SCOUT NOTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 130, 2 May 1940, Page 3

SCOUT NOTES

A PRISON EXPERIMENT. (By “Rama.”) A novel experiment is being carried out in the new policy of penal administration in Victoria. At the Castlcmainb Reformatory some 20 prisoners liavo been enrolled as Rover Scouts. They arc allowed to abandon their prison uniforms for Scout uniform, and have had many Saturday afternoon hikes as Scouts. Latest reports from Melbourne indicate that the scheme is meeting with great success. It is found that the introduction of Scouting is helping to build up self-respect and a sense of personal honour—invaluable aids to reform.

Another interesting development is reported from Sydney. More than 100 hoys at the Mittagong (Now South Wales) farm homes for delinquent hoys have been enrolled as Scouts. Tho hoys liavo been given uniforms and equipment, liavo held a Scout rally, arid are being given every assistance to find rural employment. Another note front Sydney states that' 40 refugee boys from Germany and Austria have joined Scout troops in Sydney. FIRE PREVENTION.

Australian Scouts arc keeping a close vigilance for possible, bush fires as part of their national service work. They are fully prepared to assist in subduing any fires and to protect 'life and property threatened by fire in the outlying suburbs and country districts. The position is summed up in a sentence from an official statement: “Better' that Scouts should know before fires occur what may he expected of them than that they should wait until a town or district is threatened.” TROOP JOTTINGS.

4th Palmerston North (All Saints’) Troop.—Our parade last Friday commenced with flag-break and prayers. Following inspection, which was won by the Kingfishers, wc did physical drill, alter which we tried another now game called postman. This game, which is in no way similar to the game of a similar name, provoked much laughter. Patrol work in corners followed. Handhull practices were held, alter which a game of dodgeball brought the parade to a close. Our usual monthly church parade on Sunday was well attended. Scout V. Belgravc lias gained his second-class badge. Oth (To Awe Awe) Scouts.—The meeting opened with .inspection and (lag-break under the instruction of the new temporary Scoutmaster (Mr Crane). The troop was divided into three groups, first-class under Mr Crane,■ second-class under the patrol leaders, and tenderfoots under those going for the first-class test. Two new games were introduced; the maze and whip to the gap, and wei'e enjoyed by all the hoys. The cup was won by the Cheetah- Patrol this month, witli 51 points, closely followed by the Panthers, with 50 points. Scouts B. Schulz, R. Hill and R. Hall wore invested with the usual eoroinonv.

9th Palmerston North (St. Patrick’s) Troop.—This week wo must congratulate most heartily Patrol-Leader Bruce Creed, who has passed his■ bushmati’s thong. We have, three hoys holding this high decoration in. Scouting. Tjhs meeting opened with ’ .prayers and inspection, which was won by the Tuis, with Jack .Burns at patrol-leader. Tho troop competitions were continued and the Stag Patrol are still keeping their lead.. Mr Hep worth paid it visit to tho troop and examined the senior patrol for their missioner’s badge. He passed tho following hoys: B. Creed,’ J. Anderson, B. Raeburn, T. O’Dca, B. Clapeott, J. Burns, I). O’Sullivan, R. O’Connell, P. Hood, J. Rush, and CChristenson. Wc congratulate Des O’Sullivan, who has passed his third all-round cord, having passed in 18 .proficiency badges. Badges awarded are: Camper, B. Creed and B. Clapeott; pioneer, J). O’Sullivan and 13. Clapeott; third all-round cord, ■ I). O’Sullivan.

St. Paul’s Cults.—At our meeting we I tad tint good luck to he able to welcome Mrs Mak iiison, who is to ho known in the pack as “Tooinai.” PudIcy ami Dennis Mareliant, Don penfold and Billy Howe received their first stars and arc already working toward their second stars. . “Baloo” reports John Laurenson has passed his signalling test and several others are making good progress under his tuition. 2nd (Terraco End) Troop.—The inspection at the last meeting was won. as usual,, by the Kiwi Patrol. Scooter Bowler came along with his Morse code apparatus and gave some of our hoys their first lesson in Morse, and we wish to thank him very much. We also thank Mr Parsons for assistance. All our Seoul' gear has been put in a tent, which has been pitched at Scooter Davidson’s. At 9 o’clock on Friday night, we had a pleasant' surprise—Tawa Davidson, our oid Scoutmaster, came to see us. and was welcomed most heartily by the whole troop.