THE WIGWAM

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 813, 6 November 1929, Page 15

THE WIGWAM

Here \ee gather, here tee meet in poxo-wow friendly and discreet , To talk of earth, and sea, and sky, and watch the world of men go by .

HALLOWE’EN AND THE KOHN CUP A BLACK cat with bristling fur and eyes like coals is scanning the Totem Pole, a “glio.st” with a luminous pumpkin head peers in at the Wigwam, and outlined against the sky at least a score of witches’ hats are visible. What magic is this that bUs the night with visitations and the mind with dimly remembered ghost stories ? Ah, the Children of Redfeatlier have been eelebrating Hallowe’en. . . . With a flick of the tail the black cat vanishes, the candle the pumpkin head burns out, the peaked hats become towers an d steeples, and the Wigwam is once more the haunt of Braves d the Great Outdoors and Chiefs of mighty forest trails. . . . This week the sandwich-man who has arrived wiyi the favell Girl Guide report bears great tidings on the other side of bis "board.” He is announcing that this company has won the roveted Kohn Cup. This success is the result of splendid eltoit, an d it is small wonder that the little Indian ink man has an air importance. Congratulations to Cavell and the other companies w hose *ork placed them high on the honours list. REDFEATIIER.

fOK wi5E HEADS diamond: >7 consonant. •"Anger. -^nsume. consonant. last week's word square: r - Alice. Tills. Eclat. Rests. not working r* Was conducting a party of >• t i? un ?. J ' e " r Vork. They stopped Tim Wool worth Building. a *^yscraper,” he said "Hin"** * •k« ;i ~m ? t tPrc d an old farmer, ‘T’d Me It at work."

USED BY SURGEONS A tiny camera is being used for taking photographs of the inside of the stomach. The camera has actually to be swallowed, or introduced through the throat into the stomach, where it takes 16 little stereoscopic snapshots of the interior one after the other. The camera is. provided with its own electric light, which is so arranged that it throws the light on to whatever part of the stomach is facing the 16 These photographs are beautifully clear and can be enlarged hundreds of times, providing the •l series of photographs •which are or the 6 greatest value in medical treatment. "RUSH-BEARING” The 300-year-oM ceremony performed in the wSdfworui inc.uding a the aT ,sli ; whh S ribboners, and Moses in the bullrushes.

GIRL GUIDES’ CORNER Golden Birch reports for the Cavell .Company: “We spent the first week-end of October at Otimai, where we employed most of our spare time in collecting native leaves, in learning new country dances and enjoying ourselves generally. “Owing to the church bazaar being held on our Guide night, we had our meeting at Captain’s home, where we practised for the ambulance examination and rehearsed our play. “On October 23 Captain came round to each patrol corner with a doll bearing this inscription: ‘I am, Hepzibar. Take care of me.’ We were also supplied with needles, cotton, scissors and paper, and given ten minutes in which to prepare a complete wardrobe for her and to suggest a game that would be suitable for a ' !d of two or three. After a great C of discussion we decided to play ‘Ju-ip, jump, sugar lump,’ ‘Ring-a-ring-o’-roses,’ ‘Oranges and Lemons,’ and ‘House.’ This last was the most enjoyable as Captain turned herself into the old Grandma, and we were all her daughters and grandchildren, who passed remarks about her appearance.

“Last week our District Com* missioned Mrs. McNair, came up to tell us some wonderful news, and that was that we had won the Kohn Cup. We suddendly surprised our visitors ( M ' t ss M or and Miss Campbell) and Mrs MeNair, by performing our Zulu War Dance round them. “On Saturday we went to Otimai for a hike, and at our next meeting we are starting several handicrafts, leather and woodwork .being among them.” * + * Dancing Star reports for the First Takapuna Company: “£fc>me of our Guides won their "Writer and Book Lover badges this monfili. the examination being held on October 12. In addition to patrol hikes this month a company hike was held to Wainnana Estate at Northcote, and we all had a splendid time. “The electric lights were not working in our hall on October 24, and we conducted our meeting by candlelight. We hauß been learning a new country dance, atnd are. all looking forward to ~oing to Otimai in November. ° "We were tremendously thrilled at

coming third, together with the Cambridge and Ellerslio companies, for the Kohn Cup, though we think regretfully of the first place.

“Our eighth birthday was celebrated by a Hallowe’en party, which was very exciting and most enjoyable. Our fortunes were told by three witches who fished the fortunes out of a cauldron over a lire, and we sat round a ‘ghost’ in the darkness. It was -weird. “Church parade was held at the Anglican Church on October 6, and three Guides were enrolled on October 17.”

White Smoke, reports for the Tahu timai Company:

“At the beginning of this month we held our birthday party. The night before we all set to work and decorated the hall, and on Saturday morning gave it the finishing touches. We had The First and Second St. David’s companies there and our committee and we played many fascinating games. There was a large birthday cake all decorated with roses, and on it were six candles. This cake was given by our Lieutenant, who has recently left to be married. The evening ended up with -Mrs. McNair presenting the Patrol flag, Shield and Swimming Cup. “ The other night our Captain was not able to attend the meeting, being out of Auckland, so the leaders conducted the meeting. We managed very well and had a merry evening.”

Moon Glow reports for St. Peter’s Company, Auckland:

“On October 12, our Company visited the New Lynn Animal Hospital, where we saw all the patients. When we were taken into the operating room, we were told important facts concerning the every-day animals and shown the various medical instruments. “Agnes Anderson is now Leader of the Poppy patrol. “On Saturday, November 9. we intend going for a hike, when Second Class and other tests will be carried out.” * * *

Bluebird reports for the Second St. David’s Company:

“As one of our leaders has left L. Leaning has been invested as the Kotara Patrol leader and K. Watson as the Second. Also H. Budge is the new Second of the Thrush Patrol. “We have been practising for a concert which we are holding on November 12.

“On October S we handed in our money for the ‘brick’ contribution. This is for a brick in the new Guide Headquarters in England.

“We celebrated Halloween the evening beginning with a treasure hunt. The coveted prize, a bag of peanuts, was discovered in the branches of a tree by the Kotara patrol. Xc-xt we played Apple-bobbing.’ While this game was in progress, Mrs. McNair arrived. After this, Lieutenant began thought-reading. “TI. Budge and I. Hills have been presented with their Toymaker's badges, and Captain has been giving us Morse games and knot competitions so that we may revise our Second class knowledge. “Recently we held a party with the Brownies, when many amusing games were played.”

Love Song, of the Aroliunui Company, writes: “For the month of October the only excitement we had was Labour Day Although it was such a disappointing morning, we were not to be prevented front having our hike. We had arranged to go to the Waitakeres, bul the weather being so wet we had to give up the idea. Never-the-less we

enjoyed ourselves as we spent the day at our Robin Patrol Leader's bach at Green Bay. “We have all been very busy training for the Field Hay in December in which we mean td take a good part. “Our Company will be one year old 'on the 17th of this month, and we are delaying our next ceremonial until the day of our birthday when there will be quite a number of Proficiency and Second Cluss badges presented as well as many service stare.” ' WITH THE BOY SCOUTS Examination Notice Ellerslie, Otahuhu, Panmure and St. Aidan’s Scouts will be examined for First Class tests at Lake St. John on Saturday, November 16, at 2 p.m. Mr. N. M. Matheson, secretary of the Examination Board, reports: The last proficiency badge night for 1929 was held in St. James’s Hall on Thursday, October 31, but owing to the heavy rain the attendance of candidates was not as large as was expected. Passes are as follow: Public Health man: Cribble, Colclougli. Healthyman: Ness, Creamer (2). Nicholson, Fletcher. Handyman: Alpe, Colclough, Francis, Ironside, McNiell, Pathfinder: Beetson, Sims, G. Segedin, Chisholm. Cyclist: Simms, Clarke, Chisholm, Walker. Mi&sioner: McDermott, A. Segedin, Sims (repass). Electrician: Joel Creamer, A. Segedin, Jack McDermot. Entertainer: Weston. Musician: Ironside. Ambulance: Nicholson, C. Segedin, Chisholm, Siebert, Wiltshire, Worboys, Woolnough, Jepson, Wooller, DufTm, Carl aw. The last first class examination for 1929 was held at Western Springs on Saturday, November 3. Results are as follow:—Judging distances, etc.: Garratt Wiltshire, Wright, Colclough, Maffrey, Hooper, Storey, and. Ince. Conventional signs: Ince, Colclough, Francis, McNiell, Dacre, Hooper, Garratt. First aid: Francis, Schofield, Wiltshire, Rodger, Colclough, Hulme, Garratt, Foster, McNiell. Signalling: Hooper, Storey, Berry, Wright, Dick, Ince. W. Black, Dacre, Colclough, Garratt D. Black. Cooking: D. Black, McNiell, Hulme, W. Black. Journey report: Patrick, A. Hill, B. Collins, L. Allen.-Gatward. Cook’s badge: Storey and Moran.

Assistant Scoutmaster Taylor, of the First Cornwell Troop, has been recommended by the committee for a warrant as Scoutmaster. Members of the First Cornwell Troop spent the week-end at Wattle Bay in charge of Mr. Taylor. District Scoutmaster Dyer will leave far the South Island tomorrow cven-

No. 1 Division District Scoutmaster Walls advises that a meeting of Scouters of the above division will be held at West Street this evening at 7.30. All Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters are urged to be present.

Grey Eagle reports the “Scouts’ Own” held oy No. 1 Division: “A ‘Scouts’ Own’ was held in the Howe Street Grammar School grounds last Sunday morning, when about 80 Scouts and Scouters attended.

“The following troops were represented: Grey Lynn, Herne Bay, First Gordon, St. James, Leys and West Street.

“The service commenced with the breaking of the flag and ‘The King.’

The District Scoutmaster opened with prayers, all hymns were announced and read by Leaders, and Mr. W. J. Holdsworth gave a talk which was both helpful and enjoyable. Scoutmaster Matheson read. "After ‘Flag down,’ the Commissioner inspected the troops and la.ter took the salute in the march past as the troops left the grounds. "Thanks are due to the school authorities who so kindly lent the grounds.” The Devonport Troop held a successful function last Friday evening, the occasion being the presentation by Commissioner Holds worth of the Legion of Frontiersmen Shield won by this troop at the recent boxing tournament. Troop-leader Catchpole, the successful competitor, received a silver cup to be retained by himself, and Scout H. Brown a medal won at the same contest. Mr. Holds worth also presented several Proficiency badges. Among those present were Mrs. A. E. M. Rougliton (District Secretary), Sea Scout-Commissioner Woods and Lieutenant Palmer, of the Legion of Frontiersmen. Sea Scout-Commissioner Woods and Lieutenant Palmer also addressed the meeting, the latter stating that the Legion of Frontiersmen have still further schemes in mind for assisting the Boy Scout movement in the district. They were discussing the question of swimming and life-saving and of offering trophies for this work. These plans, state the Scout authorities, will be of the utmost benefit to troops and will encourage systematic training that otherwise might not be seriously taken up. During the evening Mrs. Houghton examined in First Aid five Devonport Cubs: A. Gifkins, R. Josling, G. Gilberd, J. Bushel and C. Blackie, each Cub passing the tests. Mrs. Rough ton reports that the boys were excellently prepared and that their performance reflects great credit on the Pack.

The evening concluded with supper provided by the lady members of the committee.

Great Lone Eagle, of the Devonport Troop, writes of the Labour Day week-end spent at Rangitoto, when the boys went for long hikes and played games of ambushing and deerstalking. On the concluding day they helped the inspectors to clear the pests off the island. At an early date another camp will be held, when the bach will be painted and a foundation made for a verandah.

Straight Feather reports for the Ellerslie Troop: "On October 4, an enjoyable evening was spent entertaining a part of the St. Mary’s Troop, accompanied by their old Scoutmaster, District Scoutmaster Iverson. After games and supper, Patrol-Leader Skipper received his First All-round Cords and Second Jack Creamer his First Class and King’s Scout badges, together with First All-round Cords. "At the boxing tournament, PatrolLeaders Darby and Wiltshire represented the troop and, although not successful, made a good showing, a number of the troop being present to back them up. A highly successful parade was held at Lake St. John during the month. Fourteen Tenderfeet passed every test for which they entered, and two Second Class badges were gained. "The cup for competition every three months was again won by the Panther patrol who scored 254£ points, the Wolves being runners-up with 243 points. This cup was presented by

t District Scoutmaster Iverson during his visit on October 4. "On November 21, it is intended to give a concert consisting of two or three short plays and some musical items. As it is our first appeal to the public for funds, we hope for a good attendance.” Fire Heart reports for the First Gordon Troop: "The troop has been progressing steadily for the past month. The boys are looking forward to their annual celebration, the birthday of the troop, which will take place shortly. This will be the seventh anniversary. "The troop attended a Divisional ‘Scouts’ Own’ on November 3 and enjoyed a short speech by the Commissioner. "The Pack is still progressing well, the senior boys having just completed one year’s service. The senior Sixer has gained his second star, .and the other Sixers have nearly completed theirs. "The Rover Crew, under Rover Mate Stralen is now seven strong.” Leather Stocking writes that the Waiuku Troop has been busy preparing items for a concert which took place on November 1. The elder boys are studying for their First Class tests. THE ISLAND OF ST. KILDA Owing to the rapid dwindling of the population of St. Kilda a suggestion has been made that the island be compulsorily evacuated. Although there is a. nurse living on the island and the health of the 38 inhabitants is uniformly good, the problem of maintaining the necessary services for such a remote part is becoming a serious concern to the authorities. During stormy weather appeals for food and fuel supplies are often brought to the mainland by passing boats, and special efforts, causing much cost and trouble, have to be made to reach the island. The St. Kildans eke out a very meagre existence. Large quantities of sea-bird’s eggs are stored lor consumption during the winter, and in the autumn young birds are killed in great numbers and stored for food. Fair crops of oats and potatoes are sometimes obtained, and there are a few cattle; but as the men of the island are poor fishermen the- good fishing grounds round fc?t. Kilda are practically neglected. .Several hundred head of sheep, which are scarcely ever used for food, are kept for 'their wool, which the women weave jnto blankets and tweeds. IN TIBET Bit by bit the mysterious land of Tibet, one of the world’s last strongholds of the unknown, is yielding up* its secrets. Soon the whole wild mountainous country will be mapped. Its rulers no longer keep European explorers out. The latest traveller 'is a Dutchman. Mr. R. G. Visser, who has penetrated into 1,160 square miles of mountain scenery, in which are 50 glaciers not hitherto known. Exploring in these regions is both difficult and dangerous. When the ice yields before the influence of spring enormous glaciers move with terrific force. When one of these broke away the crash could be heard nearly 20 miles off.