SCOUT NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 17920, 16 March 1922, Page 9

SCOUT NOTES

[By Kiwi.]

4U communications to be addressed to " Kitvi," ‘Star’ Office, before .{.SO p.n. Mondays.

There is little doubt that “ Scouting for Boys ” will always be looked upoi ns one of the most remarkable ant virile movements of the century. The numerous occupations of a Boy Scout, such as trekking, camping, ambulance work, signalling, etc., are known to the general public, as is also the system of badges for profiicicncy in a hundred and one branches of useful knowledge. These badges are granted to' Scouts who satisfy official examiners iu t!b.o various subjects, and are allowed to be worn by all Scouts who have attained first and second class rank. It is a Boy Scout’s ambition to gain as many badges as possible, and no 'doubt, the general knowledge ho acquires will prove very useful to him in after life. In his quest for badges ho is sure to come across some subject or subjects which afford him particular interest and enjoyment in their study. _ This being so, ho may have a rlosiro to dip more deeply into these subjects. The badge system has frequently helped a boy to decide on his future occupation in lifo or the choice of a useful or instructive hobby. A badge that lias not been given any attention in the past is the philatelist’s badge. The groat educational advantages gained by intelligent stamp collecting on right lines is Unquestionable. The average hoy lias little natural taste for geography, and if the subject has to bo studied the first tiling to do is to awaken that taste. A most efficient awakencr, I am convinced, is an intelligent system' of postage stamp collecting. Very few young beginners get any guidance whatever as to how to collect, care for, or probably mount thoir stamps, a.nd within a comparatively short time they abandon the pursuit, never having understood the real interest and fascination of intelligent collecting. A gentleman, who is a member of the Philatelists’ Society, has kindly consented to act as examiner for this badge, and will ho only too pleased to meets those boys who are interested, and give them the benefit of his knowledge and advise them as to the correct methods, etc., of stamp collecting. King George V. is a most enthusiastic collector, and is patron of the Royal Philatelic Society, of which the Chief Scout of Wales, 11.R.11. the Prince of Wales, is lion, president. His Majesty has one of the finest collections in the. world, and takes a deep persona! interest in it. Although not quite up to the usual standard, the muster of tho Ocean Beach Troop on Wednesday, tho sth inst., was nevertheless an exceedingly good one. Tho Scoutmaster instructed those Scouts who wished to qualify for their second-class badge. While tho second-class instruction was progressing tho n.c.o.s, under the troop leader, practised tho tests for tho ambulance badge. After tho work wag concluded tho S.M. presented Second Black with tho swimmer’s and tho troop leader with swimmer’s, cyclist’s, and bugler’s badges. At the conclusion of tho presentations tho Scoutmaster gave a short address an ‘ Badges.’ Tho troop was dismissed at 9 o’clock. Hie Court of Honor held a meeting after parade. Owing to evening classes Leader Iladfield resigned tho position of secretary, Second W. Shepherd being unanimously elected to fill the vacancy. The other business transacted was in connection with tho Easter camp and second-class test. On Saturday some .members of tho troop were engaged in shifting a new cupboard into headquarters. A new lad has been admitted on a. month’s probation, Leader Hadfield is now a Lono Scout, and Lono Scout M‘Galium has now found time to undertake the leadership of tho Kiwis. Tho Scoutmaster, troop leader, and Leader V. Watt have qualified for thoir pathfinder’s badge. Tho troop loader has now become a King’s Scout. First-class test work is engaging the attention of tho majority of the members of tho lUornington Troop now. On Friday last the judging of measurements and the speeding up of tho semaphore signalling were the subjects dealt with, tho former being especially good. Second-class test work had to ho taken by a few, and tenderfoot tests by about three, who are to sit for examination next parade night. A now ■member was enrolled. Tho baud, under their instructor, put in a splendid practice after parade. Tho patrols aro to bo reorganised this week, whoa every member is expected to bo on parade. The library should ho opened very shortly now. On Saturday a most enjoyable parade was hcM, tho timo being spent most pleasantly in signalling, pioneering, cooking, and games. Scout Hayes passed the tenderfoot test, and was duly sworn in.

Tho St. Clair Presbyterian Troop is doing good work ibis session. Mr Miller is being ably assisted by Assistant Scoutmator Agnow. Troop Leader Duckworth is also rendering able assistance. These olliccrw are busy training tiro members in general .scoutcraft. Another willing worker ;s Air sDutbic. who specialises in marie- ■ ;;m • ship. Tho lads are very keen to become thoroughly conversant m ibo care and 'handling of a, rifle, as well as becoming good shots. Scoutmaster Garden reports Last week’s parade of the Ist Koslya Troop the most satisfactory rurnont- for > a very long time. An old system of instruction has been revived, with excellent results. The instructors for tho evening were Mr ,1. Hay, first aid; Air I!. Dawson, self-defence; • A.S.M. Smith, semaphore: and SAT. Garden, troop drill. Mr A. Chadwick also onlightened tho troys as to tho moaning of “ Philately,” for proficiency in which subject a badge is now issued by Headquarters. Tho work' part over, everybody gathered around while Scout yarns were told, and them was general relaxation and amusement lor half an .hour. Tho Court of Honor met after parade,, hut there was not a great deal of business to discuss. A lew' ll members marched to Tiagstafl on mturdny afternoon, and _a good time was spent in the open air. Tho lug majority of last year’s boys .are still with the troop, and the Scoutmaster has written to three Scouts who. for various reasons, have not yet “ reported for duty.” However, most of tne hill hoys are familiar with the meaning of the well-known saying, “ Once a Scout, always a Scour.”