SCOTCRAFT

Evening Star, Issue 15778, 15 April 1915, Page 8

SCOTCRAFT

[By Leadeb.] [Reports of meetings an# parades, items of interest, or questions should he addressed to "Leader," cfo Y.M.G.A., Dunedin, before 5.50 on Monday of each weei.] “It is proof of nobility of mind to despise insults.” The Commissioner reports that* he had occasion to spend a week in Waitati, and was not long there before Scoutmaster Wilkinson, of tho local troop, reported himself, and ho and the Commissioner daily spent a portion of their spare time together discussing matters for the good of the movement in general and the Waitati troop in particular. As soon as it could be arranged, the scoutmaster called his troop together, and tho Commissioner inspected them, and then devoted the remainder of the evening to assisting in the instruction. This troop, like many country units, labors under many difficulties, but it comprises a splendid set of lads, who by living in the country and following occupations that a town lad sees little of'are to a certain extent, scouts by reason of their every-day life. The Commissioner wishes Scoutmaster Wilkinson and his troop the best of luck, and desires to state that he retains very pleasant recollections of tus visit to their district. On Saturday the Sea Scouts went on a fishing cruise." and had a fine day’s sport, a few hundred cod being landed, and afterwards distributed. The crew worked well, and arc rapidly petting into their old stride. Some new hands have come forward, and are showing promise of becoming very efficient. The crew did not parade for church on Sunday, as the missing uniforms have not been replaced yet. The boat- has been partly painted, "but it is the skipper’s intention to hold over the yearly overhaul until the fishing season is over, as fancy work docs not stand heavy work. Easter holidays and lodge meetings were the cause of small musters at the Mornington Battalion’s parades last week, nevertheless excellent work was done. All second class scouts were instructed in advance;! work by the C.S.M., who was delighted with the interest shown and the work done. All members, in all troops, are showing a splendid spirit, each trying to advance himself in the order of their world-wide brotherhood, consequently the discipline is excellent, and the work done more thoroughly. Scout James Gibson has qualified for his second class badge, and it will not be long before, several more are in a like position. On Saturday a parade was held over the hills, when the second round of the cap matches was fired off. While the members were shooting the remainder got to work and soon had a good hot cup of tea ready, after which a- good despatch run was held, the victory being’ for the defenders. The shooting was a big improvement on the last match. The results so far arc very close. The final match has yet to be fired. A pood band practice was held on Saturday evening, and the members at the head of the brigade on Sunday morning did justice to their instructors. The Y.M.G.A. Troop have been very fortunate of late. Mrs A. Scott, of Petone. has presented them with a beautiful Union Jack. This is to he contested for each month. Marks arc to be given for Table study, attendance, and self-im-provement, etc., the patrol with the highest _marks each month to have the flag" in their keeping. Closely following the presentation of the Union Jack they were presented with a side-drum* and triangle by the residents of the Y.M.G.A. Messrs M’Clill and Co. also kindly donated a pair of poles for an ambulance stretcher. Leaders Hay and Wilkinson have gained their second class badges. These are the first boys in the troop to gain it. Tho much-talked-of swimming Thampionsflip was won by Leader Hay, Leader Seurr being second. The weekly parades of the Dunedin West-Central Battalion were held on Thursday and Friday of last week. Each troop had good musters, except the No. 2. The work studied by all four troops was signalling and ambulance. For the former the scouts had to read groups of letters sent by tho scoutmasters, and in soma cases the scouts showed signs of becoming good signallers. The bones of the body were studied for the ambulance work, and the lecture given on this subject was illustrated by charts.