THE BOY SCOUTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3017, 10 January 1912, Page 40

THE BOY SCOUTS.

Bt Scout,

Scout will bo pleased to receive newts from Scoutmasters or Scouta, or from any person interested in the Boy Scout movement, for insertion in this column;'.contributions addressed to Scout to reach this office before Thursday evening.

Sergeant-major B. Howes, of the First Ponsonby Troop, Auckland, has qualified for the Silver Wolf badge, and it has been granted to him by the Dominion Chief Scout {says the Canterbury Times). In making the application on hLs beaalf, the District Commander writes highly of his character as a boy and hie ability as a Scout, and heartily recommends him for the honour. The boys of the Westport Troop turned out to welcome the Governor on the occasion of his recent visit, a.ong with the Cadets and Territorials. There was a good muster, and occasion was taken to h.s Excellency to present the life-saving snver cross to Scout Rennie. His Excellency made a few happy remarks on the value of the Scout training, emphasising the need of all to bo prepared to save life, and pinned the medal on the little hero s breast amidst great applause. , The Christmas and New Year holidays of 1911-12 will long remain in the memory of those members of the Port Chalmers and Mc.rnin.gtoh Scouts who attended) the combined camp at Evansdale. Chief Scoutmaster Fisher, being the senior officer, was first in command, with Chief Scoutmaster Holderness second. Thera were also present Scoutmasters Robertson and Dallaston, Assistant Scoutmaster Ounninghame, nine Port Scouts, and 24 Mornington Scouts; total 38. The ground being too wet fer tenting, the hall was hired for a time; and very snug it was too. Really gocdi work was put in, the whole of the cooking, with one exception, was done by the. lads themselves, and it says well when nobody complained, but came again and again for more. Twelve lads passed for their cooks examination, which was a very stiff one. Several tried for. the marksman’s badge, but only six passed. Model bridge-building was entered into with a right good will, but, unfortunately, both time and weather did not allow for examinations. New Year’s Day was welcomed in. Just before the clock sounded- 12, the troops were lined up, a rocket sent up as the bugler blew the “Last post,” after which the reveillie was sounded and three ringing cheers given for 1912. This was the commencement of a really good fireworks display. Some 60 rockets were sent up, besides coloured lights, Roman candles, etc. During the evenings debates and camp concerts were held, and thoroughly enjoyed. The camp was ended cm Tuesday, much to the regret of all. Scoutmasters and Scouts alike. Strong friendships have been formed, we trust for life. The Scoutmasters, one and all, speak in the highest terms of praise on the behaviour of the lade, and trust that the next camp will be quite as enjoyable. The following badges have been won: —Port Chalmers: Cooks—Leader Miller, Scout Jack; marksman—C. S. M. Fisher and Leader Miller; horseman and farrier, Leader Miller. Mornington: Cooks—Leaders H. Whelan, Napier, Thomson, Seidelin, A. Whelan, Sergeant M'Fadane. Scoutmaster Robertson, Corporals H. M‘Gallum. W. Robertson. Scouts E. Robertson; marksman—(thief Scoutmaster Holderness, Leader Seidelin, Corporal _ Hobbs, Scout Symes; horseman and farrier —Corporals M‘Galium and P. Robertson, Scout E. Robertson.