SCOUT NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 22084, 18 July 1935, Page 14

SCOUT NOTES

[By Gkbt Wolf.] In view of the forthcoming hobbies exhibition it would be a sound idea if some of the boys were to prepare some work which could also be used to enable them to qualify lor some of the special proficiency badges. It is proposed each week to give particulars of the requirements of some of these badges. “ ARTISTS.” Scouts.—The examiner for this badge is Mr C. Barnett, Fraser’s Buildings, Stuart street, who is at any time only too pleased to judge tho work of the Scouts and to give them the benefit of his helpful advice. A Scout,- to gain this badge, must show that he takes some interest, lias practised, and gained proficiency in some form of one of the following:—(I) Graphic art—drawing, painting, etching, woodcuts, etc.; (2) decorative work—designing for wall papers, posters, book jackets, stained glass, wrought iron, etc. ; (3) plastic art—modelling, pottery, etc.; (4) carving—wood, stone, etc. In no case is tho work to be a copy, and he must be prepared to state on his honour that the work is entirely by his own hand. Cubs.—The examiner for this badge is generally arranged for by the committee of each group, as there is generally some one who is interested enough to undertake to look after this badge. (1) The Cub must copy, in pen and ink or pencil, a drawing of an animal or human being or still life. (2) Draw with pencil, brush, pen, or crayon an illustration of any incident or character in a short story, or an Incident in history (size not less than 7in by Sin); or draw from nature a landscape or still life group.

TROOP AND PACK REPORTS. Ist Dunedin, Roslyn Troop.—The Scouts had an interesting trip to the Observatory at Robin Hood, as the guests of Mr Anderson, last Friday, and quito a lot of information about Jupiter and the moon was gained. At a quarter to nine the Scouts, under A.S.M. Butler, gave three cheers for Mr Anderson, and then doubled back to the hall at Scout pace, where G.S.M. Thomas and Scouter Allan had prepared supper of pies, potatoes, and cocoa. The troop was also visited by various members of the committee and Commissioner Cottrell and D.S.M. MTndoe. Roslyn Panther Pack meets every Thursday at 7 p.m. There are now 20 boys parading under A.C.M. Broad, and although just at present attendances are not up to scratch, some of the Cubs are very keen, eight of them giving up their Saturday afternoons and meeting at the residence of Mr Dickison to prepare work for the hobbies exhibition. The junior pack welcomed another new recruit, John Tuck, and there are still spaces for some more littlo wolves. Robin Black was presented with his tenderpad badges, and Richard MTlroy was successful in passing his test and will receive his badges at next parade. 2nd Dunedin, Mornington.—This troop paraded in the Scout Hall on Friday, a fair muster being present. The evening opened with a vigorous game of swing ball followed by roll call and inspection. A semaphore game was then played until A.S.M. Rodgers took over and instructed the troop on the use and how to sharpen an axe. After an exciting game of British bulldog the troop filed into the committee room, where a fire was blazing. After settling down comfortably A.S.M. M‘Laren told the troop a very interesting story of the early goldmiuing days in Otago. The “ Chinese Depot ” mentioned in tbo story consists of a shack somewhere around the hills of Dunedin. The “ Depot ” has now been presented to the Mornington Troop by its present owner. The troop proposes to turn out on Saturday afternoon to spring clean the shack and take possession. 4th North Dunedin Pack paraded under A.C.M. Payton. After inspection the Cubs fell into their various .corners for work. Games were played to warm up, this being always a popular part of the Cub meetings, then with a final rendering of the grand howl the Cubs crept out of the jungle for home.

14th Dunedin, St. Andrew’s As there was a committee meeting the Scouts had an hour in which to enjoy themselves, and had a warming game of hand soccer in which they were joined by visitors from Mornington. After inspection P.L. Parkinson led the troop in two hakas—namely, the Kamate and Tau Ka Tau—in view of the forthcoming birthday, A.S.M. Mitchell then spoke a few words about the hobbies exhibition, which is to be held shortly. A court of honour for P.L.s and seconds was held after dismissal, Sixteen Cubs answered, Akela’s call to the council rock on Friday. After the grand howl Sixer Huntly Skinner was presented with his second star and made pack leader. Three new Cubs were invested, Brian Drake, Richard Yarley, arid William Cuttle. Akela then gave the Cubs a talk. on the grand howl, how it originated and its meaning. First and second star work then followed. A talk on.the hobbies exhibition and the coming birthday celebrations were fully discussed.

13th Dunedin, North-east Valley.— The weekly meeting of the North-east Valley Troop began with a practise of the dominion haka. Following this three boys, under Scouter Still, passed their tenderfoot badge. Two patrols worked with P.L. Hastie, while the others, owing to the temporary absence of their P.L.s, had an interesting discussion with Scouter Lomas on the working of electric and cable cars. After inspection a game of knockout was played, and an interpatrol competitionwas staged in which patrols were told that there was a boy on a ledge nine feet from the top of a 200 ft cliff, supposedly, three miles from the troop hall, each patrol to effect a rescue. The Seagulls won with a total of 8 marks out of a possible 10, their marks being gained for such things as immediately sending for a doctor, taking rope and staves from hall, method of rescue and transport, and, finally, treatment of patient until arrival of doctor. A game of _ “ poison hat ” and the promise finished the evening. Practices were arranged for Saturday afternoon, first class estimation; Monday night, fireman’s badge; Tuesday night, boxing and wrestling. Passes during the week were:—Tenderfoot —B. Mears, 11. Taylor, and G. Winslade; first class axemanship—S. Agnew, H. Macdonald, G. Roberts, and K. Roberts; signalling, A. Cooper. 17th Dunedin, Knox Troop.—Nineteen Scouts answered the roll call on Friday, and were sorry to hear that Scout North was on the sick list. After inspection the patrol leaders took charge and carried out some second class work, after which the troop went

for a run around part of the Town Belt. The Jour patrol leaders sat for their first class signalling during the evening. In the banner competition the Kiwis are leading by one point, with the Stags and Owls equal for second place. A. court of honour mooting was held on Monday night, when troop matters were discussed and signalling practised. Next Friday it is hoped to have the Ravensbourne Troop for the evening. Five members of the hospital patrol were visited during the week and tenderfoot work given. Nineteen Cubs yelled their welcome to Akela on Friday, all being keen and eager in their jungle work. A game of scrag and several other games were played, followed by the grand howl and Lord’s Prayer.

27th Dunedin, Kensington.—At the last weekly parade a full muster

answered the roll call. A.S.M. Mitchell, of St. Andrew’s gave an interesting talk to the Scouts on “ Hobbies,” at the same time showing them several models which he has made. Model sailing ships were his speciality and he had no difficulty in keeping all the boys attentive and interested for over half an hour. The troop intends to have a hobbies night in the near future, and is very grateful to Scouter Mitchell for his talk, which was much enjoyed. The first few minutes of the parade were devoted to a quick revision of knots with the- addition of a new knot which the boys soon learnt. During the last half hour of the parade an interpatrol games competition was held, when eight games were played, the winning patrol in each game taking one point. Points were very even and at the end of the

competition it was found that the Kiwis and the Cuckoos had secured four points each so the deciding match will have to be played later. After games the troop dismissed with the Lord’s Prayer and the promise. Most of the troop wanted to try for Scout’s pace, so the opportunity was given them immediately after parade. Four boys were successful in gaining passes:—Leader S. Gaudin, Second T. Baird, Scouts A. Souter, and J. Stedman. Others were very close, but this is a test that requires »a good deal of practice before any consistency_ can bo achieved, and those who just missed on Monday will have another opportunity of securing their passes.