SCOUT NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 17959, 4 May 1922, Page 2

SCOUT NOTES

[By Kiwi.] All communications to be addressed to “Kiwi,” ‘Star’ Office, before J/.SO f.mMondayg. Tho first annual meeting of tho local association (a report of which appeared in last ' Friday’s issue of this paper) was splendidly attended by parents and examiners, besides Scoutmasters. A keen interest was taken by all in the proceedings, and we have no doubt whatever that tho good work of the movement is being more appreciated. A strong executive has boon formed, tho members of which will leave no stone unturned to make, tho coming year one of progress, both in growth and interest. Tho mayor has offered a prize to the value of two guineas for competition amongst the various troops details of which are to be worked out by the executive. At tho closo of the meeting a very hearty vote of thanks was .accorded the Press for its unfailing loyalty and help at all limes to the movement. The Ocean Beach Troop has now formed a small bugle band, which hold a short practice on Monday, tho 24th nit. On Tuesday (Anzac Day) tho troop attended the services at tho .Musselburgh School and Presbyterian Church, nineteen Scouts being on parade. Tho service at the school, though short, was inspiring, and after the wreaths had been placed on tho honor roil tho troop leader sounded tho ‘Last Post.’ When the service concluded tho Scouts headed the senior scholars to the church. Considering that it was the band’s first appearance, its playing while on the inarch was very satisfactory. Tho ‘Last Post’ was again sounded by the bugler at the conclusion of the service in the church, and tho troop dismissed. On Wednesday, tho 26th nit., tho troop held its weekly meeting, a full parade being the result. Two new members were enrolled by tho “Sings,” who now have a full patrol. Both tho Bulldogs and the Kiwis have vacancies for a now recruit. Scout Sherwood was given charge o fthe recruits to instruct them in the (underfoot. All of that class managed to pass (ho knots. Scout MacPhevson qualified for his buttonhole badge. Cooking was tho subject dealt with by the second-class Scouts, who were instructed by the .Scoutmaster. Tho secondclass trainees were taken charge of by (ho U'O'.p leader, and in a subsequent examination Scout S tiffins passed in signalling and pace, fx-outa Marston and Macl'herson in pace, and Scout Perrin in observation and pace. Scout Marston won a prize presented by the Scoutmaster for discipline. The court of honor met alter parade. Un Friday the bugle band had a practice. On Saturday tho patrols sold firewood again, almost, a. pound being realised. Scout Rteffins and Second Shepherd have been awarded tho swimmers' and the troop leader tho thrifty man’s badge and bronze kuri medal. Tho troop thoroughly appreciates the kindness shown by Mr Jewell during their Easter camp at Evansdale. Other troops wishing to camp should give Evansdale. a. visit. The newly-formed Mosgiel Troop had a splendid meeting on Saturday last, forty boys being on parade. Scoutmaster Uridgeman, of the Ocean Beach Troop, Dunedin, attended to render .Scoutmaster M’Phoat assistance. The. local hoys were divided into sections of five, and instruction in the tenderfoot test carried out for about an hour and a-half. More than half the boys mastered at least one. of tho tests. After work games were indulged in. the favorite being “buck back.” The troop was dismissed at 9 o’clock, Tho St. Clair Presbyterian Troop paraded in good numbers on Friday night, an instructive evening being spent. The troop is fortunate in having the services of Major Fergnssnn for instruction in signalling and Mr R. Glellaml for “physical jerks.” At the close of the parade the Scouts indulged in a game, while the n.c.o.s conferred with the A.S.M. on topics relating to the advancement of tho troop. On Anzac Day tho troop paraded to tho church service, under S.M. H. Goro, who consented to take charge. The discipline was all that could bo desired.

The First Roslyn Troop kept to the usual routine last week. There is a great deal of Imrd work to be put through this winter, but it is hoped that the result will be a very efficient troop by the end of tho year. Scout R. Graham, a very keen member, will in future be attached as a Lono Scout, owing to business duties preventing Iris regularity on parade. Messrs Hay and Chadwick had interested listeners in ambulance and camp sanitation work. Tho Scoutmaster notes with satisfaction the increased interest taken by parents in their boys’ Scout work. The Troop Committee is very active, and thus of great assistance to the officers in their work. On Saturday a number of Scouts were nt the residence of Mr Ives undergoing 'examination for the cooks’ badge. Mr Ives is a, Scout enthusiast, and goes to great pains in teaching the hoys the wonders and tricks of outdoor cookery. All n.c.o.s are reminded that tho court of honor will meet at, 7 p.m. sharp on Fridays, in order that tho troop may obtain the full benefit of the short time allowed for Scoutcraft.

The Mnrningion Troops had parades last Friday evening, good work being accomplished. Loader L. King instructed tho nly recruit in ihe. tenderfoot work, (ho tests to ho carried out, next parade. Five members who had earned their buttonhole badge last week were sworn in. Second-class Scouts received instruction in conventional signs and judgments. First-class n.c.o.s, Loader Allen, and Second IT. King being the instructors. Those for second class were taken in hand by tho O.G. Troop Semaphore signalling, both reading and sending in the first two rounds, was thoroughly dealt with, followed by an interesting chat upon the other tests required before a badge can he gained, The band held a short practice after parade. Tho court of honor is to hold a meeting after next, parade, when matters of importance will he dealt with. N.c.o.s and Scouts must ho regular on parade, as a forward stop will only bo accomplished by every one pulling strongly together. The Wolf Cubs have made a start in the tenderpad examination tests; these wilt he continued next parade night. Two new recruits were enrolled.

Tho First Roslyn Peace Scouts had twenty-eight on parade Inst Friday, Sergeant Glendiiiing instructed in drill, which was followed by ambulance and signalling work.

The First East Taicri Troop of Girl Peace Scouts continue to hold their weekly parades in the Pdccarlon Hall every Friday. The attendance lias been good, with the welcome addition of two recruits. The work accomplished has been both beneficial and interesting. Some_ now _ Scout games havo been introduced, in which all can join at the conclusion of the evening’s work. Mr Miller at a recent meeting paid tribute to the instruction received by the girls, and urged them to keep on working, so that, should occasion arise, they would “Bo Prepared.” The Scoutmistress would hire it understood that parents arc always welcome in anv of their meetings. Tho troop observed Anznc Day by placing a wreath on the Kaikorai School memorial arch in memory of the, fatten, and also as a mark of respect to Bcoutniistress Waddell, whose two brothers’ names are inscribed on the school roll of honor. One of the badges essential to become a first-class scout is tho cook’s badge. Seven girls came forward for tho test. The weather was most unfavorable, bub nothing daunted, they found a sheltered place. The work occupied several hours, and towards evening it was a pretty sight to see the girls in their khaki uniforms round the ninny fires Watching tho result. Mr Ives has announced that ho was pleased. The following girls have since been presented with their badges Sergeant Margaret Allan, Corporal Elizabeth Miller, and Scouts Emma Allan, Kathleen Williams, Margaret Millar, Emily Joyce, and Rebecca Joyce. Tho following Saturday Mr Hay, ambulance instructor of the Roslyn Troop, paid a visit to East Taicri, when some good work was clone. Tho Scoutmistress appreciates the kindness of all who so willingly give their services to help her in the work. Tho results of the Towuead Nursing Shield were as follow; —St. John’s, Rangiora (Miss Wiltshire), 403; St. Andrew's No. 2, Auckland (Miss M. 1 Bupgin), 385; Spreycloi}, Cluiftchiu'ch,

(Miss Cnrnie), 377; Sydenham, Christchurch (Mrs Ordering), 575; First East Taieri, Otago (Mrs Waddell), 359; First Roslyn Troop, Dunedin (Miss M. Taylor), 555; St. Andrew’s No. 1, Auckland (Miss M. Burgin), 552; St. Michael I ’.?, Christchurch (Miss M. NT Ollivor), 347.