Scout – Notes

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 23 December 1933, Page 3

Scout - Notes

The D.S.M. writes: Looking back over the past year it is pleasing to reiiort a steady improvement throughout the district in our activities. The following new. branches have been formed: one Lover Crew, four Scout, troops, four Cub packs. This, with the General increase in old troops, has meant over 200 added to our ranks. At the monthly executive meeting troop reports arc read and discussed and bv this means we are able to keep m close touch with the needs of each troop. It has been a source of gratification to the executive to have had the opportunity of visiting outlying troops. It is only owing to lack of funds that these visits have not been more frequent. All will agree that the district scout rally held in October was a wonderful indication of the “aliveness” of our movement here. It was an inspiring sight to see country and town scouts mingling in brotherly contact; truly putting into practice the fourth Scout Law. All are looking forward to another rally. Scouting will be very intensive next year and each of us will feel compelled to do his utmost to make his troop .the best all round troop in the district. Interesting -news is coming to hand from Melbourne, and Nelson must send a representation to the World Jamboree to be held in that city. Gratefulness is expressed to the “Mail” for the courtesy extended in publishing our weekly notes. This is a wonderful means of keeping in close touch with one another. I wish all in the movement the Compliments of the Season.

GIL WELL TRAINING CAMP The Christmas and New Year holidays bring the only opportunity for jnany men to go into such a training camp for Scooters as is being held up Palkcr’s Creek (a tributary of the Maitai) from Boxing Day (2Gth December) to Wednesday, 3rd January. The Dominion Scout Commissioner for Training, Major Sandford D.C.C. (New Plymouth), will be in charge of the camp and will be assisted by two other New Zealand Deputy Camp Chiefs —the Piev. D. Ilaultain (Nelson) and Mr C. S. Green (Wellington), Mr H. N. Toomer will act as Quarter Master arid Troop Leader. The camp will be run on the patrol system and there should be three patrols for the course in addition to the Headquarters staff. There will be intensive training each day on the 'theory and practice of scouting as laid down .by Imperial Headquarters at Gilwcll Park, England. The Wood Badge—the only badge a Scoutmaster can vvepr in addition to the T/F —is the coveted aim of the Gilwell course. For this course beginning on Tuesday next, Scouters are coming from places as far away as Westport. It is regretted that owing to the time being fully planned for lectures, practical work etc., no time can be set apart for visitors, so a visitors’ day is not being arranged for in the programme. If any Scoutcr or young fellow of 18 and over who feels he would like to come into the course, and who has not notified Mr Toomer (Trafalgar street), does so immediately it may still be time to enroll.

We welcome to the city our leaders for the Scoutmasters’ Training Camp, Major Samlford, New Zealand Commissioner for Training, and Deputy Cam]) Chief Croon, who has come from "Wellington to assist. We also welcome two scoutmasters from another district, Scoutmaster Cardie and -Assistant P.M. Hale from Westjiort who have joined with our local Scooters in this special training course. We trust that they will take away happy memories of good scouting in our district.

The following names have hcon received so far for the cam]): Major bandford, Commissioner for Training, Mr Green D.0.C., the Rev. D. Haultain D.C.C., D.SM Toomer, Scooters D

By D.S.M

Jlardic and L. E. Haie ; Westpoi t); A. W. Movcrley and G. K. Cosgrove (Motueka); P.' Argue and J. Frazer (Mapua); 11. Moore* (AAnintea); • ■ Savage (Tahuna); E. Berry (Sea Scouts); B. Davis (Anzac); J. Spence (Pioneer); W. K. Jacques, A. Neale and L. Powrie (Kangatira); S. Stap’ley and C. Scarfe (Tanewlm).

A TALK TO CUBS Well Cubs. Christmas has come and with it the holidays. I wonder what you are going to do these holidays ? A good many no doubt arc going camping. Here is a hint. Lord BadcnPowell once said: “A Scout never roughs it.” What did he mean bv that? Simply this: “That no Scout or Cub ever goes into camp unless he is determined to make himself as comfortable as possible.” flow? By the use of camp gadgets ,e.g. hat racks, camp tallies and seats, Hat mats etc. Just a word about the past year. It has seen many changes and I am pleased to say steady progress has been made. Now, Mr Cub, wlmt have you done during the past year? Have you got your Ist or 2nd Star yet l Have you done everything asked of you with a proper Cub spirit? Or have you shirked? Have you made your pack proud to have you in it, or have you been a nuisance? This coming years is going to be a great one for Cubs. We hope to form at least two new pucks and the other packs ai e going to increase in size and Cub spirit. You know, this means that you will have to exert every ounce to make your pack absolutely the best. I know that every single Cub even the very newest of new boys is going to help make 193-1 a real Cub year. To Cubmasters and Cubs, a Merry Christmas and a Heal Cub New Year, from your D.C.M.

IRON DUKE SEA SCOUTS During 1933 the troop has made good progress showing an increase of seven members. At the Sea Scout lcgatta which is held annually in Wellington the junior crew were successful in defending the Aorangi Cup and the senior crew were eliminated after reaching the semi-final in the Washbourn Cup. Much credit is due to our junior crew, which was the lightest at the regatta, defeating much heavier crews by their splendid oarsmanship. This fact was very favourably commented upon by the spectators. During- the year we rowed against H.M. ships while they vvere in port, winning one race against 11.M.b. Diomede and losing one to the Vcronica. After a hard race, the Iron Duke Ilover Sea Scouts lost to the Diomede. During October we were favoured by a visit from Captain Cosmo Graham of 11.M.5. Diomede, and atfer inspecting the troop he delivered a very interesting address to the scouts and presented them with a set of six oars, which was much appreciated In the winter months the Iron Duke Hover Sea Scouts were formed under the leadership of Air A. K. Griffiths. They have assisted the troop in repairing the boats. At the district scout rally which was held on Trafalgar Day they erected the flagpole in the field.

The Brian Jones Memorial Shield has been won by the Starboard Watch this year and the senior signallers’ badge by L. M. Evans and the junior badge by K. Evans. We have been unfortunate in losing Co.vn John Boss who has left Nelson for Christchurch. During his live years in the troop lie was a very keen member, and we hope he will he able to join the scouts in his new homo-town.

Wc wish to express our thanks to Mr Kiekett's for very helpful advice and assistance given when the boats were being overhauled. Several week-end camps and many trips in the cutter have taken place

during tlic your. 'I his ( liristnius the ho vs will bo camping at Mapua, Rover Leader A. K..GridHli being in charge. The "Skipper” of Ibe troop, Seoulmaster E. Berry is attending the Gilwell Training Camp. RANGATIRA TROOP Since the first meeting of the New Year the boys have all been working well and it. large number of badges have been awarded.

The roll strength lias improved a little during the year. YVe have enrolled quite it number of new hoys, but this lias been balanced by a few boys having to leave. With the passing of the 'Tenderfoot Badge by Cyril iSimister last Wednesday wq have the whole troop holding at least one badge, each. 'This is very satisfactory as several of the boys have only been in the troop for a short time. On Wednesday, 3rd January next we propose taking a number of boys into camp at the Alaitai on the site being vacated by the Scoutmasters Training Camp on that date. The camp will be under the. leadership of Mr Jiiques, chairman of the committee. 'The training side of the camp will be in the capable bands of troop Coadei Heather.

We would like io take this opportune v of reminding all the boys that there will be no further weekly meetings until Wednesday, 17th January next.

Cubs: Since the inception of this branch of scouting work in the troop some ten months ago the pack has grown very rapidly. W lieu the new Cubmaster, llev. 0.. B. Plumb took over, the roll stood at about nine cubs, it has now grown to 'The hoys are all still as keen as mustard and are giving the Cubmaster a bard time in keeping them all working as they no sooner finish oily test that they arc* ready to go on with the next. The pack is very fortunate in having such a capable and popular leader and wo wish them all the best of luck in their New Year’s work. Four or live of the senior boys will probably lie going into camp with the Scouts after the New Year. In signing oil' for tin* year we take this opportunity of thanking all our helpers during the year.

ANZAC SCOUT TROOP The final night parade for the year was held last W ednesday, -10 scouts being on parade. -Viler the inspection patrol leaders took charge and soon had- their respective patrols busy arranging details and pratising items foi the camp. The Christmas Camp this year will be held at Mr H. Tunniclifi s property Wai-iti. The troop will leave Nelson on Boxing Day by the 1) a.m. train and will return on the following Tuesday the 2nd danuary. In the absence of Seoulmasler Davis, Dislrict Cubmaster IT. T .Flail will be in charge of the camp and judging by the enthusiasm shown by the boys it should be one of the best camps we have held. The camp is open to parents everyday although we have set aside New Year’s Day ffcr visitors and Sports Day. With the reduced railways fares it is hoped parents will take the opportunity to visit the camp. Boys aiy reminded that if it is raining on Tuesday there will be somebody at All Saints'Church between 8 a.m. and 8.30 a.m. Also vegetables, plum dull's, etc wil be very welcome. TAHUNANUI SCOUT TROOP The troop has been re-organised. The old troop was disbanded and reformed. Four meetings have been held since and there are now 5 keen boys on the roll. One patrol lias been formed with A. L. Turner as Patrol Leader and A. A. Vercoo as second and they will call it the Wolf patrol. Scouts Turner, Vereoc and’ Anstiec arc second class scouts and have started work in connection for their first class badge. Scouts Bussell and Heath have not completed their 2nd class tests. Both are nearly ready to pass the signallers’ test, having put in some good practice under Mr Leighs. The meetings will be held during the school holidays. We will commence Die new year with a small but keen troop and with the addition of a’few Cubs who have reached Scout age wo hope to build up a solid troop. TAHUNANUI CUB PACK The pack has been working hard during the month on Star tests badge work. The roll stands at 29, blit will be reduced considerably when we commence tlie New Year as scvfrtU boys have readied the age limit and will have ti> leave the pack. The pack will lose some good boys, but the troop will beuelit.

Cubs B. Dee and V. Bussell have passed all tests for their first star. Cub G. Inkster has passed all tests for second star. Seconds C. Spear and M. Hammond passed all tests for Athletes Badge. Cub If. 'Edmondson passed the tenderpads test. Th (! pack will go into camp at the Martin 'Reserve on Boxing Day and the boys are looking forward to a good camp. No meetings will be held during the school holidays. Scoutmaster, Cubmaster and Assistant wish all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.