BOY SCOUTS

Waipa Post, Volume 45, Issue 3210, 30 July 1932, Page 5

BOY SCOUTS

TE AWAMUTU GROUP. (By " Scouter.") THE CUB PACK. Last week I gave a list of the various tests' Cubs have to pass for the Second Star. Now we will explain them and some of their uses. First on the list is signalling in Morse and semaphore. The latter is the simplest to learn, but is not so useful as Morse, as it can only be used in daylight. To send semaphore you require two signal flags, as you form the letter by holding the flags at an angle to the body. The alphabet is made up of seven circles, the first being A to G, the second H to N, (omitting J), the third O to S, the fourth T to Y, and the rub-out or erase sign. The fifth circle is made up of the numeral sign, alphabetical or J sign and V, the sixth W and X, and the seventh Z.

All the signs in the first circle are made with one hand, and in all other circles with both hands. Now, study your charts and learn the semaphore alphabet.

With Morse you may send in many ways as it is made up of a series of dots and dashes. You can signal with a flag, light, sounding key, by tapping, or even with the eyelids. A dot is a third of the length of a dash, so if you count " one " while you send a clot and " one, two, three," for dash, you will get your letters right. In sending Morse you can signal very long distances, and it is not necessary to be able to see the other man if you are sending by light flashes or sounder key, or by tapping, say, on a wall to someone the other side; but with semaphoi'e you must be aW.e to see each other, so you can realise how much more useful Morse is.

Next week we will take the compass points and the use of a compass.

" Scouter" has received the first letter from the pack for the column. Here it is:—"Dear Cubs, —Last week I received a reply from the Lone Cub in Warkworth. He was pleased to hear from me and asked for a "snap" of the. Cub pack. He will send one of himself.—(signed) Bob O'Brien."

That is what we want, Bob. Littie notes of pack interest. Which Cub will be next? THE SCOUT TROOP.

Next month there is to be a meeting of scouters from all parts of the district. They will meet in Hamilton to discuss a lot of Scout business and after the meeting " Scouter" hopes to have a lot of interesting news for the troop.

Next week we are to have an address by Mr Wilson, the subject being " Views of London." It sounds good, and it will be interesting. We may be able to "visit" other places on other meeting nights. Arrangements have been made to begin the fireman's classes. Superintendent Morris is the instructor. The examination will not be easy, so roll up your sleeves and get busy, boys. There is going to be more in this than just winning a badge. But wait and see.

Our A.S.M. is full of surprises and there is one for the troop this week. THE GROWN-UPS.

Many of you parents of Scouts do your shopping while the boys are at their Scout meetings, and make arrangements to meet them afterwards. Why not arrange to meet them at the Scout hall? Just come in and sit down for a little rest before going home. See your boys at work and join us round the "camp fire.' ? Possibly you could a'so enjoy a pannikin of tea. You are always welcome.