WITH THE BOY SCOUTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 528, 28 November 1928, Page 7

WITH THE BOY SCOUTS

At the meeting of Scoutmasters, held at District Headquarters on November 1, Assistant-Commissioner E. B. B. Boswell occupied the chair. Thosje present included Mr. A. J. Veart, As-sistant-Commissioner for Wolf Cubs: District Scoutmasters G. Iverson and C. H. Swales, District Cubmasters N. M. Matheson and A. J. Gaily, and Scoutmasters R. Iverson, M. Stralen, F. E. Walls, F. R. Lound, A. Tribble, 11. A. P. Slessor, D. McKerras and K. L. Dyer. Mr. G. Iverson opened the proceedings with an instructive yarn on camping, from which the audience learned much that will be of value in the coming annual camps. Mr. Boswell followed with a few helpful criticisms of previous camps, and a general discussion on the merits of troop versus patrol camps was then held. The question of a Scouters’ Training Course was also discussed. It was pointed out that the classes and courses conducted in the past were not attended by those Scouters who really needed them. The chairman stated that a good opportunity for a training course would be opening early next year. D.S.M. Iverson favoured a scheme of dividing the Scouters into groups, and appointing an efficient leader to each group, such leaders to be selected from a special training group. Mr. Boswell stated he thought the time ripe for a combined effort on the part of the Auckland troops to hold a rally. Such an effort would be useless, unless supported by every Seouter and Scout in the district. After discussion a resolution to the effect that the Scouters considered a rallwy was called for and that it be held about next September was passed and forwarded to the Advisory Board. Owing to the success of the recent picnic held by the Wolf Cubs at St. Heliers Bay, it was decided, after discussion. to hold a similar function for Boy Scouts about March next. A committee consisting of the Commissioner. the Assistant-Commissioner, Messrs. G. Iverson, R. Iverson, A. Tribble, E. Leikis and K. L. Dyer (as secretary) was appointed to make all arrangements. It was decided that the next meeting of Scoutmasters take the form of a Scouters Pound Night to be held in the near future. * At * Twenty-six Scouts from St. David’s, Punua, Devon port. Herne Buy, St. Aldan’s and Sliackleton Troops attended the Girl Guide Rally last Saturday under Scoutmasters A. Tribble and K. L. Dyer, and were responsible for collecting nearly £8 by the sale of penny programmes. Scouts will regret to hear that two members of the Punua Troop, Scouts Dorman and Brown, are at present in hospital. Tho latter was injured by the explosion of a detonator. * * * The annual report discloses a progressive state of affairs in Auckland Scouting circles, und a bright outlook is evident for the corning year. Three new troops of Sea Scouts, three of Land Scouts and six new Wolf Cub packs have been formed during the twelve months just ended. A training class for Scouters lias been carried out weekly at St. David’s Hall, Khyber Pass, under tho charge of Scoutmaster R. K. J. McFarland, holder of the Wood Badge gained at Gillwell Park, England. This class has proved very popular and those who attend have received much benefit from the instruction. During the year many Scouts and Scouters from overseas have called at headquarters and have been entertained by the Auckland troops. * * * The results of the Miller and Kohn Cup competitions, held at the Burns statue in the Domain last Saturday, are as follow: Miller Ambulance Cup, 14 entries,

with 11 teams competing.—St. George’s (87). winners; St. Alban’s (S 3, runnersKohn Ambulance Cup. 4 entries, 1 team competing.—St. Albans, by default. Judges-—Members of St. John Ambulance Brigade (Mr. Potter in charge). Teams were sent by the following troops:—Edendale. St. Alban’s, Gordon, Otahuhu, St. George’s. St. James, St. Mary’s, St. Aidan’s, Herne Bay, Calliope, Glen Eden, Vindictive, Kitchener and St. David’s. The Edendale Troop and pack gave a .successful entertainment in aid of troop funds on November 22. The programme consisted of three playlets, “Winning a Recruit.” and “A Pair of Scamps,” by the Scouts, while “A Treasure Hunt” was in the hands of the Cubs. Much credit is due to Mr. Hocking, who lias devoted much time to training tlie boys. The Assistant-Commissioner for Scouts, Mr. E. B. B. Boswell, gave a short address on the progress of Scouting in the district, and asked for a fuller support of the movement from parents and others. District Headquarters has received a supply of copies of the new handbook for New Zealand Sea Scouts, compiled by Brigadier-General A. W. Andrew, i C.M.G., revised by Commander S. Ha:l, R.N.R., Headquarters Commissioner for Sea Scouts, and issued by the Boy Scouts’ Association of New Zealand. The Victory Sea Scouts held a pound night at tlie headquarters of the Hawke Troop on Thursday, November 22. Members of all the other Sea Scout troops were present, and about seventy bovs spent a happy evening. The Assistant-Commissioner for

Sea Scouts, Mr. R. A. Woods, gave an entertaining step dance, which was received by the audience with delight. This was followed by a novel exhibition of animal mimicry by a visiting friend of the Scouts. The remainder of the evening was devoted to games and, at the conclusion, Mr. Woods presented several prizes for general efficiency in troop work. Supper was in the capable hands of the ladies of the Troop Committee. Miss Nancy Hew, Cubmistress of the Richmond Pack, writes: “On Thursday. November 29, at 8 p.m. in St. Cuthbert’s Hall, Faulder Avenue, West End', a grand concert, organised by tlie Richmond Cub Committee, will be bold. There will be items by tlie Bayfield School clioic an| other well-known artists. As this is tho first effort to b<» made for the Richmond Cubs it is hoped that there will be a large attendance of parents and friends.