SCOUT NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 20052, 18 December 1928, Page 9

SCOUT NOTES

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As in previous years, the animal social and dance,’ held iu the Otago Early Settlers’ Hall, was most ! successful, there again being a good attendance. The Assistant Commissioner (Mr Martin), in a few introductory words, opened, tho programme. Mr Meek, late Commissioner, was enthusiastically welcomed and given three hearty cheers. Dancing, interspersed with a song by Mr Frank Tuohy (Mr Kirk Burnand, accompanist), unci n “mysterious parcel,” which caused much amusement, formed the evening’s programme. After the singing of the National Anthem .the gathering dispersed. For the ambulance competition , tho tests given dealt entirely with ordinary cases, such as boys might meet every day Tho standard was very high, and the work reflected credit on the various instructors. Among the first three teams the issue was in doubt until the last. Special praise it due to Patrol-leader A. F. Shaw, of Anderson’s Bay for the manner in which his instructions were issued and the necessary questions asked. This is a branch that needs fostering, and the St. John Ambulance officers consider that a round-the-tablo discussion would improve team work considerably., In the practical section Roslyn (35 points) headed tho list, with Mornington ,‘il and Anderson’s Bay 29 second and third respectively. In the oral test Ocean Beach scored the fine average of 40 1-3 out of 50 for a team of six. P.L. F. M’Laren, of Mornington, and Scout J. Race, of Ocean Beach, scored 49 each, and P.L. Shaw, of Anderson’s Bay, 48, while Scouts Lorraine, P. Pullar, L. M’Millan, A. Dick, D. Seelye, and E Lilly were all about 40 points. The examiners consider this exceptionally good, as the questions were of a most varied nature. The pioneering and signalling competitions also took place on Saturday afternoon, the results of which wall appear in next week’s notes. ' The presentation of ambulance badges .to two boys, the “swearing in” of another to the “Great Worldwide Brotherhood of Scouts,” followed by a detailed and very interesting discussion on matters in. connection with the Christmas camp .andean-inspection of the tents made by ’ the boys, completed a very enjoyable evening at the parade of the 9th Dunedin (Mohicans) on Wednesday evening. The troop’s Christmas party will take place next Wednesday, when all Scouts and Cubs of the troop and pack are requested to turn out in fancy dress. The annual break-up ceremony ; of the North Dunedin Troop and Pack was held in tho George Street School Hall on Friday evening, many ,parents and visitors attending. Mr H. iMniifz, chairman of the Parents’; Committee, presided. In. his opening remarks he welcomed those present, and spoke of the good work done by the troop and pack during the last year, .including many good turns. Tho standard of the troop was the highest on record, < and great praise was due to Scouter Phelan and assistants.; The Cub Pack, under Cub-, master D; Gridgeman and assistants, showed a marked increase in efficiency, many of the pack being second star Cubs. On behalf of , the assistant Scooters, ’ Assistant Scouter T. J. Kirk Burnnand presented Scouter Phelan with a walking stick as a mark of the high esteem in which the Scouter was held by his under officers. Scontcr Phelan suitably, replied. Competitions were held during the evening and thoroughly enjoyed. Supper was afterwards served, and the evening closed with tho singing of the National Anthem. The following prizes were presented by Commissioner Martin: Best all-round Scout (gold medal presented by Mrs Gratton), Scout Allan Webb; patrol competition (silver cup), Fox Patrol (leader, R. Gourlay); most efficient Scout, Patrol-leader G. Payton; plodders’ prize, Patrol-leader P. Nicholson; attendance prize, Scout R. Phelan; recruits’ prize (presented by D.S.M. Agnew), Scout P. Porter; best tenderfoot, R. Paterson; attention on .parade, E. Gourlay. A number of proficiency badges were also given. The following Cub prizes were presented by District Cubmaster Gridgeman:—Best all-round Cub, Sixer R. Light; runnerup, Sixer S. Ogg; efficiency prize, Sixer A, Still; plodders’ prize, Cub T. Blair; most improved recruit, Cub’Helean; attention on parade, Sixer G. Mackay, behaviour prize, Sixer J. Manson.