The Boy Scouts,

Taranaki Herald, Volume LX, Issue 143765, 13 April 1912, Page 5

The Boy Scouts,

By Scoutmasto*

District Commissioner, Mr. F. G. Kimbell, llawera ; District Commander, Rev. J. A. Kenipthorn'e, New Plymouth; District. Secretary, Mr. J. R. Sullivan, New Plymouth; Inspectors. Major F. M. Sandford and Mr. G. M’Gahey ■ Scoutmasters, Messrs. J R. Sullivan. N. 11. M'lsaac, H. Y. M'Gahev, S. 1., Weller, A. R. Gibb, and Rev. G. F. Robson (New Plymouth), W. H. Humphrey and J. Kennedy (Inglewood). CENTRAL BATTALION. Last I inumluy an enjoyable lieid-day was held. There was a good muster of Scouts. Good work-was clone, tlie Scouts entering into their work witn enthusiasm. Competitions in lire-liglitmg were held, r.very Scout had to maae his own lire, using not more than two matches. Tnu winners were Scouts V. Kirkby and L. Russell and Sergeant T. Corkill. LLut-builclmg (bivouac siielters) was next undertaken; about 2U were erected. The best lint was built by Scout V. Kirkby. The loilowmg also built good ones; Bugler Moody, Leaders G. Bradbury and L. Way, ocouts W. Elliot, D. Doile, and K. Kirkby, and Sergeant Corkill. An interesting competition in guessing lime was next held. Scout K. Kirkby won this. Out ol lour guesses at different times he was out only halt a minute. The following were the next best: Sergeant T. Corkill and Leader J. Drury. Scout Sole and Corpl. Crone also did well. In tho ambulance competition Leader G. Bradbury got the liignest marks, getting 2'J marks out ol a possible ot SO. Leader Way, Corpl. Crone, and Scouts V, and K. Kirkby also did well, each getting 2S out ol 30. Alter these competitions a tug-of-war was enjoyed, Leader Drury’s side winning. Wool-collecting provided good exercise and Inn for about an hour. The greatest quantity was collected by Sergt. Corkill (34 pieces), Scout H. Elliot (24 piece.s), and Scout B. Johns (IS pieces).' The last work of. the day was raiding. This was done very well, the Scouts keeping excellent cover and using plenty of common-sense. The leaders of the sides were Sergeant Corkill and Leader J. Drury. The latter won the game after an hour's hard work

Visit of B.P. An effort is being made to got a troop to Wellington to join in the welcome to Baden-Powell, As funds will be required, Scouts who wish to go should commence at once to save a sum —as much as possible. It is expected that funds to defray expenses will bo raised locally. The Dominion Chief Scout hopes to get concessions on the railways.

Progress.—The following have passed their Second-class Badge test during tho week: Scouts C. Bayly, H. Hcdley, and B. Johns.

Lecture on Fiji.—On Thursday, 23th instant, the Rev. J. W. Burton will deliver an address on Fiji. He wishes Scouts to come primed with questions, so we hope they will be prepared with a large number. ST. MARY’S TROOP.

The usual weekly parade was held last Friday night. Twenty-eight Scouts were present and were kept occupied at Scout drill. Although the troop is young, the boys are looking fonyara to tho visit of “8.P.,” and hope to journey to AVclJington to take part in tho celebrations. in honour of tho founder of tho Scout movement. There are 53 boys on tho roll, most of whom have passed tho Tenderfoot tost. Some arc already working for their Second-class Badges. The scoutmasters have decided to hold the ceremony of investiture of tho Scouts on Friday, May 3. AVESTOAA'N TROOP. This troop has just finished an enjoyable week in camp. It is the only local troop in camp—proof of its energy and enthusiasm. A full report of the camp work will appear next week. GENERAL. AA'c have to thank Air. Penn, editor of the Herald, for a copy of the Lyttelton Times containing interesting Scout items. AA’e cull the following from tho issue forwarded;— A r isit of Lieutenant-General Sir R. S. S. Baden-Powell. The near visit of Lieutenant-General Sir R. S. S. Baden-Powell is an event of extreme interest to all who have been actively connected with the Boy Scout movement in any way on controlling bodies, as officers or otherwise, and particularly to present members and old Boy Scouts. In addition, the authorities of the Dominion and the general public are keenly interested in one who has been tho means of starting a movement which is of the first importance in national life. His Excellency tho Governor, who is the honorary president of the movement, has expressed his intention df being present at the rally. An enthusiastic welcome awaits our renowned chief in New Zealand. His stay will be brief. The date of arrival in Auckland is May 26. He is expected in AA’ellington at 4 p.m. on AA’cdncsday, May 29. A lecture is to he given on the same evening. He will stay until 8 p.m. next day. The draft Scout programme is as follows: Wedncfiday, May 29.—4 p.m., guard of honour at Thorndon station; 5 p.m., reception of officers and ex-officers of organisation 7.15 p.m., Scouts at Town. Hall; 8 p.m., lecture. Thursday, May 30.—Morning, civic reception and other arrangements; 1 p.m., New Zealand Club, luncheon and address; 3 p.m., great Scout rally; 7.15, send-off. Arrangements will he made to afford hospitality to Scouts coming to AVellington. Early notification should be sent to the provincial secretary, D. 8.5., AA rcllington, stating whether your troops desire to come to AA’cllington and giving the number likely to come. Fares.—■ Endeavour is being made to secure at least school excursion rates! If possible troops from other centres might bring specimens of their work for display at the rally, such as Scout huts, bridges, etc. Provision is being made for exScout officers and cx-Scouts who desire to attend any of the gatherings. School leave for Scouts should he arranged by local officers. Troops attending should practice tho New Zealand rally.