BOY SCOUTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2913, 12 January 1910, Page 70

BOY SCOUTS.

Representative Scouts from Anderson's Bay and Dunedin Central joined forces with, Port Chalmers Scouts in their encampment at Morton, an Mr Heckler's .property. The weather throughout was splendid, while the health of the Scouts was perfect. During the encampment Dr R. Nowlands, Scout Inspector, paid a visit of inspection to the camp, and expressed himself as perfectly satisfied with the sanitary and water arrangements. The doctor gave a short address to the Scouts in the evening. During the encampment the Scouts made and erected a bridge across the creek, after which the whole of the Scouts were marched oyer it, this being the first bridge of its kind erected in the South Island by Scouts. On December 30 a night alarm was sounded, when every Scout had to turn out and be ready for marching. The honour of first place for smartness fell to the Dunedin Central division, with Port Chalmers second. The alarm was sounded at 2 o'clock in the morning, and within 10 minutes every boy was out and ready for the road. Another evening was taken up with despatch running, the runner having to get through some 60 Scouts. Several were caiught and thoroughly searched, one boy in particular after being searched succeeded in getting into the camp and delivered his despatch, having hidden it in his ear. Another evening was spent in an attack on the camp. Guards were posted at different points, and traps were set, while pickets were posted all over the oa.mp and on the hillsides. The attacking party took a circuit of over a mile, anil "then doubled back under coveiof bush, etc., and eventually crawled down the hillside in Indian file and succeeded in getting into camp. During the day the Scouts were busily engaged in signalling, wood and water-carrying, and general work, while a detachment was engaged in ambulance work. The Scouts also made an excellent swimming pool by damming u,p the water. On New Year's Day the camp was thrown open for visitors, and quit© a large number of friends went from Dunedin. During the day a camp inspection was held, the judges being Messrs Donald, M'Dermid, and Godfred. After consultation, the judges awarded first place to tent No. 6. Short speeches were made by the judges and by Chief Scout-master Calder, who had gone from Dunedin to visit the camp. Sports were held, but were not completed. In the High Jump H. Donald came first, with Welsh and Miller second. The Scouts were, by the kind permission of Mr Heckler, allowed to watch the shearers at work, the boys watching the men with interest. On Saturday last the Port Chalmers ipeople, through Mr Cable, forwarded a Scout's flag and also a Now Zealand ensign to the camp, and on Monday several hampers arrived for tho boys from parents and others. During the encampment several photographs were taken. A special feature of the sports on New Year's Day was a greasy pole event, which attracted a large number of entrants. One pleasing feature of the camp was the

behaviour of the boys. During the 10 clays only two boys had to be sent before the Court of Honour, and their offences were not very serious. However, for the discipline of the camp, they had to receive the Scouts' punishment. There were no accidents and only two cases of slight sickness. Camp was struck on Wednesday. On the eve. of breaking camp the Scouts held an impromptu concert in the marquee, when items were given by several members, and also by the officers, after which supper was served. The following- officers were in camp: —District Commander Jones, Chief Scout-masters Phair, Granger, and Fergusson, and Assistant Scout-master M'Pherson. The South Dunedin Boy Scouts held their first annual camp at St. Leonards. The camp started on December 26 and broke up on December 29. Owing to the weather breaking the camp broke up a day earlier than was .intended. The boys were taught the different works belonging to the movement. The Chief Scout-master would be very pleased for help from gentlemen able to instruct the boys in knot-tying, signalling, ambulance and first-aid, on Wednesday evening, from 7 to 8 o'clock. The parents of the Scouts are welcome- to come and see what the boys are taught, in the Town Hall any Wednesday night.