SCOUTS IN CAMP

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXIV, Issue 3109, 27 January 1934, Page 3

SCOUTS IN CAMP

CAMBRIDGE AND OTOROHANGA !■' BOYS AT KAWHIA Late on Wednesday afternoon 15 boys from the local Scont Tropp returned to their home town after ten -days under canvas with the Otorobanga Troop at Te Maika, near Xawhia. The local Troop left Cambridge on the afternoon of 6th January for Otorohanga, where they spent the night, leaving next morning in company with ,the Otorohanga Troop by motor lorry for Kawhia. Te Maika was reached by launch at 4.30 p.m., and before long this usually quiet holiday resort was a hive of industry, tents being erected, kitchen fires being made, a meal being prepared and the numerous camp gadgets being devised (a gadget is a small “Scouty” device, adding greatly to the comfort and tidiness of the camp, e.g., a plate rack or dining tables all made from odd pieces of natural wood). It is interesting to know that there were 62 such small gadgets devised before the final day of camp-life. The following morning, camp-life routine started in earnest: 6 a.m., cooks and orderlies rise; 7 a.m., reveille,* 7.45. •a.m., breakfast; 9 a.m., inspection; 9.30 —l2 noon, open (swimming, hiking, fishing, trips); 12.30 p.m., lunch; I—2 p.m., rest; 2 —5.30, open; 6 p.m., dinner; 7 p.m., games; 'S p.m., camp-fire; 5.30 p.m., lights out. Swimming was indulged in daily, very often before breakfast, as the tide suited. Fishing, including flounder spearing proved a very popular hobby for many Scouts. Boating was enjoyed by senior boys, two of the more experienced Scouts making a journey in a small home-made canoe to a point across the harbour six miles distant,

sleeping there the night, and returning the following morning. This feat earned for them a section of the First Class Badge. Hiking trips to Rangifan, a trig,, five miles away, and Lake Takaroa and back, a journey of IS miles, were accomplished during the camp, Launch trips to the upper reaches of Malioc River, to the Hot Springs on the ocean beach, and to Albatross Point for the purpose of helping in the shipping of wool were undertaken by different parties of Scouts. During the camp the local Maoris instructed the Troops in methods of Maori cooking, by making a very efficient “Hangi. 77 On Sunday, an inspection by Scoutmaster W. C. Williams, Cambridge, was carried out, a' 1 Scouts Own 77 service was held and visitors were entertained to camp-fire items, Scout games and the Scouts 7 own “Hangi, 77 all of which wore received with appreciation. Camp at Te Maika was broken on Tuesday and the combined Troops visited the resting-place of the historic Maori canoe, the Tainui, at Kawhia, camp being pitched that night at a point on the main road, four miles inland from Ivawhia. Here two limestone caves were explored, this adventure proving a totally new experience tor the majority of the Cambridge boys. The following morning, camp was finally broken, both troops returning to their respective inland towns, looking very bronzed and feeling thoroughly hardened, healthy and happy after the ideal holiday under canvas. The co-operation of the settlers of Te Maika and of the Scouts themselves with the three officers in charge, S.M. G. R. Craddock, Otorohanga, A.S.M. F. Hildcr, Otorohanga, and A.S.M G. Lynds, Cambridge, has made the past camp a period of good Scouting long to be remembered by ail participants.