SCOUT AND CUB NOTES

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7268, 22 September 1933, Page 10

SCOUT AND CUB NOTES

(By "Tolara.”) A Lesson From New Zealand,

‘ ‘ Mana’ ’ writes: In the old days of Maoridom thcro was a law which held throughout our land. It was equal to and greater than nay religious or civil law of ours, and was known to ail by tho namo of "Tapin’ ’ A person of standing was always tapu, and his head was particularly so. “Take what you want, but pay tho price,’’ says an old proverb in reference to life. Tho Maori who dared reach out and defy tapu would indeed be brave. From earliest infancy ho had before him the power and influence of tho tohunga or priest, and knew that if he said that certain things were tapu or sacred, so it was. Not only people but things came under the ban of tapu. For example, a Maori boy dare not climb on tho roof of his wharc, for that part of the wharc is tho tapu part. Rainwater from the roof was also never used, and even to-day in wayback Maori hamlets the use of drinking water from the roof is tapu. From the Maori conception of tapu there is much that we may learn. If you think and good you do, Then only good can come to you. If wrong is tapu, fear unknown, With righteous deeds and those alone, Along the path we all must heed,

Wo on may march and others lead. So weary not and good deeds do; Then only good can come to you.

"The Council Rock.”

Tho Jungle Lessons. Have you been fortunate enough to read the Jungle Books? Most wolf cubs know that tlioy were written by Rudyard Kipling, and I know you will be pleased to hear that he is a Scout Commissioner. Worry your Akcla untiL lie or she reads all the stories to you, so that you can really understand all about Mowgli and the jungle animals. One of my very favourite animals is old Balco, tho big, serious, brown bear. He was a teacher and policeman combined, for ho taught the jungle laws to the young wolves and kept them all in order. So it came about that Mowgli had him for his teacher, and Baloo had a very tender spot in his heart for this small inancub. This was a maxim or text that Mowgli had to learn. "There is none like to be!’’ says the cub, in tho pride of his earliest kill.

But the jungle is large, and the cub he is small. Let him think and be still. One day Mowgli was "showing off,” and Baioo said to him, "A littlo thou knowest, but not much.” So doesn’t that seem to bo just like somo of us?, Wc make a success of a job or pass aj test—perhaps a jolly stiff one, I 11 ad-j mit. Then somebody gives us a slap on j the back, and says "Clever fellow,”! and we straight away think we are tho "cleverest follow.” Perhaps we sit back and think wo need not try to j do any more. That is where the red j danger signal shows, cubs; that is whoic wo most likely get slack. Wo think, ns Mowgli and the cubs, who had killed their very first buck, thought, ‘ Thcic is none like me! I’m wonderful! But, as Baloo said, "Think, and be still.” Wc can never leave off learning, laddies. In the animal jungle there were ever new difficulties to strive against, and all through our jungle, the lifo we have to live, we shall find now difficulties to struggle with. We haven’t time to sit back and admire our work. If wo want to como out "on top” wo must keep ou pegging away. Mowgli became a great hunter in that manner, and you, if you follow shaggy old Baloo’s teaching, will be a cub, and lator a Scout, whom the Chief Scout will be proud to own. Good hunting! "OLD WOLF.”

Tho Rally, Work is going ahead in great style for the Labour Week-end Rally and every troop is keenly engaged in its particular job. As the date draws nearer keenness is more evident on all sides. It is only four weeks now and preparations are going ahead. It seems as though there will bo about 400 Scouts and Cubs at the rally, so that will be a groat turn-out. Scouters’ Secretary.

A. S. M. Chatfield is going strong in his new work and his efforts arc greatly

appreciated. He is finding plenty to do in connection with the rally, hut he is doing it well. Troop Notes.

Hirst Palmerston North (Central) Troop: Monday night saw the troop at full strength and a good night on gadgets was put in. Some lashings were also mastered.

Fourth Palmerston North (All Saints’) Troop visited the fire station again on Monday and a most instructive and helpful evening was put in. The fireman’s badge examination will he held shortly and wc hope for good results.

Sixth Palmerston North (Northern) Troop: Last Friday night we saw the presentation of a King’s Scout badge made for the first time in our troop. P. L. P. Jordan was the recipient and he also received the pathfinder’s badge. P. S. V. Eabonc received the printers’ and cyclists’ badges and has now qualicd for his artist’s badge. In making the presentation, the District Commissioner congratulated the boys on their splendid results and wished them “Good camping.” Seventh Palmerston North (Takaro) Troop: This troop is trying the experiment of patrol leaders and seconds acting as S.M. and A.S.M. in turn for one evening. So far it is working well and two very enjoyable evenings have been spent. It is with all good wishes that the troop say good-bye to P.S. Rex Smith who has been accepted as a cadet in the Navy. Why not a deep sea Scout here? Acting A.S.M. E. Newton has left us for the summer months as he has taken up a position out of town. Thank you very much, Eddie, for your good work.

Cubs: The cubs are going to give an evening very soon and they are all hard at work. They arc also going strong with 2-star work.