SCOUT NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23599, 8 September 1938, Page 2

SCOUT NOTES

By White Fang

SCOUTING IN OTHER LANDS Indian estate tappers and pest coolies who cannot understand English, but read English characters by Morse signalling, form the most unusual Scout troop in Malaya. They belong to the 11th Ipoh Troop, which is the first troop to be formed on a rubber estate. The estate provided uniforms on condition that the boys paid back the cost month by month out of their wages. Many of the Scouts are brilliant signallers, and already 14 proficiency badges have been gained. Scouting has given these coolies an added interest in life. Except for an occasional trip, very few have left the estate, but they now go camping in other parts of Malaya, and have even paid visits to the sea. MILLION TREES PLANTED Close to 1,000,000 young trees have now been planted by Ontario Boy Scouth on the reafforestation project at Angus. Some 130,000 trees were added during this year’s annual camp over the Victoria Day holidays. Twenty thousand were planted .by Toronto Scouts on the new district camp site at West Hill, and 3000 trees by the Brantford Scouts at Ebor Park. ICELANDIC JAMBOREE Ten Boy Scouts from the south of England and two Scouts from Glasgow formed the contingent which left by the s.s. Esja to attend the Icelandic jamboree to celebrate the silver jubilee of Scouting in Iceland. During their stay there the Scouts visited ancient sites of historical and geological interest, explored old and curious caves formed by volcanic eruptions, climbed mountains, and visited some of the famous hot springs. SWIMMING Unfortunately the prevalence of various illnesses has been responsible for the small attendance of Scouts and Cubs at the special Scout swimming hour at the baths. However, we are pleased to learn that these getms are now doing the “ disappearing trick,” so we hope that all Scouts and Cubs will avail themselves of this wonderful opportunity of learning the art of swimming. Not only is it one of the best forms of exercise to develop your body, but it is a recreation, and many a time an opportunity of service to someone who has got into difficulties. If you are walking along the bank of a river in your uniform and someone was in difficulties, you, as a Scout, would be expected to help. It is no use then making up your mind that you must learn to swim. The Sea Scouts of England are earning the reputation of Guardians of the Waterways. During the past few months many rescues from drowning have been made by Sea Scouts. An example of their gallantry was displayed in July, when Scouts of the Ist Tyne (Sea Scout) Group made a thrilling rescue of three yachtsmen who got into difficulties in Alnmouth Bay. Scouts, make use of baths now to learn so you will enjoy swimming when the summer months are here. HOBBIES PROGRAMMES Several groups have omitted to return these on time. These must all he on hand by September 16 at the very latest. Several of the exhibits have not been collected from headquarters. If not called for during this month, they will be disposed of. PATHFINDER EXAMINATION Entries for this examination should now be. in to headquarters. Scouts will attend at headquarters in uniform on September 14. For this badge it is essential to have a personal knowledge of the district round your headquarters. Spending an hour round the streets with your eyes wide open is far better than trying to pick them up from a map. Get to know your streets and roads so that you are able to direct strangers how to get from one part of the town to another, or from one street to another street All Scouts should be able to be of service to strangers by being able to direct them when they are visiting new districts. . ' LAWRENCE Two nights during the month have been devoted to campfires when songs and yarns have been greatly enjoyed. Fifteen Scouts made the trip to Dunedin to see the Hobbies Exhibition; and greatly enjoyed themselves. The troop was successful in gaining one first, one second, two thirds, and two highly commended certificates tor the work it put in. Later on, it is hoped to make a display of the work, so that the people of Lawrence may see the work done by the Scouts. Several badges have been gained during the month. OCEAN BEACH Wednesday saw enthusiasm running high at the usual meeting of Rover Crew. Mr N, Bewley, a welcome visitor, voiced some enlightening views on "A boy’s most impressionable age.” culled from his experience in schoolteaching. Rover Hunter gave an interesting yarn on 11 Scouting,” which was very helpful. The crew is busy at present delving into suitable Woodcraft names for each of its members. The art of splicing was demonstrated by the more experienced members for the benefit of the less initiated. Mr G Newman, from the committee, and Mr H. Keen were welcomed to the meeting ANDERSON’S BAY Weather and sickness were responsible for the small turnout of the Sea Scouts on Friday. However, general activities were put aside in favour of games. The "Soccer" challenge resulted in a win by a margin of four points. Mr Anderson, of the committee. was a welcome visitor and heartily joined in the fun. Flag-down and Promise closed the night. ’ GREEN ISLAND During the past holidays the Panthers and Kiwis have spent a great deal of time out-of-doors investigating the hills and delving into first class work. Signalling has also got its share on the hills. Friday's programme was under the control of the Second of the Kingfishers, who gave the troop a stiff test in signalling. Relay races were then enjoyed. KNOX On Wednesday the trail was set for Flagstaff. After a steady climb from Ross Creek, bright sunshine was enjoyed and a good view of the city At the back of Flagstaff a halt was made for dinner. After some stalking work the trail led on to Half Way Bush and thence on to Wakari Friday’s programme set out with an inler-patroi comnetition in signalling and ambulance work Later patrol leaders took charge for second class work. A visitor from Invercargill Boys' Brigade and a Lone Scout from Shingle Creek were welcomed in the activities of the evening. CHRISTIAN BROTHERS Cubs are attending well and taking a keen interest in their work. Confratulations to A. McCracken. J. Walsh. . Drumm and L. O’Gorman, who have passed their first star while Noel Bradford has been invested as a tenderpad. A visit has been paid by D.C.M. Pay-

ton. Both troops are working away successfully. Recently 13 Scouts sat and passed their Firemans badge, while Pat Nash gamed hiS Airman Badge. The inter-troop “ Soccer match resulted in a draw.