ITEMS FROM THE TROOPS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19803, 19 May 1934, Page 10

ITEMS FROM THE TROOPS

ST. MARY’S TROOP Although the patrols have not had a full muster during the past month on account of illness and inclement conditions on meeting nights, the various programmes have been enjoyable and interesting. Two resignations, and four recruits have been accepted by the Court of Honour. The material for the pioneering display will be utilised in the den for the different types of trestles, lashings and hoists, and the heavy ropes which were obtained for the Jamboral will be very useful, for the Patrols will now be able to learn and demonstrate the different knots on ‘rope,’ and of course the practical use of the knots will be more easily understood. Prior to the departure of the assistant Scouter V. Lennon, a surprise tea was prepared by the Leaders as a Scout farewell to one who has done his bit. Council fires have command again as part of our Winter programme and at one of these gatherings Lester Stonyer gave a demonstration of electrical contrivances of his own manufacture. Jack Wilson, a new recruit, brings with him a mouth organ for musical sections of our council circle. During the week the troop conducted a spring clean of the Den which has now resumed to winter garb. If the weather permits it is our intention to run with the Harriers to-day; and we understand that the Harriers have severely handicapped themselves on the run, by arranging that we should start ahead of them by 15 minutes. The programme for the Winter is mainly concerned with the tests and an investiture will be held during the coming month when it is hoped that all ‘swearing in’ ceremony. It is up to present recruits will be ready for the the prospective first-class scouts to see that their chosen recruits will have the necessary knowledge by then. Knotting demonstrations including splicings and crowning by three old tars is to be included in the next month’s programme. The Scouter and Leaders will attend the study courses at the Highfield Den on Monday evenings for they know that the course has been well prepared. HIGHFIELD GROUP Term holidays have affected the numbers during the past few weeks but those who have attended have been busy at werk, reviewing Second Class tests. At a recent meeting of the Arrowe Patrol, it was decided to form a second Troop as the numbers were increasing almost every week. This has meant the appointment of new Patrol Leaders and Seconds for the Junior Troop. The Senior Troop will consist of all the older members of the present Troop and the younger ones will form the backbone of the Junior Troop. With a view to creating a more efficient set of Patrol Leaders all round, the Scouter has started a course of instruction for Leaders and Patrol Leaders and Scouters of other Troops are cordially invited to attend the sessions which are held every Monday evening at 6.30 in the Den. Several members of the Troop have been adventuring during the holidays, four Patrol Leaders have been camping at a Riverbed Hut and two more are starting on a cycle tour of the Ashburton, Methven, Bushside district. We were disappointed with the weather when it postponed the Jamboral, but the happy time we had at the Camp-fire has made us think of having another soon. Laurence Greenwood and Jack Andrews made their debut to the Troop at a Going Up ceremony recently and Francis Coales late of the St Stephen's Troop, Ashburton, and Ralph Wheeler have also joined the Troop. Rovers The Crew have been meeting regularly and were very busy previous to the date of the proposed Jamboral. getting gear ready for the display. We have quite a lot of work in store for us if the Committee’s plans work cut according to plan, and we have every reason to believe that they wili do so. Cubs The Pack meeting night has been changed to Wednesday in order to allow the Ranger Company to meet on Thursdays. D. Mander has left the Pack, having left the district with his parents who have gone to reside in New Plymouth. Numbers have been rather less during the past two weeks owing to the school term holidays. Two recruits have been admitted recently and at one meeting Rama presented George Wakefield with his third year Service Star. The Jungle Dances of the Hunting and Death of Sherc Khan, and Kaa the snake have been practised. REMOVING A SPLINTER. A frequent and painful accident is that of running a splinter, or spell down one’s finger. Not only does this hurt very much, but it is difficult to remove, especially as the finger so often swells and becomes inflamed Nearly fill a bottle with boiling wat»r then press your finger over the top and hold it there. The suction should draw the flesh down, and the steam extricate the spell in two or three minutes m the hand and not in the flnger, use a wide-mouthed boitle and press the hand well over 1