SCOUTS NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23527, 16 June 1938, Page 17

SCOUTS NOTES

By White Fang SYDNEY JAMBOREE The lime for entries of those Scouts desiring to attend the Sydney jamboree is getting near This cannot on any account be extended It is unnecessary to stress the importance of these international meetings of youth as a valuable quota towards peace and goodwill, also the broadening of the boy's mind and the acquisition of valuable experience. It would be ideal if a member from each group were to attend This can be done by a group effort to subsidise up to say. 50 per cent, so that the Scout selected goes as a representative of his mates and v their efforts Never before ha? a Scout function of such magnitude been organised in New South Wales, and no efforts are being spared to ensure its success. Every precaution and proper supervision will be exercised to safeguard the Scouts in every way The New Zealand contingent will be under the leadership of Commissioner Cooksey, who has on previous occasions led Scout parties from New Zealand to England and to Australia Imagine this jamboree site peopled by some 10.000 Scouts from many crowds of smiling lads fraternising joyously and having an unforgettable time joining in the colourful displays, camp fires, excursions, swimming, gettogethers. and other activities. Already we have been advised that Great Britain India. France. Hungary, South Africa. Ceylon. Kenya. Fiji. Nauru. Newfoundland, and America will be represented, while contingents from Canada and Malaya are fairly certain. ATHLETIC BADGE The conditions for the Athletic badge have been ' reorganised to suit New Zealand conditions, so we hope to see many of the Scouts now entering for this badge. The examiner, Mr McKernan, of 27 Ferguson street, will be pleased to examine boys any Saturday morning in groups of about six boys. Apart from knowing the correct method of training and starting races, Scouts should have a knowledge of keeping fit for this sport. The times for the running events and the heights for the jumping events have been arranged in accordance with the New Zealand standard for schools. Those interested will find fuller news at headquarters. SOUTH OTAGO DISTRICT Both troop and pack have suffered from one of those periodical inroads caused by the removal of a number of families from the town, yet numbers have been well maintained by the addition of new recruits. An eeling party on the property of Mr Landreth proved a great success. A hearty welcome was extended to the past president (Rev. Mr Blair), who gave an interesting yarn on the customs of Scouts and people in other parts of the world. Mr C. Cooper also paid a visit during the month, this time to speak on the Scout’s duty to animals and the proper care of them on farms and in town. A tried camper, Mr Blair also spoke of his experiences of camping in South Africa and other parts of the world. Troop leader K. James is congratulated on gaining his King’s Scout Badge. We also convey best wishes to J Bell, K. James, and E. Dark on gaining awards of the Royal Life Saving Society. BALCLUTHA Good progress is reported In the Balclutha Troop after the combined camp with Owaka at Pounawea About 30 boys are now working away at their tests The award for the neatest boy in camp was gained by Scout Henderson. Welcome visitors have been G. S. M. Gridgeman and S. M. Paape. STIRLING The Stirling Troop is now under the leadership of A. Henderson, with Mr G. Anderson assisting. With this new life we are looking forward to great things from this troop. POPOTUNOA Popotunoa is the name given to the new troop started at Clinton under the Rev. R. Judson. Twenty boys have rallied round, and are keenly working for their Tenderfoot badge. LAWRENCE Our country correspondent reports that the Scouter at the Lawrence Troop has been on the sick list for .several nights. During his absence the patrol leaders have carried on with the work. Some new members have been busy with Tenderfoot tests, while four Scouts are ready to sit the cyclist badge. Six Scouts sat the practical of their Ambulance badge, and were successful in passing. In the examination for the Missioner badge, two were successful.

OMAKAU Commencing last October with a membership of six Lone Scouts. Scouting has steadily forged ahead in the Omakau district, there being now 18 boys enrolled. Leader C. Lister kept the group together until the appointment of T Carruth as Scoutmaster. Most of the boys have passed Tenderfoot, and are now working on Second Class. The Troop has obtained a suitable clubroom in which to meet. On the King’s Birthday the Troop left headquarters at 9 a.m. for Lauder Gorge whence the journey was made across country. Tracks of deer were followed for a considerable distance, and proved good experience. At midday an old sod hut was reached, where the billy was boiled. Scouting activities and games occupied the rest of the afternoon. » ' ROSLYN The Panther Pack at Roslyn has had five meetings during the month. On pal’s night 20 Cubs came along with 15 pals for a games night followed by supper. Later three of these pals decided to learn more of the jungle ways. The remainder of the month has been devoted to Star work and some practice for the concert. A fancy dress competition was held one Saturday afternoon. The Leopards have been maintaining their attendance, there being 18 in the Pack. lan and Lindsay Hayes and Lex Butler have passed their Tonderpad tests. The third anniversary was celebrated with a “ mad hatters' ” party, when all assembled in weird and wonderful headgear. The difficult task of judging the best was allotted to Mrs McDermid. who chose A. Morrison’s effort as the most original, and F, Parker’s as the maddest. Afternoon tea was followed by games. A welcome was extended to a Lone Scout from Manuka Creek. The Koala Pack reports an average attendance of 18 Four Cubs have passed first star, while one gained second star. School holidays provided an opportunity for two hikes —one to Flagstaff and one to the Southern Reservoir. Nature study and wide games made these outings enjoyable. The Troop has had a busy time with Tenderfoot and Second Class work, four of the latter badges being gained. Work has been put into Patrol corners. The senior Patrol, meeting on Thursday, has been concentrating on first aid, Morse with a buzzer, and splicing. Pathfinding and mapping have also occupied prominent parts of the programme.

MORNINGTON On Saturday the Mornington Troop, Pack, and Crew met to celebrate the twenty-eighth birthday of the Group. Unfortunately, illness prevented the chairman (Mr Smith) from being present, but Rover Mate McLaren conducted the function. A large attendance of parents and friends assembled despite unfavourable weather. Greetings were received from Dominion Headquarters, Commissioner Cooksey, Mr McGregor, and Mr Holderness. The programme was presented in the form of well chosen individual items, plays, jungle dances by the Cubs, and an original sketch by the Rover Crew. Commissioners Wing and Ashman represented the District Staff, and congratulated the Group on its fine work. The birthday cake was presented by Mrs Nelson. OCEAN BEACH The Dominion Haka greeted the visit of Commissioner Cooksey to Saturday’s parade of the Ocean Beach Troop, when he had a yarn with the boys Patrol leaders carried out first aid and signalling work. Scouts M. Kelly, J. Wilson, and Stanley were presented with their Second Class badge, while G. Usher was invested as a brother Scout. P.L.’s took a special session on mapping before Scouter gave the Patrols three minutes in which to make up a suitable Patrol haka. some of which turned out very well. ANDERSON’S BAY Thirty-eight Sea Scouts rallied at Anderson’s Bay. A crew pulled out in the whaler and crossed the harbour to have a look at the French sloop. The following received promotion in the different watches —Seamen Duffy. Calder. and Penrose Instructional work compromised signalling and pioneering. At dismissal the leaders had a special revision on ambulance work. On Saturday afternoon a busy bee set to work cleaning the whaler.