SCOUT NOTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 257, 27 September 1940, Page 10

SCOUT NOTES

SCOUTS IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO. (By “Rangi.”) An interesting report has been received from Trinidad of the work undertaken by Scouts during the war. At the outbreak of hostilities all the Commissioners and most of the Scoutcrs were called up for military service. The patrol system, however, came to the rescue; the patrolleaders carried on and responded nobly to their new responsibilities. Government officials said: “Wo the Scouts of the Colony to volunteer for national service, and the response was magnificent.” The first call was for signallers and the boys were used each night as signallers until instructors 'were able to train members of the unit. A number of Scouts joined this unit for whole-time service as signallers as soon as it was organised. The next call came from the A.R.P., who needed stretchorbeaiers for tho Red Cross. Then an ooeasion arose when a large proportion of tho regular police were called upon for military duty. In the south of the island the Scouts wore sworn in as special constables and for a week did full duty as such. At the samo time the harbour nightly 4oastnl patrol was also run by the Scouts, only one policeman doing duty as an engineer. The work in this emergency was recognised by the Government, Coast-watching is another activity in many districts in Trinidad, and in some cases boys of 14 years of ago have been able to carry out a man’s job. Training in fire drill and station equipment is engaging the attention of a large number of the Scouts, who arc now ready to operate in conjunction with the police and Fire Brigade. Other boys have been trained for their coxswain certificate so as to be ready for future Harbour Patrol work if necessary. In the oilfields district they found a number of useful jobs to do. They are ready to help during blow-outs, assisting in the evacuation of dangerous areas, giving quick liouse-to-housc warnings in the areas affected with regard to the lighting of fires, etc., warning motorists on the roads, training a fire fighting squad to use the mobile foamite equipment, serving as messengei'3 in emergency, and on police service. North of the island the Scouts have recently berm asked to supply a messenger service. The Scouts also patrol the harbour and coastline to enforce black-out regulations. TROOP NOTES. St. Peter's Troop.—On September 6 troop visited Terrace End and played handball; Terrace Pnd wen, I—o. On September 13 the troop birthday was celebrated and the boys enjoyed themsches. The A.S. presented the S.M. with a present from the boys. On Friday the soc-ond-class test was passed by K. Shiptou, and signalling by S. Eiphick. Games were chain tag and indoor hockey. Patrolseconds took over patrols while patrolleaders were being instructed in first-class ambulance work by Mr Stevens. 3rd (West End) Troop.—Our parade was very eventful. The. Cubs wore with us at the fall-in and formed a circle in the middle of the hall. An ice-crcam cake was donated and enjoyed. Mrs Coliio must be thanked lor the use of saucers and spoons. Alter tho Cubs went home the Scouts, under P.L. Roy Tawharu, watched two boxing matches. One was between S.P.L. Allan Cawley and Cedric Clarke, while P.L. Lon Murray and Max Hambling fought a fast and exciting match. It was during the boxing that “Eagle-Eye” arrived. Alter the boxing we had Hag break and “Eagle-Eye” presented P.L. lies. Dear with his King Scout’s badge. Tho inspection was won by the Owl Patrol. We bad a great inter-patrol knot tying competition. The points resulted in a win for the Kingfisher Patrol. Supper was provided with a bottle of drink and biscuits for each Seoul. Wc were pleased lo have a Rover Scout to lend a helping band.

4th (All Saints') Troop.—lnspection was conducted by Kangi and Rev a, who gave the inspection horn to the Seagulls. f’.L. D. -Black, ot the Tui Patrol, showed the troop a game. “Hawkcyc” outlined the construction of a derrick for the rally, lie did some signalling with the troop, following which he demonstrated the treatment of a fracture of the thigh. Our evening concluded with the regular game of dodgeball. Last Friday we were visited by Stouter Patterson and two of his patrolleaders from the Kowhai Troop, of Podding. They participated in , both games and patrol work. They told us they had quite a btrong troop ot about 36 boys in bedding who are making a great competitive effort for the rally. 9tb (St. Patrick’s) Troop.—Last Saturday members travelled to Dannevirkc to play a friendly game of football and handball against the Dannevirke Scouts under Scoutcr Parker. The following was our team: Horgan, Sinclair, (Jlapcott, Dinnan, Creed, Burns, Keenan, O’Grady, 11. Macdonald, Lovatt, Anderson, O’Doa, Gill, Lyons and O’Keefe. Scorers for Palmerston North were Clapcott (six trios), Anderson, Creed and O’Dea (one each), while O’Grady converted one and Clapcott three. The Palmerston North backs w;cre deadly on attack, and tackled well, w’hilo the forwards, although considerably lighter, received the greater percentage of the ball from the serums. Dannevirke defended well and were rather unlucky at times, which prevented them horn scouing in the earlier part of the game. The final score was, Palmerston North -31, Dannevirke 6. A and B handball teams played Dannevirke, who put up a stern bid, but were beaten in both games. “Akcla” farcwcllcd. —The Ist Palmerston North (Central) Cub Pack entertained parents and friends at a party in All Saints’ Hall on Tuesday evening, the occasion being a farewell to their lady Cubmastor, M.iss J. Barlow, who is leaving Palmerston North. The Cubs provided the major part of the programme, _ which consisted of a mouth-organ solo, recitation, community singing, competitions, and an amusing playettc in co6tumc, “Snow White and the 'Seven Dwarfs,” ako Cub games. Miss J. Mitchell delighted with songs. After supper the Cubs produced their big surprise in the form. of a presentation to “Akcla,” accompanied by neat speeches from two of the pack members. Mr R. Warwick, on behalf of the committee, expressed regret at Miss Barlow’s departure, and, in voicing appreciation of her management of the pack, asked her to accept a small token of their esteem. Miss Barlow suitably replied. Mrs Barlow acted as accompanistc.