DOMINION BOY SCOUTS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 1890, 5 March 1920, Page 4

DOMINION BOY SCOUTS.

(By Black Chief.) On Tuesdav evening, ai the Invitation of Chief Scoutmaster Clark, 5.0.M., the following olllccrs and some senior boys attended n ramp fire meeting at St. Albans headquarters:—Commander Brown, King's Scoutmaster Collins (Merivale), Scoutmasters Smith (Shirley), Green (Shirley), Winder (Opawo Baptist Church Troop), Ctare (Merivale). and representatives from Lincoln bond and Addingtou Troops. The St. Albans Troop paraded in strong force, and the visitors learnt a severe lesson in discipline, as without a doubt this troop can set a splendid example in that direction. The programme opened with the National Anthem, followed by piano, violin, and vocal selections by the entertainers of the St. Albans Troop." Lceturettes on "Budges and their Uses," by Chief Examiner Collins; "The Blue Cross Society" (the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), by Chief Scoutmaster Clark, 5.0.M., were eagerly listened to. Commander Brown also addressed those present. His remarks touched on discipline, the uniform, and scout work in general. He also took the opportunity of saying a few words regarding the founder of the movement in Great Britain, and also the two foremost workers of the organisation in New Zealand, LieutenantColonel and Mrs Cossgrove. A light supper was partaken of, after which King's Scoutmaster Collins, on behalf of the visitors, returned thanks to Chief Scoutmaster Clark and his boys for the pleasant entertainment they had provided. The Seoul masters' Association of No. 1 District held its monthly meeting on Thursday, when there was a good attendance of members. It was unanimously agreed to hold a daylight parade at Cashmere Hills on Saturdav. March 13. The parade will take the form of a sham fight, at the conclusion of which all troops will take part in the rehearsal of 111'! Dominion rally. The attacking party will be under the command of Chief Scoutmaster Clark, and the troops under him are: Avonside (Lady Liverpool's Own), Addinglnn, Cashmere, East Belt, Kdgcware Bond, Lincoln Road, Riecarton Presbyterian, Oxford Terrace, and New Brighton. The defending party will be in charge of King's Scoutmaster Collins, and the following will lie under his command: Lvttelton Sea Scouts, Merivale (The Colonel's Own), Beckcnham, Linwood, North Linwood, Opawa Baptist, Shirley, Sydenham, and St. Albans. The troops will leave the Square at 2.15 p.m., ami return by cars leaving at 5.2 a p.m.

GIRL PEACE SCOUTS. <Ry "Greatheart.") Scoutniistresses report Hint good work is being done l>v the various troops. Well-wishers have repeatedly asked, when are Hie (iiil Peace Scouts going to have another Field Day? Up to the time of writing "Grcathearl" lias not hcurd of anv settled date: hut it will need to be held soon, as the days are beginning to draw in very rapidly. In my last notes on "Nursing" 1 nave a few hints to those attending influenza patients. The following is taken from the

Medical Association's Journal:—The pulmonary complications of influenza which make it so serious a disease may be avoided to a large extent by rest in bed at the onset of the illness. Influenza J itself is not usually fatal, and general insistence on the importance of rest and warmth at the onset of the illness will accomplish more than all else in preventing complications and reducing fatalities from the disease. It is quite surprising the number of our Scouts who are unable to swim. We have quite a crowd who are ready for the final of their flrst-class test; but are not able to finish, all on account of not being able to swim. Scoutinistresses should do all in their power to get their girls to take up swimming at the earliest convenience. "Greatheart" has decided to give a prize to the Girl Peace Scout who sends in to her Scoutmistress the best collection of tree and shrub leaves and also ferns, properly mounted. Fuller particulars will be given at a later date.

JUNIOR SCOUTS. (By "Deerfoot"). The Bull Pups of the Mcrivalc Troop turned out in strong numbers at their first gathering of the year. They are very determined that the Totem Pole shall not leave the borders of Christchurch. At the same time, they would like to see some other Bull Pup Patrol wrest the pole from them. Under Scoutmaster Dyer's able leadership, the Bull Pups of the East Belt Troop are advancing by leaps and bounds, both in numbers and general work. Some Scoutmasters do not readily take to catering for Junior Scouts. Now, I look on this as a step in the wrong direction. If at the end of a year you lose a number of hoys from your troop, where are the reserves from which you can select suitable boys to till the vacancies thus caused? For the continued honour and good name of your respective troops, Scoutmasters, "Be Prepared," and also, like our grand silent Navy, "Keep Watch." Any Scoutmaster wanting copies of "The Story of a Bull Pup" can obtain same by making application to Commander of No. 1 District. Junior Scouts, there are 2(! proficiency badges for you to earn during your spare iime, so you will have plenty of work to keep you employed till the Totem Pole competition comes off.

FAIRY SCOUTS. (By "Moa.") It is indeed gratifying to sec such n large number of litlle girls joining the various troops of Fairy Scouts. These Fairy Scout Troops have been started for the purpose of drawing on when vacancies occur in the senior troops. Without any undue exaggeration, "The Fairy Scouts of New Zealand," by Lieut.Coiouel I). Cossgrovc, V.D., is one of the linest books for the young children yet placed on the market. Anyone who will read carefully, and, at the same time, analyse, its contents, must readily admit that the author has left no stone unturned to make this little book interesting, instructive and useful. Parents and lovers of our little girls would be wise

to secure a copy, and see for themselves what is to be learnt from this hook. The Sydenham and St. Michael's Troops arc very strong in Fairy Scouts. They are very keen and eager, and the ladies who instruct these little tots arc infected with the same degree of keenness. The Fairy Scout's promise is:— (1) I promise to do my best to serve God. (2) To obey my parents and my Fairy Scoutmistress. (3) To do a good turn every day, especially at home. (4) To obey my Fairy Scout Law. The Fairy Scout Law says:— (1) I must always speak the truth. (2) I must make myself useful to others. (3) I must be gentle and kind to everyone. (4) I must be kind to animals. (5) I must not take money for doing a gooil turn. ((i) I must always smile and look pleasant. The Fairy Scout's motto is: "Be True."