SCOUT NOTES

Evening Post, Volume XCII, Issue 108, 3 November 1926, Page 24

SCOUT NOTES

(By "Scouter.")

The Akela camp, which was held at Lowry Bay from 22ud October till the 26th of that month, was in charge o£ Miss Nancy Wilson, of Bulls, an Akela trained at Gilhvell, England, which is the central training school of the Empire for Scouters, Cubbers, or Cubmasters. Miss Wilson was assisted by Major Sandford, of New Plymouth, also a graduate' of Gilhvell, Miss Taylor, an English lady of considerable experience in young people's work, and who acted as quartermaster for the camp, supervising the cooking. Three ladies, Miss Taylor, Miss Hubbard, of Masterton. and Miss Heath took the course of lectures and practical work together with nine of the Cubmasters and assistants of the Wellington district. The cai.'ip site was well chosen, water was good, firewood plentiful, shelter very good, and "the ground well drained. During the course, the trainees were under observation the whole time. Good work was done during their spare time in making campgadgets, in cooking, cleaning up, etc., all counting towards gaining the coveted scarf and fangs, which are the badge of the successful candidate. In addition to the practical work, and lectures of the camp, there is a theoretical course of written work, which extends over several weeks, and finally the certificate from the Commissioner "that the candidate is doinp good work with a pack of cubs. It is pleasant to he able to record that there were ho grouser,? or shirkers in the camp, aud that a splendid spirit of comradeship prevailed s Sir Alfred Robin (District Commissioner) gave a lecture on the Monday afternoon on the relationship of Cubs, Scouts, and Kovers in the Scout movement. The ■ eeture was very helpful, Evidently Sir .Alfred has thought deeply on the subject, .nd certainly gave his listeners something j think of. Miss Wilson proved to be an able instructress, and well deserved the kindly good feeling which bade all the class meet, at the "Den" on Tuesday night, to say "Au Revoir." It is hoped that Miss Wilson (Akela) will be able to come to Wellington to finish the course during the week of the annual council meeting this month,. Friday, 29th October, marked a gala light, both for Island Bay and St. Mark's ['loops, when they met at St. Mark's "tub rooms to celebrate the return visit if Island Bay by a glorious pound night. Of course the best item on the programme x;.s the usual "bottle of fizz and eats," ..iiieh every good Scout does justice too. Alter the feast a community sing-song was ield. and Miss W. D. Joy kindly acted as iccompanist. Mr. Koderiquc, on behalf it the. Island Bay Troop, thanked St. Mark's for: the royal time they had had, ,'.:nl hoped that the visits between the cr, o troops would bring about that feeling '„i' brotherhood to all concerned. Mr. Will's, of St. Mark's, suitably responded. Members of Troop Committees, Scoutnasiters. and assistants, are asked to keep 'v mind next Saturday night, the social in the "Den." . Ladies, kindly bring r. i.;sket. Au excellent programme is prepi'redj and an enjoyable evening is anticipated. Don't forget the mouth-organs ibis trip; 8 p.m. sharp. This is the ■chance of a lifetime. Meet and make new friends, forget your worries, and laugh with us. * During a recent meeting of the Lyall liny Troop, the Commissioner presented the ifollowing badges:—Troop Leader, L. Briee, _Jng Scout, red . and white allround cord, electrician's and rescuer's; Petrol-leader N. Ashended, King Scout and Missioner's; Patrol Loader C. Otithwaite, King Scout aud Missioner's; Patrol Leader E. M'Kingley, King Scout and Missioner's; Patrol Leader J. Kelly, Electrician's and' Rescuer's; Patrol Leader B. Barrow, Swimmer's; Scout Guthrie, Cyu! .si. The Commissioner, Troop Committc, umj Scouts present warmly con^ratuiat;'' Ute boys on their auhiuvements. Kiu-r. i lad had been highly commended by t'u: | various examiners for their efficiency in ! practical ami theoretical knowledge i'ui ( the required number of proficiency badge.-:. On Friday evening,. 29th October, the Commissioner visited the Kilbirnie Troop. One of the most enjoyable and most spectacular Scout parties of the season was given by the Parents' Committee, in the Presbyterian Hall. Brothers, 'sisters, and small cousins of the Scouts in fancy dress were, much in evidence. The committee and Scouters Skews and Russell, must feel pleased with the result. A pleasing ceremony was a presentation from the troop to Mr. and Mrs. Leary, during which -a small but beautiful damsel dressed as a snowdrop presented a bouquet to Mrs. Leary, an act that appealed to the largo gathering of parents and supporters. The following extract is from a brother Scouter, in Mangaweka, who reads this column with interest each week. "Recently we have revived the movement here, and a newly-formed troop of old and new members was started, these being enough for three patrols arid one Wolf Cub Pack. We have three assistants besides myself to run the troop, and are confident.of doing great thmgs'.in the near future, as a troop of thirty boys all keenly interested is a fairly good beginning." Now, you troops -who do not serid in your notes, if a Scoutmaster reads the column in Mangaweka, surely other country reader* look to the city for interesting news of .how their brother Scouts arc faring. ■ -Daring .the past fortnight the following badges have been presented at St. Augustine's Petone Troop:—All-round- cord, Patrol Leader Milford; Service Stars, Asshitiint.Scoutmasters Aldrich and Pawson, Patrol Leaders Reid, Henry, and Seconds Jones and Griffiths. Second Henry ap- j pointed Patrol Leader, and Scout Jones as Second. Scout Littleford having passco his tenderfoot, was duly invested into the great brotherhood- and council circle. Commencing next week, a detailed report of the workings of each district, commencing with Hutt Galley and Bays, will her inserted in .this . column, and readers will find some very useful information, which will give them an idea of the growth of the Scout movement durirjg the past twelve months. The reports will extend over a period of three or four weeks, and if the clipping is saved you can compare this year's results with next year, which our Commissioner assures us will be a record one, provided all pull together in true Scouting spirit. Friday, 29th October, was a day of splendour for the Lower Hutt Troop, when a monster bazaar was held in St. James's Hall, Woburn road, in aid of the proposed hall,' building fund. The Commissioner (Sir Alfred Robin) was present, and. inspected a parade of over 70 Scouters, Scouts, and Wolf Cubs. This being the first official public visit of the Commissioner to the Hutt, he was received by the president of the Troop, Mr. H. Baldwin, on behalf of the District Scoutmaster R. Nelson, who was unable to be present. A welcome to the Hutt district was also extended by His Worship the Mayor, Mr. W. T., Strand, accompanied by Mrs. Strand. The remarks by Mr. Strand regarding the hall, and the good effect Scouting had upon the community, were most encouraging to all. Sir Alfred then opened the bazaar, and gave some useful advice to the parents, and also the boys, in regard to ttie proposed "Den" for the troop, and on Scouting matters generally. In the evening, brother Scouts from St. Augustine's Petone Troop came along with their trumpet band, and rendered most valuable assistance by heading a goodly number of Scouts and Cubs in a march through the Hutt, and also in providing an item at the bazaar. The financial result is not yet definitely known. Sincere thanks are due to all those who so kindly assisted to make this, the troop's first bazaar, so great a success. The art union for a magnificent oil painting of the Hutt River, by J. A. Shadlock, closes on 10th November, and is to be drawn on the 13th at a garden party to be held at Mrs. Simpson's, 84, Knight's road. The general progress of the troop and pack is most satisfactory, and the badge department of the troop is kept considerably busy. It is hoped to give a more detailed report of the activities of the troop and pack work in the near future. Kindly forward your "notes" In C. Meachen, "Ithaca," Thorndon quay, on or before Monday of each week.