SCOUT NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23370, 9 December 1937, Page 17

SCOUT NOTES

By “White Fang”

ANNUAL MEETING The most successful meeting for many years took place at Wellington last week, when his Excellency Lord Galway attended. In speaking to the annual report, his Excellency expressed his approval of the removal of headquarters to Wellington, and stressed the importance of training our boys to become good citizens of the future. His Excellency hoped that during the coming year he would have an opportunity of visiting some of the Scout camps. Mr Christie, Dominion commissioner in moving the annual report referred to the lack of contact in the past, and that they were building up with the hope of sending out a man throughout New Zealand capable of training the Scouters. The aim of headquarters was to see that there was not one man in Scouting but whose whole desire was to see Scouting going ahead for the personal good of the boys and the good of the nation. The boys in the movement must be boys of the open hills and of the sea. Since taking over the position. Commissioner Christie had visited 18 Scout districts, and hopes within the near future to complete the remaining eight. The proposed jamboree in 1940 is well under way, and arrangements will be completed as soon as the site undei view at Trentham has been definitely lent to the association. During the week-end the commissioners visited the proposed site, and thought it ideal for the purpose. Prior to the annual meeting a meeting of 33 commissioners was held to consider remits that had been forwarded by the different districts. These remits dealt with uniform, road safety, badges, Scout property, and Sea Scout administration. At the close of the annual meeting the commissioners retired to Lower Hutt, where an extensive conference and training course was gone through lasting until Sunday night. During this period the main matters under consideration were international Scouting, camp fires, warrents, Gilwell training, religious policy, physical fitness, ceremonials, and' leadership. It is confidently expected that as a result of this conference Scouting in New Zealand will go ahead with new life and vigour. PATROL LEADERS Once again the patrol leaders of the various groups are going into conference to discuss matters affecting all groups and to plan new ways of doing things. This time the meeting is being held at Roslyn, and part of the time will be devoted to a debate between North and South troops, the subjects suggested being international camps, campfires on Sunday, and co-operation between Guide and Scout sections. It is hoped that all patrol leaders will attend this meeting, which is planned for December 13. SEA SCOUT HOME October 9 saw the official handing over of the famous ship Discovery to the Sea Scouts of London. No longer will this gallant old ship battle with ice floes of the Antractic, but now from her proud home of the Temple Steps in the heart of London river she will teach the craft of adventuie to the Sea Scouts of Britain. H.R.H. Duke of Kent, in the uniform of the Commodore of the Sea Scouts, formally accepted the Discovery from Sir Herbert Henniker-Heaton, Governor of the Falkland Islands. The Chief Scout outlined to those present what the Scout Association intended doing with the ship, and thanked all who had helped with the gift. SCOUTING ABROAD Behind all the other news that is coming from China are hidden many gallant stories of how young Boy Scouts are risking their lives to give first aid to wounded citizens, to conduct food lines, to help in the hospitals and in the handling of refugee crowds. The Scouts giving their services consist of Chinese, English and other nationalities who belong to the troop there. The cheerfulness and willingness with which this work is carried out has won the admiration of everyone and many tributes have reached headquarters. LAWRENCE Owing to the illness of the Scouter. no meeting was held for a fortnight. Several Scouts are now working for the ambulance badge, the examination of which will take place this month. Now the nights are longer a good number of wide games are being played on the hills. Last meeting a paper chase was held. ST. CLAIR At the annual party a splendid attendance of parents and friends enjoyed a programme of games and stunts prepared by the troop and pack. Commissioner Wing was welcomed by the Dominion haka, after which he presented trophies to several of the Cubs. The Black Six, under Vincent Richards, won the prize for the best six, while Vincent Richards also was considered the best senior Cub with Frank Lawrence the best junior Cub. After Mr Rodgerson had welcomed the parents on behalf of the committee, the troop extended its welcome in the usual way and the programme began with a series of stunts by the various patrols. The “Guides’ jumble sale” was a popular item, a. was “Wirths Circus, “ heavy drama.” “ The Barber,” and “ Worst Aid.” The Cub display included all kinds of games and a splendid little stunt produced by several of the Cubs without any aid. A combined sing-song, in which the parents joined with great gusto, brought the programme to a close. Over 70 were on parade exclusive of the officers. OPOHO The beautiful native bush of Mrs Cooper's property made an ideal setting for the final party of the troop and pack. This took the shape of a campfire entertainment in the form of songs and stunts by both the Cubs and Scouts. Headquarters was represented by Commissioners Wing and Ashman and District Scoutmaster Mclndoe. Prior to the campfire a breeches buoy was rigged up and several persons taken across on it. There was a large parade of Scouts and Cubs as well as Scouts from NorthEast Valley, who were assisting. CUB REPORTS Sixteen Roslyn Panthers squatted round the Council Rock while Akcla told them a yarn, later being followed by a relay race, which was won by the White Six. Star test work was then carried out. Donald Benfall was welcomed by the Grand Howl. H. Dreaver presented a good model for his second star while S Young gained his first star skipping. Mohicans had 12 Cubs answering the pack call. The intersix cup was gained by the Tawny Six who were six points ahead if the Silver Six. The pack bade farewell to G.S.M. Harbour, who is leaving for Winton. J. Coster is now taking charge of the pack. North Dunedin and Christian Brothers Packs joined in following the trail to Fraser’s Gully, where several outdoor games were held. Wood was then collected and sausages grilled. A sing-song round the campfire was much enjoyed by all before trailing home. Opoho had 17 in the jungle on Thursday, when a new song was learnt and jungle dances practised. District badges were later given out.

OCEAN BEACH Thirty Scouts joined in building a bridge in the park adjoining the hall. After being officially opened by the Scouter, it was tested by all hands. The parade then adjourned to the hall for a practice in readiness for the annual concert to be held this month. On Sunday five Scouts who happened to be in the neighbourhood of St. Clair were called upon to extinguish a fire which was blazing furiously in the

sandhills. This they successfully accomplished after some hard work. ’ANDERSON’S BAY A large parade attended on Friday, when the boats were taken out for a half-hour pull. On return, signalling, pioneering, and first aid work were carried out. Seven of the boys received their tenderfoot badges, after which arrangements were made for the

races to be held at Macandrew Bay on Boxing Day. Congratulations were extended to Scouts Anderson, Bartlett Proctor, and Young, who had received promotion.