SCOUT NOTES

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 126, 30 May 1928, Page 16

SCOUT NOTES

(By "Scouter.")

The Rev. J. E. Blackbourne presided at the first annual meeting o£ the Boys' Homo Scout Troop Committee, which was well attended. Mr. Blackbourne extended a welcome to representatives of other troops present, also to Mr. L. Meredith, who was a. Commissioner at Home for many years. The secretary read the report for the year, which was considered very satisfactory. The Scoutmaster and Cubmistress gave a detailed report of their work, and were congratu-. lated on the progress made. Mrs. Heseltine, matron of the Home, expressed pleasure with the interest shown on behalf of the boys, and extended grateful thanks. Mr. Blackbourne, in addressing the meeting, made eulogistic reference to the very satisfactory state of the balance-sheet in view of the fact that complete uniforms, had been provided for both troop and pack by the committee. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded all who had made donations towards the funds. The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Archdeacon Hausell; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr. W. Adams; lion, auditor, Mr. D. Hall. The St. Jude's Troop report as follows: —Proficiency badges have been awarded to Patrol-Leader J. Smith (electricians), Patrol-Leader E. Lee (healtbyman), Pat-rol-Leader M. Pugh (cooks and ambulance), Troop-Leader G. Pugh (ambulance). The badges are to be presented on 11th June, when a parents' and pound night is to be held. A church parade was held on Sunday last week, with a muster of twelve boys.y The Commissioner found St. James's Troop in good order and keen on the best all-round patrol competition. The boys certainly enjoyed the games period, being ever on the alert to learn something new. Island Bay was alive with Scouts last Friday night, when they entertained the lately-formed Baptist Troop to an evening of games and eats. The Scouts, under Masters Cooke and Halcox, mustered well, but most encouraging was the large number of Island Bay Wolf Cubs, with the Lady Cubmaster (Mrs. Wheeler) in charge. Committee members were present, and appeared satisfied with the results of their efforts to assist the boys. On the same evening a number of residents formed a committee, with Mr. Parsons, of Clyde street, as chairman, with the object of raising a Sea Scout Troop for the Bay. Sea Scout Commissioner C. L. Young, E.N., and the District Commissioner (Sir Alfred Robin) explained the duties of a committee, after which it was decided to meet again on Friday week, when, if sufficient boys joined, a sea company would be formed. The Terrace Troop spent' a happy and eventful evening last Tuesday. Perhaps the proudest boy present was Hugh Jacobs, who was the recipient of a rucksack, presented by Mr. J. M. A. Ilott. A similar prize is competed for each year, and the winner is chosen not only for his proficiency in Scout work, but chiefly for practical application of the "Scout spirit." Roger Roser said farewell to the pack, and, shedding his skin, displayed a newer and tougher one underneath. We know he will continue to keep his Cub promise and DYB for the Scout troop. Parents and friends, who were present in goodly numbers, were also privileged to witness the "Ipise" ceremony, conducted by the Commissioner, for the purpose of investing G. Homer and E. James as A.S.M. and A.C.M. It is gratifying indeed to watch boys from the troop assume responsibilities as officers, and their progress will be watched with interest by all Scouters and Cubbers. Commissioner for Wellington North, Mr. Vosseler, lured "and charmed with tales of the open road. The Scout with the new rucksack must have been longing to "hit the trail" immediately. The troop as a whole is eager to make most, of the, winter months learning the "tricks .of the trade" preparing for future hikes. It was a pleasure to see Miss Robin, the Rev, Ernest R. Weeks, and S.M. Clarke present. Friday last was an enjoyable time for members of St. Cuthbcrt's and Seatoun Troops, at the former's rendezvous, Berhampore, the visit being a return one by the Seatoun lads to that made by St. Cuthbert's a few months ago. Games and competitions helped to pass the evening all too quickly, and supper-time,, as usual, assisted to bring that . brotherly spirit which should at all times be foremost. The visitors included D.C.M. Green, A.D.S.M. Heath, Leader Clark (of Trinity), and Mr.' Jenkins, a prospective scouter for a new troop at Mornington. The monthly church parade was held last Sunday, and with the Guide company a muster of between forty and fifty attended tlie morning .service, when the troop chaplain, the Rev. M. Barrett, delivered an interesting sermon on Whitsuntide. Owing to the Scouts' Hall being removed to Luxford street at an early date, the troop will be without a home for a few Fridays, and invitations to visit other troops meeting on Friday nights will be

appreciated. The troop lUigby football team is anxious to arrange a game with any other Wellington troop, and issue a friendly challenge to all concerned. The first pound night of the J\*gaio Troop was held last Friday, there being a record attendance of parents and friends. District Scoutmaster Kelson presented the troop fins and ambulance kit given by Mr. D. M'Kenzie. Games were indulged in, and much enjoyed by the Scouts. Many younger brothers attended, and it is hoped that a pack will soon be in full swing. The prospects for the future are very bright. St. Augustine's Petone Wolf Cubs held a successful concert in aid of the building fund, the entertainment being performed entirely by Cubs, which was instrumental in providing the sum of £5. Last Tuesday night thirteen Cubs said good-bye to the jungle and entered the high road of scouthood. The Cubm'aster was heard to remark that it was one of the hardest tasks he had had, to part with these boys. However, evolution must take its course. It is proposed to have circulated in the pack the following recipe for a good Wolf Cub taken from a copy of the "Scouter":— ''Mix well together cheerfulness, obedience, self-control, loyalty to Qod, love, usefulness, and kindness of heart in large quantities. Then add a pinch of pride, a cupful of cheek, essence of energy, plenty of pluck, heaps of honour, flavour with smiles, jokes, and a love, of fair play. For sixes and packleaders add a dash of authority and a large lump of enthusiasm. Put all together in one all boy, between the ages of 8 and 12 years. Wrap in a Cub uniform and bake in the happy and friendly glow of a good Cub pack for one to four years, according to the age of the boy. Then out at the end of the time one topping Boy Scout ready to be served to the troop." Last Saturday night was a never-to-be-forgotten one for the Rovers, when we mustered forty strong—our biggest night, twenty mothers and twenty Rovers, two bright fires, forty voices singing the good old-time songs. Supper of home-made cakes, sausage rolls, sandwiches, a cup of delicious tea (kettle boiled in Scout style over open lire), forty happy faces, and forty left-hand shakes. Uncle Eric was surprised when he visited us to see such a large number present, so he was asked to present the Ramblers' Badge to Senior Rovermate I). Perry. Mr. B. Malyon, Jobmaster of Toe H, was also with us. Rover R. Lett accepted his share of responsibility by being made Rovermate of anew patrol, with Rover C. Paterson as his second. We wish the new patrol every success in carrying out their motto of "Ich Dien" (I serve). _ The manner in which notes have come in this week is worthy of comment, and I sincerely trust to have the same support in the future. Kindly forward notes on or before Monday of each week to Rover A. Meachen, '"Kaumai," Humber street, Island Bay.