Scout Notes

Hutt News, Volume 6, Issue 16, 14 September 1938, Page 5

Scout Notes

. 8 " (By "KAMAHI") No. 28/38. Scouts, old Scouts, and parents gathered recently to honour Mr. J. H. IJepbura, for six years Group Scoutmaster .of St. Aloysius' Petonc Group, aniikrho camo to New Zealand with years' previous experience at jfiome. Mr. Hepburn has relinquished his cotinection with Scouting here on account of having been transferred to Wellington.

Rev. Father O'Donnell made a presentation of a handsome chiming clock and a smoker's companion, and eulogised Mr. Hepburn's services to *he Youth of the Parish. Mr. M. E. Doyney, assistant commissioner, conveyed the District's regrets on the Scouter's retirement, stating that the presence of so many old Scouts, as well as the boys of the Troop, was a living testimony to the value of Mr Hepburn's work.

Mr. D. Boyle, of Wellington, H.Q. Commissioner for kindred Societies, was present and 'the District Scoutmaster and,the District Secretary also attended.

"Ruawai," reporting on 'the 4th birthday of St. Leo. Troop on August 15th, states that exuberance of spirits was very evident. New and old welltried games were run, and the usual good supper much enjoyed. One chap laid in a stock of biscuits by putting them inside his shirt, was greatly dismayed when they were reduced to crumbs by the simple process of being sat on! What he said is not recorded! Songs around the fire were rendered unmusically but.with zeal, and another milestone in the Troop's history thus joyfully passed.

Then senior-scouts of Wi Tako Troop •# were present at a special night with the Troop recently. New anil rousing games and stunts were run and voted •/ worthwhile. "Aorangi" dropped in and spoke to the senioT scouts regarding the future, leaving them with 110 uncertainty as to what, was expected from chaps of their age and ability.

Members of the "Court of Honour," arranged' a special "training-night" for 13th inst, when each fellow will have a certain part of the programme to fill in. The rest of the Troop will not attend. These special nights are to be run at regular intervals, and should make a difference to the Leaders in their not-so-easy job of handling a Patrol.

St. Augustine Group's Hobbies Club is increasing in membership and 111 the variety of hobbies being done.

Judging by the keenness displayed at the last meeting: the Group should have a fair number of entries for the District handcraft exhibition very shortly. Some fellows were gaining valuable experience while working on some of the fine model bridges of Mintie's, several of which are now displayed on the walls. Members of the Hobbies Committee are working efficiently, taking it in turn to run the meetings.

"Scarlet Feather," "Neewa," and "White Elk," our three globe-trotters, still correspond Tegularly. Their interest in Scouting is unabated, and.all are gaining valuable experience while in England. They were to go to a Cub camp at Bugnbach, the Scout campingground, during Whitsuntide. All send warm greetings to friends in New Zealand, "Toomai," recently Akela of St. James.' Pack, attended a Cub coutsc at Gilwell Park, the international training-centre, while on a trip home, and was successfu. in passing. No Scouter visiting England misses a chance of doing a course at Gilwell unless it is absolutely impossible for them to fit it in.