SCOUT NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21774, 13 October 1932, Page 15

SCOUT NOTES

By Scouter.

The Scouts’ turn-out ou Friday night was very good indeed and the marching was much improved. Probably this was due in some measure to the splendid playing of the Wavcrley Boys’ Brass Band, and also to the way in which Hover Leader Pirrett ordered the parade. The rally on Saturday was a example of scoifting, and shows what useful work is being done by the Scouts, and the whole affair reflected great credit on the committee which arranged the programme and those responsible for training the boys. Next time, though. Scouts must be more punctual in driving at the ground on time. I The annual meeting of the Dunedin j district will be held to-morrow evening. The chief commissioner for New Zealand (Colonel Fenwick) will be present. Totems were the means by which the North American Indians honoured their illustrious dead. These totems took the form of poles carved and painted to represent animals of the forest and fish of the sea. To-day these totems stand as the only tangible link between the red man and the paleface; they, when interpreted aright, give the history of the tribe, the family and the individual. So, too, can Scout troops add a little more of the woodcraft touch to their troop and patrol work by using a totem ou which is represented all the outstanding events of its history. The carvings will be checked up in the Log Book and thus will be a constant reminder to all whom they concern. A little of the meaning of Indian totems will be necessary before a troop can set out in this interesting application of handcraft. Tile top figure was the animal taken ■as “ the coat of arms.” To the Indian the animal had, it was supposed, a natural affinity, creating an obligation of mutual helpfulness. The man reciprocated by not killing the animal, by showing respect, and by enforcing respect from others. An Indian coming on anyone abusing his totem animal covered his face in shame and afterwards exacted retribution from the offender. The patrol emblem could be considered here in the same light. The American master carver first selected a suitable timber (study of woods), trimmed the log and smoothed it ready for carving (axemanship), and then began carving (handcraft). First he fashioned the hero’s wife’s totem, next came the hero’s totem, and then followed representations of exploits—buffaloes killed, scalps collected, and so on. The application of all this to Scouting is that each troop should select a totem; the animal or bird of their troop call if they have one will serve the purpose admirably to surmount the- troop totem pole; each patrol to have its own patrol totem surmounted by the patrol emblem, and, finally, each Scout to have his staff as his own personal totem. This also will be surmounted by the patrol emblem. The troop totem will serve as a supplementary troop log, the patrol totem a patrol log, and the individual Scout staff would represent the owner’s service in the movement, his personal history, badges, hikes, camps, exploits, etc. Each Scout in a troop, therefore, has two totems. He belongs to the tribe (troop) of, say, the Seagulls, and is part of the family (patrol) of, say, fhe Pigeons. For more precise information on how to keep the individual totem, see “Lonecraft,” by Hargreaves. 2nd Dunedin (2nd Mornington).—The troop did not parade at its headquarters on Friday last, as the boys were required to parade along town in anticipation of the rally. Afterwards the troop returned to headquarters, where preparations’ were made for the rally to be held the next day. The troop was dismissed at 9 o’clock. The boys were pleased to have with them one of the scoutmasters who hhs been away for some time, Scouter M’Laren. He was welcomed very heartily. On Saturday an excellent muster of boys, was present at the rally. The two Pioneering patrols under Leaders Waite and Hely did excellent wprk making a monkey bridge and a derrick crane. There were other patrols for tent erecting and ambulance. 9th Dunedin Mohicans. —What with rally excitement and other happenings, this troop has been unable for the past week or two to concentrate on Scout work. As a fitting climax for the weekend . festivities the Mohicans held a Scouts’ own on Sunday afternoon, when a large crowd, including representatives of the 4th Dunedin Girl Guide Company, was present. Unfortunately,_ this -side of Scouting—namely, the religious side—is very much neglected, but Sunday s parade showed that a little interest is taken. A “full attendance is requested next Friday evening—both of Scouts and Cubs. . . 17th Dunedin Knox.—Fourteen answered the roll call Igst Friday, and the troop then took part in the march through the city. After this the North Dunedin, Ravensbourne, arid Green Island troops assembled to have a run through the item for the rally. The same number attended ou Saturday, when the tqpop participated in the rally. , ~ , , St. Clair Cub Pack.—Even the fact that the school bazaar was being held on Friday night did not stop 32 Cubs from coming into the jungle to meet at the council rock. Akela told the pack about the rally to be held on Saturday, and the pack spent the rest of the evening making arrangements for the following day. The pack roll is now complete, and Akela has had to form another six, with Jack Morris as Sixer and Pearson Malcolm as Second. Any Cubs who, through illness, etc., have been unable to get to the last few pack meets, are asked to let Akela know when they are returning, so that he can make room for them in their old sixes or in one of the new sixes. Twenty-eight Cubs attended the rally at Logan Park, when St. Clair had one of the largest turn-outs on the ground. The pack acquitted itself very well, and Akela was very pleased. Knox Pack— Last Saturday was • great day in the history of the jungle log. Early in the afternoon the boys left the dens for the great Logan jungle, where all the other families were met. After the troop s nart was over the boys keenly watched the old wolves at their work. Twentytwo welcomed Akela with the grand howl at the council rock. Bagheera then read a story about Niagara Falls and how Mowgli was captured and taken prisoner. Mosgiel Pack—A good attendance of Mosgiel Cubs greeted Akela with a good grand howl last Wednesday evening, when the pack met. Rousing games were followed with a practice of the Otago Yell and the grand howl. After further games the repeating of the Promise and a final grand howl, the pack silently dispersed. CAVERSHAM COMMITTEE. The annual meeting of the Caversham Scouts and Cubs Parents’ Committee .was held on Tuesday night. The chairman, Mr J. C. White moved the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet, the latter showing a satisfactory credit balance. The resignation of Assistant Cubber T. Giles created considerable discussion as to the most satisfactory lines to carry on, and it was eventually decided to apply for the use of the gymnasium on Thursday evenings instead of Fridays, and ask Cubber C. Ashby to take charge. A special vote of thanks was passed to Mr Stuart Clarke for the conscientious way in which he had taken charge of the euchre evenings. The election of officers resulted as follow;—Patron, Mr R. S. Black (Mayor); chairman, Mr J. C. White; secretary. Mr» Homer; treasurer,- Mr W. F. Lyon. Messrs White and Johnston were appointed to vote on behalf of the committee at the general annual meeting on Thursday evening.