SCOUT NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 23351, 22 August 1939, Page 13

SCOUT NOTES

[By Grky Badger.]

Group Reports. Ist Dunedin (Roslyn, Arawa). —Tallin and inspection was followed by patrol work, which included all types of lashings. In yiew of the forthcoming social the den was given a good ” spring clean.”

Ist Dunedin (Roslyn, Te Rahirij.— The evening commenced with a short O. for the whole troop, and suggestions were discussed for the raising of funds for the jamboree. Royer White was a welcome visitor, and instructed the Tom Tit patrol in ambulance. with the Boars hard at pioneering and the Tuis signalling. All wish P. Varcoe and Marshall a speedy recovery from their illness. J, Whiter was welcomed into the troop. After a few warming games the troop dismissed with the promise. On Saturday the troop had a very successful social, there being . about 60 young people present. The boys who organised the programme are to be congratulated. During the evening the metropolitan commissioner and Mrs Wing, along with Com. Dorman, of Invercargill, paid a short visit. Thanks are due to Mrs Edmiston and Mrs Stables for their assistance at supper. sth Dunedin (Ocean Beach). —After inspection, seouter introduced a new and practical game, in which • every patrol had to act one of the Scout Jaws. During a game of dodge ball Commissioners Wing and Dorman (Invercargill) paid a surprise visit, and were welcomed with the Dominion haka. In his talk. Commissioner Dorman gave an idea how Scouting was carried on when he first joined) the Ocean Beach Pack. The troop used to meet under a street light, and there conduct the business And so from this hardy and enthusiastic basis the Ocean Beach and Scouting in general was founded by its earliest Dunedin enthusiasts. The name allotted to the troop fo'r the jamboree is Philip Laing, after.one of our pioneer vessels. The discussion of several jamboree topics brought the evening to a close.

6th Dunedin (Mosgiel).—Twenty-six Scents answered roll call, and inspection was followed by an interpatrol competition, in which the Kangaroos emerged winners. Patrol work was next, Bulldogs and Moreporks toojc ambulance, while the Eagles and Kangaroos spent the time signalling. Two new boys were welcomed. After several badges and stars had been presented all joined in a game of hand ball. After parade Scouter Clark gave the jamboree toys a talk on the trip. On Wednesday night eight Scouts hiked to Untram,'and spent an enjoyable evening. 7th Dunedin (Anderson’s Bay).—The troop commenced the evening’s activities with the construction of a signalling tower. The two towers were built in the good time of an hour and a-quar-■ter, and, were then made use of for half aji hour’s signal practice. The troop then fell in for inspection and roll call, and after a quarter of an hour of games was dismissed. Advice has been received from Australia the cutters ordered by the troop, and it is hoped that these will be to hand for the opening of the boating season. Plans ire also being made to communicate with Wellington Sea Scouts, with whom the troop is combining for the jamboree display.

9th Dunedin (Mohican). —Due to the school holidays there was not the usual attendance at last parade. After roll call and thrift, C. Hall, R. Blanchett, and G. Butcher were presented with their cyclist’s badge, and Hall also with reader’s. Service stars were presented to several of the troop. All then marched to the Knox Troop, where a hand soccer tournament had been arranged.

Wesley.—After roll call and) inspection a game of stave hockey was much enjoyed. In view of the jamboree, marching was practised for a short time. Patrol work occupied the next half-hour, and R. Simms passed his tenderfoot. R. Dowland was presented with his cyclist’ and H, Dowland with his swimmer’s badge. Mohican Pack.—Ten Cubs answered Akela’s call, which was followed by roll call and inspection. After several exciting games Akel.-y took first star and Kim second. E. Islip, R. Connelly, and I>. Peat pased their time tests, and E. Islip and D. Peat their health. R. Heathcote was presented with his first star, and G. Connelly with a first class hobbies certificate. A.C.M. D. Stewart, of North-east Valley, was a welcome visitor.

Wesley Pack.—Grand howl, subscription and inspection commenced the evening’s activities. Two new chums were welcomed. A new game of kangaroos was enjoyed. Work followed, with Akela and Karela taking first star and Chil tenderpad. After a story of Shore Khan’s death tfie pack had the dance of Shere Khan. The grand howl and Lord’s Prayer brought tho evening to a close.

The Holy Name Pack meeting opened with the grand howl and inspection. After a brief rehearsal of the investiture ceremony the pack was divided for first star work. The new < games featuring the Cub law and promise, and the British flags, were played. Roslyn Rover Crew.—After flag break and the lighting of the fire a discussion on the financial state of the crew was held. The rain had blown over, so an outdoor tracking competition was held and some good times were registered. As one or two of the crews have not passed the test, the camper’s badge was revised. Ocean Beach Hovers.—There being no night school there was an excellent attendance last Wednesday. A new member, R. Tyson, was welcomed. A visit was paid by Mr N. Bewley, who recently returned from Christchurch. The first half of the evening was spent in the construction of a look-out tower and the second in hard games of hand ball. 28th Dunedin (Christian Brothers, No. 1 Section). —Friday night’s parade unfortunately was marred by a somewhat small attendance. However, those present offset the effect of the absentees by the keenness and vigour with which they carried through the evening’s programme. Inspection was followed by an obstacle relay race, patrol leaders then taking over for 20 minutes, during which period V, Salmond and M. Grant were successful in a test of second class compass work. Another game, “ stick grab,” was run, and a short period of quarter-staff was enjoyed before the programme was finished with a game of hand Soccer. Several service stars were presented during the evening, and K. Holmes and A. Lomas were presented with the swimmer and hoalthymau badge respectively.

Labrador Scouts Dash to Save Life. News of two Labrador Scouts’ dramatic night dash in a gallant attempt to save a child’s life has come to hand; The incident happened several weeks ago in an isolated part of the treacherous Labrador coast, on the coldest night that Makkovik had known for four years. The Rev. F. W. Peacock, a Moravian medical missionary, whose territory covers Makkovik and 250 miles of windswept Labrador coast, left the village to visit the northern limit of his area. Mr Peacock is acting group Scoutmaster for the only Scout group in Makkovik. Twelve hours after his departure a child was taken seriously ill, and there was no one in the village with any medical knowledge. The child’s condition rapidly became worse, and at 5.5 p.m. P.L. James Anderson and Acting A.S.M. Tortsou Anderson decided to follow Mr Peacock and bring him back to Makkovik as soon as possible. Conditions for travelling were at their worst—there was no moon, and the cold sleet was as severe as the Labrador coast can make it. The brothers Anderson gamely ploughed on with their dog team and kamutik (sledge). At 5.J0 tho next morning they arrived at Rapid Point in a state of exhaustion, and there learnt that Mr Peacock was 10 miles ahead at Second Rapid. They carried on without rest and found him there. The whole party made an immediate return to Makkovik by dog sledge and arrived in the village at 10.45 p.m., tired, utterly weary, and completely exhausted.

But their dash was in vain, for tho child died an hour later, a victim of meningitis. Mr Peacock pays the highest tribute to the pluck and courage of the Andersons. “ These incidents show that our efforts for Scouting are really worth while, and it is a joy to work with those who show so much courage and self-sacrifice.” Scouts know that this Labrador adventure is a typical challenge that might come to any Scout at any time. A Scout’s duty is to be useful and help other people at all times.

Headquarters Notices. The following Tenderfoot Scouts are welcomed:—W. Reid, 11. Duncan, It. Simms, and the following badge winners congratulated :—A. Porter, N. Dodd (handyman), F. Shaw (artist), J. Collier (leatherworker). C. Hall, J). Johnston, N. Dodd. R. Dowland, G. Butcher, R. Blanchett (cyclist), C. Hall (reader), H. Dowland (swimmer), B. Logan (ambulance), 11. Heathcote (first star). There will be an individual quarterstaff competition for all Scouts in the Dunedin district, to be held in the Coronation Hall, St. Kilda, on Saturday, at 2.J0, in conjunction with the St. Clair Troop’s bazaar. The boats will be decided in the afternoon and the finals in the evening. Entries will be received at the above hall on Saturday afternoon up to 2.15. by Mr Moore, and each Scout must appear for the contest in full uniform with stave.

The second instalment of the jamboree fee is now due. and should reach headquarters no later than the end of August. The date for the C.M.s’ training week-end has been fixed for September 30.

Officers are advised that an examination for the camper’s license will be held on Tuesday. August 29, at 7 p.m., at headquarters. Troop scribes, when posting in troop reports, please mark envelope ‘‘ Scout notes.” The editor of the notes would bo pleased to receive any matter of interest to Scouting. All unclaimed hobbies exhibits will be disposed of this week.