Scout Notes

Hutt News, Volume 11, Issue 13, 25 August 1937, Page 5

Scout Notes

(By "Kamahi.") On Thursday, 12th inst., another bright party of keen Sceuters gathered for an evening, played games, exchanged ideas, sang, and generally gave themselves up to two hours of strenuous, activity to. fit themselves, more to lead their younger brothers. These enhappy people were Jhe "Old Wolves," the CubmasteTs of our district, and to spenidi an evening in their company is to receive new life and inspiration. You would never think to look at them that there is any serious motive in what they do, until you stand in the firelight, as the meeting closes, and hear them say the prayer we know as the "Cubs' Prayer," in which the Scouters' version of the last line runs: "Take our thanks for the boys." That sums up the thoughts of every serious Scouter in the Movement, and explains just why, in spite of setbacks, petty worries, and the usual strain of voluntary work with the younger generation, these conscientious (folk are so sure that the job they're doing is an inspired one. They won't tell you that,, j if you ask them, of course, but that is the driving force throughout the Move- I ' ment—the desire to give a helping hand along the pathway of life to the younger brother. On this evening, under tho guidance as usual of "Raukawa," District Cubmaster, more new methods of training Were attempted. There was individual "dumb show," bringing out initiative, self-expression and confidcncc, and paper-tearing, not so easy as it looks, as I found in attempting to produce an elephant. It looked more like a railcar than an animal! The big offert of the evening was the "fire brigade," calling for abilities of leadership and imagination, and requiring dressing for the part with anything suitable, and considerable self-control, as even the Old Wolves discovered. Good training, this, and good fun too. The old saying, "In case of fire, keep cool," is 'certainly well demonstrated in this instructional game. A reading from "The Scouter" 011 the subject o,f the "good turn," a really good camp-fire, with more new songs, and the usual satisfying supper, were important parts of this well-spent evening. I was pleased to conic in contact this week with Mrs. 'Prase r, of Dunedin, a member of tho Group Committee of the Ocean Beach Troop, who with Mr. Frascr, passed through en route to Auckland. Our meeting was made possible by the fact that Airs. Frase'r wore the Scout "Thanks Badge" (presented always for outstanding service), and- I wore iny Scout badge, us usual I was sorry that these two keen supporters of the Movement were not aide lo see some of our Scouts or Cubs in their Dens, but time would not permit. Any way, greetings to Ocean Beach Group •from Hutt Valley and Bays Country District.

"Irresistible" Sea 'Scouts held a 10th birthday party last week, and there was a splendid attendance of 'parents and other supporters, who witnessed a very full programme of Cub and Scout games, and items. An interesting visitor was Mr. Alec Churcher, of Toe H, England, at .present completing a stay of two years in the Dominion for organising purposes. Mr. Churcher spoke briefly, mentioning the interest of Toe H in Scouting, and stating that lie was fulfilling a promise made to friends at Scout 'Headquarters in England to visit Scouts in New Zealand whenever possible. He stressed the tremendous value of the Movement in 'the cause of international amity, and urged thp boys to take their membership seriously. Accompanying Mr. Churcher were Sccuter W. Bear ("Koala"), of Wellington, and a Scouter from New Plymouth, Mr. W. Toomath, an early pioneer of Scouting ,also spoke, and gave the boys the benefit of his wide experience. Air. Tocinath's father had the first public school in the Valley, with 14 pupils. Sir. L. R. Aldrich ("Kauri"), acting Country Commissioner, made a .special appeal to the parents to lend their support and interest as much as possible. He- also made the following presentations: Seconidi Class Badge, Scouts Mudge, Thomas, Bates, Woods, Price, Lark and' Parrant; Scouts R. Cleaver and D. Bates received the "Swimmer" | Badge. The Scouters of the Group were then presented with suitable mementoes of their service to the Group from the Group Scoutmaster, the Commissioner I making the presentations. The G.S.M. referred to the happy spirit prevailing amongst the Sccuters in their work with the boys,, and convoyed his personal thanks to them. Later a surprise presentation from the Group Committee •was made to Mr. Harris, the Group Scoutmaster, in appreciation of his willing service. Among the visitors present were Mr. Cook (president) and Miss Cc<ok, Mr. W. G. Lodder (trustee), Captain McLeod (assistant harbourmaster), and Mr. amdi Mrs. Warner, of Wellington. A good number of old boys also attended, this being a pleasing sign of their continued interest. It is hoped to form a:i Old'Scouts'Association shortly. Excellent items were rendered by Miss Binns, Mrs. Roberts, Mr. T. Isaacs, Cub Ron Tapp and Scout R. Woods. The ladies of the committee, who had put a great deal o.f work into the preparation of the function, served a plentiful supper. Much of the credit of the evening is due to their work behind the scenes. The Group' Chaplain, Rev. E. Sage, congratulated the Group on its birthday, and then closed proceedings with prayers. Tho lowering of the flag and the singing of "Taps" concluded another successful chapter in Irresistible Group's history. "Think truly, and thy thought Shall the world's famine feed: iSpeak truly, and thy word Shall be a fruitful seed; Live truly, and thy life shall be A great anid) noble creed." •