SCOUT NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 23147, 22 December 1938, Page 17

SCOUT NOTES

HEADQUARTERS. The Rotary Club competition for the collection of native plant specimens will be continued. Several excellent books came in last year, and entries are expected from the same lads and from others. The boys competing last year must now collect different, species, so as to_ extend their knowledge. Special prizes will be awarded for entries by non-prize winners in any competition, to give them a chance, and encourage them to compete against the experienced boys. Books will be supplied when the number required is known. The following are the conditions: — Closing date, February 28, 1939. Number of plants to be 20, all mounted in the book supplied. Previous prize winners to mount specimens not previously entered. Write in neatly the botanical name, but if doubtful write in pencil and corrections can be done at headquarters. After correction write neatly in ink and give the locality where specimen was found. Press the specimens flat in old newspaper journals between flat surfaces and dry quickly, shifting the papers every day or two, so as to prevent mould. Use narrow gummed strips for mounting. Keep the books clean and write neatly and plainly. Special prizes will be given to those who have not previously had awards. Headquarters are now closed until February 3. GROUP REPORTS.

Ocean Beach.—On Saturday, December 10, the group had its final parade for 1938. During the afternoon the annual sports were held, and were ably controlled by the Rovers. A serjes of Cubs’ and Scouts’ obstacle races, also a ladies’ race, were run off. The chief event was the cross-country race for Scouts. The course traversed was from the hall to Lawyer’s Head and return bv a different route. Some 20 boys took the field, and the winner was M. Lyons, while fastest time went to G. S. Brent. At 5.30 all adjourned to the hall, where the lady members of the committee' provided tea. In the evening the boys entertained parents and friends with a concert. This lasted two hours, after which several Cubs were duly welcomed to the Scout troop. D. Scoullar was invested as a Scout, and F. Petre. and G. S. Brent were presented. with their first class badges. The last-named also gained his King’s Scout badge and his all-round cords, which were presented by Commissioner Wing. The efficiency trophy went to the Owl Patrol, and ’ the Rovers’ trophy was won by Scout T. Boulton. The attendance cup was won by G. S. Brent. Before going home each boy received a gift from the committee. Mohicans.—Some 16 Cubs and a good muster of Scouts attended the annual break-up. The grand howl greeted Commissioner Wing and the visiting parents and friends. Commissioner Wing presented various trophies and awards, the winners being:—Silver Six and Blue Six: B. Aitken, T. Shearer, K. Bertenshaw, C. Hall, R. Heathcote, t. Coster. Some five Cubs graduated to the Scout troop. Scouts C. Hall and G. Butcher were the winners of the good conduct awards. Supper brought the evening to a close. Christian Brothers. —The annual birthday party of the group was held in St. Joseph’s Hall on Tuesday, December 13. There were present some SO Scouts and Cubs, along with their parents and friends and visitors from other troops. The evening opened with the singing of ‘ God Save the Kmg and the grand howl. The Rev. Brother M‘Carthy extended a welcome to the visitors. Commissioner Wing presented the Football Shield to the troop and also the ambulance trophy. The Wilson Cup was won by Alan Lomas and his patrol. The Moloney Shield was won by P-L. Noel Lomas, of the Tui Patrol, of No. 1 troop. Proficiency badges were presented to A. Lomas, J. Metcalfe, H, Allan. J. P. Marsh. A cup presented by Miss Duncan for competition among the sixes was won by the Brown six, Tom Keyes. The following Cubs received their first stars: —Salmon. O’Connell, Brian Kelly, O’Gorman, Hogue, Drumm, Vintiner, Walsh. The cake was cut by Trevor Boyle, the youngest Cub. During the evening Cubmaster Mains received a presentation from the committee as some small return for the able assistance she had rendered the group when the Cub pack was started. " Wesley.—Fifteen Scouts answered the call of the seagull, and 26 Cubs gambolled round the council rock at the break-up last Monday. The chairman of the committee the evening by welcoming Commissioner Wing, parents, and friends. The commissioner replied, and spoke of the forthcoming jamboree at Wellington. A varied programme followed, during which A.O.M. Bartlett, who is leaving the pack, received a presentation. Supper was served. St. Francis Xavier’s Troop.—The need of another troop in Mornington has been felt for some time, and a strong committee has been formed, under the leadership of A.S.M.s ißodgers and Stevens, to go into the matter. Some 12 boys are now learning their Scout tenderfoot. They hold their final parade this week, but will be out again early in the new year. Lawrence. —No meetings were held earlier in the month owing to swimming demonstrations. A short meeting was held on December 7, when some Scout games were played. After the meeting several of the boys fareweljed cx-Scouter George Weston, who is going to England to join the Air Force. On Friday, December 16, the break-up was held. The Guides were also present. Games, supper, and an evening at the pictures concluded a successful gatherUl |iaka Lone Patrol. —The closing and birthday meeting of the Kaka Lone Patrol took the form of a huge bonfire built over running water. Quite a number of boys were present from the Milton Troop, and also parents and friends. The P.L. was unfortunately absent The songs went with a swing, and finally the cake baked by the P.L. was cut. Scouter Ashman spoke about the New Zealand japiboree and urged all to save so as to be present. The following boys were congratulated on their success :—J. Roughan, cyclist and quarryman badge; Alan Muir, gardener badge; Robbie Cousins, world friendship badge.