SCOUTCRAFT

Evening Star, Issue 16279, 23 November 1916, Page 10

SCOUTCRAFT

[By Leader.] Reports of meetings and parades, items of interest, or questions should he addressed to “Leader,” cjo Y.M.G.A., Dunedin, before 5.30 on Monday of each week. The Momingion Troops haul very successful parades last week. On Saturday afternoon a most inter* sting game of flao- raidin'was held. Honors were easily gained by the defenders, who thoroughly deserved praise for the cunning manner in which the flags were placed. After tea in the hut a game of rounders was partaken of before leaving for the usual parade at headquarters The evening parade was splendidly attended. Morse and semaphore signalling, sprained ankle, and stopping of bleeding from the bronchial artery formed the syllabus. The C.S.M. gave a lecture on the danger of drinking water from creeks when on the march or a day’s outing. A camp is to be held at Christmas, ard the written consent of parents has to be handed in on Saturday night. The officers are pleased to know that unsolicited reports of good turns done by several of the members have been sent in by outsiders. The following have qualified for proficiency badges: —Fireman’s—Leader H. Vealo, Scouts R. Pauli and C. Morris; marksman’s, Sergeant H. Borland; first-class, Leader S. Hobbs. The Ist Boslyn paraded as usual on Friday last. There was a fair attendance, and and discipline was good. Tests in the Kim game, signalling, and Scouts’ pace were given. The St. John’s Troop held a successful parado last Friday, when there was a good attendance. Tlie Raveusboume Troop met a.s usual on Friday last. The best part of the evening was spent in decorating and arranging the, hall for Saturday’s concert. Ou Saturday the Scouts assisted at the sale and distribution of fish, the proceeds being devoted to sending tobacco to the local boys at the front. All are looking forward loathe. weekend camp, which is to be held from December 1 to 4. Last Tuesday fortnight the Y.M.G.A. Troops welcomed ns Scoutmaster Mr Kastnusaou, late of Balclutha. Close on CO boys attended the parade. During the evening the D.C. addressed the boys, and m-ged them to be true Scouts and to be loyal to their troop and obedient to their officers. He welcomed Scoutmaster Easrausson, and stated that Mr Drew would in future be known not only as chaplain, but also as Assistant Scoutmaster. On the, following Saturday afternoon the troops had a splendid outing, and on the next Tuesday evening Scoutmaster Rasmusson reorganised the work and settled down on a business basis. At the close of the evening several Scouts were put through their tests, and a loaders' training class was held. The St. Clair Congregational Boy Scouts met as usual on Wednesday evening, and it was most gratifying to the officers of the troop to seo such a large attendance and the interest evinced in the routine work-by the boys engaged. They ore looking forward

to the visit of the District Commissioner and Commander, and hope to have the work well up to the mark for that occasion. The date ot that visit has been fixed for November The St. Clair Presbyterian Troop held their closing meeting on Friday. The District Commander, the District Commissioner (Major Fleming), and Sergeant-major Pryde, who bos consented to act as Scoutmaster next year, were present. The meeting took the form of a social evening, and after the tea was over the officers present gave speches. When the speaking was finished cheers were given for Mrs JJrugh and Mrs Douglas (who looked 1 after the tea), Scoutmaster Holdexness, Major Fleming, and Ser-geant-major Pryde. The Anderson Day Troop paraded in good numbers last Friday. The work of the evening Was semaphore signalling till 7.45, then the troop were taken outside and put through some drill movements and marching by the Scoutmaster. The Babhttha Troop met as usual in St. Mark’s Hall on Wednesday evening, the 16th, with an attendance of 40 boys. During the evening speeches were delivered and sundry arrangements mada for the camp, which is to be held the week after New Year. Dunedin West-Central Nos. 3 and 4 Troops met as usual in the Dundas Street Hall, and considering the heavy rain and that some boys live a long distance away from the hall the attendance was good. The evening w-s almost entirely devoted to Morse signalling, the Scouts having the advantage of receiving instruction in this class of work from Mr S. Carey. After the instructor had demonstrated the way to hold and use the flag most of the boys in turn wore given the chance of shoeing what they had learned. On Saturday the West Central Troop marched to Fraser’s Gully. The attendance at this parade was disappointing, some patrols having one representative only, and none being up to full strength. The parade was held for the purpose of discovering by competition which patrol or patrols should shortly compete with the one at present holding the cup. The work set includes Scout law, signs, knots, and salute for the tenderfeet, ambulance theory and practical), signalling for the second-class Scouts, and marching for each patrol. Scoutmaster M‘Coll, Sergeants Rolfc, Bnmey, and Wilkinson gave valuable assistance to Scon! master King in the work of examining and judging. The result of the competition will be announced at this week’s parade. The work of the patrols was up to a good standard, and altogether the afternoon proved both enjoyable and useful.