SCOUTS.

(By "Tracker.") Notes of general interest from Scoutmasters will be inserted in this column. They should be addressed to "Tracker." care the Editor Evening Post, and should reach me each Monday for publication on tho Wednesday. The field-day for Scouts, held on Brooklyn Heights on Monday, passed off very successfully, most of the Wellington troops being represented, although in all cases in comparatively small numbers, so many boys being still away for holidays. The first operation was a game of attack and defence. The Thorndon" and Kelburne troops jointly made an attack on the combined troops, who had taken up a strong position. After about two hours' work, the attacking party succeeded in capturing the enemy's headquarters, although losing 3ome men in doing so. When prisoners were counted up, it was found that Kelburne and Thorndon had unJ doubtedly Avon the day. Th© Wellinei ton commissioner and the district commander both watched operations, and expressed satisfaction at the work done. After lunch and a well-earned rest, the Scouts "trekked" to Ohariu beach, searching for and finding en route three of their number, who had been sent t on to take cover and represent lost ex- ! plorers. A treasure-digging competition J also occupied some time, three Scouts | prospecting successfully. At Ohariu Bay, Mr. Elsdon Best demonstrated to the boys how to make a Maori oven and also how to throw a lassoo or lariat. Town was reached by car from Island I Bay. about 8 p.m. After the noon-day Test on Monday [ Major Moorhouse, commissioner, presented to Sergeant-Major Rutherford the King's Scout badge, which he had recently earned. In addressing the boys, he pointed out what a great honour it is to be allowed to wear the King's Badge, and, furthermore, what a splendid recommendation it is to a boy to be a King's Scdut. ' Personally, if about to employ a boy or a clerk, who held this badge, he would ask for no further recommendation. Speaking of badges generally, he heard that there were not so many boys coming forward for examination as there should be, particularly for first and second-class badges. He had been told -that many boys were quite able' to- pass these tests, but for some reason they did not come up for examination. He hoped that Scouts would apply themselves to passing these tests, which are most importI ant. Amid cheers the badge was "then presented to Sergeant-Major Rutherford. Cheers were also given for the commissioner, the district commander, and the visitors. The history of the King's Scout Badge is an interesting one. Some time prior | to his death, the late King, who always took a very keen interest in the Boy Scouts, arranged to inspect some of them at Windsor, but as the number had to be limited, the Chief Scout instituted the King's Scout test, which is that a Scout must pass as a first-class Scout, as a Pathfinder, and three of the following tests, viz., bugler, seaman, signaller, cyclist, marksman, or ambulance. A special badge was given to the successful boys in this test, and only holders of this were to have been inspected. The inspection, however, never took place, owing to the death of the King. Boy Scouts now continue to earn and wear the badge as a token of the esteem in which King Edward's memory is held and as a sign of efficiency. Major Tatum, of Manakau, Wellington, has very kindly offered, through District Commander M'Leod, four medals for the Boy Scouts of the Dominion. For the Scout who has performed the most Scoutly act during the year 1910 he gives a gold medal, and another gold medal and two silver ones for 1911. The Major requested Colonel Cossgrove to design the medal. He has suggested the Scoutmasters' badge in miniature, the tips of the fern -leaves to be joined, and a ring in the centre through which a black and yellow ribbon may be passed, and on the obverse "For Chivalry, 1911." This meets with the wishes of the donor, and the medals are now struck. The Dominion Chief has advised all the commissioners of the generous giit of Major Tatum, and has instructed them to make it as widely known as possible throughout their districts, lie hits further requested them to send their applications for the medal, with ii detailed account of the acts of chivalry duly attested, before Ist Maith, for the 1910 medal. \ "hy. asks the Lyltelton Times, has Wcl'iu^ton all the good and generous men? J'Jiio istlK 1 third or fourth act of gencicuis help from that city. The South Island aa ysl has produced no such, stock,