SCOUT NOTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 64, 13 February 1936, Page 11

SCOUT NOTES

(By “Tenderfoot.”) Alost troops have resumed regular parades, but report attendances only rail' Boys are urged to report immediately as Scouter,s are anxious to get down to real work again. There are always complaints regarding attendance, especially, after holidays. After the Christmas vacation seems the most difficult time. Probably the desire for play and recrea-l Don whilst the days are long enough I to allow lor such after tea largely ac-1 counts lor this. How to meet Hie cause of non-attendance is the problem of all scoutmasters. It can he overcome perhaps by more' outdoor activities. Boys appreciate sports and I games outside probably more than | anything else. Troops with cricket gear are indeed fortunate, for here is a big- draw towards getting the troop together, leading up as it does to regular meetings and parades. However, scoutmasters should not worry too much; days are fast shortening (unfortunately) and inside work alone will be possible in another few weeks.

Scoutmasters, more often than not, are concerned about the state of their troop room. They realise that during the holidays their quarters are used for all kinds of purposes, and generally they become anything but the clean, tidy places they desire them to be. How to get them back to normal, and better, if possible, is tlieir one desire. Alucli can be done, once the boys are back. “Tenderfoot” lias been reading of a troop in England which, driven almost to despair regarding quarters, as a last resort took an old decrepit garage, a dirty place, but by hard work they so transformed it, that the troop became the envy of many of its neighbours. How did they do it? First thev cleaned down the walls and floors. Next they purchased unwanted hark-covered planking from nearby timber mills. The cost was not high, hut they took it step by step, having as funds were available. The planks, berk exposed, were attached to the wall by heavy nails and wall plugs until the place began to look like the inside of a log cabin. The roof was panelled with rough boards and the exposed parts given a coat of cement wash. Doors were repaired and hinges placed where formerly there were none. In time a new floor was laid and benches set up. Later, a table was procured, and bookshelves fitted. At the end of two months the owner visited the place and was so impressed with the transformation that he gave the garage entirely to trustees of the troop. Now it is known as the “Log Cabin down tho Alews.”

After reading of this achievement one does not wonder why our scoutmasters are so eager to liegin doing things. There is much to be done, thev say, and naturally tliev desire the help of their boys, which is sure to be forthcoming. Rally up boys; get down to real work again. Alake 1936 the best year vet and your troop room the best in the city. TROOP REPORTS.

Ist Palmerston North (Central) Group.—Scout Troop : On Boxing Day, 1935, we left the Scout Hall for Horseshoe Bend, Tokomaru, where camp was pitched. The • camp was j under the charge of Scouter Sweet- ! man, who was assisted for part of the time by Scouter Chat field, of .the Northern Troop. The duties of Quartermaster were carried out by Troop-Leader Gordon Barlow. The troop reports having an excellent time, Troop-Leader Barlow, PatrolLeaders F. Perry and W. Brown and Patrol-Second R. Rarlow being successful in gaining-their cook’s badges, which were presented at the first parade of tho new year. On Tuesday we received a visit from the District Commissioner accompanied by Commissioner Callis. On the Thursday we were very fortunate in being able to assist a motorist whose car had gone over a bank, and were thus able to do our good turn besides' giving other people a good impression of the movement. The first two parades this year were not up to full strength, but they are improving and we hope to see everybody present next Monday. AVe are entering for the swimming sports and hone to be able to put on a good show. Cub pack: The pack is starting its official parades this week and it is hoped all cubs will turn up regularly every AVednesday. AVe report with pleasure that Sixer Rovden Jones has gained bis bouse orderly badge, gaining great praise . from the examiner for bis work. Good work, Rovden ! Just prior to our holidays a party was held in the scout hall to celebrate the 23rd birthday of _ the troop. This function was combined with a breaking-up party, and the Cubs were the guests. A cake, generously donated, was cut by TroopLeader G. Barlow, after reference had been-made by the Scoutmaster to the traditions of the troop and stating the present members were expected to carry on the good work. After tea had been partaken of, a short njav was put on by the Cub pack, which was produced l>v Lady Cubmaster Barlow. Games followed, terminating a very happy evening. Two troops have now sent in reports of their camps during tho holidays. It is known that from Terrace End and AVest End Troops parties were in camp. An account of their doings would he no doubt interesting. St. Paid’s Cubs are now back to duty again; they resumed their activities on Monday last. There was a fair attendance, with Cubmistress G. Whitehead in charge. Games occupied most of the evening. There is room for many recruits still, and parents are invited to send them along.