WELLINGTON DISTRICT SCOUTS

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 26, 30 July 1924, Page 10

WELLINGTON DISTRICT SCOUTS

(By "Scoutmaster.")

The Commissioner visited St. Augustine s Troop on Tuesday, 22nd July, and the I.M.C.A. Troop on Thursday, 24th July. The former troop is complimented upon the standard of its band The troop paraded 54 Scouts and cubs. These latter are soon to "osses a "totem" pole to place on tlw* council rock. In spite of a cold, wet nigßt 40 boys were present at the V.M.C.A., and engaged 1.1 general Scout work, first aid signalling, knotting, magnetic compass, and tracking signs. An interesting court of honour" was held after parade.

lhe Commissioner visits Port Nicholson Sea. Scouts on Thursday, 31st July and St. Mark's Troop on Friday, Ist August, when this troop is holdin" its "investiture" night. ° Ws are glad to see the increasing interest of the citizens of Wellington in the Boy Scout movement. It has only to become known to take its proper place .in public opinion. To those who know, it is unique in its good quality, character forming, and educational value. Amongst these people are the Rotary Club, who entertain scoutmasters to luncheon on Tuesday, 29th July. Many other well-known citizens are identifying themselves with Scout work, but we shall not be satisfied until we have the whole of tlie city backing up our great scheme for the boys of Wellington and district.

_ Last Wednesday an interesting meeting was held at Trinity Hall, Newtown, at which Commissioner Sir Alfred Robin and District Secretary Lawson were present. A strong committee was set up in connection with the new troop being formed there. Great enthusiasm was shown, and at the end of the meeting 39 boys enrolled in the ■ Trinity Iroop. Under the charge of Scoutmaster Simister, the troop will, meet on Wednesday evenings, and it is hoped to have the formal investiture in about six weeks' time. The enthusiasm was t ir rightl sort ' ?iz-' "the Practical." for Mr. Simister Has already been promised a, "trek" cart, troop flag, and ropes of various kinds. We wish them great success.

On Wednesday evening the Island Bay Troop (Scoutmaster Roderique) held the first meeting of its campaign to raise tunds for its Christmas camp. A very successful social evening was held at which a large number of parents and visitors were present, besides twenty Scouts and 16 cubs. A good musical programme was interspersed v/ith dMices. A competition for chocolates afforded much fun to the onlookers, as well as satisfaction to the winners. Supper was served at 9.15, and all present enjoyed the evening very/much. All inhabitants of Island Ba y are asked to save their bottles,, and to notify the Scouts, who will collect them. The writer paid his third publicity visit to Port Nicholson Sea Scouts Uwmg to the inclement weather there was a small attendance, 16 boys beins present at the troop hut on Clyde quay. The full troop numbers 30 boys with an average attendance of 25. Scoutte£ Gilberfc was in charge. Mr. Jtt Oullan was also present. Some very interesting work was gone throughknot, splices, and how to take soundings with a dog line; also seamanship, viz., what is proper to do when passing other vessels, especially ths rules of the road at night and the meaning of vairous lights shown by ships. On Saturday afternoons the boys are engaged on overhauling their boat, so as to get it ready for the summer. The boat was named "Gordon Cameron, V.C.," by His Excellency the Governor-Gen-eral. This troop is the pinoneer Sea Scout troop, and may prove to be the first of many such troops, for Wellington offers many inducements for sea scouting. The troop is going strong, and we congratulate it, but it requires more support in its endeavour to form a troop committee. An opportunity for all in the Oriental Bay district is given, as a meeting will be hold, when all are invited to support this- troop in forming its committee. Parents and all interested are urged to attend at Clyde quay next Thursday at 7.30 p.m. The writer has received a cutting from the Dunedin "Evening Star" '.'Scout notes by Swastika." We are glad scouting. .is going strong down South. , \ Wellington could do with a scouters' den, and here Dunedin has gone one better; but perhaps we shall have one before long. Scout Cohen, of the New Zealand ■Patrol for Wembley, writes, nearing Panama,, that he and his cobber Ted have been the only ones who have not "missed a meal." One Scout from Auckland was so ill that, according to Cohen, the doctor thought he would, "kick the bucket," but all are well now. A fancy dress dance was exercising the boys' ingenuity,, and Cohen said he was going as "Mary had a little lamb," but ho did not say whether he was to be Mary or the lamb. I suspect the former, as what he said about his appetifca makes me think a "little" lamb would not satisfy his "little Mary." The scoutmaster in charge, F. W. Sandfcrd, writes to Christchurch saying all. are well, and that the dance proved a great success.

The Scouters' Refresher Class met at the Institute last Saturday evening, and many points were gone through and discussions took place. Especially was it thought desirable that more ' uniformity should be observed in the Scouts' 'Promise." Meet next Saturday at Boys' Institute at 7.30 p.m. According to regulations for 1924, the following is correct, and all scoutmasters are urged to use it when investing Scouts:— b "On my honour, I promise that I will do mv best

To do my duty to God and the King To help other people at all times, Io obey the Scout Law."

■ The Scouts' Association football competition takes place about the end of August, An endeavour is to be made to grade the teams by age, and scoutmasters are asked to notify the secretary o: the approximate ages of their prospective teams.