SCOUTING

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21186, 5 November 1938, Page 10

SCOUTING

By “Red Plume*

FIRST CLASS TESTS

By

“Rama"

This week I propose to talk about two outdoor tests, Mapping and Axemanship. Test (g), Mapping—Read and be able to use a one-inch Ordnance Survey map and draw an intelligible rough sketch map. Use a sompass and point out a compass direction by day or night withous the help of a compass.

This is one of the tests which are rather inclined to be overlooked and fellows seem to think that it is one of the least important, or that it is not much use to them. They think that perhaps it is rather dull, but it is really one of the most interesting and useful of the tests. Think how useful it is to be able to draw a map of a district so that stranger could find his way by it without fail! Then again, how useful it is to be able to find your own way by a map. This requires some preparation and practice. You must first learn all the conventional signs used on maps and compare them with the actual objects. For instance you know that the sign for a church is a cross; if it has a circle underneath you will know that it has a spire, a square that it has a tower and so on. Measure the distances on a map and compare them on foot. Contour lines show the height of the country, and from these one can gain a knowledge of the formation of the country.

A rough sketch map of your hikes is always interesting. Do not think that because you are not a natural artist that you cannot draw a map. After all a map is only a collection of lines and anybody can draw lines. Later on you can illustrate by simple sketches the objects of interest that you find. Here are one or two hints that you will find useful in sketching. Start with single line drawings. Make silhouettes of trees, hedges and buildings with the eyes half closed. Remember that upright lines always re-

main upright. Don’t put in a lot of detail. Get Scouterto give you a test in conventional signs, then put them together to form a map. Compass work is very interesting. You know that at twelve noon the sun |is directly north. (Make allowance for Summer Time when it is due north at half past twelve.) If you look at the butt of a tree which has been cut down you will find that the annular rings are further apart on one side. This will show you the North as the tree grows faster on the side which gets the most sunshine. Telegraph posts and power line posts are also good guides as they show the effect ! of rain and less sunshine on the South side which is usually of a greenish I colour. i To find the North with the aid of a I watch, point the figure 12 to the sun | and bisect the angle formed by the 1 hour hand and the 12 and that is due North (again make allowance for Summer Time). Test (h), Axemanship—Use an axe for felling or trimming light timber, or if this be impassible, produce an article of carpentery or joinery, or metal work, made by himself satisfactorily, or make a working model of any kind of machinery in metal or wood. I am quite prepared to agree that this test is difficult, not because of the difficulty in felling or trimming a tree, but because of the difficulty in getting trees, to fell, in this part of the country at least. It is not so in some parts I know, but quite a lot can be done by making oneself conversant with the feel and use of an axe. The best way to start training for this test is to begin with a sheath knife, working up to a small axe, to a half axe and then on to a full axe. There are several rules of Axemanship of which the most important Is “Safety First.” Others are: Always mask the bit when not in use in a piece of wood or leather pouch. Carry axe at side, bit outwards. Companions walk on other side. Clear ground and small branches one axe length all round. Keep onlookers well clear. When resting put axe in log. When tree falls shout “timber.” Do not stand in front of or behind falling trees. Do not chop leaning sticks, lay stick on block and cut at an angle. Hitch a rope to your tree before starting. Use common sense. Never, unless requested by the owner, cut a living tree. The production of an article or carpentery is of course not half so thrilling as being able to use an axe correctly. So try if you possibly can to become proficient with the axe.

DOMINION COMMISSIONER FOR SEA SCOUTS

After a couple of years fishing, an old sea dog has been obtained for the position of Dominion Sea Scout Commissioner. Captain J. Spence, who has undertaken the responsibility of looking after the Sea Scouts Crews throughout the Dominion. Although it has been difficult to obtain a suitable man to fill this pasition, Captain Spence has already settled down and has commenced seeking information from all districts It is his intention to visit the centres where crevti are in existence.