SCOUT NOTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 244, 12 September 1935, Page 3

SCOUT NOTES

(By “Tonderfoot.”)

Over forty, scouters and otlior ranks were present at the district meeting at Woodvilie on Thursday last. The Commissioners and Scouter Cliatfield were particularly pleased with the turn-out. Apologies for absence were received from Scouter Callis, Rover Leader Kendall and Scouter Strong. Made welcome were S.-M. Taylor, of Opotiki, and Scouter Barraclough, of Paliiatua. The latter is the new scoutmaster of the Paliiatua troop, having taken over from Scouter Boyd, who has been transferred to Shannon. Appreciative reference to Scouter Boyd’s work in Pahiatua was made by the Commissioner, who addeel that as the scouter still remained in the district it was hoped that his services to the movement would be retained.

The district badge at last takes form. Commissioners Stubbs and Callis, the designers, were complimented on the neat, attractive design of the badge, which they have had prepared. After a discussion, with minor alterations the badge was adopted, and it was decided that it he worn on the right-hand pocket. There were some who would have preferred to place it on the shoulder; however, the majority favoured the position indicated. The planting of 58 totara trees by the Palmerston North West End Troop was a subject for favourable comment by the Commissioner, who said it was a splendid Jubilee effort by Scouter Hogg and His hoys. A letter of appreciation for years of faithful service is to' be sent Major (Uncle) Sandford, of New Plymouth. The feeling of the meeting was that the “grand old man” would be spared to enjoy many, years. Commissioner Anderson (Dannevirke) told of the final preparations for the coming rally. He emphasised that patrols entering for the shield competition must now be in existence, stating definitely that every patrol so entered must have been in existence for two months prior to the day of the rally. There must be no A.-S.-M.’s in tlie patrol. Points for attendance will be awarded, an allowance being made for the size of the troop. The standard set in the ambulance work is definitely second-class work, and the knotting is no higher than tenderfoot standard. There will be no fancy knots. In the signalling a message of 48 letters will have to he relayed, time and corrections being taken into consideration. Three questions vvill he asked, all based on ordinary Scout knowledge, just to prove that this education is not being neglected. The afternoon work is specially for troop displays. If any troop has complaints that they have not been allocated suitable work, they should advise him, so that other work, if need be, can be given. . . . . Cubs, said Commissioner Anderson, will march from the railway station, with the Scouts, headed by a band, to the Domain. Thence they will be transported by lorry to the Showgrounds. It is hoped that the Cub exercises and competitions in the morning will fittingly demonstrate to the public thftt cubs learn and do things. Hot water, sugar and tea will be provided on the grounds; all Cubs and Scouts need to take are eatables and mugs. Commissioner Stubbs said he was hopeful that arrangements could be made to permit of a Le’vin contingent being present. He asked that display work he allotted them. Commissioner Anderson promised attention to this. i , Scouter Cliatfield desired to have Rover work allotted. The Commissioner said he was sure that Roveis who were not going to Tongariro would willingly help. Commissioner Anderson said he was doubtful if the Rovers of Dannevirke could do more than assist the management. But Scouter Cliatfield insisted that lie wanted display work for the Rovers. Commissioner Anderson said he was open to receive suggestions. St. Patrick’s troop, Palmerston North, was without a scoutmaster, said the Commissioner. Father Jansen had been carrying oil for some time, but he wished to be relieved. This was a chance for someone to do good work, said the chairman, and lie hoped an aspirant would soon bo found. Any suitable applicant would be made welcome. , Commissioner Anderson enquired it there was to he a district Christinas camp, receiving the reply that individual troop camps seemed to he favoured most. Scouter Hogg asked if something could be done to induce parents to accompany hoys to the rally. He thought that if some concession in railway fares were made this might help. He also thought that if tickets of admission could he issued for sale prior to the day of the rall3 7 this also would influence parents and the movement would benefit financially. Commissioner Anderson noted the suggestion and will act accordingly if possible The concession in railway fares would certainly apply to Girl Guides, said the Commissioner.

TROOP NOTES, The hoys of the Foxton troop had a good clay's outing recently, says S.AI. Hamer. Accompanied by the scoutmaster anti A.S.M. McDonald, they cycled to •Mnngahao. An inspection of tlie power station was made; a climb to tho head of the pipe-line followed. The hoys were greatly interested. Following lunch, there were games oil tlie flats, all contributing to a line day's outing. Wondville hoys, under S.AI. Jaine, are doing good work. Recently about 250 native trees and shrubs have been planted in the Domain. A stretch of ground, cut in four sections, having been allotted in the recreation ground, these were prepared the other day. They will be planted with flowers, and prizes are to he given for the best kept plots. After the work in the Domain the hoys were entertained to afternoon tea, later being taken to see the big slip in the Gorge. All had a happy time. ' Ist-Palmerston North Central Troop. —Last Monday there were 13 Scouts present. Signalling and first aid practice were followed by marching, with staves drill, then lashing work and games. Before dismissing, it was made known that the Huia patrol had again won the banner. Thus for the third

month in succession Hula are on top. This should buck up other patrols. Thanks to Lady Cubmaster Holmes, who lias sent “Tenderfoot” the Cub Book. This will bo very helpful, containing, as it docs a good deal of useful information. PROMOTIONS Scouter Lyons, of Dannevirke, received his A.S.M. warrant at the district meeting, and his sister, Miss A. Lyons, was made lady cubmaster. Commissioner Anderson said he was sure that both deserved the honour conferred upon them, and both would continue to do good work. Miss A. Barlow received her warrant at the district meeting and now is lady cubmaster of the Ist Palmerston North Central Group. The Commissioner said Miss Barlow had been showing a. lot of ability in her work at Central, and it had afforded him pleasure to recommend her for the warrant. After nine years’ good work in Scouting, Mr A. Sweetman is now the appointed scoutmaster for the Ist Palmerston North Central Troop. The honour was fully deserved, said tho Commissioner, in presenting the warrant to S.M. Sweetman, and be hoped the recipient would continue the good work for many more years to come. Lady Cubmaster Grace Andrews, of All Saints’ Group, Palmerston North, was presented with the Gilwell Scarf and Beads at the district meeting. This is a rare honour in the Scout movement in New Zealand, and Miss Andrews is to be congratulated on her achievement. The coveted honour, said the Commissioner, was only awarded in cases of outstanding merit, and when the Chief and headquarters were satisfied that the intended recipient deserved it. After watching tlie work of Miss Andrews for some time lie had had no hesitation in recommending that the prized distinction should he granted. It was a pleasure to hand it on. Congratulations to Miss Andrews.