SCOUT NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 23342, 28 October 1937, Page 12

SCOUT NOTES

(By PATHFINDER) Most Invercargill scouters made the most of the long Labour week-end by some special activities. Reports of these should be in for this column next week. The sea scouts had a busy time entertaining Dunedin sea scouts. The Gladstone scouts had a patrol camp over at Otatara; the Rawhite troop a camp near the health camp site; the Southern Cross senior boys had a long hike and the Gladstone and Rawhite cubmasters travelled to Timaru to attend the annual conference of South Island scouters, a total of 50 being present from the Invercargill, Dunedin, Timaru, Christchurch and Nelson districts. The rover crew is hoping to open its camping season soon with a visit to Otautau rovers for a combined hike and camp. The totals for Southland have been made up by the district secretary and because of the moving away of scouts at least six troops or packs have ceased to function since last year. 'Hie following groups (a group consisting of a cub pack, scout troop, rover crew, combined or separately) are in the latest return:—Gladstone (2 groups) Te Rangi (North), Rawhite (East), Southern Cross,’ St. Paul’s, St. Mary’s, Jellicoe, Ist Invercargill Rover Crew, Makarewa and Otautau. There are 39 scouters, with 105 cubs, 154 scouts, 28 sea scouts and 10 rovers, a total of 336. In this year’s census Dominion headquarters asked for more details than in the past in a much, improved form. A SCOUTERS PARODY When his tenderfoots are really inattentive And little games among themselves will play Whilst one young demon gives them the incentive — Then the poor old scouter’s nerves begin to fray. When in some tough ball game, a lusty kicker Has smashed the Church Hall window in his fun; And the scouter’s getting warnings from the vicar— . Well, the scouter’s life is not a happy one! When the Scouter’s got his troop on week-end camping, And the rain it simply pours from dawn till dark; Or when upon the Nature Trail they’re tramping, And they throw him in a furze bush for a lark— Yet when, in doubting moments, all the pros and cons he weighs, And wonders what’s the good of all he’s done — When he meets the fine young fellows he has watched since Wolf Cub days, Then the scouter’s life is quite a happy one! —Rover World Magazine.