SCOUT NOTES

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 106, 6 May 1936, Page 20

SCOUT NOTES

(By "Sahi.") The world stands out on either side No wider thai., the heart is wide. —(Anon.) Imperial Headquarters, London, advise that official mourning for the late King will cease as from May 1. Scouters should notify their boys accordingly. . Owing to unavoidable circumstances the Metropolitan Training Course (Scout Section) has been postponed. Officers and others concerned will be notified of the commencing date when arrangements have been completed. The Britannia Sea Scouts held a brotherhood evening last Wednesday. Invitations were sent to three troops but two, Mount Carmel and Ist Roseneath, sent notes that they were booked up, but wished the evening a success. The District Commissioner also was unable'to attend. The evening, was spent mostly in games, excepting when two members —L. Jarvis and I. Cooksey—of the Port Watch crew were invested into the brotherhood. A few more games were played, and then the inter-crew cup Te Pere was presented to the winners, Port Watch, their points being 196 against Starboard 192. Mr. J. McDonald, of .the V.M.C.A. Troop, in making the presentation, complir merited the winners, but pointed out that Starboard were not far behind and might win next season. During the evening. Mr. R. Hedges, of the Boys' Institute Troop, looked in, after supper. Mac, of the V.M.C.A., said a few words, and "taps" brought a jolly evening to a close.

A farewell to the retiring Cubmaster, Miss I. Newbury, and a welcome to the new Cubmaster, Miss L. Nicholson ("Keego"), was held by the First Roseneath Troop on April 29. The two guests were given the troop haka, and following flag break they conducted two lively games. Around the camp fire Miss Newbury was presented with a book "Scouting Round the World," suitably inscribed and) autographed by the troop in appreciation of her work in the pack during the last six years. The late "Akela's" message to the Scouts concluded with the following lines: —

"On the strength of each in the cable Dependeth the might of the chain. "Who knows when thou might be tested, so Live that thou may bear the strain."

During ...the May holidays five Lone Scouts, under the auspices of the Education Department's Correspondence School, will pay a week's visit to Wellington. Districts have been asked to make 'arrangements for the entertainment of these boys in the homes of Scouts.

We will give, week by week, portions of the judges' reports of- the Patrol Campcraft Competition held at Easter. These reports are of value, not only to competitors and intending competitors, but to all troops, because the judges not only point out mistakes which were made, but also supply helpful advice for future guidance. ,

Locomotion Section.—Teams were judged on the journey from Rona Bay wharf to the camp site, and on the return trip. As far as could be judged the standard this year was higher than in a previous year's competition in which the judge assisted in the judging.

The movement over the Gollan's Valley hill road was given particular attention, since this is a winding road, difficult to manipulate with vehicles, and, although there was not a great deal of traffic (probably fortunately for both drivers and Scouts) this fact made the appearance of a car more'surprising, requiring the same amount of caution. Some patrols left the looking out to the driver of the vehicle. The return journey was an improvement on the outward journey in this respect, and one or two patrols showed commendable care in the matter.

Packing of Kits. —Generally speaking this was good, but, in some cases, individuals left the little bulky article where it would irritate the small of the back. Those who made this mistake no doubt found it out before they reached home. Some boys were surprised to be asked to produce towels during the return trip. The finding of some in a damp state among blankets and other clothing shtnved need for a little more forethought. Where there is not an outside pocket on the kit it is a simple matter to separate the damp gear by means of the ground sheet. This brings me to the consideration of gear not packed. For a hike of this nature loose billies and coats only make the going harder. A pack that is made like one complete parcel is much, easier lo carry. If you have to tie a tent on the outside, make sure that it stays in the centre of the load, and does not slide to one side, because you are likely to be too tired to put it right when it does slip. In packing the patrol equipment you can afford to be a bit generous to the bigger chap. One patrol gave the lion's share to a smaller boy.

Some consideration should be paid to personal comfort. If a boy prefers to wear a sports coat buttoned up all the way on a boiling hot day, perhaps it is his discomfort, but it doesn't look like experienced camping. There, is usually room under a strap for a small thing like a' sports coat. •

I Various selections were made for the location of a halt for a rest. There was distinct room for thought in this on both the outward and return trip. During the trip out on the Saturday the weather was exceptionally hot, with hardly any wind, and even shady positions were not cold, and hence were useful places for a spell. On the return trip, however, a spell in the biting wind would have been a bit too cool to be safe,, after a hot climb, and even sunny-positions were not too hot. One would prefer to see the shoulders eased of kits during these spells, as long as the backs were not allowed to get cold.

Since/the time1 on the hike was not governed, within limits, there was no need to make a race of the return trip. All parties should remember that their respective speeds are the speeds of their slowest" members. More harm than good can come of rushing these things. This is where a leader should exercise his leadership. This was observed in some quarters. It was good to see some patrols sprucing themselvesjfup before entering Eastbourne. A little trouble taken here has its reward, although probably indirectly. One patrol seemed to-forget it was in a town, and really put on a better "appearance on fne country road. Was it because the Scouter was on the hill, and were they a. bit unfortunate-in that he overtook them on the main road?

The above remarks spread themselves over all patrols, so that there is very little' fault to find with any one patrol. The points are mentioned for future guidance. Those to whom the remarks apply will readily understand them.

Points- awarded' for the' locomotive section, out of a possible 100, were as follows:—Wi Tako, 80; Sfc Thomas's, 8.0;, St. Mary's, 75; The Terrace, 75Island' Bay Baptist, 60; Trinity Metho-