SCOUT NOTES

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 52, 25 November 1926, Page 5

SCOUT NOTES

(By

Scouter.)

Camp time cornea on apace, and a few remarks on camping are appropriate. Health is far better than riches, therefore great care must be exercised in selection of camp sites. Pure water for drinking and cooking is essential. Impure waler is more dangerous to boys and voting lads than to grown-ups. It does not follow because the water in a stream or well is clear and tastes good that it is really safe to drink during a nine days’ camp without testmg. If test fails, water should be boiled. If the camp is on sandy or dusty ground, every care should be taken to prevent particles getting into the food; special care is necessary in cleaning vegetables To cook a caterpillar or slug is nothing compared with the harm which may easily be done by swallowing sand and dust with the food. This is not an alarm (camps are fine, healthy, and good for Scouts); it is in accord with the advice of our hea’th authorities to keep New Zealand healthy; the District Commissioner appeals to each Scoutmaster to consult with the troop committee in selection of site. On Thursday, November 24, In the Accountants’ Chambers, Johnston St., the Dominion Council will meet to consider the annual report and statement of accounts, remits from centres, and generally to discuss the welfare of the Boy Scout movement. It is expected that the Chief Dominion Scout, Sir Charles Fergusson, G.C.M.G., will be present. Wellington South sub-district has the following officers: —D.S.M., G. Bell; D.C.AL, C. L. S. Green; hon. secretary (to be appointed); A.D.S.M., Messrs. S. A. Tantke and F. El vines. Its troope are: Institute, St. Mark’s, Lyall Bay Nos. 1 and 2, St. Thomas’, Island Bay. Trinity, Kilbirnie, St. Cuthbert’s, Scots College, St. Jude’s, Bcrhampore, Seatoun, St. James, and seven wolf cub packs. This sub-district was unfortunate early in the year to lose the services of D.S.M. W. L. Phillips througn ill-health. We are all pleased that m true Scout spirit lie was able to continue duty as Scoutmaster to tho Lyall Bay troops. Four new troops have been added during the year, and one old troop re-established The Hutt Valley and Bays Leaders’ Association held a week-end camp on the Y.M.C.A. ground at Haywards from Saturday till Sunday. There were four leaders from East Harbour, three from Petone —D.S.M. Nelson, A.S.M. Aidrich, and Mr. H. E. Browne, of St. Augustine's (Petone) troop. In spite ot the inclement weather on Saturday, instruction was commenced, comprising tents, fire-lighting, etc. Throughout the dav various matters were explained, and in tho evening duly summarised in addresses by Messrs. Nelson and Browne. On Sunday, after a short church parade in the morning, the party climbed the hill above eamp, when interesting information on plant life was given. Camp was reluctantly struck about 4 55 p.m. On November 8 the Island Bay Troop were guests of Brooklyn Troon to a “pound night,” a very enjoyable evening. Mr. Roderique was present with Island Bay’s kiuematogiaph. The gathering broke up after several speeches and sound advice by the Commissioner, Sir Alfred Robin. The Port Nicholson Sea Scouts had a very interesting ceremony on a recent Saturday afternoon, when their new boat, Gordon Campbell, was officially launched by the troop, in the presence of Sir Alfred Robin, and the donors, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. J. Dutch. Collingwood Troop also attended the ceremony, and an interesting afternoon was spent in taking members of the troop committee and friends for short trips around the boat harbour vicinity. The new boat is a very smart craft, built bv Mr. Jukes at Balena Bay, to the design of Messrs. Gilbert, McCullum, and Petersen, of the troop committee. It is hoped to equip her shortly with sails and centre plate, when a further addition will be made to the boat harbour fleet. Jiotii troops are now getting ready for the Aorangi Cup race, on New Year’s Day, aud it is hoped that Wellington will this yeal wrest the cup from the present holders. Iron Duke, Nelson. A series ol dances is being held by the troop committee. and it is hoped that they will prove a success. At the weekly parade of the i.M.C.A. No. 1 Troop last Thursday, the following were presented with badges; P.L.D. McCawe and Scouts G. Button, N. Picton, O. Death, J. Were (ambulance). Scouts Picton, K. Bowden 'electricians), P. L D. McCawe (patrol leaders hat badge), Scout J. IVore (second’s badge), patrol leader D. McCawe, Scout B. Halcox (all-round cords). During tho meeting wo were visited by the Boys Institute. and after several games had been played, supper was served, during which Air. Heath, on behalf of Boys' Institute Troop, thanked the troop for the pleasant time spent, and extended a hearty welcome to a return visit, lhe Y.M.C.A. Troop will hold a jumble sale on December 4. Johnsonville Troop held a demons! ration social on November 12, in ordci to obtain fundi for their camp. lhe evening was concluded with games and supper. Mr. Pledger, the chairman of the troop committee, presided. Ihe evening was a pronounced success, £3 10s. Cd. being raised. "Kava" was the word which was on tho lips of the Rovers last Saturday evening, when, before a good mustci. tho commissioner showed us the manner iu which the natives mix kova. The ceremony itself was exceedingly interesting. but the taste was not the best, nevertheless all had a drop. It has been decided to hold trie fipu! break-up evening in the */P cn i members of troop committees and scooters on December 11. not 18. as previously announced.. All members are heartily invited to attend, and meet Daddy Christmas, and obtain a gin from the Christmas tree. they me advised to bring their mou.th-organs tor the competitions. Kindly forward notes to C. Meacben. "Ithaca,” Thomdon Quay, on or before Monday of each week.