ITEMS FROM THE TROOPS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19750, 17 March 1934, Page 16

ITEMS FROM THE TROOPS

NORTHDOWN TE RANGI TROOP The month of March has found us active and full of good resolutions for the oncoming winter months. Two events, the Scouter for the first time wearing his Long Service Medal and ten years’ service star, which he has just received from headquarters, and the investiture of a Lone Scout, have been put down in the Troop Log as “historical incidents,” as such they are. In the absence of the Scouter recently, we accepted the invitation of the Highfield Troop to spend the evening with them. Accordingly, we met at the West End Baths and indulged in swimming for a short period. Then we went over into the park and had relay games. Shortly afterwards we proceeded to the Den, where the hosts showed us some signalling and knotting "stunts.” In conclusion we heard

their campfire choruses. On Friday, March 2, we listened to a lecture by the Scouter on "Camp gear and how to minimise it.” This lecture should prove of great value to us for a camp is to be held in the near future.

A week-end Patrol camp was held at the Opihi River and was undoubtedly a success.

Last Friday was a very important night in the history of the troop and there was a good attendance to witness an investiture ceremony. The two boys invested were Stanley Pitcher and a Lone Scout to be attached to the troop, Lindsay Edgar, of Seadown. The Scouter, in his talk to the recruits, outlined the principles of Scouting aird stressed the importance of living up to the Law and Piomise. The boys were then invested, one going in Swift Patrol and the other in the Bull Patrol. We would be pleased to hear from any other boys in the country over eleven years of age, who would like to be Lone Scouts. Particulars are sent on a correspondance basis and an evening is arranged for the investiture. It is proposed to hold a camp at our hut at Northdown in a fortnight’s time, when several boys will be able to complete the tests for their second class badge.

ST. MARY’S TROOP A useful scouting book given him by an overseas scoutmaster for services rendered, was lent to the troop library by Mr Innes Jones, the Dominion Council representative. In the course of a talk, the change in the character of Scouting during the past 20 years was commented upon, showing that the present methods that should be followed by all Scouters in the training of their troops has many distinct advantages. A half hour was spent at the Century baths last evening and later an hour and a naif's programme was commenced. An interesting talk on “Eyes” was given by the D.S.M., which included the eyes of flies, fish, hares, horses, rats and human beings. The boys mentally logged the fact that fish are colour blind, only seeing all colours in different shades of grey —some of their parents are fishermen.

HIGHFIELD TROOP. During the temporary absence of Scouter Manthorp, the Troop has been taken by A. S. M. Freeman and the work has proceeded along its appointed course. Swimming still takes up the first part of the programme, and after a dip the usual practice is to have a game in the West End Park then back to the Den where more concentrated work is undei’taken. Teams are being picked and ti-ained with the object of ascertaining those best suited for the various items in the Williams Memorial Shield Competitions. The Patrol competition is not allowed to lag. and various items which are part and parcel of the Troop woi'k form the basis of this part of the weekly woik. Patrol Leader L. Pawson has decided to leave the Troop and the filling of the vacancy is causing some spirited keenness and competition amongst the likely candidates. Several Scouts are ready for Badge examinations, and we hope to have

another first-class or two amongst us soon. The Committee are meeting regularly and show their usual interest in the work and welfare of the Troop.. NGAITAHU PACK. The new Pack of the above name has been successfully started with headquarters at St. Michael's Schoolroom. Misses E. Thomson and E. Marsden, members of the Kai Arahi Ranger Company are taking charge of the Pack, which is at present being run by Scouter Manthorp. Valuable assistance in monetary form has been given by the Ladies Guild of St. Michael’s, and this has been used to purchase necessary books for the use and guidance of the Cubmasters.

The Pack has already started on the Jungle Trail, and we are pleased to see the results already attained. Special attention is being given to obta n the necessary jungle atmosphere and great care is being taken to assure that the Pack acquires the proper pronunciation of the Jungle names and proceedure.

We hope to have the Pack ready for registration shortly after Easter, and steps will then be taken to open the Pack to recruits, who are at present being kept waiting until the nucleus have imbibed the necessary essentials and attained the rank of Tenderpad.

The name of the Pack is that of the principal Maori tribe of the South Island.

We are looking forward to the coming Cub Palaver to be held at Easter and hope to obtain some of the Cubby ideas and spirit that is in evidence with some of the racks end their Loaders.