SCOUT NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 21849, 28 October 1932, Page 4

SCOUT NOTES

(By

Pathfinder.)

Scout Rally.—Will Scouters remember to get in sales of tickets this weekend and leave the proceeds at the Commissioner’s office, so that all accounts can be settled forthwith. The Scouts extend their thanks to the Rugby Football Union for the use of Rugby Park, and to the Civic Band and all others who helped to make the gathering a success. One of the most pleasant features oi the visit of Dr Fenwick and Mr Furby was the scouters meeting at Lennel on Friday evening. About 30 were present, including 9 or 10 from the country, and all derived great pleasure and benefit from the addresses given. The “Scouts’ Own” held on Sunday was a short and impressive service which will undoubtedly become a regular item among local troops. Labour Day.— Several good camps were held last week end. 10 Georgetown cubs under Mr Crozier camped near Thomson’s Bush and put through some interesting and instrurtive work. A camp of patrol leaders and seconds was held at the Cubhouse, some 19 being present with 4 cubbers, representing five different packs. A dozen Gladstone Scouts biked to Mr Holms s fine residence at Waimahaka and returned with great tales of lavish hospitality.

A Scout Trip to Waimahaka. I know you were a little nervous of my going away for the week-end, mother, but when I have told you all about our experiences I think you will agree that even if I am just one of the younger Scouts, when it is a Scout trip, I am in good hands. _As you know, we were twelve strong including Scouter. We left on our bicycles at half past two on Saturday afternoon; the Troop leader rode in front to set an even pace and Scouter rode at the rear to make sure there were no stragglers. So together in our little band, we set off and were soon all heads down pushing into a fairly strong head wind. Mile after mile, over flat and hills on we pushed and ever that head wind. I was pretty tired though rests, short but sufficient, were fairly frequent. Even if I felt like throwing up the sponge, the way the other fellows pushed on without a trace of annoyance and with always that cheery style rather filled me with determination not to show that I was tired. However, it was slow travelling and it was six o’clock by the time we reached Mataura Island. Here we begged a. kettle of boiling water and had tea and a good rest. Then came the last stage of the journey. The wind now had dropped but darkness was fast descending. Just as the last glimpse of twilight faded over the hills we reached our destination, Waimahaka Estate. Although we were on the property our journey was not ended for the Estate is traversed by their own roads, made like drives to suburban houses, and strange as it seems it was some time before we saw the lights of the homestead. Soon we were dismounted near the house and Scouter made our presence known. From that moment we all felt that wonderful atmosphere of hospitality that radiated from our hosts. In a cottage a short distance from the homestead we dumped our gear and were just thinking of supper when as if by magic thoughts took form for from the homestead came over two huge jars of preserved fruit and two jugs of cream. My word, what a feast for tired and thirsty Scouts. We were provided with good comfortable beds and were soon off to sleep. We started off tbe next day, Sunday, with a Scouts’ Own—that is a simple little religious service. Mother, I would like you to picture the scene of that service held there on the lawn before the house. In front stands the house a superb white building reflecting the genius . and workmanship of architect and builder, which in itself is a beautiful sight. Around are garden plots full of colour and enhanced by their setting of fresh green lawns and in the back-ground stately trees raise their lofty heads. In a setting such as this with all that is beautiful in Nature’s work and Man’s, with comrades at one’s side and the Union Jack floating in the breeze, somehow one cannot but be inspired with reverent thoughts. A visitor at the homestead, the Rev. Beattie of Gore, gave a short talk on the ideals of a Christian life. The whole service lasted only about a quarter of an hour. The rest of the morning was spent in admiring the gardens, full of blooms of varied and richly coloured tulips, of ornamental shrubs and trees. In the afternoon we tracked through the area of bush above our . cottage. Next morning we posted signalling parties around the grounds. It is far easier practising semaphore like that than it is at an ordinary Scout meeting. Later we tidied up our camp, packed our belongings, bade farewell to our hosts, and were again on the trail. This time we had a favourable wind and came back through Gorge Road. Our hosts were wonderful, dispensing their abundant hospitality with gracious charm. My word, I do admire those people, they treated us more like honoured guests than a mere wandering party of Scouts. They sent us food galore, and gave us a real welcome. I cannot say how much we appreciated their very many kindnesses, but it made me feel that when I grow up, if I am ever blessed with the good things of this life I shall make earnest endeavour to follow the great example of true hospitality. Cub Camp Report

A very enjoyable camp was held for the sixers and seconds of Invercargill at the Cubhouse, Gladstone, over Labour Day week-end. The first intention of the camp was for training purposes but the unfortunate illness of D.C.M. Wilson prevented much useful work being done. Cubbers R. Baker, H. Alington, G. Alington and J. Carrick however carried on the good work of entertaining and cooking. Camp commenced at 2 p.m. on Saturday with an attendance of 19 cubs and 4 cubbers. Later in the afternoon a walk was taken through Thomson’s Bush. After tea and games a good sing-song was held.

On Sunday church parades were held at St. Paul’s and All Saints’ churches. In the afternoon a tramp was taken to Rosedale Woollen Mills, returning home by the river, a visit being paid to the Georgetown cubs camping in the bush. After tea games were played. The evening finished with a sing song and a story. Monday was started as a day of cub work. Semaphore was practised along the River Road for half an hour after which the Grand Howl was given to Cubber Wilson at his residence. Star work was then carried out at the Cubhouse till 11 o’clock. A treasure hunt through the bush occupied everyone till dinner time. More star work was done followed by games. The National Anthem concluded the camp.

Thanks are due to Mrs E. R. Wilson for supplying Sunday’s dinner, to Mr Baker for his assistance on Monday morning, and to Scouters G. Johnston and J. Brown for helping to entertain the cubs. The cub attendance was 19, being 3 Gladstone, 1 St. Peter’s, 6 North Invercargill, 5 St. Paul’s and 4 East Invercargill.