SCOUT NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23351, 17 November 1937, Page 3

SCOUT NOTES

By "White Fang M

KETCH FOR SEA SCOUTS With a view to advancing real interest in the Sea Scout branch of the movement, the clergyman on the Island of Guernsey purchased at a large auction sale the ketch Espero, an ex-Brixham trawler, together with valuable effects. This vessel was recently used in the filming of "Toilers of the Sea." When removed to a suitable place and the Sea Scouts carry out some repairs, the vessel will make a very useful acquisition, as she is 54 feet overall and 15 feet beam. CHINESE SCOUTS A correspondent in China writes: "One thing that stands out is the superb work done by the Chinese Boy Scouts. Whether it is a question of cleaning up a mess such as the results of% bombing, or handling refugee crowds or looking after food supplies for hospitals, they are always on the job and doing things well." Deep Sea Scouts from the British ships are also doing their bit to help the refugees. SPAIN Our international commissioner advises that he is still able to correspond with the leaders of the Scout movement in Spain and learn from them that they are carrying on Scouting to the best of their ability. Both sides in the dispute have accepted the services of the Scouts for humanitarian work, such as Red Cross aid, and looking after refugees. AMBULANCE BUILT BY ROVER SCOUTS Twelve Rover Scouts from the Caulfield Group in Australia have spent many week-ends converting an old car into a Scout ambulance car. For more than two years the crew has been setting a fine example of service at the Victorian camping ground, where thousands of Scouts camp during the summer and at week-ends. The car will be equipped with two stretchers and a seat for the attendant. The designing and building will be done by the Rover crew.

LASHINGS Actually a lashing Is a rope or cord by which anything is secured, but the term is also used to describe the process by which two or more spars are secured or lashed together. Five separate types of lashings are required for the pioneer's badge, all of them being used for their own special use. The length and thickness of lashing ropes depends on the type of timber being used. For camp gadgets some form of binder twine or spun yarn is usually best. Blind cord is quite good for lashing staves. For heavier polts or spars, cordage or rope is necessary. There is no definite size of rope specified for this work; it is a case of using one's own common sense with actual practice. Anything between threequarters of an inch and an inch and ahalf will satisfy most requirements. Rope is measured by its circumference and sold by weight as a general rule. The square lashing is used whenever spars cross each other at an angle, whether a right angle or otherwise. The lashing starts with a clove-hitch on the upright spar, and finishes with a clove-hitch on the horizontal spar. Care should be taken to see that the finishing clove-hitch is pulled well into the corner, and any spare rope should be wound round a convenient spar and secured with a series of halfhitches or marline hitches. During the construction of the lashing care should be taken to see that each turn does not over-ride the previous one. The test of a good lashing is both its neatness and its firmness. Slovenly loose work should never be allowed. Never hurry a lashing. When the lashing is completed tuck the end away, so that anyone cannot pull on the end for curiosity and work it loose. ROSLYN A rousing grand howl went up as the Roslyn Panthers met in their jungle. Two new games met with full appreciation. First and second star work followed, and Spencer Young gained his tenderpad. A yarn by Akela closed a happy evening. During the sojourn in the jungle by the Leopards M. Fraser and K. Marshall gained their first star, K. Lethaby received his tenderpad, and G. Anderson was presented with his team player's badge. Second star work was the order for the. afternoon, and good work was shown in this. NORTH DUNEDIN Twenty-eight Cubs answered Akela's call at North Dunedin and then settled down to work in their lairs. During a pow wow the final arrangements for the picnic were discussed. Visitors during the evening included Commissioner Ashman and A.C.M. Driver. ANDERSON'S BAY Thirty-three Sea Scouts paraded under Commissioner Black at Anderson's Bay. The Port and Starboard Watches were busy with signalling and pioneering in preparation for the competitions. The Forecastle Head Watch continued on first aid in readiness for second-class badge. Members of the Tomahawk Troop paid a visit during the evening. ST. CLAIR Friday night was a busy scene with badge work at St. Clair. Scouts Armitage and Davidson passed Scout pace and Scouts Coull and Newall gained their compass test. The six new members from the pack are well on the way with their tenderfoot badge work. KNOX Early in the evening a number of the .droop reported at the Fire Station for instruction in the Fireman's Badge. On return to the hall all hands set to work on competition routine. Four members passed their Friend to Animal Badge, and P.L. Payton his Public Healthyman's Badge. The Ramblers' Patrol set out for Flagstaff on Saturday and returned via the Passmore Camp site. Owing to the hall being in use the Rovers set out for a hike up the Leith Valley. CHRISTIAN BROTHERS The first parade of the newly-formed Christian Brothers' Pack was held on Tuesday, when 12 boys were present After a yarn on Scouting by Baloo, the lore of the jungle, the grand howl and the storv of Mowgli were all listened to. Several members of the committer were present to see the launching of this new unit. WESLEY Monday was Pals night for the Wesley Troop. After an outdoor game a message relay was held covering a large part of South Dunedin. From behind a screen two voices were heard discussing a murder, and so the patrols quickly set down on paper their opinion of the story. However, all their deductions were of no avail, for the murder was to be done to a cat. Several visitors were welcomed, including Mr Ashby and A.S.M. Still.