SCOUT NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 17954, 27 April 1922, Page 11

SCOUT NOTES

[By Kiwi.] ■ All communications to be addressed to “ Kiwi,” ‘ Star ’ Office, .before SO p.m, Mondays. NEW TROOP AT MOSGIEL. Keen on getting a troop of Boy Scouts going in their district, some of tho Mosgiel boys have at Inst scoured a scoutmaster in the person of Mr W. MTheab. _ A meeting was called for Saturday evening, April: 22, when twenty-five boys assembled. District Scoutmaster" Holderness, Scoutmasters Garden and Giidgeman, Troopleader Jamieson, and Leader W. Shepherd, of the Dunedin district, attended the meeting. Tho D.S.M. took charge and explained very fully the object and aims of the brotherhood. Scoutmasters Garden and Gridgemaa also spoke. Everybody having signified Iris willingness to join, four patrols were formed and n.c.o.s chosen by tho boys themselves and appointed as leaders and seconds on probation as under; —

Bellbirds —Leader, W. Davidson; second, 11. Brown. Stags—Loader, R. Irvin; second, A. Smeatoh. . , Kiwis—Leader, I. Gaidar; second, G. Dodds. Tin’s—Loader, R. Sou ter; second, b. MTavish. Saturdays were chosen as parade nights, tho n.c.o.s to meet at 6.30, patrols at 7; troop scarves to bo green. On behalf of the Ocean Bench Troop, S.M.Gridgeman presented three pair of signalling flags ns a start towards the new troop's stores. Mr M'Pheat grateiully accepted, and on behalf of the new troop heartily thanked all officers for their assistance. There is every assurance that this troop will make good. Tho boys themselves wore very keen, orderly, and attentive, which augurs well, and in Mr M’Pheat the boys appear to have found one who will prove both an excellent scoutmaster and friend.

Tho First MoTnington Troops had fair musters on Friday last, signalling and scout games being the principal items of the evening. Tho library has taken on very strongly, and the savings bank continues to draw new accounts. The Wolf Cubs spent an interesting evening learning their knots. On Tuesday, Anzac Day, the troop paraded to St, Mary’s Church for the memorial service. The service was taken by the newly-appointed chaplain, the Rev. S. J. Cooper; tho lessons were read by the D.S.M.; and the 'Last Dost ’ blown bv Second Patrol Leader Bugler L. M’Coll. Tho St. Clair Presbyterian Troop paraded in full force on Friday last. Physical instruction was given by Mr R. Glollancl, and a number of recruits were instructed in tenderfoot work. Since last report tho troop has been making headway in nil directions. Tho discipline is very good, and badges are being sought after.

The, First Rnslyn worked well on Friday night. The Easter treks have produced quite a number of very keen Scouts, who are anxious to make a name for themselves. Mr Chadwick presented twelve second-class badges and one thriftyman’s badge, which is an encouraging start for the new year. For the evening’s work Mr Hay in his competent style taught ambulance work to the first patrol, SAL Garden gave instruction in Morse signalling to the second, while the third patrol listened to a, tall: on ‘ Deduction ’ by SAL Smith. Scout R. G!asson had been promoted from the juniors for good behaviour during Easter treks. Scout Dave Smith is now in charge of the juniors, who are few in number but great in keenness. The SAT, will take three smart recruits for the senior troop if they apply immediately, as tho lime is fast approaching whim every Scout desirous of attending Dm dominion rally must make himself efficient. On Saturday two members accompanied the. D.S. to Mosgiel to assist in the formation of a. new troop in that town. There was a smart torn out- for church parade on Sunday, St. George’s Day. the troop marching to the Kaikorai ITesbyterian Church, where an Atizac commemoration service was held. Tho occasion was orm which will be long remembered by every Scout present. It is known that many old Scouts arc interested in the doings of their former troop, but keeping well in the background themselves. At the present time the movement is sadly in need of men who will act as instructors, avid yet wo sometimes hear folk say “the Scouts are not what they used to bo.” Ten years ago there were voluntary workers galore, and scouting prospered. To-day the paint has worn off. and a few are giving more of their time than, they can really spare. Are they to be the only monuments to the good old times and (ho- motto “Once a Scout alwavs a Scout”? Roslyri. at any rate, has an open door in its old members, and it is certain that the other troops keep one also. During Easter the Ocean Beach Troop spent a most enjoyable time camping at Evanwlnlc. On Thursday, tho loth inst., two pioneers left town to have camp ready for the arrival of the troop on Friday * morning. Good Friday was a long time coming, but at length it arrived, and 10.50 a.rn. saw seventeen Scouts at Evansdale station. The first morning was spent in collecting firewood; almost enough being gathered In last- throughout the camp. Most of tho mornings were devoted lo Scout work, ami the afternoons to the ever-popnlar game of fjitball. The religious side of the camp, though not stressed, was also not rewleeted.‘ At each meal tb-e orderly loader said grace, and at night before, retiring all the troop recited the Lord’s Braver and the Scout promise. Much amusement, was caused af the coronation of lim “new chums” at camping. Scout J. Wei" won the- scoutmaster’s prize for best boy in camp, with Scout E. Mai'slon a close second. The (hanks of nil the troop arc duo to Scoutmaster Gridgeman for running one of the most successful camps tho troop has held. Camp was struck at 6 o’clock on Monday evening. (he 17th inst. On Wednesday, the 19th inst,. the troop bad an excellent mn=ter. Tho first part of Die, evening was spent In recalling incidents which happened three or four years ago, so that they might find a place in the troop record book. After this retrospect tho secondclass (wonts underwent a short exorcise in semaphore receiving. Undoubtedly the best receivers were Seconds Watt and Shepherd and Scouts Rennie and Hadfiold. Before “Dismiss” the editor (Te-adcr Watt) read the ‘Times’ of the Easter camp,, much merriment being rawed at the expense of some n.c.o.s. After dismissal the Court of Honor met. The camp balance-sheet was passed and arrangements were made for. Anzac Day parade and concert rehearsals. Gone Home. —Scoutmaster the Rev. Andrew Gray, of Dio Rrvcusbonruo Troop, entered into rest on Sunday. April 23, after an iilnwc- lasting twelve months. Fe was keenly interested in work amongst boys, and his example of true manliness will always be remembered by past and present members of flic Ravotishourr.e Troop of Bov r<*outs. To Airs Gray tho sympathy of all Scouts is extended.

' Military Exemption for Scout Officers.— It is with great pleasure that I announce tile pmntinir by I lie Defence Department of a valuable concession In tile Day Scouts’ AsswfMion in this dominion. Tiio follow■ ing letter, dated March 30, 1923, Ims been received by the Chief Commissioner, Can tain ('nsstrrovs. from General Headquarters. A.Z. Military Forces, Wellington : Re jeontmasteio and assistant scoutmasters. esemntion from military training.—■ Referring to your letter dated March 25'. I have to advise that the points raised by you have been, considered, and tho following instructions issued to commands “ Scoutmasters and assistant scoutmasters of the Roy Scouts’ Association may be exempted from military training provided a certificate is furnished by tho Chief Commissioner tc the effect that such trainee is rendering eiilcieui service ns a, scoutmaster or assistant scoul,master. This certificate is to bo submitted to the staff officer in charge of the regimental district by the trainee claiming exemption from,'military training in nouordnnco with tho nbovo. Total exemption will bo granted only on the condition that trainees do three yemrs’ service as acoutoastera m

assistant scoutmasters; should they not complete three years’ efficient service as such they may bo required to carry out the whole of their military training in such manner as rnav be ordered.”

Scout Headquarters’ Instructions on the Above.—(l) Scout officers desiring to take advantage of the foregoing concession will furnish through their local association and provincial commissioner an application stating full name and address, name of Territorial unit, military rank, length of military sendee, date of birth, Scout rank, date of first Scout commission, name of Scout troop, length of Scout sendee. (2) The application must Ire accompanied by a certificate to the following effect:—* “ I (full name.) hereby apply for exemption from military training. I undertake io serve for a period of at least throe years in the Boy Scouts’ Association, Now Zealand, in the rank of assistant scoutmaster or scoutmaster, or such higher rank to which I may bo promoted, and that I will do my best to render efficient service to the satisfaction of the Dominion Chief Scout Commissioner during that period. I understand that failure to ron. der efficient service in the Boy Scouts’ Association during tho period stated' will render mo liable to having my scout com tmission cancelled-; in which case I may bo required to cany out the whole of my military training in such a manner as may bo ordered ny my mktary superiors.” (To ho signed, witnessed, and dated.) (5) This concession will not bo available to a Scout officer unices or until he has been examined in and passed the tenderfoot, second-class, and first-class tests by a district scoutmaster or other officer appointed by tho Chief Commissioner.