SCOUT NOTES

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 91, 19 April 1939, Page 18

SCOUT NOTES

(By "Rama.")

Scout Jim Gyles, of the Karori troop, having passed all the required tests, has been awarded the first-class badge. Tests were held on Saturday afternoon last at Otira Farm, and some good work was done. The next tests will be held on Saturday, May 13, entries for which must be at Metropolitan Headquarters by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 5. Major Sandford. Scouters who remember "Uncle" Sandford and the splendid work he did as the first New Zealand Commissioner for Training, will be. interested to know that, on the occasion of his eighty-sixth birthday recently, a party wfs held at New Plymouth Hospital in his honour. Miss Scotter, a former Wellington Cubmaster, gave him the good wishes of many old friends m Scouting, and a small token of their affection. > Patrol Campcraft Competition. The results of the patrol campcraft competition, held at Easter, show the patrols placed, in the following order:— Wadestown Kiwis 1, Wadestown Tuis 2, Ist Kelburn Rurus 3, Karori Tuis 4, Johnsonville Huias 5, The Terrace Toroas 6, Wadestown Kuakas 7, St. Mark's Rurus 8, Lyall Bay Baptist Tarapongas 9, St. Joseph's Huias 10, Khandallah Foxes 11, Northland Keas 12, Ngaio Kangaroos 13. Special congratulations , are due to Ron Blease, patrol leader, and the Kiwi patrol of the Wadestown troop, who have won the competition two years in succession; also to Patrol Leaders Don Taylor and David Fyfe, of the Wadestown Tuis and Ist Kelburn Rurus, and to their patrols for gaining second and third places respectively. Combined Camp. v A successful combined camp of the Trinity Methodist and St. Cuthbert troops was held at Wainui-o-Mata at the Easter weekend, in charge of "Biscuit," S.M. of Trinity troop. The weather was perfect and the camp site nearly so. Everything went along like clockwork, and by evening the camp was well set up, being arranged in five patrols, each of which was out of sight and entirely independent of the others. "Biscuit," at headquarters, was assisted by Lone Scout Jan Ramsden with the stores. General assembly was called by means of a bamboo horn, this being necessary, as the patrols were scattered over a wide area. The patrols competed against each other in a points competition covering all aspects of camping, and this resulted in keen rivalry. The first placed patrol was the Eagles from St. Cuthbert's, with Tarapongas from Trinity second. Each evening a campfire was held, and these went with a swing owing to the large number in- camp and the happy and responsive spirit shown. "Biscuit" is well pleased with the good Scout spirit revealed throughout the camp. One part could have been done without—the heavy frost on the Saturday night. It takes a bit of will power to get up and wash in the stream in prescribed Scout manner when the frost is white like snow and there is ice on the water in the billies. However, one patrol leader took his plunge as usual. Later in the day they went along to the Wainui Stream and had a swim, though the water proved still father chilly. Following a visit to the camp by "Minty" Browne, came an invitation to visit the camp of the "Te Puni" Petone troop, about two miles away. This was done on Sunday afternoon, a hearty welcome being followed by a look* around the camp. Afterwards, in the outdoor chapel, all joined in a bright "Scouts' Own," led by the Rev. Mr. Kenney, Petone. Photographs were taken, and there followed the return to camp where, after tea, some of the "Te Puni" troop came along. The standard of camping was fair, considering that a big majority of the Scouts were new to, or little experienced, in the art. The District Commissioner, Mr. McCaul, paid a visit on Saturday. The good time had to come to an end, and 3 o'clock on Monday afternoon all were aboard the lorry. Greetings are sent to all other Scouts with wishes for good camping and the hope of meeting at the Jamboree. The Easter Outings. From various parts of the Dominion we have heard of large numbers of Scouts taking advantage of the fine weather at Easter to get out camping. At Auckland 316 Scouts, representing 20 troops, were established at the permanent site at Motu Moaha. In Ghristchurch 180 .Scouts were on the Cossgrove Camp site. Actually, we understand, 400 Scouts from Auckland were out altogether, many troops having their own camp sites. This Js a splendid record, and shows that real Scouting is on the upgrade everywhere in New Zealand. Wadestown Group. The annual meeting of parents of the Wadestown Group was held on Tuesday evening, April 4, and the reports submitted disclosed that all three sections, Cubs, > Scouts, and Rover, Scouts, are functioning satisfactorily. Sincere appreciation was expressed of the excellent work done by Mr. Cyril Homer, as Scoutmaster over a period of four years, and regret at his resignation. Mr. Keith Easton, the acting Scoutmaster, was welcomed, and confidence was expressed that he would maintain the high standard which the troop had reached. Mr. O. C. Mazengarb was again elected president. Thanks are due to Mr. D. Ferguson, chairman, Mr. Hone Easton, honorary secretary, and all the members of the committee, who have done so much to help on with the work of the group. The District Commissioner, "Rama," spoke in appreciation of the work done by the officers, and urged the committee to keep steadily before it the objective of building a meetingplace for the sections of the group, towards which over £100 has already been raised. This group is one of the two in the area, the other being Ist Kelburn, complete with all sections, Cubs, Scouts, and Rover Scouts,. and there,are over 60 boys and young men receiving the benefits of training through the group's activities. Last Friday evening "Rama" visited the Wadestown troop to congratulate them on their success in the patrol campcraft competition, and to present certificates to the Kiwi and Tui patrols, and their leaders, Ron Blease and Don Taylor, who gained first and second places in the competition. Mr. McCormick, honorary secretary, and Mr. Blease were also present, representing the group committee and parents.