SCOUT NOTES

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 70, 20 September 1939, Page 16

SCOUT NOTES

(By "Rama.")

The annual social of the Wellington Metropolitan Area was held on August 30. Mr. D. Boyle, assisted by members oi: the Ist Vincentian Rover Crew, was' responsible for the running of the function. There was a very, good attendance' of officers and members of group committees, and an enjoyable evening was spent. The first part of [ the programme was occupied with a number of games, which were entered into with zest and keenness. The Acting : Metropolitan Commissioner, Mr. J. K. Middieton, made a few remarks with reference to the progress of the movement during the year, and "Hana" also spoke. Opportunity was given for ! questions about any matters arising out of the annual report of the Wellington Metropolitan Executive, but, by the lack of subjects raised, it appeared that all were well satisfied with the way things were going. The only point brought up was .in connection with registration fees, but, on a vote being taken, it was found that a large majority approved the method of registration fees for. raising the necessary funds' to meet current expenses of headquarters, thus justifying the executive in continuing them for the ensuing year. After supper there was a camp-fire sing-song, in charge of "Mingan," and the proceedings were brought to a close by the singing of "Taps." Special thanks are due to Mr. Boyle and the members of the Ist Vincentian Rover Crew for the efficient way in which the evening was run, ■ . Acting Metropolitan Commissioner. We regret to advise that, owing to his work, Mr. Middieton is unable to carry on as Acting Metropolitan Commissioner for Wellington. He has rendered most valuable service during; the last two years. In the meantime, and pending a fresh appointment, the senior District Commissioner, Mr. P. T. Smither, is carrying on as Acting Metropolitan .Commissioner on behalf of Mr. Middieton. First-class Badge. P. L. Gordon Glennie, of the Seatoun troop, having Completed ,&ll the required tests, has been awarded the first-class;badge. Tests in first-class subjects were held at Island Bay on Saturday, September 9. There were 12 Scouts present and 32 tests were taken, out of which there were 18 passes, nine partial passes, and five failures. The next tests will be held on Saturday, October 14, and entries Tor these must be at Metropolitan Headquarters by 5 p.m. on Friday, October 6. North District Court of Honour. ;A meeting of the Wellington North District Scouters' Court of Honour was held last Thursday, at the Ist Kelburn Den. Nearly all the officers were present. The programme consisted of games run by the district officers, "Kapawai" and "Wirerhu,- 1 and a talk by "Rama" on matters arising out of the present position in relation to Cubs and Scouts. After this there was a number of presentations, of the wood badge to Miss L. Diamond, Cubmaster of the Karori Pack, and warrants to Mr. P. Richardson, Scoutmaster, and Mr. D. Hartley, Assistant Scoutmaster, of the Northland. Troop. Mr. D. Hartley was also invested as a member of the Scout -Brotherhood. Supper, supplied by the ladies, and "Taps" brought the evening to a close. Troop leaders and patrol leaders of the North District are reminded of their meeting at the Ist Kelburn Den tomorrow evening at 7.30. The Present Situation. At the present juncture we wish to .emphasise the great importance of ■keeping all groups functioning as nor!mally as possible. The events which nare happening; now, so far from decreasing the value of Scouting to the community, make it so much the more Important that as many boys as possible should receive the Scout train-1 ing. And this, most particularly, for their own sakes, so that they may be j helped to develop those qualities of courage, steadiness, and character .generally which the Scout training "does so much to foster wherever it is properly carried out, and which will enable them to meet the. difficulties of the future sanely and. efficiently. Most of all should emphasis be placed on outdoor activities for all Scouts and j Cubs, with plenty of camping for Scouts and practice in the subjects which will help to make-Hhem useful in service to the community, first aid, signalling, fire control, cooking out of doors, sanitation, tent pitching, message carrying, etc. ' -. .