SCOUT NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 20614, 14 October 1930, Page 14

SCOUT NOTES

[By Gkbt Wonr.jl A sad bathing fatality at Blackpool, England, some months ago, in which six boys were drowned, should be a reminder and warning to all to observe very strictly the rules on the subject laid down for the guidance of Scouters. In tliis instance the accident would not have occurred to a Scout troop—that is, provided the rules were adhered to. There will, I hope, be much bathing during the camping season, and I would strongly urge Scouters to look up their rules and refresh their memories as to what are the right measures to take to prevent accidents, so that they will not have on their conscience the loss of a life through some slight error or forgetfulness on their part. I do not say that the rules as they stand make bathing absolutely foolproof, but Scouters have gratefully acknowledged that they have in _ many cases prevented “ regrettable incidents.” News from the t Falkland Islands shows that the movement there is going strong. The combined strength of the troop and pack is now approximately fifty, and the attendance at all meetings is practically 100 per cent. The finances are also on a good footing. The Falkland Islands Association has the distinction of being situated the furthest south of all associations in the Empire. The ambulance section of the first class tests has been arranged for Saturday evening next, at 7 o’clock, in the new district headquarters. Those who have not yet passed in the woodwork portion should take it along on that occasion. The report of the journey and map will then be all that is required to finish the test. It will be an advantage to the board if members will get these through as speedily as possible to enable the final results to be published at an early date. Entries for tho next examination close on Saturday, November 1, and the examination will start on November 29.

The Caversham Troop paraded on Friday. Signalling, map-making and ambulance work was carried on till 8 o’clock. Afterwards the patrols finished their corners’ decorations. A court of honour was held.

The St. Andrew’s Troop paraded on Friday , night at its hall in Carroll street. ' After inspection and a clean-up of patrol corners the troop settled down to work. The Senior Scouts did advanced semaphore and pioneering, while the remainder, except tenderfoots, busied themselves with elementary signalling. Three tenderfoots were examined by A.S.M. Stevens, and after “ Secure ” the troop practised the dominion haka. S.M. Cameron then spoke a few words to the troop. . The weekly parade of the St. Clair Troop was held at the Eresbyterian Church Hall on Friday night last. The* ambulance and signalling patrols went to their corners, the play was rehearsed, and the remainder did general Scouting work. Then Scouter Downs and P.L. Faulks showed some of the Scouts how to back splice, and after roll call and inspection the troop was dismissed. A meeting of the court of honour was held to discuss several important business matters. On Wednesday last twenty-nine boys were present at the parade of the Roslyn Panther Pack. After flag-up and inspection the Cubs had a sing-song in the den. The C.M.s then gave general instructions in star work. Following the playing of a few games Stuart Scott was presented with nis first star, and lan Scott, W. Meek, D. Ferguson. L. Myers, and C. Boyd were presented with their artist’s badge. D. Napier, who was unable to attend the parade, has also passed. Part of Kipling’s ‘ Jungle Book ’ was read to the Cubs before the close of the parade. There was a good attendance of Cubs on parade at the North Dunedin Pack on Friday evening last in the George Street School Hall. The grand howl was run through, followed by the collecting of subscriptions and inspection. After a short practice of the canoe haka a new game was played, and was thoroughly enjoyed by those ‘ taking part. The work for the evening consisted of first star, second star, and proficiency badge work, Second Tuckwell being successful in gaining his first star. Later games commenced, and these lasted until 8.20, when the weekly story was told by one of the Cubs. On Saturday the Sixers and Seconds spent the afternoon at Leith Yalley, where a food afternoon’s work was done, ‘arents and friends are reminded of the social evening to be held on Thursday.

There was a good attendance of Ocean Beach Scouts at headquarters on Saturday evening, Commissioner Martin being present. Mr Hanson gave instruction in ambulance to the Moreporks, while the Assistant Scouter instructed the signalling patrol (the Bulldogs) in semaphore and Morse. The remaining patrols carried on with various work under the supervision of the Scouter. The rolls were marked and subscriptions collected. The annual meeting of the Ocean Beach Boy Scouts and Wolf Cub Pack Parents’ Committee was held in the Scout Hall, St. Hilda, Mr W. P.ullar being in the chair. There were thirtyfive keenly-interested members present to deceive the annual report and balancesheet. The chairman, in congratulating the parents on the splendid state of the Ocean Beach Troop, both financially and otherwise, pointed out that the activities of the committee had resulted in a total of over £166 being received for the year, while the expenditure, though heavy, disclosed a credit balance of close on £37. While additions to the existing building, new Scout equipment, and maintenance constituted the heaviest part of the expenditure, the committee had also made substantial donations to other wortl'f objects. Qn the whole, stated the chairman, the year had been a most successful one, and the value of Scout property now under the committee’s control must be close on £I,OOO. The reports of Scouter M'Callum, Cuhbers Watt and Livingstone, and Rover Leader Newman, showing the progress and activities of the various troops of boys, were the subject of much congratulatory discussion by the parents. The chairman, in thanking all officers and assistants for their services during the year, referred to the promotion of Scouter M'Callum and Cubber Watt to the headquarters’ staff. The election of officers for the incoming year concluded the business of the evening. The principal officers elected were:— Mr E. H. Lough, patron of troop; Mr Beattie (Mayor of St. Hilda), president of troop; Rev. Scott Allan, troop chaplain. Mr W. Pullar was re-elected chairman of the Troop Committee, and Mr J. D. Todd vice-chairman. Mr J. R. Loraine was appointed secretary and treasurer. Mr G. Glue, the retiring secretary, did not seek re-election owing to pressure of business, and was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for past services.