SCOUT NOTES

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 60, 8 September 1926, Page 17

SCOUT NOTES

(By "Scouter.")

It is not often that one meets a discontented patrol leader, but the other day I struck a chap who really had a grievance, or at least he thought he had. This is what he said to me: "What on earth's the good of me giving up all my spare time to my patrol when I get absolutely no return for it, not even gratitude? My Scouts seem to think they are doing me a kindness in attending meetings, and the more I do for them the .more, they seem to take it for granted." We had a long chat, and I discovered that this leader was a particularly ambitious chap. He was working really hard for his patrol, and just because there was no immediate results he was getting a trifle disheartened. "I might just as well spend the time going to evening classes to improve my own education," he said. It took me some time to convince him that no matter how discouraging the results were, he wasn't wasting his time. "Don't you realise," I told him, "that now you are only sowing seeds? You cannot expect them to grow in a day. Providing you take care of your seeds, one day they will grow into strong lusty plants, and then you will never' regret the early care and attention you gave them." He left me in a much more cheerful frame of mind, and a few days ago I was glad to hear that he was working harder than ever for his patrol. This question of making a sacrifice to do some good in the world is one on which I feel very strongly. I am absolutely convinced that no good work ever goes unrewarded. It may not be possible to see at once just how one is rewarded for hours of unselfish labour; in fact, one may have to wait years before it is evident, but none the less it will come sooner or later. Any young fellow who gives up his time to the movement, whether it be as a Scoutmaster, Rover, or patrol-leader, is doing some really good work. The time that he sacrifices in training his younger brothers might be spent in a dozen more profitable ways, but so long as he is content to do. the spade work and not care too much about the immediate results, then the bread which he hag cast upon the waters will one day be carried back to him. This is a thought which I woul4 like all you young patrol-leaders to remember when you get particularly disheartened. I know times do come when everything seems to go wrong, and when you begin to wonder if after all it is worth the candle^evenings when only two or three of your chaps turn up, or when they are all there, and are particularly unruly. At such times just take a firm hold on yourself and remember that your good work isn't going to show results today or to-morrow. It is in years to come that these unruly youngsters of yours will look back on your work for them with grateful and affectionate recollections. On Tuesday, 31sfc August, our Commissioner and secretary, with Mr. Hitchings and five Cubmasters, met Miss-N. Wilson (Akela leader for New Zealand), to tal over with her the prospects for an Akeid (training) camp for Cubmasters. Miss Wilson explained the scope and aims of the camj^ and ways by which the required time could be obtained. It was decided that a camp for Cubmasters of the Wellington district should be held at some time in the next few months. The site is to be arranged locally, and the district Cubmasters were appointed to arrange suitable dates. The Cubmasters present then talked over Cub matters generally with Miss Wilson. During the interchange of experiences we all gained some most useful hints. An enthusiastic Grand Howl made a suitable finish to the evening. Buglers and trumpeters will meet in the "Den" this evening at 7 o'clock. Scoutmasters, assistants, and members of troop committees are asked to keep Saturday night, 25th September, free. "Pound" night is to be held in the "Den," and it is whispered that this night is going to crown all its predecessors. Bring your mouth organs. Although Khandallah has not been making a great noise lately, they are still jogging along. Sir Alfred Eobin was up to see them on Friday, 27tli August, and introduced some new games. He received the usual "council fire welcome," with its blood-curdling haka, etc. St. Paul's Church Troop received a visit on Wednesday last from District Scoutmaster Payne and Scoutmaster Cargill of St. Jude's Troop, who were greatly surprised at the-progress that St. Paul's has made under the very able leadership of Scoutmaster the Rev. Mr. Bianchi. The boys were working hard at the Scout badges, but what particularly attracted the attention of the visitors was the fact that some of them had been busy scrubbing the floor and walls of their hall, which they intend to varnish. This troop ■is a credit to the district, and great things can be expected of them in the future. At a meeting of the Terrace Troop Committee last week the following resolutions were agreed to:—"That a. Wolf Cub Pack be formed in connection with the troop; that Miss G. Heath's offer to act as Cubmaeter be accepted with thanks; and that the Pack meetings be held at the Bowen Street Schoolroom on Friddays at 6 p.m., the first meeting to be on Friday, 10th September. " i Cubmasters should be pleased to know that about the end of November or very early in December an Akela badge camp will be held close to Wellington. There are twenty Packs. Each Pack should ?end in a representative to this camp of instruction. Think of the benefit to the tme young Cubs of the various packs to nave a Lubmaster holding an Akela badge. The Caledonian Kiltie Troop have strengthened their committee, and last Wednesday a fine lot of Scottie lads were present. In future the troop is to meet regularly each Wednesday. Rule 85, P.0.R., reads: "No boy may be accepted for enrolment in a troop who has. been a member within two months of his application, of another troop, unless he is provided with a transfer singed by his late Scoutmaster." Holders of invitations for the Port Nicholson dance this evening are assured of a hearty welcome and a jolly good dance.

Kindly forward notea to C. Meachen, Ithaca, Thorndon quay, on or before Monday of each week.