SCOUT NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23592, 31 August 1938, Page 12

SCOUT NOTES

By White Fang

SWIMMING Spring has come upon us with a great break of fine weather —just the weather to learn the art of swimming. It is not hard to learn', but the main essential is to get into the water. Many of us put it off and put it off until one day an emergency arises at which we have to stand on the bank and look on instead of being able to assist. Is that the job of a Scout? Saturday night is Scout night at the baths, and it is up to you Scouts to use it. Ask your Scouter all about it. LONE SCOUTS

A recent visitation to some of the Lone Scouts shows that good progress is being made throughout the Otago District. On Monday three of the Galloway Lone Patrol met, when signalling, compass, and knot work was revised. The following morning they met again for roller bandage, paster casts, and tracking work. An outdoor campfire was also held. Out from Alexandra one of the Lones was met and revision of Tenderfoot work was taken. This was followed by an investiture ceremony, when Ray Welch was welcomed as a member of the Scout Brotherhood. On Wednesday, six members of the Roxburgh Patrol started out for a short hike, during which tracking work was carried out. Several members gained their second-class fire and cooking test, while the patrol leader gained his first-class signalling. After tea, rolling bandage work was tried out before settling down to campfire, during which a yarn was given about the New Zealand jamboree. Two patrols are in existence in the Dumbarton district. After going over Tenderfoot work in the afternoon, a combined campfire was held on the banks of the Molyneux River. Ways and means for earning the cost of the New Zealand jamboree were also discussed. In. the glow of the campfire, eight members gave their promise to do their best to live up to the ideals of the movement. PATHFINDER BADGE Arrangements have been made to hold the next examination for this badge on September 14. The records also show that a number of Scouts are also due to sit this badge again, as it must be passed annually. SCOUTING IN JAVA We Scouts are always interested to know the activities of our brothers in other parts of the world. In Java, although Scouting has only just reached its teens,.it already embraces the lesser educated communities, and here we find- Scouting organisations whose languages are Chinese, Dutch, English, Malay, Javanese, Sudanese and Arabic The; recent Easter holidays saw many Scbtuing groups in, all parts of Java, camping, attending rallies and other outdoor activities. The Rover Scouts camped at Koepang, about 2500 feet above sea level. Although an ideal place for a health resort, it has the disadvantage of being too windy for camping as you cannot get a comfortable night's rest unless a double-sheet tent is used The Java Rally was held at Samarang, Scouts attending from Malang. Sourabaya, Yoana, Solo, Cheribon. and from Samarang. a jamboree in minature. SCOUTING AND EDUCATION The following paragraph written at the time of the Scout appeal in England by the Chairman of the Headmasters of Secondary Schools is of value to us all:—The modem humanistic type of education lays particular stress on learning through interest and activity, on the inculcation of habits of self-reliance and on the ideal all : round development of body and mind It is precisely towards the achievement of these ends that the Boy Scout Movement has made its most valuable contribution. In this respect its work is corollary to the work carried out in the schools, and continues in leisure time what has been begun in school hours. In a still wider sense, however, its ideals have inspired generations of youth to honourable and disciplined endeavour. By' directing into useful channels the adventuresome spirit of youth, by establishing in many lands a living tradi tion of loyalty, service, courtesy and comradeship, it has done more to promote international goodwill, and to lay the real foundations of good citizenship than any formal course of civics." MORNINGTON While engaged in tenderfoot and first-class work, the St Andrews Troop arrived on a visit Play-act-ing and a combined sing-song proved enjoyable. During a coming-up ceremony, J. Borrie, B Borrie, A. Phillips, and B. Stables started on the Scouting trail. R. Cleveland, having passed his tenderfoot, was invested as a member of the brotherhood. While a run round the block was held the hall was prepared for Pirates. OCEAN BEACH Ten attended the second meeting of the Rover Crew. Mapping and pioneering work was carried out under Rover Hunter The crew has been fortunate in getting Mr F. Smith as their leader and will now meet regularly on Wednesdays. ANDERSON BAY . Twenty paraded at two bells on Friday. A talk was given by Coxwain Bartlett on the heliograph and then the rudiments of navigation was taken by Boatswain Anderson. A talk of the work done by the Pioneers proved interesting. Pioneering squad built a signalling tower while the other watches were on ambulance and signalling. Skipper Jenkins, of Invercargill, was a welcome visitor. A few boxing bouts were much enjoyed. On Tuesday Skipper Black with foui Scouts visited Milton in connection with the formation of a troop there, and assisted in tenderfoot instruction work. MOHICANS Lashing and signalling work was carried out by a good muster of Scouts on Friday Fourteen Cubs settled down to star instruction. Congratulations were extended to B. Aitken, who gained House Orderly and Team Players Badges. Miss Menzies was a welcome visitor. KENSINGTON A good muster engaged in paper football before testing their know-

ledge on an intelligence test which showed just how much they did know. Tenderfoot and second-class work forged ahead under the Patrol Leaders. Steer roping tested out the use of our knots before a firstaid accident was staged On Saturday several Scouts.went for a short hike to Hawthorn Creek, where several observation games were held. Fires were kindled and food was soon roasting. WESLEY Ten Scouts answered Troop call on Monday, when several new games were tried out. A spelling competition was introduced with some scouting. Hand soccer put a warm touch to the evening.