The Wigwam

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 640, 17 April 1929, Page 6

The Wigwam

Bare we gather, here we meet In pow wow friendly and discreet. To talk of earth, and tea, and sky, and watch the world of men go by. -

JELLY-FISH AND RAINBOWS

RECENTLY a small person told me a breathless story of how he had deluded numbers of people. He had been gathering jelly-fish and piling them on the sand in one heap, and people passing at a little distance remarked, ‘‘Why, what a big jellyfish that is!” Yet, when lie placed them back in the water they became their own individual selves again. Just so might a person remark on seeing a iitassed battalion of marching men “Why, what a big army that is!” Yet, when the parade is over and the soldiers are dismissed, they beeome automatically Tom Jones or Harry Brown again. All through the ages man has been seeking to overcome the isolation of individuality. We touch hands, brush shoulders, work together, exchange our views, and still are conscious of being only units in the great scheme of things. But, then, rainbows are made up of particles, just as humanity is made up of many individuals. And even jelly-fish under the water may exchange views and plan great happenings much the same as we do above it. REDFEATHER.

found tlio treasure, which was a framed photograph of Princess Mary in Guide uniform. It is to. be held by the winning patrol only until the next competition , , , "As our captain was unable to attend the last meeting, lieutenant took April 27 is a fine day it is proposed to hold a hike.

Silver Ripple, of St. Mary’s Company, writes: “We recommenced Guide meetings in February under Captain Matthews and Lieutenants Ferman and Maden. vv e have practically a full company now. with, five patrols. . “Our first church parade took at the beginning of the month at At. Mary’s, and on March 23 we na/e Miss Ward our former captain, a farewell evening, the Guides presenting her with a large framed picture of the company. "So far this year we have had. about 12 new recruits and most o-. them have passed their, tendertoot tests and are working for second-class. A penod of 20 minutes out of each evening s being spent in sewing warm g..rmen - for poor children. On Wednesday night the Guides are forming a guan of honour at Miss Ward s weddm,,. “We are feeling very pioud ot out selves because we have started a band Captain Matthews is our conductoi shortly we hope to be able to play some presentable music. Vl . n ..i “Each patrol is now working hard with the object of gaming the nbbons at the end of the month.

GIRL GUIDES’ CORNER i The sports meeting, arranged to take 7 place at Seaside Park, Otaliuhu, on * Saturday, under the auspices of the Manukau district, was postponed on 1 account of the unfavourable weather. 1 Notwithstanding the conditions pre- e vailing, representatives of the Ota- < huliu, Papatoetoe, Manurerwa, Panmure 1 and Ellerslie Companies of Girl Guides 1 and Brownies attended. An adjourn- i ment was made to St. Andrew’s Hall, c Otaliuhu, where dancing, games and competitions were held. £ ** * ( Young April, of the Birkenhead Com- , pany, writes: < “The Birkenhead Girl Guides resumed their meetings on February 4, , and since that date numbers of girls . have passed the second-class test. “On March 16 a bazaar was held in aid of funds. Mr. Hadfield, the Deputy-Mayor, opened the function and < at afternoon tea Mrs. Usher was with us. There were five stalls and also a ( large Easter egg which took the place j of the usual fish pond. The event was ; a great success and the company benefited to the extent of £ll 17s. “On March 24 there was a church parade at Zion Hill Church, and on the following Wednesday an enrolment ceremony was held, when the Guides who had passed their secondclass tests received their badges.” Featlierfoot reports for the Maungarei and Panmure Company: ‘We are one of the youngest Auckland companies, being only 10 months old. Our first birthday will be on June 12, when we dare to hope that our committee will give us a party. For so young and inexperienced a company we have already acquitted ourselves quite well, for at the swimming sports one of our Guides put up a very good fight for the junior championship and was awarded a Girl Guide Badge Book by the company. “The majority of our Guides have now gained their second-class badges, and some sat for their Laundress and Domestic Service Badges a short time ago. We are all taking the ambulance course together. . “The company banner was won this month by the Carnation Patrol. This banner is for inter-patrol competition and is awarded to the best all-rbund patrol. The games banner was won by the Clematis Patrol. “The Guiders, leaders and seconds were invited to the birthday party of thb Ellerslie Company of Girl Guides.” Dreaming Wind, of the First Frankton Company, writes under date April 14: ~ , “A happy month has again passed, but. owing to the Easter holidays, one meeting was postponed. On March 23 the company meeting was conducted by the FTimrose patrol-leader, who set an interesting test and competition combined,^in general knowledge. A court of honour was held at the close when the programmes for several meetings were discussed. “The Guides returned after their holiday to find a very enjoyable afternoon awaiting them. The sun was shining brightly when each patrol set out for a walk. Although the routes were different, the destination proved the same, but, when it was reached, still another surprise was to be found —this time a treasure hunt. By means of the trail laid, the Forget-me-nots

Wood Spell reports for St. Aidan s G.F.S. Company: “In our company we have Pauol competition, and marks are given foi inspection, patrol . corners, dismplm and acting the various Guide Laws “On March 16 we held our first hrke when we went to Mount Wellington, where many girls passed the secondCl “On t< March 19 we acted the law of ‘Cheerfulness,’ the winning patrol taking as a subject, ‘A rainy day in camp. “The patrols are busy gathering dried leaves for their collections. We also have a good collection ot shells.

not seem to be a great difference in tlie points gained by each patrql. Girls are also busy mapping out the badges they intend to qualify for this year. "in the past month there have been three promotions. One of the Brownies has become a Guide, a patrolsecond has been installed as leader of the Violet Patrol, and another Guide has taken over the rank of patrol second. Sun Cloud, of the First Cambridge Company, forwards the following Ranger- notes:

“Wednesday, Api’il 27, was the occasion of the enrolment of the Robin Hood Rangers by Mrs. Toombs, our Commissioner. That evening 16 girls joined the Great Sisterhood and were welcomed into the Robin Hood Company. Mrs. Toombs then spoke to the girls of the ideals set before them, and of .the great responsibilities and privileges ahead of them in their newlybegun Ranger life, and also of the responsibility of being the first Ranger Company to be formed in the Waikato. “Since we began our meetings in our Ranger Den we have spent'many interesting and jolly times. Our evenings have included general Guide work, ping-pong tournaments, passe-par-tout picture making, and country dancing, and we are at present looking forward to a Ranger dance to be held in a-fort-night’s time. “On June 3 there is to be a Ranger s camp at Otimai, and we are hoping to be able x to go to that.”

Little Twig reports for the Arahi C ° ? On an Thursaay. April. 4, we moved into another hall, in which, nearly five vears ago, the first Arahi Guide meetings were held. It is rather small, but the change was necessary, the two Ponsonby Companies being too clos_ tO “VVe have a new captain and, as most of us had met her before, we are lihe old friends. • We are all polishing up our morse, and we have games which help us to remember it. . . “Next Thursday we are having visitors in the form of friends of the Guides. This is to interest them m Guide work so that they, too may join. We are having ‘stunts, which the dit ferent patrols are keeping secret, games and supper. “Next week there will be no meeting, but* on the Sunday following AnzacDay, there will be the usual Anzac Day service at All Saints Church, which all Guides, Brownies, Scouts,' Cubs and Sea Scouts of this district will attend.’-’ . • „ . , . Little Feather, of the All Saints Company, reports: . “During the past month hve girls qualified for their Cook s badge and one for the Athlete’s, all succeeding m these examinations. , . “On Easter Sunday a columned church parade of the district Sea Scouts, Guides and Scouts was held at the All Saints’ Church, and there was a very good attendance of all these Companies, as well as the older people. Tho Rev. W. Avei-ill gave an inspiring -and instructive address. “The following Wednesday we recommenced our Guide meetings in earnest, as these had been postponed owing to the annual swimming sports, which were held on our meeting nights. The inter-patrol competitions are again in full swing, and at present there does

WITH THE BOY SCOUTS

The first-class test examinations which were to have Joeen held at Western Springs last 'Saturday will now take place on Saturday, June

Pilot reports the Sea Scout inspection last Saturday as follows: Last Friday evening saw the commencement of the annual inspection of the various Auckland Sea Scout companies for the Jellicoe Trident, at present held by the Calliope Company. The examiner, Commander Sidney Hall, R.D., R.N.R., Dominion Commissioner for Sea Scouts, inspected the Vindictive Company at Bayswater first, afterwards proceeding to Calliope Dock to inspect the Calliope Company. The evening inspection was taken up with the examination of the company’s gear and individual examination of the boys in knotting, compass, international code, first aid and Scout law and promise. . . _ f ... Speaking after his inspection of \ mdictive, Commander Mall said he was very pleased with the progress oi the company since his last visit and said i it had the makings of an -excellent troop. He referred to the traditions ot the name of the company in connection with the deeds of M.M S. \mdictive at Zeebrugge, and said, it was up to the boys to live up to those traditions. . The examination was continued on Saturday afternoon at the Central Wharf sheds. The inclement weather prevented any practical boat *vork being done, so the examiner contented himself with an inspection of the signalling of all the companies present, and a display of marching. There were five companies on par-. a tie, namely. Calliope, Vindictive, Fame. Hawke and Victory—a total or 12 officers, 60 Scouts and 13 Cubs, under the command of Captain R. A. Woods, R.N.V.R.. Assistant-Commis-sioner for Sea Scouts. Proceedings opened with a march past, followed by signalling displays in which Calliope showed to great advantage. As an additional attraction the Calliope Company gave a display of rocket life-saving work. Speaking at the close of the afternoon. Mr. Charlewood. a member of tne Dominion Council, conveyed the greetings of Brigadier General Andrews, Dominion Commissioner, to the Auck-

land Sea Scouts, and commented on s 1 the keenness of the boys and the tl growth of the Cub movement. Com- p raander Hall congratulated the boys B on their efficiency and turnout and re- p gretted the fact that on account of the it weather there could be no practical H boat work. As a suggestion for the e: future he said he would like to arrange to have all companies mustered in a c combined camp for the purpose of the inspection, so that everything could be E done under practical conditions. The h Commander also commented on the fact a that live years ago there was only one t< company in Auckland, whereas there were now live. On behalf of the Auck- L land headquarters. Mr. W. J. Holds- r worth, District Commissioner, thanked Commander Hall for having come so o far and for giving up so much of his time for the sake of the inspection. s Commander Hall then presented to r Mr. C- R. Hankins, of the Fame Company, his warrant as Assistant Cub- t Master. , a Mr. Woods then called for the Dominion haka and cheers. following r which the gathering broke up. ** * < Meeting of Sea Scout Officers: The ( Auckland Boy Scouts Headquarters on Monday evening was the scene of an informal meeting of the Sea Scout offi- ( cers of the district to discuss with 1 Commander Hall, Dominion Commis- : sioner for Sea Scouts, the new set of regulations recently drawn up by Brigadier-General Andrews. Captain Woods brought up the subject of the Jellicoe Trident, referring to the wishes of Lord Jellicoe with regard to its allocation. There was 1 some doubt, he said, as to whether it | was a competitive award, or whether a j company of, say, six months’ standing j should have as much chance of winj ning the Trident, without any King’s Sea Scouts, as a company of. say, six years’ standing. Replying, Commander Hall said that Brigadier-General Andrews did not desire it to be called a competition in case it should create bad feeling. As an example he said a young company i may have done more work in six J months than an old-established com- j pany inclined to rely on its strength * of badges. Mr. Holdsworth, District Commissioner, said lie thought there really should be two Tridents—one for the most efficient troop and one for the mos*t progressive. Commander Hall said that for the next few years he would have to take progress into consideration more than efficiency until the younger companies t-ad time to reach the pitch of efficiency that the older troops were at, and then he would be able to judge on a standard of efficiency. Mr. Holdsworth countered that it was impossible to expect an old company to make as much progress as a young company. Mr. Iversen (Calliope) said that it was possible for a young company to be as efficient in its own class as an old company in a higher class. It was then suggested that the matter be left to the discretion of Communi der Hall. The next subject brought up was the standard of the swimmer’s badge. After i discussion it was decided to let the [ standard remain as it is. Sea Rovers were then discussed, it : being suggested that a company of l Rovers would provide an officers’ training corps. , Mr. Thode (Vindictive) said that Rovers were out of the Question unless ~ the boys were allowed to wear long , trousers. Commander Hall said he : had no objection to boys of Rover age wearing long trousers. It was decided . to discuss the matter later and forward suggestions to Commander Hall. The new terms, “ordinary seaman” i and “able seaman” were then brought s up. It was explained that they were to replace the terms “first” and “seci ond-class” used by the Land Scouts. • T Summing up. Commander Hall said that although things were a little - mixed at present they would adjust ? themselves in time. Commander Hall said he was not in - favour of the Auckland idea of officers - wearing gold stripes on shoulder

straps. Cap badges were brought into tli 0 discussion, and the commander promised to go into the question at Dominion Headquarters. When the price of badges was mentioned. Commander Hall suggested that Auckland would have to charge extra for the badges. Mr. Holdsworth: "We haven't got the conscience!” (Laughter.)

Discussing uniform distinction. Mr. , Dunn (Vindictive) said they Jiad to have some distinction as they were up against taxi-drivers and tram conductors. . Commander Hall: “That’s nothing. During the war I was mistaken fo» a railway porter.” (Laughter.) Captain Price (Fame) was in favour of some distinguishing mark. Commander Hall said that uny scheme adopted would have to be made universal throughout the Dominion. Mr. Iversen was of the opinion that things should be left as at present anc. a plain uniform worn. Captain Price suggested that the matter be left to Headquarters and it was decided that Commander Hall discuss the matter with Dominion Headquarters.

The Advisory Board met last Thursday (April ID* when general Scouting business was dealt with. There was good attendance of members. * * *

The Assistant-Commissioner, Mr. E. B B. Boswell, visited the. new North Memorial Baptist Troop last Friday. He states that the various patrols showed keen interest in their work and that the are proving very capable instructors. The parade was in charge of Mr. L. P. Simpson. Assistant Scoutmaster.

the boys. We were all very sorry wha Monday afternoon came and we had to break camp.

“Second Kemp has been pron.oto leader of the Swift Patrol in plan of Hutrol Leader Fraser, who-has be* appointed Troop Leader. The Foi Patrol won the shield for March. “A pack of six Wolf Cubs is now ruining in connection with our troop.

Lone Wolf, Scribe for the Punua Troop, writes: “Last Friday (April 12) the Punua Scouts celebrated their first anniver- 1 sary with a pound night at their head- \ quarters in Dominion Road. The Pack j was present at the invitation of the j Scouts, and there was also a large - gathering of parents and friends. “District Scoutmaster Dyer opened the evening with a short address in which he stated that as it was the troop’s first birthday he considered that a number of exciting and interesting games would be a suitable programme for the evening. The Scouts entered into this idea with much spirit and the Cubs with great enthusiasm. A team was formed of young lady visitors, who competed with the Scouts in several games and, although the Scouts proved superior, the victories were won only by narrow margins. “Among the visitors were Mrs. Houghton, District Cubmaster, and the late secretary, Mr. J. J. Mead. Mrs. Rpughton kindly distributed badges recently won. Leader Thompson received his Missioner’s and Handyman’s badges, Leader Dick his Cyclist’s, Leader Dorman, his Electrician’s, and there were several others.* In the Pack service stars, first stars and tenderpad badges were given out. “An excellent supper was served by the committee. The one candle on the birthday cake was lit by the youngest Scout, and the cake was then cut by Mrs. A. L. Watts, the senior member of the committee.

“A pleasant evening was brought to a close by..the united rendering of the National Anthem.”

Little Thunder. of the Papakura Troop, reports: “We combined with the Pukekohe Troop and held our Easter camp at Young’s Beach, Papakura, from March 28 to April 1. The weather went against us at first, and Saturday morning saw the Scoutmaster debating whether we should go home or stay in camp. However, the weather cleared up and it was decided that we should stay in camp.

“Saturday and Sunday were spent in Scouting work and various games. On Sunday the chairman of the committee, Mr. J. Beams, conducted a short ‘Scouts’ Own’ at the camp, and in the afternoon the camp was visited by a large number of parents and friends of