Boy Scouts and Cubs

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVI, Issue 7, 19 December 1925, Page 13

Boy Scouts and Cubs

(By

“Pathfinder.”)

CHRISTMAS BELLS. Christmas bells are ringing, ringing From the belfry dark and high, And their music floating, floating, Wraps the earth and fills the sky. All our hearts are full of music When the Christinas week comes round, And our words repeat tho message Of the church bells’ gladsome sound. And a single strain of gladness Swells from bell and lifted voice: “In the birth of our Redeemer, Eet the whole wide world rejoice.” T)EFORE the publication of our next batch of Scout notes Christmas will have come and gone. The Christmas season draws on schools are reaching the end of the school year; prizes are being distributed ; suitcases are being packed for the homeward journey. Scouts and Guides, as well as Cubs, Brownies and all the rest of the members of Scout and Guido movements, are preparing lor the great annual festival, the greatest and best of the whole year, the festival of Christmas. No doubt you all understand that in commemorating the birth of Christ, the founder of tho Christian faith, we do honour to the greatest of all Pathfinders. He “trod the path” alone. He blazed a trail for millions of others to follow. When all was dark and doubtful He brought brightness and certainty to our world. We to-day rejoice in the Spirit of peace and goodwill because of His advent. The angels heralded His coming, angels attended Him at various stages of His earthly lite, and after His resurrection from the grave, angels were present to report the wondous fact and declare where He would meet with His followers. So in keeping up Clirisiimis we are remembering tho Great Pioneer who made conditions easier for all mankind. It is well to recall that He was “a Friend to all and a Brother to every other,” that He spent His d:»ys doing “good turns,” going about doing good. He came to serve, not to be served. His duty, like ours, was to be useful and to help others. So you see that our third and fourth Scout laws are especially appropriate for the Christmas season. Indeed, when a Scout keeps up the practice of these laws he is keeping up all the year the true Christmas spirit, and enjoying in himself the wonderful Christmas feeling. How grand it is to be good Scouts and '‘feel the truth of which “Pathfinder” now writes!

In so many ways you can make the world a brighter and better place. First “brighten the cornci where you are.” Begin at home if you live there, or where you work, or where you play. Be patient, sympathetic, thoughtful, helpful in the ways that your own brain will suggest. That will make you not only useful but original as well. Hawke’s Bay should be a much jollier place this Christmas since we have so many more people who are pledged to smile and whistle, or smile and sing, and bo friendly to other pilgrims on life’s wonderful highway.

ODDMENTS.

The question recently arose as to whether Boy Scouts should be associated with art unions. Money was wanted in a certain community to help meet payments in connection with a local matter and it was thought, quite naturally, that as the Scouts are out to do all the good they can, they would be available to render service in disposing of the art union books for which they would receive liberal allowance in the form of tickets. The committee chairman, desirous of maintaining the good name of the movement and its popularity with tho general public, referred the matter to his district commissioner, who in turn passed it on to the Dominion Headquarters. The Dominion Executive Committee duly considered the matter in all its bearings and decided that tho participation of Boy Scouts in art unions is not desirable though it was recognised that tho movement had no jurisdiction over the boys as private individuals. That means that Scouts in uniform must not sell art union tickets, but as private individuals, that is when wearing ordinary civilian clothes, they may of course, if so asked, do what they can. Tho question is really one of principle and no doubt the Headquarters Executive ruled wisely is vetoing the association of Scouts with a practice which in the minds of many is regarded with some misgiving if not indeed looked upon as being actually harmful. ♦ * *

Last Saturday evening we published a notice that local Scouts were finding some difficulty in tho mutter of getting ground sheets and kit bags for the forthcoming trip to Dunedin and for local camps. On Mqjiday morning a visitor from Wellington called at the Tribune office and intimated that she thought an unlimited quantity cf camping gear was available from the Defence stores in Wellington. This visitor is keenly interested in both the boys’ and girls’ movements, especially on the ambulance side. Enquiries, however, were made, from Wellington and it appears that tho military stores are now practically sold out of the articles required. So hoys must depend on friends or supply themselves with new equipment. * * *• This day three weeks ihe Hawke’s Bay patrols of Scouts will be setting out for the Jamboree m Dunedin, i One condition emphasised by the I Jamboree Committee is that a medical examination must be made nt least a I week before the boys leave iheir home I town. That means that this matter must be attended to during the next fortnight. But in those two weeks at least six days have to be cui out. being either Sundays or statutory holidays, so the available time is after all quite short. Scoutmasters will he well advised therefore, if the matter has not already been arranged for. io see to it at once, otherwise tlio\- may find it difficult to fit in with the medical - officer’s qthci appointments. REAL SCOUTING. Ten days or so ago an assistanf Scoutmaster of the Havelock North troop, Mr. Leicester, who. by the way. is electrician to the Town Board, hail occasion to pay a visit 1<» the waterworks at Maractotara. Iler ( - was an opportunity io do a bii oi tho real thing in scouting. So. after mentioning the matter io Ins fellow a-sistani. Mr. Leonard Sladdin and several Scouts who naturally jumped at the opportunity, they set out. one a Iternoon. Maractotara was readied in time to allow the campers io put up a proper Scout lean-to .shelter and to gather a quantity ol grass and other material for bedding. Soon the curling wisp of blue smoke mark'd ;llr preparing of the evening meal and all thoroughly enjoyea trie experience of thus getting into intimate touch ' with nature. The near-by stream I afforded excellent facilities for >wim I ming ami the touch of the cool fresh i water was welcome to sturdv youth- ! ful swimmers. Thon came the time for turning in the lights out. “Pathfinder” is .-i >ured timi th’! improvi . I beds, with the additional “comfort” (?) of a “hip-hole” made quite satisfactory sleeping accommodation, but nature had .something to say. secret« | to whisper in tho ears of the would-be sleepers. And Nature’s messengers, in the form of mosquitoes, are not always conducive to >ound sleep. At least so the Havelock partv found. Apart from that, however, they really enjoyed them selves and are looking forward to the lime when a they will again be able tu “have a night out.”

That, you will agree, was a bit of tho real thing. So. too, are the things mentioned in the following few paragraphs. Thus last Saturday afternoon a shop was held by Mrs. Dowry at tho Y.M.C.A. to secure funds to provide comforts for the soldier patients at the Pukeora Sanitarium. Now, when a shop is being held, there are a thousand and one little things I to bo done, messages to run, r phone I calls to answer, goods to be brought in or delivered, and so on. Well. Mrs. Lowry, who takes a great interest in the Guide movement, thought that the Scouts would be equally ready to help in the good work. A ’phono call was sent to the Scoutmaster and very soon from north, east, south and west, little men dressed in khaki wore hustling in to the Y.M. to give a hand. The boys wore glad to help and rejoiced ta learn that the magnificent sum of over £BO had been made as a result of tho day’s activities. * * • The real Scout spirit was also evidenced by the members of the Seventh Mounted Rifles Military Band who last Sunday evening turned out to give an after-church open air concert in Queen’s Square. Scouts were in evidence with knotted handkerchief and havorsack and bare knees, and several members of the Troop Committee did duty at the gates collecting boxes. It was an excellent concert, given on an ideal summer evening, amid perfect surroundings, and it is gratifying to bo able to report that the sum of over £l2 wag handed over to the committee chairman, Mr. Rowe. Tho members of tho Band wore as delighted as committeemen at the splendid response and are to do complimented on their timely and welcome service.

• The Y.M.C.A. troops are in great need of a capable man, young preferable, but not of necessity youthful, to co-oporate in tho work of Tunning tho troops’ activities. It is a magnificent game, a fascinating hobby, a wonderful opportunity tor invaluable service to the community and the empire, not to mention the boys themselves, and those who come forward and get thoroughly into the game will find in it a pastime with few eouals. It is good, therefore, to he abU to report that several are as it were “nibbling.” they arc considering the proposition and it is hoped that soon they will throw themselves wholeheartedly into the game. It is a place for men. and real men who can “play the hoy” and guide his activities and ideals are always welcome.

Another move, only an idea it is true at present, is the matter of a drum and fife band. The possibility of a boy’s band was recently discussed unofficially between a comnlittaeman and a representative of the military, and it was said that there seemed to be a very good likelihood that instruments and instructors would be forthcoming. That is something for the new* year to deal with, but it is put on record here because the offer is made in the generous Scout spirit, and will be appreciated by all who are interested in the movement.

The Y.M.C.A. boys are now looking forward with keen interest to the 28th. of the month for on that ctey they are to go into camp at the Tutaekuri. Much has to be done before that day. Tents have to arrive, provisions are being donated, many arrangements made. The boys are anxious for a, continuance of the fine weather.

Last evening at the Municipal Theatre, Hastings, the Y.M.C.A. lads were assisted by being made the recipients of the proceeds of the picture programme. For a couple of weeks they have been at work selling tickets, diligently canvassing Hastings. Particulars of this may he available for next week’s column.

At Waipukurau on Wednesday evening of last week a very successful concert was held under the management of the Mayor, who has taken up the task of raising funds to send the local Scouts to Dunedin for the Jamboree. Mr. Goodger has a warm spot .in his heart for the boys and with characteristic energy he threw himself into the job of securing the needed Bum. Some £3O, it is understood, have been placed to the credit of the Waipukurau troop. A detailed report was to have been available for this week, hut failed to arrive in time for insertion.

The Haumoana troop continues to move. Tho fourth patrol is now under formation and according to present indications the troop will soon have four full-strength patrols. Then comes up for reconsideration the business of housing the growing troop. When boys grow too fast the problem is to know* how ta keep them in clothing. So with this troop. It is outgrowing its present meeting place. No doubt the committee w’ill be able to make satisfactory arrangements.

Since next week is Christmas week, when the Christmas spirit will be exhibited on all sides, w’hen kindnesses of many sorts will be shown, we may well be again reminded of the privilege and duty of “passing on” to others some of the light and sunshine that has entered our own life. So “Pathfinder” closes the column with two final verses of that truly Christmas, that truly Christian, song of which two verses have already appeared:.. PASS IT ON. Have you found the heavenly light? Pass it on. Souls are groping in the night, Daylight gone. Hold thy lighted lamp on high. Be a star in someone’s sky, He may live who else would die, Pass it on. Be not selfish in thy greed, Pass it on. Look upon another’s need, Pass it on. Live for self, you live in vain ; Live for Christ, you live again ; Live for Him, with Him to reign--Pass it on. - Henry. Burton, circa 1486.