SCOUT NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 22773, 7 October 1937, Page 16

SCOUT NOTES

[By White Fang.]

WORLD JAMBOREE. A few extracts from a letter received by a local officer from a member who attended the Jamboree at Holland may be of interest to other members of the movement. “ What a wonderful time I had. Never in my life have I had such a great experience as thos'o two weeks in Holland. After the farewell speech by the Chief he handed to each countries’ head the symbol of the Jamboree, the Jacob’s, staff. A great deal of swapping took place, of course. 1 was in the market one day and spoke to what I thought was an American Scout, as he wore American uniform and badges. Anyway he said: ‘Och, I Scotch.’ He had swapped a kilt for a complete i American uniform. The hat plumes of Hungary were very popular. The market was a fine place, and had besides a bank, post office, restaurant, and a host of shops. On the closing day (August 9) there was a grand final camp fire from all Scouts. It was superb. The World Chief was present, and soon after the opening Prince Bernhard and Princess Juliana appeared amidst tumultuous cheering. The Dutch people were great; everywhere we went the people always met us with ‘ Good-bye ’or ‘ Hallo, boys. Some of the Polish Scouts had flown to the Jamboree in planes and gliders, and we saw their machines quite often during the camp. 1 The camp' was open to the public every day after noon and during the fortnight over two million people visited the camp. The American contingent each brought a log of wood with'its name on it, and these were stacked to form a very fine gateway. The S.E. Lancashire gateway was very good, consisting of two mills and various spools of cotton with clogs and shuttles.”

ENGLAND EXPECTS THAT EVERY MAN WILL DO HIS DUTY. This famous signal was sent by Admiral Lord Nelson on October 21, just as ho was going into action off Cape Trafalgar. To this day-these famous words have stirred tH© blood of every true British boy, ’and so the Sea Scout, by making the sea his playground, will grow into a man physically developed, active, and selfconfident, prepared to do his duty to his country. As a mark of appreciation for the wonderful work, done in the last war, they received the public thanks of his late Majesty King George, and all Sea Scout troops are now officially recognised by the Admiralty, and any troop performing exceptional service has its name included in the Navy lists. It was largely due to the work of the chief’s brother, W. Baden-Powell, K.C., that Sea Scouts became popular during the early days of our movement and have made such wonderful progress. The first Sea Scout camp was held at Bucklers on the Beaulieu River in 1909, and after a week ashore the Scouts were taken aboard the Mercury on the Hamble River for a week’s training in seamanship. LAWRENCE TROOP. The monthly report from, this troop shows that good progress is being made. The quarterly flag competition was announced, the winnex* being the patrol under Norman Thompson, with P.L. s Westons patrol five points behind. First aid and signalling work has been concentrated upon during the last few nights. Teams were arranged for a tug-of-war contest, which proved very interesting. It is hoped to hold a ( concert at Waitahuna to show the public there what the Scout movement is really like. Several scouts , are now wording for their ambulance badge. A king’s Scout from Dunedin was present at one of the parades. It is hoped to have a visit from the Eoslyn troop on Labour Day week-end. BADGE EXAMS. The Scouts who are arranging to go for their cook’s badge on Saturday will meet at 1.40 at Logan Park. The following week th© ambulance, first class, missioner, and pathfinder badges will be under way. Entries must be sent to the secretary, and scouts appear in uniform. CUB FOOTBALL. Thirteen teams were entered for the tournament this year, which was held under ideal conditions at the Oval. There was a good attendance of officers and friends. Apart from town packs it was pleasing to see teams from Tomahawk and Mosgiel. Thanks are due to Mr Grmdley and Mr Dawson, who assisted the D.C.M.s in running the tournament, St. Clair is to he congratulated on winning the shield, for it played a very fine game in the final by defeating Mormngton by 1 point. Mornington Pack also put up a good performance. All games were played in a real Cub spirit. SCOUT FOOTBALL. Twenty-two teams lined up for the Scout draw. The outstanding performance of the afternoon was that of the Christian Brothers’ No. 1 team, which went right through the tournament without a point being scored against it. Tie final game was with the St. Clair team, which did very well. A large attendance of officers and friends lined the ground to watch the teams. Mr S. Butler was in charge of_ the refereeing, assisted by two committee members and some officers. REPORTS. Roslvn. —The Panthers sprang from their lairs on Tuesday to welcome Akela. A pow-wow was held to discuss the Lawrence trip. First, and second star work was then carried out. Mrs M'Derraid took the second stars for first-aid work. Raymond Sykes gained liis first star. Sixteen Leopards met with the other packs to run through a play in preparation for fhe Lawrence trip. Representatives from the packs visited the Hospital Cubs, when handicraft work was carried out. I

Mornington.—A lecture on. punctuality was appropriate on Friday, as nine Scouts arrived late. A treasure hunt for a message was followed by a haka practice, two new hakas being introduced. Work in patrol corners was responsible for a lot of new things being done. Ambulance, second class activities and rope instruction, under Mr Shanks, was then carried out. Ravensbourne.—A large parade took part in a game before settling down to work. Several recruits were examined for tenderfoot work, the following being successful: —A. Carlin, R. Harkness, S. Harkness, N. Donaldson, D. Forrester, and V. Musson. The practical use of knots was then run through. District Scoutmaster Culbert visited the troop and gave valuable assistance with the instruction work.

North Dunedin and North-cast Valley.—A combined meeting of the two troops was held for the annual table tennis tournament. After two sections bad been, played the _ final proved fast and exciting. The junior section was won by Scout Spears, while the senior went to P.L. Nicholson. _ Ocean Beach.—Several alterations have 'been made in the leadership of the troop. W. Swanson is now troop leader, while Second Davies is a leader with Scouts Petre, Allan, and Bartlett taking the positions of seconds. A new game of knot tieing was tried out; Commissioner Wing was . the guest of the evening, and gave a short yam to the troop. Mr Petre also visited the troop on behalf of the committee. Anderson’s Bay.—The boats were taken out for a short pull on Friday night. On return to the sheds seamanship, first aid, and tenderfoot were taken under the officers. W. Gale, B. Roberts, R. M'Don'ald, and D. Barnett, all new members, were welcomed into the company. A visit was paid by one of the old members, E. Davis, who was spending a short period in Dunedin. St. Clair.—Last week a party of 25 Scouts visited the Gladstone Troop at Invercargill, and spent two great days. Saturday was spent in wide games over the Oreti Beach, after which a combined evening was held, when all sorts of new games and 'stunts .were tried out. Sunday was left free, when various places of local interest were well patronised, and it was a weary party which returned by express in the evening. The trip was voted a huge success, and all are looking forward to the return visit of Gladstone Troop. The first part of Friday’s parade was spent over the sand hills. Returning to headquarters, badge-work was done for half an hour, and the remainder of the night spent _ in interpatrol stunts, which resulted in a win for the Tuis. G. Armitage and E. Harrould were invested as members of the troop. Terra Nova Sea Scouts.—The concert arranged by the Sea Scouts proved most enjoyabks and was a great credit to the boys and their master of ceremonies, A.C.M. Fraser, who carried out his duties in a most capable manner. Mention must also be made of Mr Bain for teaching the Sea Scout mouth organ band which, rendered some excellent melodies. D.S.M. Culbert, G.S.M. Ashby, and Deep-sea Scout J. Bullers, of the m.v. Ardenvour, were the guests of the evening. Knox.—Scot Pace opened the evening before the patrols broke up for signalling and tower building. Horizontal bar work proved more difficult than it at first appeared. After Scouter had announced that through an aecident a man had lost his memory, a search was made through his belongings to establish his identity. Patrol leaders then took charge for the work period. R. Gardiner passed his ambulance test. Christian Brothers. —No._ 1 troop had a large attendance on Hand Soccer was followed by signalling and tenderfoot work, A, Lomas and T. Ryan passed their Scout pace. _ Wesley.—Arrangements are in hand for a week-end camp on Labour Day. This should prove an. ideal opportunity of putting into practice all that has been learnt during the past period. The troop now consists of 15 boys, two of whom are starting on first-class work. D.S.M. M‘lndoe was a welcome visitor. One new member joined the troop during the evening. Opoho.—A large pack of Cubs welcomed Akela on Thursday. Knot work was followed by further practice in drawing flags, and a run through a jungle dance. Round the camp fire all heard the story of the laws of the jungle. Three new members were welcomed to the jungle. Mrs Cooper was present.