SCOUT NOTES

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 91, 14 October 1931, Page 16

SCOUT NOTES

(By "Scouter.")

Thought for this week: "A man's real bigness is determined by the size of his keart."

The finals for the metropolitan com-petitions-in first-aid and stretcher making, signalling, Morse and semaphore, were conducted at the Garrison Hall last Saturday afternoon. One sees the same faces at these competitions each year, and it is unfortunate, that scouters do not take advantage of witnessing the work of other : groups, especially the important work of first-aid! and signalling. Four districts were represented in the ambulance for the Rhodes Cup, which went to the Hutt Valley and Bays, with a total of 130% points, Wellington South second, 128 points. The judges complimented the team's upon the excellent performance, stating that the work was of a very high, standard and a credit to those people who had coached the teams. The Moorehouse Cup for semaphore was won by the Wairarapa district with 292 points. Wellington North, Central, and South tied for second place with 279 points. The work was again of a high standard, the reading being particularly good. The "Utility Cup for Morse signalling was won by Hutt Valley and Bays with a total of 223 points, the only other team, North and Central district, obtaining 203 points. The procedure for the running of the station was excellent, and here again the reading 'was good. The Metropolitan Commissioner, Mr. H. Amos, the Hon. Metropolitan Commissioner, Sir Alfred Robin, Miss Robin, District Commissioners R. Nelson, H. V. Foster and Mrs. Foster, D.S.M.'s F. L. M'Kenzie, L. F. Moss, E. Heath, and W. J. Dun-ad were present. Mr. Amos asked Sir Alfred Robin, to present the trophies, and all teams were congratulated upon their success. The keen spirit of friendly rivalry throughout was a credit to the individual members of each team, and spoke well of the movement. Teams for the observation competition will meet on Saturday afternoon at the St. John Ambulance Association rooms, Courtenay place, at 1.55 p.m., in readiness to commence at 2 p.m. As a number of groups did not enter for this interesting and important test, it is recommended that as many as possible attend, so that next year the district will have a larger number of entries. The Akela camp for Labour Day weekend will open at camp-fire on Friday, 23rd October, and close at camp-fire on Tuesday,; 27th October. Those unable to be present on Saturday morning and Tuesday will complete the course at the following week-end. Those attending may leave by bus from the Library direct to Lowry Bay (Bell's Corner), Friday, 6.15 p.m., 7.30 p.m., 0.15 p.m., and 10.30 p.m.; Saturday, 1.15 p.m., 1.30 p.m., and 2.30. The tie for the course will be 7s 6d, of which 2s 6d entrance fee is payable immediately to the hon. treasurer, Mr. J. W. Bugg, 44, Jackson street, Petone, with the necessary application form. Candidates are required to take the following kit: ,Ground sheet, palliasse for straw bed (straw provided); blankets (two or more), macintosh or overcoat, uniform (to be worn), change of underclothing, spare footwear,' toilet requisites, two plates, mug, knife, fork, spoons, tea towel. Tents will be provided. Above all a Cub grin is- to be worn by all. Badges of rank and service stars will not be necessary. Further information from Mrs. S. Hoggard, 245,; High street, Lower Hutt. The; heart and soul of scouting are centred M the camp. It is around the camp-fire, where each is thrown upon his own resources and must bear his share of work and toil, that our movement finds its best and most subtle influence. It is in camp that the play of personality finds fullest expression. To march away with stores and equipment for a week-end trek over the hills and camp at night in un-, j known places is to experience the life of 'thcopen air. No army cooks are needed for a true Scouts' camp, no pillows or palliasses, no unnecessary guards or pickets, or constant rounds of inspection *nd parades all day; no military manoeuvres and tedious drill, but just a free and unfettered enjoyment of a backwoodsman's life. Up with the lark to run barefoot in the grass and enjoy a bathe in the river, cook a billy of porridge over a pinewood fire, go off" for the day, with rations in your haversack, to seek adventure like pioneers in an unknown.land; play your games of tracking anoV raiding border chiefs of long ago, then home again to an evening meal prepared .by comrades left in camp. A singsong round, a glowing log fire, a record of the day's failures or successes, a study of; the stars, an outline of the morrow's programme, a yarn or two from the storyteller, an expression of thanks for the joys and gladness of the day, and, with mother earth for our mattress, we sleep until the peep of the sun, or the song of the birds in the trees above, shall waken us on the morrow. . A very pleasant social evening was held in the St. Cuthbert's schoolroom,.Berhampore, last Wednesday evening. ] The occasion was in honour of presenting a warrant to Miss D. Pickering/ Lady Cubmaster. The Cubs paraded a full 28 strong, . ,and parents, supporters, and friends attended in good numbers, lending warmth to the function. District Commissioner H. Hitchings ably" performed the "Ipise" ceremony, and Miss Pickering responded with a decision that left no doubt as to her knowledge of the duties required of her. Miss Picker- . ing^s qualifications were referred to by - different speakers and the general ap- " pearance, behaviour, and efficiency of the "Pack" upheld the remarks.' "During the evening Sixers Geo.'Bryant, Cliff Massey, Edward Rallet, and William Thomas were presented with their first stars by the Packmaeter. Laurie Fusey, who also had passed the test, was absent. Scout group visitors, were welcomed as follows: Group Scoutmaster P. R. Drummond, Cubmaster Lawgon, District Commissioner H. Miller, Miss M'Lean, Hon. District Secretary. : Musical items were rendered by Cubmaster Lawson (song), Scouts Leslie Hill and Douglas Hill (guitar and piano), * Mr. fialshom, Group Secretary (baritone solo), Miss Mara Bahlson (pianoforte sob). Supper was served and the evening closed with good wishes to the Cuba and their Cubmaster. . The Ngaio Group Committee held their annual meeting on Friday last.' Prior to the meeting Scout A. Johansen pre- , sented Mr. B. Lynnetierg with a "Swastika" on behalf of the Scouts of the group. The annual report and balancesheet showed that the group had quite a successful year. The following is the committee for the ensuing year: Chairman, Mr. A. W. Thompson (re-elected); Secretary and treasurer, Mr, A. Roberts (re-elected); Messrs. B. Lynneberg, S. Clothier,,Mesdames Macleod, Thompson, Clothier, and Barnes. Commissioner7 fo# training Sandford and Scouter Druminond were present. It is a matter of regret that the attendance of parentß was not larger, ' for Commissioner Sandford gave • very interesting talk on how parents can mmifit the Scouters and Cubbers in their work. A hearty vote of .thanks was passed to Mr. Macleod for the very able manner an which,a happy meeting had been conducted. 1 l

1 The association desires to place on record its most sincere thanks to Corps Superintendent W. Dutton, Ambulance Officer W. Miller, Pioneer Instructor H. E. Browne, and Lieutenant Symthe, R.N.V.R., for the able manner in which they judged the various events f&r the competitions last Saturday afternoon. That these gentlemen should give of their spare time to assist us in our ■work is something that is deeply appreciated by all Scouters, parents, and supporters. 'On Monday evening last a very happy evening was spent by St. Michael's Group, Kelburn. We are glad to report that only one Scout has yet to pass hia tender-

foot test, thanks to the assistance of Seouters. The majority are now working upon the second class work, and first class tests. Wo rjgret that District Scoutmaster H. Donkin is leaving us after next Monday evening, and thank him cordially for assisting us during the absence of S.M. D. Patterson.

The annual meeting of the Wellington Boy Scouts' Association is to bo held on Monday evening, 2nd November. The hall will be notified later. The Metropolitan Commissioner extends a cordial invitation to all members of group committees and supporters to be present so that he can meet personally those good folk who have so ably assisted us throughout the past year. Kindly arrange that your group is represented in large numbers, so that all might share in recording the progress in . Wellington. Says the Chief Scout regarding the great Brotherhood of the Scout movement: "The World Rover Scout Moot at Kandersteg is going to be a notable step in the history of the movement. Rover Scouting has so far been finding its feet and gradually growing up in different countries. Now it is coming out to be a world1 brotherhood—a brotherhood which, while still governed by the Scout promise and law, will be an international fraternity ot goodwill and service. A great responsibility, coupled with a great opportunity, thus falls on every Rover Scout, a responsibility for proving by his life and doings that friendliness and helpfulness to others can actually become every man's habitual practice. The result of this, if sufficiently widely developed, will be to promote a new spirit in all countries. The prevalence of that spirit will' bring about a firm foundation for the establishment of the Kingdom of God upon earth through the reigning psace and goodwill amongst men."