SCOUT NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 17192, 6 November 1919, Page 7

SCOUT NOTES

' [By Kiwi.l

AH communications. to be addrissed t6 "Kiwi," 'Star* Office, before p.m. > . Mondays.

A full meeting of the execntrvw was held at the Y.M.O.A. Booms on Tuesday. The signalling competition has been definitely fixed for Saturday, November 16, competing teams to parade at the Asylum Ground at 2.30. The tests will be given and supervised by Sargoant-major Colbert, W.O. Only four teams have entered for each _ competition, which Is a little disappointing. A close finish is expected. -The nest competition tor the silk flag has been fixed for Thursday. Becemlber 4, at the Y.M.C.A. baths, when a swimming tournament will.b* held. It was decided to charge a small fe« for spectators, to cover the expense*. The First Rradyn Pack of Bullpups had. an excellent master on Friday night. After roll call six new members were enrolled. Most of the »vening was given to drill and marching, followed by a few games. The pack were dismissed*at 8.30. Morningtoo (the D.o.'« Own) Troop had a very good master on Friday night. After the fall In the O.C. announced that Leader Ashby and Corporals Ramsden and Balharry had qualified for their "pathfinder's" badge, and that Corporal Ramsden, by gaining this badge, was now entitled to the King Scout badge, being the first in the present troop to do so. The announcement was greeted with hearty cheers for the corporal. The O.C. also intimated his pleasure at the turn-out and discipline of th* troop on the holiday. One lad called for three hearty cheers *or the_ scoutmaster ior taking them oat, which were given with hearty goodwill. Three lads < had a shot to pass their second class test in signalling, but failed., as each had more than three errors in reading. -First class work received attention—viz., map signs, semaphore for speed, and a talk on what a Scout must practise at home for this test. Tenderfoot work and second class work were also dealt with. While the buglers and drummers ware practising the troop indulged in a game of " Simon Says." Two new memibers were added to the roll. Bugler H. Allen and Scout R.- Allen have both qualified for their first class badges. On Saturday the wind was too (boisterous for an outing, but the troop's competition team had a good practice. The following pxomotione are announced:—Leader L. Ashby, of the Raven Patrol, to be No. 1 Troop" sergeant Corporal W. Ramsden, K.S., to be leader; and Bugler H. Allen to be temporary corporal of the Ravens. An investiture and presentation of badges will take place next parade night. The parents have been usked to attend. The Dunedin West Central had an excellent parade last Thursday. Two new members were enrolled. The night being bright moonlight, night scouting was indulged in, and thoroughly enjoyed. , The Y.M.C.A. City Troops had about 60 on parade on Tuesday, October 28. Ambulance, tenderfoot, second class, .and physical exercises were the chief features of the evening's work, the Scouts tackling their duties with determination. The troop are going to put up a hard fight for the silk flag for the best all-round troop, and with this end in view the signalling team are practising hard. The third troop.is now under way, and the troop members are working hard; A camp may be held at Christmas time.

The First Roslyn Troop had a- strong muster on Friday night. The former part of the evening took the form of a lecture by the scoutmaster, after which several badges were presented. At 7.45 the leaders took charge of their patrols. The Bellbirds practised ambulance and second class -work; the Hawks, under Sergeantmajor Simpson, studied camp sanitation, which they are all to gain the badge for; the Robins, Lions, and Tigers practised general scout-craft and badge wort During the evening the O.C. caught several napping on the Scout law. Every lad must keep, his law fresh in his memory if lie wishes to be a first-class Scout in deed as well as in badge. Tho patrol calls were also practised, in anticipation of the D.C.'s next visit. Three new members were enrolled. After work was finished the game of "Simon Says" was taken part in. No. 1 on the right, so used to obeying orders, forgot that Simon had not said " Number," and started off "One" a3 soon as the catch order "Number" was given. The game always causes amusement, e'specially to any ladies who happen to be present. Scout A. Holden proved the winner. Senior Sergeant Beatb has now qualified for his King's badge, and received a good rally from the troop. Who will be next? The following badges have also been won: —Tenderfoot, Scout Johnston; second class, Scouts W. Hay and L. Reid. A visit was recently received from Scoutmasters L. Rassmussen and H. Gore, who were cordially welcomed by the O.C. The Commissioner inspected the Palmorsten South Troop on October 28. The troop are 37 rtrong, and are under the care of tho Rev. Mr Streets, an enthusiast in tho work. The Scouts aie keen, and for a young troop made a creditable showing on this their first inspection. It is hoped that tho residents of the town and district will rally round the tToop and give the S.M. the support he deserves. Mr Streete cannot be expected to devote all the time he would like to give in running the troop, and tho help of some young men -who are sympathetic to the movement and. are willing and able to spend their timo and talents in helping to make these Soout« good citizens would be appreciated. The ■vxmunissioner expressed his appreciation to the S.M." for t.he satisfactory results so far attained, and hoped that the members would do their utmost to make the troop on© of the best in tho Otago district. Patrol names: Robin Patrol. Call, "Cheep, cheep." Colors, pnrpte and white. The native robin is a bird we rarely see now, but yet he is one whose life one would fain prolong, for he is among the most interesting of our feathered frinds. The last ones I saw were a pair at Eastertime, three years ago. over the Silver Peaks, and though we have often visited the district eince, only once has one of thorn been observed' I am just afraid.that a rat that occupies Powell s Hut in our absence has banished •them, for they were nesting not far up the gully. They were most engaging birds coming quite close in search of crumbs which we threw to them, and, while we save oeen dining undar the «siade of the trees outside, they have flown right inside the door of ino hut. Though in shape fki ™ vement •? om . ethin » Ik* a tomtit, they aTe several times larger, and not f h7fl f^l of &*? and frown being ScSntatftS S acorns ot, the robin psttroi wiß find a oter Bird? £ >*»*"?«* boof S\ s \ H Smith, a lending Department bL ° Llbraly '

_ The fallowing appeared in our first edition yesterday :