BOY SCOUTS CAMP.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4931, 27 January 1926, Page 2

BOY SCOUTS CAMP.

PROFITABLE WEEK ENJOYED. RETURN HOME TO-DAY. A visit to the camp of .the Faeroa ■troop of Boy Scouts at Tarariki Creek was paid by a representative of the “Gazette” yesterday afternoon. On arrival at the site one is agreeably surprised .to find two neat rows of bell-tents, each one being rplled up to permit of admittance of the maximum of sunshine and fresh air, anil the general, air of quiet orderli-, ness tha.t prevails. Routine orders are issued daily, and the work of. the camp is run strictly to time-table. Bound each tent a narrow trench has been dug to take away rainwater from the tents. These trenches, run into a, large trench which crosses the parade ground, thereby providing ample drainage. The interior of .tile tents is very ne,at. Blankets are folded the regulation way, spare clothing being stacked neatly on top. : The programme of training is both interesting and varied. The troop is, divided into small, groups, each under a leader or senior scout, and each group lias its particular work to do. The work of instruction in first-aid, ambulance drill, swimming, and life-, saving is in the capable hands of Mr T. D. Davies, who has the happy faculty of imparting knowledge ,and inspiring the lads, with confidence. Several of the scouts have learned to swim well since going into camp, and the knowledge gained in life-saving methods must prove invaluable to them. • ' Naturally tire .lion’s sha,re of the work has fallen on the scoutmaster and camp commandant, Mr D. A. Vincent, who has his, heart and sbul in the work and has not spared himself to ensure the successful running of the troop’s first camp. Long after the boys are in'bed Mr Vincent is busily occupied mapping but the following day's programme 'and arranging details for the benefit .and interest of the troop. Good-.work is being done by Quartermaster R. Urry, who is responsible for the rationing and stores of the camp. Indeed, .this is n« small item in a camp of from 35 to 40' scouts. It iis not always, the biggest scout who has the largest appetite. One boy of about 14 years of age is credited with eating 26 medium-sized boiled potatoes for tea the other evening, in addition to a,, liberal helping of pudding. When questioned bn his. accomplishment the lad replied, “Well, J didn’t get a big helping of meat.” The menu for breakfast yesterday morning comprised three-quarters of a kerosene tin of porridge and milk and sugar, 151 b of sausages, and tea. A cup of coffee and biscuits had been served an hour before this. Dinner la,st night comprised 151 b of boiled beef, half a kerosene .tin of potatoes, 201 b onions; 61b dried apricots, boiled rice, and tea. Little wonder the boys are enjoying themselves. Fire drill, has formed a part of the week’s training, and the efficacy of such instruction was exemplified yesterday afternoon, when by sheer inadvertence tlie tarpaulin roof of the cookhouse caught fire. Although • the. scouts were scattered about a few blasts on a whistle and every lad was a,t his post, and by the passing.,,of buckets of water from the creek along/two lines of boys the fire was quelled before much damage was done. The whole affair was carried cut in a quiet and methodical way, and tlicre was, no undue noise or excitement.

The discipline of the boyp has been particularly good, and there has not been a,n occasion when a scout has had to be reprimanded. ■ MrxC. H. Pascoe, chairman of the School Committee, has visited the camp each evening and undertaken the arduous duty of keeping the lads amused until bedtime. Various scouts games and other organised pursuits have.been carried out, there net being an idle moment from reveille to lighte opt.

Next year the camp will probably be held earlier, when it is hoped that the weather conditions will permit of the full seven days being spent undjr canvas. This year, it is understood, the camp has been more in the nature of a try-out,” and many valuable lessons have-been learned and suggestions made. The lads, are already looking forward in keen anticipation of the annual camp in 1927..

Dr. T. G. Smith, honorary surgeon to the troop, has paid at least one visit daily to the camp, but his duties have been light. Other than minor skin .abrasions and bruises no cases of sickness or accident have occurred. A competition! for'the cleanest a.nd best-kept tent throughout the camp was won by No. 5 tent, comprising Pivott, Smith, Burgesp, Southby, and F. Williams.

Many have been the requests’ to Mr Vincent to carry the camp on- until Saturday. Owing to the near approach of the reopening of schools,' and .other reasons, the requests could not be granted, and tents are being struck thisi afternoon. CAMP-FIRE CONCERT.

A ,large section of the public of Paeroa, showed practical sympathy and approval of the Scout movement by organising a concert for the boys round a huge camp-fire last night. A piano was hired and carted put to the camp on a lorry, and a most enjoyable finale to the wpek’s encampment was accorded the lads.

Although the arra,ngements were more or less impromptu there was no lack of talent, and the scouts entered heartily into .the arrangements and assisted materially with items. Among those who contributed tothe entertainment were Mrs Turton, ’Misses RaffiH, Pivott, T. Clark, Metssrs E. V. Slyfield, J. Darbysjiire, W. Smith, W. Kirk, Dr. Smith, and Scouts R. Campbell, Walters, W. Curtis, W. Donovan, J. P.ascqe, Turton, Verra,n, Blyth, and Bridge. An exhibition of artificial respiration was given by Scouts Hughes, Barakat, Southby, Smith, Curtis, Barclay, N. Campbell, and Pivott, and\a fire-light-ing competition was in

which the scouts were required to fix up a tripod, hang a billy, and light .a fire, points being Awarded for the fastest time and the best fire and tripod. The winners were Scout M. Tressider first, and A. Pivott second. The opportunity was taken by Scoutmaster D. A. Vincent to express his grateful thanks to all who had assisted that evening, and especially those who had rendered valuable assistance in majring the camp possible, and for the help given the Scout movement in Paeroa. A special vote of thanks was accorded Dr. Smith for the help and kindly interest he had taken in the scouts, . At the conclusion of the programme there was still time to spare before lights out, and a dance was held on the grass, Mrs Turton supplying the muisic on the piano. . ;