SCOUTING SQUIBS

Observer, Volume XXXI, Issue 8, 5 November 1910, Page 14

SCOUTING SQUIBS

(By ** Knapsack ").

, Ati communications lor this page siunddjM addressed to NZ tjßSimirß* - Office, and should reach this office not later than Monday.)

THE Ponsonby No. 1 Troop's bazaar and fancy fair was a distinct success, and should help many people to realise that the boys who take up scouting really go in 'or it with the intention of learning all they can. Certainly the exhibits were varied enough for all tastes. iThe fair was held in the Ponsonby Hall, which was tastefully decora*:.* 1 with flags. There were the usuil refreshment and fancy stalls, and rifle range. Some well made models of aeroplanes, bridges, derricks, etc., were shown, and the judges, Scoutmaster Chapman (Oner hunga) and Scoutmaster Campbell (All Saints') had a hard task to 3ecide the prize winners. A concert was held each evening, and the team which is to compete the Musical and Literary Societies' competitions gave an exhibition of bridge building. The event of the evening was Commander MakgjJFs triumphant march over the bridge when completed on the stage. Soal3 fine choruses were sung, and a short sketch, entitled "Scouts in Peace," -representing a pajbrol of scouts at a" fire, was given. Two of the Ponsonby No. 1 (Scoutmaster Woolley) r and a, Richmond scout w&re encamped at Motion's Jrom Saturday to Monday. The All Saints* under Scoutmaster Campbell and Adjutant Vfeart, marched out to Motion*B on Saturday, and three huts, eh-, camped there until Sunday night. On Sunday afternoon they had a

visitors' tea, and a number of friends walked out to the camp from town Mr Taylor, the Sunday School superintendent, came out and held a short service in camp. The boys returned to town on Sunday night after a very pleasant outing, although the - sentries were on from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.—a change necessitated by the large number of scouts who make - this place their happy hunting ground and would be only too glad to catch a troop not prepared. The Heme "Bay Troop, under Scoutmaster Stebbing, spent Saturday afternoon out at Point Chevalier, where they prepared tea. The Granger Troop (Scoutmaster Abel) had a pleasant afternoon in the p&ddocks adjoining the " Old Stone Jug," where they lit fires and cooked various savoury dishes. The Girl Scouting work is going to prove,as attractive as the boys'. A large troop* has just been formed in All Sairife*, Ponsonby, and as,they have the assistance of Scoutmistress Poole j of the Richmond Troop, whioh was the first girl scout troop to be formed in Auckland, they, ought to go ahead. Many people shake their .heads when girl scouting is mentioned, but they have as a rule never read anything about the work. The work as laid down in their handbook is in every way suitable. Lady Ward, who is the Commandant in Wellington, had a large number of girl scouts at a garden party .given to the girl scout officers there. The ti-tree country at Motion's has become the scouts' favourite scouting ground, and any Saturday afternoon two or three troops are to be found there. On Saturday week the Ponsonby No. 1 were out cutting brushwood for the hut they propose showing at their fair. The Eiehmonds (who, by the way, have a new scoutmaster, Mr Winks having resigned. Mr Boberston, a brother of the ex-Assistant Scoutmaster of the

Ponsonby No. 1, has taken them over and is working hard to make himself fit) were also engaged in. pioneering work ; while the All Saints' under Scoutmaster Campbell and Adjutant Veart, were hard at work building a hut for the Richmond Troop of Girl Soouts, who kindly entertained them to a bush -dinner at the new hut. Mr Kingsbury, who was out watching and helping the Saints at work, returned thanks to the girls for their kindness, and the afternoon concluded with .the "Be Prepared" chorus, aud National Anthem.