SCOUTCRAFT

Evening Star, Issue 15968, 23 November 1915, Page 2

SCOUTCRAFT

[By Leader.] i , [Reports of meetings and parades, itenU of interest, or questions should be addressed to "Leader," c/o Y.M.C.A., Uunedin, before 3.30 on Monday of each meek."] The District Commander visited the Green Island Troop on Friday last. The muster was very good, only three being absent. The physical exercises were well done, the breathing being a feature of this work. The first-aid section were particularly neat in their bandaging, and handled their patient carefully and gently. Should nobody be forthcoming to take charge of the troop before -Mr Tapp leaves for Trentham, the duty of keeping the ti'oop together will devolve on the sergeant-major, who has promised to do his best, while the other n.c.o.s and Scouts have promised to support him by regular attendance, discipline, and obedience to orders. This is the true Scoutspirit : when difficulties face them, to stand up to them and conquer them. Many troops in the Homeland have been placed in the same position, and have risen to the occasion.

On Saturday November 13 the nevdyformed Bavensbourne Troop received their first visit from the District Commander. The parade was held in 'the grounds of the Presbyterian Church hall. The troop, comprising two and a-half patrols of well set up'lads, nearly all of whom were in uniform, presented' a verv smart appearance. Tenderfoot work, semaphore signalling, and physical 'exercises formed the routine for' the afternoon. Several members having pas.-ed the necessary tests, and having expressed their willingness to live up to the scout law, were admitted by the* District Commander as members "of the great brotherhood of Scouts.

A New Troop Formed.—AVednesdav, November 10, the evening arranged for to form a troop of Boy ""Scouts 'at Anderson Bay, was a particularly wet one, nevertheless 16 lads rolled up', All but one bad their parents consent to-join, and all were as keen :b mustard. The District Commander having been introduced by the Brigade Chaplain, expressed his pleasure at the presence of such a number of lads, and fully explained the objects and aims of the movements, and also the scouts' laws. The lads having expressed their willingness to earnestly try to keep the scout law. were then introduced to Scoutmaster Core, who has consented to take charge in the meantime. Mr Gore appealed to all to play the game, obey orders promptly, and attend to discipline. Three patrols were then formed, and the following names, leaders, and corporals were elected : Kiwi Patrol: Leader. Harold Clarkson: corporal. Leslie Bennet. Cuckoo : Lender. William Atchley: corporal, .John Kennelly. _ Morepor'k : Leader.''David Abercrombic. corporal, Stanley Ross. The troops will meet at present on Mondav nights. The colors selected are black and white.

Ihe brigade parade held on November 14, when the Scouts attended Divine Service at the Moray Place Congregational Church, was the'best held for 'a. long time. As Major Sandle told the officers afterwards, the discipline was splendid and the marching excellent. The Rev. Mr Saunders paid a compliment to the Scouts at the close of the service, when he said : "Your behaviour has been most reverent and exemplary during the whole of the service, and ' you have proved yourselves worthy to 'wear the Boy Scout's uniform." Disti ict - commander Holderness had charge of the parade, and .Chief-scoutmaster"Darracott- acted as adjutant. Major Sandle. Commissioner for Otago, was also present. The parade state was as follows :—Staff 2, other officers 11, Scouts 232.

On November 13 the Dunedin AVestCentral Battalion's cricket team met an eleven from the" Mornington Battalion on the latter's ground. The game ended in a draw, neither side being able to claim'an advantage. The scores were : Mornington, .45 and 131; AVest-Centnil. 32 and 52 for -three wickets. Another match is to l>e played as soon as a Saturday parade can be dispensed with.

On AYednesday the Balclutba Boy Scouts met, under Scoutmaster Basmussen and .Assistant Scoutmaster Blaikie. The discipline was excellent. Thirty-seven Scouts were present. On Satuiday evening Dr Stenhoiise commenced the examination in signalling for tL-e first class bridge. Ambulance work will be the next "examined. On Saturday 20 Scouts, under the scoutmaster, enjoyed a well-spent held day, when the value, of cover was clearly demonstrated. Signalling, skirmishing" and a despateh nit. home ended the day. The District Commander has received information that there are several cases in Dunedin. where the head of the family has gone to light for his King and country, leaving behind a wife, and familv (if small children. Here is a splendid chance for a Scout todc bis good turn, and serve his country at tho game time: by finding out- such families and rendering nnv lieln that he may oc able to give, such as chopping a week's fiiewood, tidying the garden, etc.

' Useful .Hints.—Always, wind up your watch in the morning, for it is during the day that the watch is most knocked about, and if the spring is tight it is better aide to stand jeiks and other movements. Xcwr blow into the watch, key it it happens to be stopped with dirt. Clean it out with a pin or something similar. Clean out your watch pocket, icgi.ilarly once a. week, or the dv.sl which collects there may get into the works.

I 'Hie Afornington Scouts had a good j* parade on November 13. '['here was I a full band practice, and the new tunes were played. The-second class Scouts were instructed in Mois-e signalling cud ainbulauc.o. They weie also instructed m stretcher drill". Some, recruits passed their tenderfoot tests, and some tenderfoot Scouts passed their signalling test for the second class badge. They were also instructed in semaphore signalling under the scoutmasters. The cricket match which was played dining the afternoon ended in a draw.