SCOUT NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 22274, 27 February 1936, Page 3

SCOUT NOTES

[By Giu't Wolf. J

BOY SCOUT Si'll i cL.MMVT IN NEW ZEALAND. (Lrora ‘ The Scouler.) Before coming to this country 1 had been Scoutmaster of a troop ac Crowborough, Sussex, since 1909. The war left me with a disability which made it imperative that 1 should get a change to a milder climate. Early in 1924 I decided to leave the Old Country before winter set in. There were then in my troop a number of lads who, although not exactly unemployed, had no prospect for the future. 1 found that many were anxious to emigrate, and the idea came to me to start a dairy farm in New Zealand. 1 found out all 1 could about the country, being much helped by I.H.Q. Then 1 gave out to the troop that I would take a patrol of eight with me, and quite a number applied to be included. After parents had been interviewed I selected eight good Scouts, keen on outdoor life, and certain to “ stick it.” I had much help in making arrangements from an old friend, S.M. Fox, of Buxted, who later came out to see us. We arrived here on November 1, 1924, landing at Wellington, where we were welcomed by New Zealand Boy Scouts am] entertained at tea by the president of the Victoria League. This league has helped us in many ways during the whole time we have been in this country. It sent us books and papers, and gave us the best advice as to what sort of land to take up, and when we had chosen a block of land it instructed its honorary solicitor to see that the titles were in order. The boys were all placed on farms with good people for six months, while I undertook to find a suitable block of land to make a farm in that time. After travelling around a good bit, and with the help of the league, 1 finallyselected virgin land about 800 acres. The farm is 122 miles south of Auckland and eight miles to the nearest town. Here I called the boys together, and then the fun began. It must be remembered that none of us had had any experience of fanning before we came out, except for a month we spent in camp on a dairy farm before we sailed. First we set to work to build, at Te Poi, Matamata, Auckland, at the loot of a range of glorious hills, a shack to live in. Then we bought horses and ploughed the laud, planted grass, etc. Next we bought cows, pigs, sheep, and all things that go to make a farm. Milking machines came the next year, when we had succeeded in getting the electric line to our new settlement. We made many mistakes, but we, became wiser with every one. For the first three years we did our own cooking and housekeeping. To-day, after 10 years, most of the farm is in good grass. We have 150 cows milking in two sheds. We breed and fatten about 250 pigs a year. We have built a really nice and comfortable homestead, tennis lawn, and vegetable and flower garden. The lads have grown up; all are men now. Three are married and settled on their own farms, mostly from money they earned on this one; another is about to do the same. We have experienced difficult times the last few years, but we have managed to keep free from debt, and it only wants an improvement in prices to see ns get the full benefit. It is a wonderful country for those who love outdoor life. The people are extremely hospitable. There is sport of all kinds and a great deal of camping. We live close to some hot springs, where one can swim in winter as well as in summer. We have recently had a, visit from our beloved chief. It has cheered us all to see him looking so fit and well. Scouting in New Zealand will get a great deal of help from his visit. In conclusion, I want to stress the fact that it is the Scout spirit and training that has made our venture the success .that it undoubtedly is. FOUNDERS’ DAY CHURCH PARADE. Quite a large number of Scouts and Wolf Cubs met at the Queen’s Gardens, and after inspection by their various officers the troops and packs proceeded to St. Paul’s Cathedral via Dowling and Princes streets, where they joined up with the Girl Guides and Brownies. After a short talk by the dean all troops and packs reaffirmed their promise. A verse of the National Anthem closed the service and all groups were dismissed in Stuart street. Headquarters were represented by Acting Metro. Com. A. Martin, Com. Wing, and District Com. Andrews, and the president of the Boy Scouts Association, Sir Percy Sargood.

TROOP REPORTS. Ist Dunedin (Roslyn) Troop had a busy time on Friday last. Owing to the unavoidable absence of Acting S.M. Glasson the parade was in the hands of ex-Scout Lilly, assisted by exScont Dick and the troop leader, J. Lyth. There were 15 Scouts on parade, and this number was increased to 19 after the going up ceremony. After inspection a number of Wolf Clubs, under the leadership of A.C.M. Jones, appeared on the edge of the jungle After a final grand howl with their pack Sixers P. Sconlar, R. Phillips, Derek Smith, and R. Bruce, and a final hand shake with their A.C.M., who wished them good hunting in their new sphere, they crossed the border into the Scout forest through an arch of Scout flags, and after being welcomed by their future companies they were placed in the care of their new patrol leaders. The next item -was one of work; the Buffaloes did pioneering, the Bellbirds ambulance, and the Stags signalling. An interlude of games, including relay races, blindfold boxing, and “ What is it?” caused much fun. Arrangements for the church parade were then gone into, and the parade closed with the promise. 2nd Dunedin (Morningtou) Troop. — Wet weather was mainly responsible for a rather meagre attendance last parade, but nevertheless some solid work was done. The Scouts were informed of the church parade, and as many Scouts as possible were urged to attend. After half an hour’s patrol work two games were played, both for testing powers of observation. One was “ Hunt the Thimble ” and the other supplying the name of the advertiser in a number of newspaper advertisements. Each patrol was then allotted a room of the Scout hall to clean in 10 minutes. S.M. Dennison and A.S.M. Rodger inspected the troop, after which a campfire was held and A.S.M. Rodger read stories from King Arthur. 4th North Dunedin Troon held a parade at Stony Hill, under the whistle of A.S.M. Beauchamp. The troop divided into two parties, squads one and two. Squad No. 1 concealed themselves in the bush in the lonn or a large circle. Squad No. 2 had to reach the centre of the circle without the defending party seeing the number attached to the attackers’ hats. The game proved to be interesting, and the boys joined in wholeheartedly. At the conclusion it was found that Squad No. 2 had won by a small margin. The next game, “Catch the Whistle, called for accurate hearing and sense of direction. Leader Driver was sent into the bush with a whistle, blowing a single blast every few seconds, this game lasted for about 20 minutes. A campfire was then lit, and for about an hour appropriate songs and campfire varns were told. After campfire prayers the troop was dismissed. Difficulties in obtaining the hall forced the troop to hold its parade on Wednesday instead of the usual Saturday, The first part of the evening was spent in whipping some new ropes. Ambulance rounders was then played. This game is exactly the same as rounders, except that when a man is out the one who made him so must apply first aid. These Scouty games bring work into play and give all the Scouts practice. Arrangements were then made for the church parade, after which the troop was dismissed by Scout 1. Mains. 13th Dunedin (North-east Valley) Troop extends a hearty welcome to all Scouts, Scout committees, and all those interested in Scouting to be present at a moonlight campfire to be held at Mr Cooper’s residence, Black’s road, Opoho. There will be campfire items by the troop, and hot water, milk, and sugar will be supplied, visitors to bring their own eatables. Admission will be by silver coin to defray expenses and help the troop funds. Date, March 7, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.ra. 17th Dunedin (Knox) Troop had a parade muster of 22 last Friday. The uniform inspection resulted in a win tor the Stags with the Kingfishers two points behind. After a practice of | inarching the P.L.s took charge for revision on second class ambulance, compass, and knots. In the patrol potato race the Kiwis finished first. A smart round of dodge ball brought the evening to a close. Arrangements were made for a troop swim at the baths on Saturday. The Court of Honour met to discuss the banner competitions and other troop activities. Visitors during the evening were Coin. Wing. D.S.M. MMndoe, and members of the committee. , District Lone and Invalid Scouts.— The Lone Scouts are working away well and are now on their second class badge work. On February 3 an investiture was held at Merino Downs when three “ Loues ” were joined into the Scout Brotherhood. Five attended the meeting at the Hospital when knots and learning the time occupied the period. Scouter then told the story about the “ Goodfellows.” 27th Dunedin (Kensington) .—There was a good number of boys at the last meeting of the troop. After breaking the flag the troop was divided into three new patrols, and the acting leaders and seconds for one month are—Bellbirds, P.L. E. Edsall, Second Guy Powell; Tuis, P.L. T. Baird, Second C. Gaudin; Cuckoos, P.L. S. Gaudin, Second G. Baird As soon as the patrols were made an interpatrol competition was started and at the end of the night the Tuis had a slight lead on the Cuckoos. During the parade a debate was held between the Tuis (negative) and the Cuckoos (affirmative) on the subject of 1 Should Cats be Licensed.’ It was the first debate held, and Scouter agreed that it was a good start. At the end of the meeting a Court of Honour was held. WOLF CUB PACK REPORTS. Ist Dunedin (Roslyn) Leopard Pack had a large muster of 29 V olf Cubs running in the Jungle. The lairs are just about completed and work will start in earnest next week, as one or two Wolf Cubs are anxious to get. ready for their second star. A new game of steeplechasing was voted good, and everyone was anxious to play it again later during the parade. Six Cubs attended with Baloo during the Scout hour at the baths, and Akela was very proud to see 24 of the pack at the church parade on Sunday. 4th North Dunedin Pack.—Twentyfive AVolf Cubs paraded in the Jungle under C. M. Salmond. A new opening ceremony was learnt, which finished with the" ‘ Grand Howl.’ After inspection and roll-call the sixes scampered to their respective lairs for a short period of work. A singing game of numbers called ‘We are a Happy Family ’ was played, alter which two new chums, Ron Shand and Jim Boddy, were welcomed. Akela then told a story about a boy who became an admiral. Before “taps ” and the promise the pack was notified of the church parade. The Cubs then left the Jungle for home. 17th Dunedin (Knox) Pack. —Owing to the adverse weather only a small muster appeared in the Jungle, but numbers did not prevent all from having a good evening. After keeping very quiet for the bell game a round of band ball was played. Knots and knowledge of the flag camo next with a knot relay to keep all on the move. The ‘ Grand Howl ’ and promise closed the evening. Messrs Dawson, Patrick, and Wilson paid ns a visit.