Scouting in the Manawatu

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 221, 21 September 1934, Page 10

Scouting in the Manawatu

(By “Te Pceti.”)

If -proof were required of tire value if the training in Scouting, ono has cnVy to read the reports of officers on the ex-Scouts who have joined H.M. Forces, and to look at the public scrvieo rendered by the Scout during the rational crisis in the Great War, and t] ic ir efficiency whether as coastguards, fire brigades, railway and telegraph watchers, police or military hospital .ttendants, or relief agents. Scouting docs not interfere with he boys’ religion, whatever form it ray be, although they are encouraged a practice whatever faith they procss. Training divides itself into four cads: —• . .

(1) Individual character-training in esourccful'noss, observation, self-rcii-uice to gain tho Scout’s badge. (2) Handicrafts or hobbies which may help a boy to make his way in life, for which “Proficiency” badges aro given. (3) Service for the State, such as fire brigade, ambulance, missioner, sailor, life-saving, or other collective public duty by the troop. (4) Physical health, by encouraging tho boy to take plenty of exercise and to look after the body. Commissioner Cooksey’s Letter (Continued.)

“Organisation.—l propose to cut tlie contingent into ‘tribes’ of 25, under tlirce Scouters each. Each tribe will be named after a Maori tribe. Appointment of Scouters, names of tribes and names of those belonging to tribes, will be given out later when names arc definitely in to headquarters. AH Scouters appointed to lead tribes will be expected to bring their branch of the camp to high efliciency and comply cheerfully to any instructions issued by me. Uniform.—The New Zealand scarf will I>3 worn by all members of the Now Zealand contingent (black with white fern on back), also name on shoulder. All members should see that they aro smartly dressed and worthy of their group. . . • “The Ancient Scoutmaster”

It may bo of interest to soino to know that the rank of Scoutmaster did not originate with Scouting as we know it to-day. __ _ Tko Scoutmaster once held an official position in. the army, and is mentioned in all military books of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. He held an important post and—as his name implies —was master of the Scouts. His business was to send out .scouts to reconnoitre. Ho was perhaps best known in Cromwell’s time. Wc read.' bow King Charles,l- lo st t;]l3 bat ‘ tie of Nascby through his Scoutmaster Eucc, who "neither discovered nor heard of the rebels.” When the now model army was formed in 1645, the Scoutmaster was entrusted with the Intelligence Department, and his duties became increasingly important. But it must bo noticed that with the change-over the Scoutmaster was not always a soldier. Por example, one holder of the office was an Independent minister; another was an Irish bishop. Finally—and this contrasts greatly with modern Scoutmasters—he received high pay owing to the danger of his work; in fact he secured £4 a day. Why Do We Call it the "Reef” Knot? On a sailing-boat, when it is desired to shorten sail, a reef is taken in tlie canvas. This is done by furling the foot of the sail and keeping it in place by tying with the ‘‘reef points.” These are the short lengths of line which are placed on either side of the lower part of the sail, aud the only knot ever used on them is tlio reefknot. Hence the name.

Tackling the Tight Lid Difficulty is often experienced in opening small round blacking and ointment tins where a special opener is not provided. The opening is easily accomplished

by placing tho tin edge upwards upon tho floor, placing the foot on the top, and with slight pressure rolling the tin forward. The lid will then roll off.

TROOP NOTES Slk Palmerston North (St. Paul’s) Troop. —On Monday night last tho troop celebrated its first birthday, when games were played by a full muster of Scouts. An item that was accorded hearty applause by the boys was given by Mr King, ventriloquist. Supper was provided and thanks are duo to a member of tho committee for tho presentation of a birthday cake. Several visitors were present and all spent an enjoyable evening. Service Star 3 were presented to nine Scouts, and all are looking forward to good scouting in tho coming year. sth Palmerston North (Te Awe Awe) Group.—Cubs: Last Wednesday the pack spent most, of tho time playing 'games, with a little signalling and I knotting. Ther.o were present IS boys, including Cub-instructor Boss. Scouts: Tho troop are very busy at present with First-class work. Bower Looser being now attached .to tho troop, things aro going in full swing. It has been decided to add several more Scouts to the Cycle Patrol. Bover Looser is taking over tho cyclists for all their work, and arrangements havo already been made for trips into tho country. Ist Palmerston North (Central) Group.—Scouts: The troop is now working on its part in the rally next month. Last parade was spent in refreshing lashing work and all boys showed a good knowledge. Next week all' boys in the troop aro to produce a model of a barrel raft, which the troop has to make for the display. We welcome Eric Perry and Don Pallison as Scouts. Cub Pack: The pack is still making ‘steady progress. We lost with regret Sixer" E. Perry and Second Sixer D. Pallison, who went through tho _ '‘going up” ceremony and have joined the troop. Tho pack’s loss is the troop’s gain. Foxton Troop.—Commissioner N. Stubbs and Commissioner Callis (Cubs) with Scouters Wilson, Holmes and Swcctman, paid a visit to tho newlyformed troop last week. Commissioner N. Stubbs was greeted with the Dominion haka, which was led by Scoutcr Hamer. It was quite a treat to see al the boys line up with their staves, and we must here mention that the boys have spent considerable time in getting them to tho regulation size (sft. Sin.), each and every one being made of New Zealand nativo wood. Games wero played and enjoyed by all. To top tho evening off supper was supplied’. After the parade those adults present were formed into a committee, with power to add. Tho following are the officers for tho year: Chairman, Captain Middleton, D. 5.0.; secretary and treasurer, Mrs M. A. Boss. At the conclusion of the meeting Captain Middleton proposed a vote of thanks to the visiting Commissioners and party. This was carried with acclamation.

7th Palmerston North (Takaro) Group. —Rovers; At the invitation of tie Ist Palmerston North Ranger Company, the Rover crew, along with Ist Palmerston North Rover crew, accompanied the company on a visit to Mr A. Just’s museum. This is a wonderful collection- and well worth a visit by all Scouts and Guides. Scouts: The usual parade was held and before commencing work a "going up 7 ’ ceremony, was held. Senior Sixer Reeves was sent up to the troop by the pack, and was given tlio usual Scout welcome. Cubs: A 100 per cent, attendance and a very jolly meeting; everybody enjoying themselves. Jungle dances and Cub games were practised for the coming Labour Day rally. Several promotions were made —Sixer Alan Cull to Senior Sixer, Second Teddy Patten to Sixer, and Cub Will Andersou to Second. We wish these boys good hunting in their new positions.