SCOUT NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 22973, 2 June 1938, Page 3

SCOUT NOTES

[Uy Whitb Kano.]

HOBBIES. The long winter nights signify the time for active work in your hobby or handcraft work. Quite a large number of Scouts and Cubs have started on their work for the exhibition in August, but several have not thought about it yet. Jt is interesting to note two new clauses on the entry form this year. The first is in connection with woodwork which has been done at school, and the other clause prohibits work that has been shown at previous exhibitions. A number of additions have been made to the list of sections which allow for a wider scope in handcraft work. The camping section this year includes a stile, suitable for placing over a fence while in camp. This, of course, will be made out of manuka or other suitable wood and then lashed together with flax or rope. Then a welcome addition to the Cub sectionis a scrap book showing the life and activities of the Chief Scout. The Scouty side of the exhibition should receive careful consideration this year, as in the past it has been sadly lagging behind. Delve into the “ (Damper ” section, with its rani)) gadgets, hike logs, campfire blankets, camp logs, eamphorns, camp tables, boot racks, and a host of other useful little things that can be made while in camp for the general comfort of all. What about the naturalist section? This should appeal to many outdoor Scouts. The study of birds, trees, and plants forms a very fascinating hobby, and one in which quite a lot of assistance is available. Every Scout is a pioneer. Do yon show that at your exhibition? Do you enter models so that the public- can ■ see how you build trestle bridges, signalling towers, monkey bridges? The knot board should be there to show how you are advancing with your knotting and putting the tenderfoot knots into something more advanced. Now is the time to be on to nil these things. Do not leave them to the last minute. Entries will this year close in the middle of July, so start right away. Get ideas from your Scouter if you have none of your own. ROVERS. The combined meeting of Rovers was largely attended at Mornington on Saturday. Proceedings opened with a sing-song round the good old open fire. Rovers were present from St, Andrew’s, Roslyn, Knox, Christian Brothers, and a large number from Mornington. R.L. Smith gave an interesting yarn on programme planning, and referred to the plans set out by the Mornington crew for the following months. . An obstacle race set the blood moving before trying splicing under the leadership of Royer Sharks. Commissioner Sullivan gave full details of the camp to be held at Taieri Beach during the forthcoming week-end. SYDNEY JAMBOREE. So far about 10 entries have been received for the camp to be held at Sydney in December. All those intending to participate in this ti-ip should let the secretary know right away, as the entries definitely close in the middle of June. A month’s holiday for £lB, including such a distance of travelling and the provision of all food, is a proposition well worth studying. The opportunity of meeting brother Scouts from probably over 20 other countries is the chance of a lifetime and a great stimulus to the idea of Scouting. BADGES. * Now that all the summer camping is over, the time has come to do the theory part of the camper badge, then pass the practical side. With this badge on your arm you will then be ready to take your patrol off for camp when spring conies round. Ask your Scouter about it. Such badges as the pathfinder, 1 ambulance, raissiouer, cook should all be put under study, as examinations for these will be taken in about a mouth’s time. A little time spent beforehand in the study of these subjects is far better than having the judge tell you that you are not up to the mark for gaining a badge. COMMISSIONER’S VISIT. Several troops had the pleasure of a visit from Rev. C. M. Sullivan, who has now been appointed to the position of assistant metropolitan commissioner. He was introduced to the Scouts by Commissioner Wing. The party also included the Rev. Mr Ryburn, who showed a keen interest in the work of the troops. MORNINGTON. Inspection was followed by an interesting yarn by Mr Newby on a . clay in Ceylon. Some practice was then given to a play in readiness for the parents’ evening. Several warm games came before intimations for the week. ' COMMISSIONER COOKSEY. ; News has now been received concern- , ing the visit of Commissioner Cooksey. Dominion Commissioner for Training. Arriving on Friday evening, he will j pay a cai! to see several of the troops at* their work the same evening. At 9.15 on Friday he will meet the Scout , officers at headquarters. On Saturday afternoon he will meet the Cubbers at headquarters. On Monday he will inspect the Scout property before leaving for Invercargill. NORTH DUNEDIN. f A good muster yelled their welcome to Akeia. Physical exercises wanned everyone up before work ifl the lairs. Around the campfire a letter was read from “ Rnngi ” in Samoa. A story and sing song closed the campfire. Welcome visitors were Scouter N'ehol- f son, Mr and Mrs Dodds, an.! Hr j M'Murray. I ANDERSON’S BAY. School holidays being over, the Sea Scouts were back full of enthusiasm and now ideas. All watches had a change round from their general activities, the pioneering squad taking signalling and so on. Ambulance squad started off with general seamanship, and rule of the road at sea. After dismissal the leaders had a further study m oif details in signalling till 3 bells.

MOHICANS. Twenty-four Cubs joined in star work last week. Several of the Cubs passed their physical exercise tests. The pack set out for the AVesley jungle, where they combined for a general games night. GREEN ISLAND. The Panthers and Kingfishers, made good use of their school holidays by -pending an enjoyable day of Scouting round the Southern Reservoir. Signalling and tracking were carried one with great success. Several are working hard with the fimt class badge in view. At Friday's parade the Scouts settled down to knot revision and whipping. Arran gem cuts were made for a tramp on King’s Birthday. A visitor from North Dunedin was welcomed. Several are attending regularly at the fire station in readiness for the fireman’s badge. ST. ANDREW’S. Commissioner Wing presented cyclist badges to Patrol Leader Spence and Patrol Leader Shaw. After vigorous games a model steam engine at work created great interest. Tenderfoot and second class work was then held. A hike was arranged to Tunnel Beach for firefighting and cooking instruction. KNOX. Horizontal bar work showed just how nimble everyone was. First class signalling was carried out by the leaders. T. Ramsay was invested as a new member of the brotherhood, while D. Clark completed his tenderfoot work. The Stag and Bellbird patrols are running equal in the banner competition this month. Patrol Leader Lee was presented with his swimmer badge. Best wishes were expended to A.S.M. Dickison and K. Wing, who have completed their period of training with the troop. The tramping patrol set out for Southern Reservoir, and spent a good Scouty day. The Rover crew joined in with the Mornington crew and enjoyed their programme. WESLEY. Fifteen Scouts paraded when Commissioner Wing paid a short visit. Good practice is heng put in in readiness for the parents' evening. Each patrol is arranging its own stunts, which promise to be quite original.