SCOUT NOTES

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 96, 20 October 1926, Page 16

SCOUT NOTES

(By "Scouter.")

Hints to Patrol Leaders, Rovers, and Troop Publicity Officers writing for the papers. To commei s, one of the essentials is observation. Two boys go for, a walk together, and at the end of it are asked to write a narrative of their journey. One, trained in the art of observation, will have noticed all kinds of interesting things—landscape, hedgerows, crops, bird and animal life. The other, though seeing the same things, will have received no definite and vivid impression of them, and so will be unable to write a clear account. If one has this kee_ sense of observation he will notice all sorts of events and incidents in everyday life, and they will create such a vivid impression upon his mind that he will be able to write interesting articles about them. Another essential item in the make-up of the writer is a love of literature, the reading and study of great authors. There are hosts of writers of clear and simple English whose books are well worth reading, not only' for the narratives or stories they contain, but for the style and expression in which the stories are told. The rules I think most useful are:—(l) To write and correct an article until it is precise, the best you can do; (2) to study the kind of paper you are writing for, and send it. articles or stories only of a kind suitable; (3) to avoid all "high-falutin" words, and use just simple and plain language; (4) not to feel discouraged if your efforts are returned by editors as unsuitable; (5) to work hard, practise hard, and stick to it until some measure of success is attained. All of you can get excellent practice in writing articles and essays, by composing reports of meetings and adventures, also in entering for writing competitions. Later you could send essays to local newspapers, and still later try your hand with an article or paragraph for qne of the many periodicals. The following have, consented to render items for the concert on Saturday afternoon and evening:—Mrs. A. Waignwright, Misses Jean Turner, Peggy Irene Wilson, Margaret Churchill, Marjorie Newport, Ismay M'lllroy,-Gladys Whitehouse, Otillie Sander, Mavis Rogers, Phyllis M'Millan, Ella. Cheyne, and Miss Stevenson, Messrs. K. Tahiwi, Jack Wilkinson, and Mr. Lobjoite, the Mystery Man of H.M.S. Dunedin, Masters Jackie Harris, Charles Stewart, Williams, and Cheyne. An excellent programme suited for young and old. V.M.C.A. No. 1 Troop met last Thursday, when the following badges were presented:—Pathfinder, Patrol Leader H. Aitken; Philatelist and Service Star, Scout G. Button; Tenderfoots, Scouts J. Wilson, C. Hill, and B. Picton. While the TroOp Committee held their monthly meeting, Mr. Tuely led a Scout.' Own, and gave the boys a very interesting talk. Scouts are reminded of the concert to be held in the Assembly Hall at the V.M.C.A. on Thura day, 28th October. Arrangements are progressing in connection with the Akela Camp, which is to be held at Lowry Bay from 6 p.m. this Friday till 6 a.m. on Tuesday. Miss Nancy Wilson (Akela Leader for New Zealand) will be in charge, and Scoutmaster F. W. Sandford will be her assistant. The annual report and statement of accounts will be presented at ■ the annual meeting on Wednesday, the 27th instant. The report has been printed, and is now circulated, showing an entirely satisfactory state of affairs in this district, and small cash balance in hand is satisfactory in view of the progress which has been made. The East Harbour Troop are fairly prominent with their Scout turns lately, being called upon to assist at bazaars, canvassing the district for donations for the various stalls, etc. The Ladies' Committee of the Eastbourne Voluntary Fire Brigade gave the lads a most delicious supper in return for the Troop's assistance. Scouts Jones and Blackie \ have' successfully passed their cyclist test, and are now hot on the scent for the Pathfinder's and metal workers' badges. The Troop is camping at Prou Nui from the 23rd to 25th October, and. anticipates having the usual good Scout time. Terrace End held a joyous pound night at.which Hon. Scont D. A. Ewen presented several badges for tests, cyclist, Pathfinder, and ambulance. The lads were very interested when Mr.. Ewen.told them of the Indian idea of self-sacrifice as witnessed by himself when in India. The District Commissioner, the Rev. E. Weeks, District Scoutmaster Donkin, and a goodly number of parents were also present. Assistant Scoutmaster Glover and his brother as Akela are bringing on the St. Jones Wolf Cub Pack in fine style. Last Wednesday when the Commissioner looked in on them he must have been pleased. The same evening the Caledonian Kiltie Troop were visited, and found hard at it working up second-class tests and a respite from work to play a Scout game in both instances helped along. With reference to the judges' comment on No. 2 Ambulance squad in last week's notes, the Scoutmaster concerned draws attention to the fact that it is correct according to the ; text book to lower stretcher, but that' it was the judges' opinion that it is preferable not to lower, especially with, an improvised stretcher. No marks were lost by the team for lowr ering. . St. Augutsine's Petone Troop are practising for a display on Labour Day. The Troop will also run a sports meeting on the Rec. the same day. y , . Kindly forward your > "notes" to C. Meachen, "Ithaca," Thorndon quay, on or before Tuesday of each week.