SCOUT NOTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 224, 21 August 1937, Page 7

SCOUT NOTES

(By “Tenderfoot.”)

The Dominion Training Commissioner has been here and ttie general opinion is that lie is the very man for the job that has been given him. All i who were present on Friday last were impressed with his scouting spirit, his -jovial nature, his zeal for the movement, and his ability. “We are going to like him,” says a boy, who was which just expresses the thoughts of all who met him. He said so many things of vital interest that it is impossible in these notes to give more than comments, but right from that very careful, helpful, and suggestive inspection of the parade, Commissioner Cooksey had boys, scouters, and committee representatives interested and amused. That all received useful advice none will doubt. However, let Us enumerate the chief thoughts. “To be alert, prepared, with eyes wide open and hands ever ready to help,” that is scouting. He had read of what the London Scouts had done during the Coronation festivities, where boys of the movement were everywhere in the crowd doing little acts of kindness. ltovers had helped the police in the erection of necessary barricades and in other ways. The whole work was so conspicuously well done that the King himself complimented the movement in a message, wherein he said he did not know what would have happened outside the Abbey had it not been for the Scouts. “That’s scouting,” said the Commissioner.

“Little good turns are building up scouting,” said the visitor, “even more than the badges on the arm.” In times of great emergency our boys must be ever ready to share the stress and strain. We can be cheerful about it, as the boys in the crowd were at the Coronation. They were ever ready with an appropriate song for all who came along. “Oh, yes,” he said, “we must nevertheless take scouting seriously. The Bcouter and the patrol leader alike expect and deserve signs of honest endeavour and some appreciation for the work they are trying to do.” The boy who only went to scouts when he had nothing else to do got nowhere. There must be evidence of progress right from the moment the tenderfoot was passed. , From . then, every Scout, was on his way right irom the start, to first-class honours. “Here’s a thought we must not miss: The boy rvho wears a first-class badge on his arm has a right to be proud of it and his scouter is no less glad it is there.” The chief was asking for first-class Scouts and was prepared to honour them. Every troop should supply its quota. Concluding a fino talk to the buys the Commissioner gave a definite urge for the cultivation of “Scout spirit.” “When our Chief passes on,” he said, “there is something going to remain which will go on for ever —his spirit cannot be destroyed. The true Scout spirit is the all important thing; without it everything else would be worthless.”

Then followed community singing and the choruses. Some new songs are going to be heard many times around the camp fire in the Manawatu in days to come. Introducing the Commissioner to an adult meoting afterwards, Commissioner Stubbs said they were glad to have such a visitor. Sir Cooksey had been appointed to his position simply on merit, and he was sure a forward movement was in sight, because of the work which Commissioner Cooksey was going to put into his job._ “It seems to me,” said Commissioner Cooksey, “that committees have a greater responsibility than simply supplying the Scouts.” He knew the excuses which were often made other engagements, too busy, and the like. These people forgot that their child s best interests were at stake. Neither did they seem to realise the great sacrifice that scouters and others wero making for their boy. They (the committees) had a part to play. He had sometimes travelled 20 miles to a parents’ meeting to find three people ithere. It took years of continuous work in his district before he had got the support he wanted. Mothers helped well and men should also do their share in this great work. Scouting was an idealistic movement, said the speaker, worth the time, the skill, and the energy being put into it. Committees must do their share, as happily and efficiently as scouters did their duty. If the troop was to be first-class* the committee must be first-class also. He would not dream of running round the country in shorts unless he felt it was worth while. Even the King himself realised the importance of scouting and wore the uniform. It was up to all, especially committees, to do their bit.

Addressing the scouteis, Mr Cooksoy said that boys .joined the movement oilitiles just tor inn. Jf an applicant or recruit said he. wanted to be made a happy, healthy', use!id citizen they might draw othei conclusions. However, because lie came for a bit ot tun it did not mean that they simply had to cater tor this desire. —they must know that their ultimate end was something higher and nobler. For success in leadership scooters must get into intimate „touch with every boy and must try to understand every boy'. “Alake pals with them; get their confidence; if necessary have them at home occasionally joining in the games. Nevei forget the timid boy who needs special help,” added the speaker. Those present will know or the emphasis which tile Commissioner laid on the investiture ceremony. Here was a fine chance—of ten neglected—to influence character. “Make it impressive by all means,” said Commissioner Cooksey“ but not theatrical.” Scouting was desperately in need oF real good leaders. These were days of mob thought and mob _he said, and scotiters who were giving themselves to being trained for leaders and encouraging others in a similar way were doing a service to the nation, the value of which was immeasurable. This was another point in the Commissioner's talk which should not be missed. . ~ “Loyalty to God is an instruction which nlust not be overlooked. This is not only a parson s job; it is every man’s responsibility.and especially the scooters,” said the Commissioner, who bracketed with This loyalty to King and country. We shall look to a promised week ot campaigning in the Mannwatu by the Commissioner. He is going to do much for scouting.

trooT? notes. sth Te Awe Awe.—We have one new recruit, Al. Hell, to report. Our numbers are gradually increasing. Last parade was good with the collection 100 per cent. Mr Britton was with us giving instruction in spliei ng. Ho said we were, tor the night, “Sea Dogs.” Lion Patrol won the horn, with Tigers second, two points behind. A court of honour followed the parade. All Saints’ Troop.—All Saints’ troop room on Friday was tire rendezvous tor all the troops in Palmerston North and also the Sea Scouts. AVe were honoured by the presence of Commissionei Cooksey, Akela-Lwader Wilson, and Commissioner Stubbs. An apology for absence was received from Dominion Commissioner Christie who

was to have been present. The visitors were welcomed with the Dominion haka leu by Scouter Call is. Following this, Commissioner Cooksey made a close inspection of eacli Scout, and commented' on his Then all feathered round into «i semi-circle ar»ci listened to a fine talk by the Commission, interspersed by some wellknown sonpjs- This tcillt concluded nt 8.45 when the Scouts were dismissed. First Palmerston North (Central) Group. —Scouts : A fair attendance was recorded on Monday, when some useful work was done, as well as some interesting games. An observation game, attempting to identify noises, was won by file Tara Nili Patrol and a hopping game by the Huias. Only a small number from the troop were at All Saints’ on Friday evening for “Littlejohn’s” visit, but they enjoyed the evening. Last week'we had the pleasure of receiving an informal visit from the District Commissioner, “Engle Eye.” Scout Frank Caution was invested last- Monday and admitted to the Brotherhood of Scouts,and we were also pleased to welcome Maurice McKinley! as a new recruit and hope ho is. going to like Scouting. AVe hope shortly to publish his name jus a new tenderfoot. • Crib Pack: The pack, is still working ahead Steadily. I A,CM. D. Kennedy (“Grey Wolf”) I received his warrant as assistant-enb-j muster of the group at the hands of : tlie Commissioner at the last' scooters’ | meeting and we extend onr congratulations to him. On August 3 G.S.AI. | Sweotman presented to Tall Pine I (A.CM. Brown), Eis warrant, on behalf of the Commissioner. To both of these Scooters we extend our best I wishes.