CUCKOOS AND HUMBUGS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21280, 25 February 1939, Page 10

CUCKOOS AND HUMBUGS

The Chief Scout in many of his writings has warned boys of the dangers of cuckoos and humbugs. In “Rovering to Success” he describes the habits of the cuckoo and points out that this bird insistently proclaims himself above all other birds. But it i|» not only in bird life that this happens; we have human cuckoos, too. The human cuckoo is generally a superior sort of person who sees his own side of a question but nobody else’s. In the ten reasons to parents why boys should become scouts the Chief could well remind us of the dangers of scouts giving lip-service for as our ideals are high so should the standard of the troop be high. It is easy to persuade ourselves that we are scouting according to the rules of the game and here lies the danger, for although wo never fail when we try to do our duty, whether it is the pack, troop or to our' pals, we always fail when we neglect to do it. In our work and in our play we should remember the words of Rev. Malcolm Wilson, in his address at the Founders’ Day Service. As we train ourselves in character and efficiency, let our aim be not merely the attainment of position, or prospects for ourselves but for the power <o do good to other people, for the community. To

make our bodies fit for the service of others, through good scouting and thus avoid the dangers about these cuckoos.

TEN GOOD REASONS WHY YOUR BOY SHOULD BECOME A SCOUT

1. Scouting fills a boy’s spare time—with healthy occupations in healthy company.

2. Scouting gives a boy character—which is essential in any career. 3. Scouting is training in citizenship —we are out to make good individual citizens.

4. Scouting gives a boy opportunities of service. For God and his neighbour. This is the basis of religion

5. Scouting makes a boy handy—llia hobbies are useful at home as well as interesting to himself.

6. Scouting gives a boy a sense of honour and loyalty. He will not let you down and tell a lie. 7. Scouting teaches a boy selfreliance —so that he can fend for himself and help other people. 8. Scouting gives a boy health. Through open-air evercise and self care, he gains a sound mind in a healthy body.

9. Scouting finds out a boy's natural gifts—and so helps to find "square holes for square pegs” in the choice of career.

10. Scouting gives a boy happiness.— Through cheery comradeship and the enjoyment of nature.