SCOUT NOTES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 13 August 1932, Page 12

SCOUT NOTES

RANGITIRA TROOP At the weekly meeting the Rangitira troop was favoured with a visit irom the Commissioner, Dr. Johnston, and the, secretary, Mr Holden Webb, for the j purpose of presenting badges earned by j the boys. _ ! A short time ago an examination was j held for the Pathfinders Badge. Of tho eight boys who sat all were successful which speaks not only for themselves, but for the leaders who coached them. Mr Webb presented the badges to tho following: W. Powrie, R. Webb, J. G’hivers, M. Thorpe, P. Coote, J. Frank, S Tatton and J.'Houlker, saying a few words of congratulation to each. Before presenting Gold All-round Cords to Troop-leader L. Powrie, Air Webb spoke to the boys of the honour attached to this achievement. Before a boy can attain this award—the highestpossible rank of honour in scout worklie must have shown himself to be proficient in all branches of the training, and it spoke well for the capability of any scout to earn this badge. Dr. Johnston then endorsed ATr Webb’s remarks, and quoted an old Zulu custom whereby before a young man could attain the rank of a warrior he had to live by himself in the forest with only a single spear to defend himself and provide himself with food for a month. If he could survive (his ordeal he was received back into the tribe and recognised as a warrior. In the same way a boy who had earned the Gold Cords proved that lie was capable in all branches of the work, had pluck, perseverance and honesty. A.S.M. Neale then thanked the visitors for coining and presenting the badges, and at the same time apologised for the absence of the Scoutmaster, Mr J. Chivers, who was seriously ill. Cheers for Troop-leader Powrie then concluded the ceremony. j The first church parade in the new Cathedral will be held to-morrow when a good muster is anticipated. Anyone interested in the work is cordially invited to attend meetings on Wednesday nights.