SCOUT NOTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 202, 16 July 1936, Page 4

SCOUT NOTES

(By “Tenderfoot.”) The Cubs are howling again. I heard them at St. Paul’s the other night; it was a good howl at that. I am being told )>v a certain Cub that it. is time we had more about the Cubs. Well, dow will this do? Sixer Fred Perkins, of the Greys, ran up to the door of the Cub den. “Akela’s going, to be a bit late tonight,” lie said, “so lie’s given me the key and we’re to go on in,” a.nd be fitted the key into the lock. “What a minute, sonny,” came a slinky voice from behind Fred, as he prepared to follow the other Cute into the den. Fred turned and saw a very, old gentleman. He was dressed in a long overcoat, a top hat was on his head, and perched on the end of his nose were blue-tinted glasses. “Is this Air Brown’s pack of Wolf Cubs?” asked the old gentleman. “Yes, sir,” replied Fred, saluting smartly. “Oh, thank goodness, I’ve found it,” said the old gentleman. “He asked me to come and see his pack to night and I’ve walked miles trving to find the place.” “AVon’t you come in?” asked Fred politely. “Akela will be here in a minute.”

“Thank you,” and the gentleman turned to follow.

As he did so, Fred caught sight of a banana skin which ha.d been thrown on the path. The old gentleman was iust about to put his foot on it when Fred jumped forward, caught up the skin and threw it in the gutter. “Ah, thank you; thank you,” said the visitor. “Nasty things, banana skins. I might have slipped,” and still talking gentlv to himself, lie followed Fred into the room. The pack stared, and Fred explained that Akela had sent them a visitor. He offered the gentleman a chair. “Thank you,” said the old man. “What dear little boys.”

The Cubs looked at each other and grinned. Suddenly the old man turned. “Shut that dor,” lie shrieked. “There’s an awful draught. I shall catch my death of cold.” Hastily several Cubs ran to shut the door, while the visitor subsided, shivering and rubbing his hands. “Haven’t your pack got a silver cup?” lie asked next. “Oh, yes sir,' 1 came the eager voices of several of the Cubs. “We won it in tlie swimming competition.” Fred turned to the cupboard where it was kept and unlocked the door. Suddenly he jumped, for a deep gruff voice was heard. “Now, then, youngsters, hand over that cup and keep-quiet. I shan’t harm you if you don’t make a noise.” The Cubs all swung round. The old gentleman, now alert and upright, was standing behind them. Suddenly, Don Phillips, Sixer of the Reds, gave a cry. “No, the game’s up,” he shouted. “I can see a hit of you scarf, Akela.” The old gentleman laughed, threw off his hat and wig and the coloured glasses, and there stood Akela, grinning at the Cubs. “Well done!” he said- ‘T wondered who would notice first. You told me last week that you all kept your eyes open, and I wanted to see if you did.” Akela may try this one on you. Be watchful, be observant, and you will not be caught napping.

ROAD ADVICE. There were over 1000 people killed bv motor traffic in London last year. It must not be thought that all these were silly, careless, unthinking people who got in the wayj, in many cases they uere accidents difficult to guard against. But in some cases, our Chief thinks, they were caused by road fools, which people be defines as follows : A road fool is the boy who doesn’t look out when starting to cross the street. A road fool is the boy who gets off a bus or tram and doesn’t look round to sec what is coming up behind him.

A road fool is the boy who crosses in front of a car or bus whether it is moving or standing still (a Scout crosses behind it and looks out lor the next coining along). A road fool is the boy who doesn’t trouble to cross a street at the proper crossing-place. A road fool is the boy who rushes out of school into the middle of the road without looking to see what is coming along. A road fool is the boy who plays games in the middle of the road. A road fool is the hoy who tries to get a free ride on the back of a van and who does not keep his eyes and his wits about him when in the street. If a boy carries out these rules he is pretty sure one day soon to join the 1037 people who in the course of last yeay got a free ride inside a hearse, through having been run over. Now, who wants to be a road fool? Scouts rather, should show others how not to be one. TROOP REPORTS.

Bth (Palmerston North) St. Paul’s Troop.—We have to report tho visit of Central Troop on the night of July G, when we spent the evening in friendly rivalry. It was very cold and wet and the attendances of both troops was about half the usual number. On Friday night, July 10, we celebrated the fourth birthday of the Cub Pack. Parents were invited and a happy and successful evening was spent. The programme consisted of

a grand howl and jungle dances by the Cubs, with an investiture ceremony. An item, i ‘Saints of the Flag,” proved interesting. The Scouts held their usual parade, opening with flag break and inspection, and Aliss K. Scotter, founder of the pack and troop, inspected the boys and presented the cup which was won by Beaver Patrol for the second time. Following the inspection the Scouts erected a camp scene, set amongst gum branches on the stage. With camp pitched, the next activity was one in which the troop divided into two parties. These were given instructions in a sealed envelope, instructions also being given on the outside to absent themselves from camp and then open the envelope and act upon what was said therein. While they were away the S.AI. wrecked the camp without damage to the property and placed three boys in various positions round the camp as injured patients. One party returned and rendered first aid. The other party were given instructions to raid this party by stealth and secure scalps. This proved rather humorous in places in a rather impromptu and unintentional way. Several Scout games followed, and the evening was concluded with supper, camp fire, and the singing of the National Anthem. Of interest also was the lighting of the four candles and the cutting of the cake. St. Paul’s wish to thank all who attended and who helped to make the evening a success. The parade on July 13 was a good one with three prospective recruits present, making the attendance 15. Work in patrol corners was carried on and signalling, reading practice as a troop, and . a knotting competition along with games filled the evening’s programme. Remember, boys, that interest and keenness in troop work and tests rather than games make for a good troop. Determine to work hard and to pass tests with plenty of knowledge in reserve. Get this spirit and you will find the work more interesting and your troop steadier and happier because of it. Try it out and you will see for yourself.—lt was a good show “Biscuit,” and we all enjoyed it.—“ Tenderfoot.”

St. Paul’s Cubs.—The St- Paul’s Clubs celebrated their 4th birthday by having a party and inviting the Scouts to attend. We were very pleased, too, to see a number of parents and friends there. It makes a big difference when the leaders know the parents are interested in the work and gives just that added encouragement needed when tilings go wrong. We bad three new Cubs _ invested, namely, Gordon Stewart, Noel Henderson and Arthur Neville. “Good Hunting,’’ boys. If you keep on like that you’ll soon have both “eyes” open Great credit is due to “Biscuit” for the fine work be put in to make the evoning a success. 4th Palmerston North Troop (All Saints). —Assistant-Scoutmaster P. AY. Bass was in charge of a satisfactory attendance on July 10. After flagbreak, prayers and inspection a knotting relay was run. Patrol corners were then held prior to a visit being paid to Te Awe Awe. Although Te Awe Awe have visited us on numerous occasions, Friday was the first occasion on which we have travelled to their ball. AVe thoroughly enjoyed outstay there and hope to be able to entertain as well on the next occasion on which wo play the part of host. Several of our boys a.re now entitled to wear the ambulance badge as a result of Air Povnter’s good work with us in that direction. Last Sundav being the second in the month, we held a church parade as is out custom. Twenty-six boys paraded under assist-ant-Seoutinaster Ba.ss, Sccuter Cains having to attend a commissioners conference in AA’ellinaton. The coloui party comprised Patrol-Leader O. Looser and seconds N. AlacalLster and H. Tozer. The Cubs were under Misses Andrews and Lancaster. We: would like the names of the boys securing the ambulance badge.— tenderfoot,” ~ , t AVest End bad a large attendance ot bovs at their last parade on Alonday. I Alter inspection. S.AI. Stegelcs puo the Scouts through various signs and; tests. Games followed right up to dismissal time.