Scout News

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 150, 27 June 1934, Page 9

Scout News

Conducted wcchlv .'n the interest of Scouting In the district, and to acquaint the public with the work which Scouting embraces. All contributions should be in the hands of “ Lono Wolf,” care 217 Avenue, at the latest Saturday morning of each week.

(By

“Lone Wolf.”)

It is expected that to-night will find something definite to be recorded in connection with the trip of several Wanganui Scouts to the big jamboree at Melbourne in December. !■» is to be hoped that all will bear in mind the necessity for co-operation in financing the trip for these few fortunate ones, but there must no-t be overlooked ihe necessity for making sonic provision for the summer holidays lor those who have to stay at home. Just think that over, you chaps. At the Y.M.C.A. ' At the parade held at the Y.M.C.A,. last Wednesday there was a record attendance, with 28 boys and the Scoutmaster present, four boys being unfortunately ill. The parade opened with an inspection, which disclosed the highest standard yet attained. Patrolleaders exerted a real spirit of leadership in ambulance and signalling work. Tenderfeet were examined and passed by G.S.M. Stoneman at 8.30, and then games took place until the Seoul Promise and the “dismiss” order ended the parade. Parents of members of the Y.M.C.A. troop are reminded that the Y .M.C.A. 1 pack is now in the hands of G.S.M. Stoneman and Assastant-Akela Miss Emanuel, with whose combined efforts a'tip-top pack should be formed. Executive Meeting. A meeting of the executive of the Wanganui Boy Scouts’ Association will be held at the Rovers’ IDen (old library building), Ridgway Street, to-night at 7.30 o ’clock.

Glasgow Eagles’ Birthday. On Monday evening the Glasgow Eagle Troop and Pack celebrated their eighth birthday with a tea and parents’ evening. A fine tea was provided by the parents committee, and to this the Scouts and Cubs did full justice. After the hall had been cleared, Mr. Pope, chairman of the group committee ’extended a welcome to those present. In wishing the group “many happy returns,” Mr. Pope reminded all those present that their actions reflected on the entire movement, whether for good or bad. The Metropolitan Commissioner said he was getting to be looked upon as the champion birthday cake cutter of the world. At the numerous Scout functions he attended it usually fell to his lot to cut the birthday cakes. Ho had been asked to thank all those. ladies who had assisted with the tea, which had been so well enjoyed by the boys. Mr. Christie referred to the various ups and downs of the troop during the past year. Thev had had many changes and many dinieulties to overcome. However, difficulties played an important part in the formation of character. Some people were all their lives up against problems and difficulties, but these were only preparing them for the future. Strong manhood would never be made from easy childhood. Iron straight from the smelter, if dropped would break, but after it had been through the fires and had been hardened and at length became steel it w’ould not break. If life seemed hard and difficult at times, then it was in order that one would be better fitted for the future. The troop and its officers were being buffeted and having their ups and downs, but the result would be for the best. The commissioner then cut the birthday cake District Commissioner A. F. A. Woollams, speaking later in the evening, wished the group “very many happy returns” and mentioned that all should endeavour always to leave good impressions. About 70 years ago Mr. Avnsley, the manufacturer of the famous Aynsley china, had in his employ several learners or apprentices. When these young men had completed his time. Mr Aynsley gave to each of them a piece of his very best china with a suitable motto engraved thereon. This was so that he might make a suitable impression on their minds. Mr. Woollams, in conclusion, expressed pleasure at the continued growth of the troop and wished, them continued success and “good hunting.’’ The remainder of the evening was spent in games and competitions, song and story.

Knox Troop. There was a good muster of Scouts at the parade on Saturday last. In struetion in second-class signalling and bandaging was continued and we arc pleased to report very good progress. Several boys are now nearing the end of their second-class badge. Interspersed with the Scout work were several new games which proved very exciting and caused keen competition. The first new game was a clothesline relay. Each team was given five pegs and* these had to be placed on a rope stretched across the far end of the room. The teams line up as for an ordinary relay. On the word “go” the first Scout runs up and places his pegs on the rope with his left hand. When the first Scout has returned to his patrol the next Scout runs up and takes the pegs off the line, also using his left hand. The game is continued until each member of the team has had a run. The first team at the “alert” win: the game. The second game was a bottle relay race. At the top end of the room above each team two pennies arc placed about 12 inches apart. A bottle is placed neck downwards on one penny of each pair. On the word “go” the first Scout of each team runs up and transfers the bottle to the opposite penny. The second man replaces the bottle on the other penny and the game continues until each member has had a turn. The games sound simple enough—but try them! On Sunday, June 24, a group church parade was held in the Knox Church. There was a good attendance of Cubs and Scouts and a very interesting address was given by the Rev. L. Ker. Parents’ Report. The following is the annual report of the Glasgow Eagle Scout Committee submitted at the eighth birthday on June 25: During the past 12 months the com-

niittce has held four committee meetings and in January -met in company with parents. Reports from troop and pack have been submitted by the respective officers and their work has been watched with interest by each of the members. The lady members gave considerable assistance to the boys in preparing and making toys from used materials which were presented at the Armistice Day parade for Christmas gifts to needy cases. In February last Mr. C. W. Gaze tendered his resignation as secretary of the committee owing to his appointment to the position of District Cubmaster. The vacancy, however, has not yet been filled. The personnel of the committee is as follows:—Messrs. W. R. Pepe (chairman), Gaze, Wells; Mesdames Hawkins, Harris, Wells and Gaze with the Scout and Cub officers.

The Jamboree. The addition of a series uf hikes to the programme for the Melbourne Jamboree is a new and pleasing activity that is dyed-in-the-wool Scouting, and it will add to the many attractions of such a gathering of the Scouts of the nations. The movement in Victoria is most fortunate in the possession of vast areas of mountainous country close to the jamboree site, which, from the hiking point of view, is all that could be desired. At the time of year, in early January during which the hikes are to take place, the weather in the hills is usually delightful—long days of bright sunshine, followed by clear starry nights with temperatures so mild that one may camp out with the stars for a canopy and scorn the confines of a t-ent. There will be rambles along tracks amid the big timber, climbs to the mountain tops to view the surrounding country spread out like so many maps, scrambles in cool shady fern gullies and bright campfires at night in the forest glades. In the timber areas the sawmills will be at work, and there one may see the big trees being felled and watch the huge saws tear into the logs in the first stages of milling operations. Plans are being made for a minimum of 50 different hikes to provide at least 2000 boys of varying ages who may desire to take part. These hikes will start from various points along the boundaries of the area,, and will converge on the Victorian training centre at Gembrook. A huge camplire at night will celebrate the arrival of the parties. The smaller boys of .14 will do the oneday hikes, with perhaps one night in the bush; the older boys will be taken on longer routes to which their greatei physical capacity will enable them to stand up. Parties will be open to Rovers and Scouters of all ranks, should they desire to join in. Each party will number up to 30 or 40, and will be divided into four patrols, with patrol leaders and troop leader, and be managed generally on troop lines, but with additional organisation to cope with the special nature of the activities. These parties will be conducted through the hills by skilled Rover Scouts who, through the medium of training courses, are receiving special instruction to fit them for their duties. It sufficient numbers are available it is proposed to have three trained hovers to each party, and those who are* appointed hike leaders will have passed through a severe test to qualify. Parents who are considering the advantages of permitting their boys to take part may rest assured that close attention to the interests and safety of their boys while in these hike parties will be the first duty of the Rovers in charge, and that the boys themselves will have most enjoyable experiences.

“Youth Explores its World.’’ In the May number of the National Geographical Magazine there-is an interesting article w.th this title. It deals with Scouting the world over tracing its beginnings at ♦he siege of Mafcking and leading up to the great jamborees, in which so many of the youths have been gathered together. The illustrations, as arc usual in this magazine, are all of a very high order From the names of some of them it may be seen that a wide range of subjects was covered. There arc photographs of the 50,000 massed Scouts at the third jamboree at Birkenhead, of the grand rush at Godollo. of Scouting in Turkey, in Iraq, on the Nile, in Italy, and in China, and the Roman salute of the Fascist Balilla. There is a very fine illustration of the ’tall timbers in California, and another of an outdoor Scout chapel. The photo of the pilgrimage to t-he grave of Roosevelt in Long Island is very impressive. Space will not permit details being given- but those who are interested should not fail to read this number. It is noted that 58 per cent, of the American university captains were Scouts Eight of the All American eleven have been in the movement, and 71 per cent, of the Rhodes Scholars have passed through Scout discipline. Cub Notes. The following poems ot Kipling are suitable and may be helpful,, particularly in cub investitures: “The Night Song of the Jungle,” the introduction to “Mowgli’s Brothers,”, the “Maxims of Baloo,” the introduction to “Kaa s Hunting,” ‘‘The Law of the Jungle particularly that part which refers to Akela’s word being law in all things that the law leaves open, and the reference to the head and the hoot of the law being obedience. Passages from Baloo, Kaa, and Bagheera's ‘‘out song” have the whole meaning of the law and promise summed up jungle fashion and are well worth including

in an investiture. Illness of Chief Commissioner. All will regret to hear of the illness of* the Chief Commissioner. For some time past he has not been at all well, and now finds himself for the time being unable to carry on his duties at the Christchurch Hospital. Ho is an inmate of St. George’s Hospital at present, and it is expected that his illness will necessitate an operation, ■which will take place during this week. Our sympathies all go out to our com-

missioner, who has devoted so many years to ’ the interests of the Scout movement? We hope that he will soon be able to take his place amongst us again, and we trust that he will make a speedy recovery.