SIGNALLING

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20077, 6 April 1935, Page 11

SIGNALLING

THE CORRECT WAY TO TEACH IT The Signalling Test in the Second and First Class Badges is ‘put across” by Troops in a multitude of ways (says a writer in the “Scout.”) Some use nasty, dirty bits of paper on which to scrawl strange hieroglyphics, and the wretched boy who is being taught hears queer mutterings such as, “See, that’s ‘A,’ this is the second ‘Circle,’ that’s ‘W’; no, that’s ‘W’ . . .” and so forth. In more enlightened Troops poor Johnny stands at one end of the clubroom with two flags in his hand and looks intelligent while P.L. Snooks stands at the other end and murmurs vague nothings. About them goes on all the usual hubbub of a busy Troop meeting. Troops who try to “put across” signalling in these ways have got the wrong angle on signalling, and for that very reason they find it the world’s worst worry, and complain that “Our blokes don’t like signalling. What’s the good of it, anyway!" The object of signalling of any form is to get a message from one point to another where it is impossible to communicate by word of mouth. Now, anyone can shout across the clubroom, so why signal there. And you might just as well say it, as put

it down on to nasty bits of paper. No wonder Scouts aren't interested in signalling—if it’s put over in that way. There’s only one way in which signalling can have any interest to fellows, and that’s by doing it the right wayover a distance and out in the open. We’re always complaining that we can’t find things to do out-of-doors, and here’s one of the regular things in front of our noses. Of course, Johnny has got to learn the signals, but I favour the idea of letting him learn by himself at home. He picks it up much quicker. Then, get him out with the rest of the Patrol over a distance such that shouting is of no use. His instructor can then point out the various signals, given slowly, and Johnny will recognise “A, B and C,” as .he is meant to recognise them. A couple of afternoons spent like this are worth twenty spent signalling across the clubroom floor. ”B-P” AS A JESTER Many years ago Lord Baden-Poweli visited an exhibition of pictures at Manchester. He was carrying a stick, but his entry was barred by an officious attendant who brusquely told him the stick must be left outside. 8.P., although exasperated by the attendant’s manner, checked any words he might have felt inclined to speak, and retired as if he intended to obey the order. It was not long before he returned. But now his smart military manner had vanished, and he hobbled along like a cripple, leaning heavily on his stick. The thoughts of the officious attendant are not recorded, but B.P. entered the exhibition—and with his stick. TRACKING SIGNS Many troops in teaching tracking use just a piece of chalk and draw the signs on the floor or just draw them out on pieces of paper. This is not the “Scouty" way. The proper way is to take the recruit outdoors, into the country if you like and show the signs with twigs, grass, stones and things. Then a trail should be laid for him and he to follow it. There’s fun in that and that’s part of real Scouting.