SCOUT NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23220, 18 June 1937, Page 12

SCOUT NOTES

By White Fang

What is the Scout Badge?—Some people seem rather doubtful as to what the Scout Badge really symbolises. The badge is the arrowhead of the mariner's compass, which always points in the right direction, turning neither to the right nor to the left, since these lead backwards again. Its three points serve to remind us of the three parts of the Scout Promise. The stars on the side arms, of the badge stand for the two eyes of the Wolf Cub having been opened before he became a Scout, and since each star has five points, the points together serve to remind us of the 10 points of the Scout Law. The curled up corners at the bottom of the badge are the lips curled into a smile, for the Scout faces all difficulties with a grin The Scout badge worn on the lapel of the coat is the sign by which you can recognise another Scout which immediately calls for a salute and a grin, and if you stop to speak to him then a handshake with the left hand. It is nice to think we shake hands with the left hand because it is nearer to the heart and shows that our heart is in ths welcome we extend to the other Scout. However, the real idea is to show that we trust the other fellow. The right hand is a relic of the olden days when men carried hidden weapons and shook hands with the right hand to show they had no weapons. We shake hands with the left to show we do not need any sign like this, but trust the other Scout.

Cook's Badge.—On Saturday all the budding cooks will meet at Logan Park to convince the examiner that they are able to make a good meal out in the open. Now, the first thing to think about is the fire. 'lt is not necessary to spend all day getting the fire ready. Before you start get into the bush and get a plentiful supply of suitable wood, and have it beside you ready. It is not advisable to put your stews on at the first blaze, wait until the fire has a good hold and the heavier wood has begun to burn. A fireplace of some sort should be built so that several things can be cooking at once. The requirement for this badge is that you serve a three-course meal along with a cup of tea, cocoa or coffee. Apart from this you require to have a knowledge of setting a table and the correct wav to serve and take away dishes. The good Scout will so arrange his cooking that, he is able to offer the examiner all three courses ready for eating at the one time. To do this it is handy to do your cooking in a billy made out of a two-pound syrup tin. These you will find form a handv size for a one-person meal. Three of these tins take up very little room in your kit and fllow you to cook all courses at the same time. Time is no object, but smartness is always appreciated. Your cooking material will be inspected prior to starting and your fires will be inspected when you have closed them in at the end. Meet as Logan Park at 1.30 D.m. on June 19. Patrol Leaders' Evening.—Thirty patrol leaders met round the tea table at headquarters on Saturday. After the saveloys and cakes had disappeared Commissioner Wing outlined the object of the meeting. A general. discussion then ensued on several matters affecting the leaders, including the troublesome boy, troop magazines, second's badge and various other topics. Scoutmaster Paape then gave a very interesting yarn on the duties of the leader and the patrol spirit. After a game we settled down again to hear a few words about the Hobbies' Exhibition. It was then unanimously decided to hold a further leaders' meeting early in September and a committee of patrol leaders Cooper, Gaudin, Driver and N. Lomas was set up to make the necessary arrangements.

Hobbies' Exhibition.—Troops, wake up! Have you heard the latest? Mr J. L. Passmore has donated a cup for the troop gaining the highest points in the forthcoming Hobbies' Exhibition. Now it is up to you, yes, each one of you Scouts. Get on to those hobbiec Get your patrol working. That is not all. Mrs Passmore would like to see some good, plain wdrk done in the cooking section, and has intimated her intention of giving a prize in this work. This means plenty of practice beforehand and giving mother a hand on cooking day; then you will get that expert touch. First Class Examination. The examiners were rather disappointed on Saturday with the standard of work, especially in the signalling and estimations. This means that Scouts must put in more practice before they sit for their tests. In the axemanship a better standard of work was shown. The following passes were recorded:— Signalling—H. Macdonald, K. Roberts, G. Winslade, I. Mains; axemenship— H. Macdonald, K. Roberts, K. Nichols, L. Shackleton, J. Herron, F. Lee and I. Dawson.

Mornington Twenty-seven Years Old.—There is a moment of darkness, then a bright beam from the television projector presents before our very eyes none other than Aunt Anasthasia and Uncle Carbuncle. With evening greetings from the both, the children's session from station 2IOU began with birthday greetings to several prominent members of the Mornington family. Cub Thomson sang " Marching through Georgia," while Cub Borrie and Cub M'Gavin also gave items. Following the 6 o'clock chimes, the dinner music session was much enjoyed. At 7 o'clock the news session predicted hail, frost, snow and thunder in most quarters. The notice concerning the whereabouts of Commissioner Wine was later cancelled, when the commissioner arrived, accompanied by Commissioner Ashman and Scouter Paape. A relay from Davenlry of a speedway contest was followed by an orchestral item from the Town Hall. St. George and the Dragon and the "Flying Flea" received due applause. A wrestling match was held up while the referee discovered one of the contestants with a carving knife. A rebroadcast of the war in Spain,caused a fault in the television set, which could not be rectified on the spot, so the rest of the programme was announced in person. This novel entertainment was greatly enjoyed by a large attendance of Cubs. Scouts and parents. After supper was served Mrs Nelson cut the birthday cake which she had kindly given. The Purple six were then presented with the cup for the best work in the iatersix competition, while the two brothers Borrie were awarded the prize for efficiency during the year. Mr R. B. Smith ably filled his position as "Popeye " and kept everything on the move.

Tomahawk.—A well-attended meeting of the committee was held on Thursday on finalise arrangements for the starting of the troop and Cub pack. In the unavoidable absence of the chairman. Commissioner Wins opened the meeting with a few words on the running of the'meeting. D.C.M. Payton and D.C.M. Fergus were present and spoke on the training of the Cubs. Mr Kirkwood referred to the advantages of Cub and Scout work to the district. Scouters Black and M'Gregor accompanied by 12 Sea Scouts, were present from Anderson's Bay and will be instructing the new Scouts until their own officer is appointed. Mr Cuthbert received his warrant as Cubmaster. Mr Cuthbert has had about eight years' experience in the movement as Cubmaster, Scoutmaster and district officer. Eleven Cubs and 20 Scouts were then enrolled and arrangements ma*dc for future meetings. Mrs Newbolt's property is being used as Scout and Cub headquarters.

Roslyn.—Twenty -nine " Leopards " ran in' the jungle on Thursday. The park settled down to first and second star work. Cubs Eraser and Paterson

passed their skipping, ball-catching and leapfrog tests. Gordon Strang was promoted to Sixer of the Greens A.C.M. Penman, of Invercargill, was a welcome visitor, while Mrs M'Dermid was present to instruct some of the Cubs in woolwork. Don Paterson was invested as a brother Wolf Cub. The "Panthers" had the North Dunedin Pack as their guests on Tuesday. The evening was devoted to a games programme. A larrre number of Scouts answered the " Seagull" call when Scouter gave a yarn on " Punctuality," and we hope to see an improvement from this. Two new chums were welcomed to the "Buffalo" Patrol. Pioneering work consisted of two large towers being put under construction. The chairman was present to thank the troop for their work in the recent concert. These remarks were endorsed by Mr Eastgate. North Dunedin.—Twenty Scouts answered roll call on Friday. The evening was given to general revision work. During the evening the Cubmasters were present and judged the new screens, awarding first to the "Bulldogs." Hand "Soccer" and the sixth Scout law brought the evening to a close.

Anderson's Bay—Thirty-five boys paraded when the flag was run to the masthead. After signalling, the boats were brought in and some went for a short row. N. M'Kenzie passed his second-class, while H. Wilson, P. Young, and A. Duffy were congratulated on passing the Pathfinder badge. The Forecastle Head watch received the banner for the best work in the interwatch competition. Mohicans.—Fifteen started the evening with a game of bar-the-door. Inspection showed a vast improvement on previous work. Several items were rehearsed for the birthday on the following parade night when it is hoped to have a large number of parents and friends.

St. Andrew's. —Parade opened with a run through some ambulance work, after which the practical side was done in bandaging. The commissioner and two district Scouters were then welcomed and took the metropolitan inspection. This showed that we have several points to watch in our uniform and work, to bring it up to the mark. After some relays the troop dispersed when the court of honour met. St. Clair—Good progress is being made in this quarter. Numbers are showing an increase, while other work is showing a great improvement. During one of the new games the commissioner and district officers arrived and took inspection and other tests in connection with the Metropolitan Competition, after which Commissioner Wing said a few words to the troop. On Sunday about 11 Scouts and 25 Cubs paraded under Scouters Moore and Paape to attend the Methodist Church for their annual church service. The Rev Orchard gave an inspiring address on "Scouting," while one of the Scouts read the lesson.

Knox.—A good muster set off from the hall on Friday to have Scout pace. On returning to the hall the patrol leaders took charge to instruct their patrols. Ambulance badge was presented to P. L. Payton, while Pathfinder badges were presented to J. Knowles, J. Herron, F. Lee, F. Berttley and E. Payton. Scouter Metcalfe was welcomed back after his sojourn in the snow and rain of the western portion of Otago. On Wednesday a tramp was held to Nicholls Creek, which was enjoyed by all, even though the water proved chilly when someone fell in.

Wesley.—Good progress is being shown in this district. Scout Pickering received his second class badge, while J. Hill, W. Taylor, H. Thomas, and R Chalmers were presented with their tenderfoot badges. After a warming game patrols retired to their corners for second class work. Court of Honour met later to v discuss various matters concerning the troop.