Scout Troops Under Canvas at Pohangina

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 7065, 26 January 1933, Page 7

Scout Troops Under Canvas at Pohangina

CAMP FIRE AND PRESENTATIONS

Flanked on one side by Coal Creek j and magnificent willows, and on the other by bu'sh-clad hillside, and situated in one of the prettiest valleys in the land, the camp In which the Scouts from the All Saints’, Takaro, Northern, Ashhurst, Central, To Awe Awe, West End and Terrace End troops are undergoing tlicir annual field training, is ideally suited for the purpose. If the enthusiasm with which the hoys entered into proceedings at last evening's “camp fire” is to be taken a,s a rcliablo guide, next Saturday’s order to strike camp will be received with regret by the 5S boys at present under canvas. The camp has been pitched on Mr. Beetham’s property, “Ngaputahi,” and it is several hundred yards above tin: Coal Creek bridge on the Pohangina Valley road, and about 15 miles from Ashhurst. The camp commandant is Scoutmaster C. E. Hyde, who is being assisted by Commissioner L. G. Callis, D.S.M. Their right-hand man is Scoutmaster Fordyce, of tho Ashhurst troop, who is carrying out the duties of quartermaster. Other's .contributing to the excellent management of the camp arc Scoutmaster Buck and Cub Mistress Buck. Others taking an activo part are Scouters F. T. Vascy, F. Cutler, Mountfort, Facer, Wildsmith, Boiuley and Levy. Mrs. Buck has been acting as camp mother. The District Commissioner, Mr. N. D. Stubbs, ha's paid several visits to the camp, and ho has had nothing but praise for the camp, the management of tho camp and the high standard attained by tho boys. Another enthusiastic visitor was Commissioner Miss Nancy Wilson, Dominion Akela Leader. The nightly “camp fires" have been a feature of tho camp routine. On Sunday morning a "Scouts’ Own” devotional service was hold, Commissioner Callis speaking to the boys on the life of St. Andrew. Mrs. Buck read the lesson.

Two days have been set aside for visitors, and on Sunday over 150 pcoplo visited the camp and about 100 on Anniversary Day. Among those who were present on Sunday was a contingent of Scout's from Danne.virke, Scoutmaster Parker being in charge of them. Impressive Ceremony at Camp Fire

With the day’s work behind them, and the camp made snug for' the night, the Scouts, each wrapped in his blanket, gather round the fire for a convivial hour before “turning in.” The "camp fire’’ is ono of the pleasantest features of the camp life, and it is at these parades that official ceremonies aro performed. Last evening the “big chief” of the district, Commissioner Stubbs, was in attendance to do honour to the camp commandant, Scoutmaster Hyde. After the boys had joined in several rousing choruses, Commissioner Stubbs rose and called to two Scouts to assist him in the pleasing ceremony of presenting "Lion Heart” with his warrant of office. The Commissioner took the opportunity of congratulating the camp officials on the condition and conduct of the camp. Ho said, inter alia; “Alany of you may have been in larger camps, but I am sure you have never been in a bettor one.” Tho Commissioner then handed over tho warrant. Presentation to Camp Chief Commissioner Callis, speaking on behalf of the boys, said they felt they could not leave tho camp without having shown their appreciation of all Scoutmaster Hydo had done for them. It had been their wish, he added, that their camp chief should have a memento of tho time spent in tho “Nga--1 putahi” camp. With that object in view an official record of the camp, signed by District Commissioner

Stubbs and visiting commissioners, and by all the Scouts and Cubs who had been in the camp, had been prepared and framed, and it was this that he asked Scoutmaster Hyde to accept. Thanking the boys for their gift, Scoutmaster Hyde said he would treasure tho gift, which was a delightful memento of a most enjoyable camp. He hoped the boy's, when they returned ip their homes, would remember -the lessons of the camp.