SCOUTCRAFT

Evening Star, Issue 16224, 20 September 1916, Page 2

SCOUTCRAFT

[By Leadee.] "Reports of meetings and parades, items of interest, or questions should be addressed to "Leader," c]o Y.M.C.A Duncdin, before 5.30 on Monday of each week. The; Ist Roslyn Troop had a very small muster on .Friday last. A little talk on "chivalry" was given by the Scoutmaster. The members of the Lion and Fox patrols of tho.-Momington Troops, together with thoir officers, proceeded to the hut last Saturday afternoon, where good work was put in. The Foxes under tho S.M. continued the thatching whilst the Lions under the C. S.M. made a rifle range, which is absolutely safe. Iho brigade adjutant, who accompanied the patrols, complimented the members both as regards the solidity and good workmanship of tho hut and also of the range. In the evening there was a very good muster of the troops, when mors© and semaphore signalling, ambulance work and stretcher drill, square and diagonal lashings, and second-class revision work was the order of the syllabus. The C.S.M., on behalf of the troop, presented S.M. M'Callum with a ease of military hairbrushes as a token of goodwill. Mr M'Galium, who proceeds to Trenthani this week, is the fifth of the past and present officers ol this troop to join the colors. The special classes for the fireman's and ambulance badges arc making steady progress.

A special mooting of the St. Clair Presbyterian Boy Scouts was held last Tuesday to give a. send-off to Major Sandle, who is leaving Dunedin shortly for Wellington. Tea was provided by the ladies, and after that the sergeant-major, on behalf of tho Scouts, presented Major Sandlo with a cigarette ease and a pipe. The remaining part of the evening was spent in the playing of gamers. On Saturday last tho Woodhaugh Scouts assembled at tho Paper Mills, and from there sot- out to climb Flagstaff Kill. The weather was fine, and the outing much enjoyod. Snow lay in patches on the top, and the boys had both exercise and pleasure in snowballing one another as well as their Scoutmaster. The day's outing closed with a despatch run home. In the evening the troop met, and revised the second-class test work and a portion of the first-class. Two of the Scouts have already qualified for first-class in long-distance walking and report writing.

The St. John's bigger bovs spent their term holidays at their' huts at Silv.?i-streani. On Wednesday, the smaller boys, in charge of Mr Millon, spout the day at the camp, where nil had a- good time- in outdoor Seoutwork. The news of the arrival of tho visiting party was sent back by pigeon post. On. Friday the Scoutmaster gave a lecture on obedience and loyalty. The Balelntha Troop assembled in St. Mark's Hail on Wednesday evening the 13th inst., at 7 o'clock". The attendance was fair, 50 bovs being present. The leaders instructed ' their separate patrols in the Scout law. the Scout signs, ambulance, signallinoknotting, and stave drill until 5.20.' During the evening three new Scouts were enrolled, and Corporal C 4. Mitchell was promoted to leader.

C.S.M. Darracott informed me that he much appreciated the present given him by the officers. Owing to there being no vacancy for hi, n in the n.e.o=s of the 21st Reinforcements, he wnl not be leaving until next month. It is with regret that I have to record this week the departure of our Commissioner, Major Sandle, R.N.Z.A. who has been transferred to Wellington. It- is about four years since the major took office, and in that time he has endeared himself to all officers and Scouts. He has worked hard among us, and in addition to his duties as Commissioner, lie has acted as examiner for first-class, pioneer, marksnum, and pathfinders badges. His place 'will be hard to fill, but, like true Scouts, we must keep smiling and remember Lis advice.