Scout Notes

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 302, 22 December 1939, Page 5

Scout Notes

(By “Eewa.”) As this is the last occasion I shall be writing these notes, may I thank all groups for their support, and Extend to all Cubs, Scouts, Scouters and committee members greetings for the Christmas and the New Year, and the very best of good scouting and good camping both in the New Year and in tho coming years. Good luck and good-bye! “STICK TO YOUR POSTS . . SCOUT SERVICE TO THE NATION “ Stick to your posts if you possibly can, because service to youth to-day is service to tho nation, ” was the advice given to Scout and Guido leaders by Earl do la Warr, president of the Board of Education, in a 8.8. C. talk on “Education Part of the Home Front. ” Earl do la Warr referred in his talk to tho problem that now confronts all education workers —how to combat the real crisis that arises with darkened streets, the absence of parental control and the strain of war. The problem is particularly urgent among those who have left school —tho fourteens to eighteens. Scouting the Solution. Scouting is responding to this urgent need in fine fashion. It will be recollected that tho president of the Board of Education made a special request, shortly after the outbreak of war, for the Scout movement to do all it could to recruit as Scouts tho boys between 14 and IS who were still in evacuated areas. I It is true that many of these boys aro looking for something by which they can make tho best possible use of their ieisure time. The fact that so many of them are joining Scout troops is proof, not only of tho appeal that Scouting has for boys, but that Scouting can supply the answer to this need. Of National Importance. .In the House of Lords on September 27 last Earl do la Warr stressed tho national importance of Scouting. He said then that he hoped that all Scoutmasters would feel their work to be of real national importance in wartime. As far as possible Scouters have carried on but the calls of National Service have been heavy and it has largely been left to tho boys themselves to keep Scouting going. They aro doing so in a way that leaves nothing to be desired. The Chief in 1915. Words which tho Chief Scout, Lord Baden-Powell of Gil well, wrote in May, 1915, are particularly appropriate at the present time. They are:— “In taking away a number of our Commissioners and Scoutmasters, the war is in reality doing a great good to the movement. It could not have conic at a more opportune moment for forcing upon us what I have always urged, namely, the value of tho patrol system and the usefulness of the patrol leaders if only they are properly trained and invested with responsibility.” 2nd TERRACE END TROOP Friday was our break-up day and wo were pleased to have a visit from Kahu, of St. Pat’s, who passed Tui Johnson for first-class signalling and then gave a short chat to wish us a merry Christmas. He provided lollies for a scramble and after this wo returned his good wishes with a prolonged cheer, so sincere that Grey Owl had considerable difficulty in obtaining silence even after Kahu was gone up the road on the way home. We would like to wish all tho chaps in St. Pat’s troop a merry Christmas and may the friendly relations which exist between us bo maintained throughout the coming year. Wo did no work at the jmrade but played games and enjoyed ourselves. We also enjoyed a shower bath provided by the troop leader for Alan Fyfe (though it is likely that Alan did not appreciate it as much); also Grey .vl announced that Arthur Kay is appointed second of tho Morepork Patrol (this news brought forth another prolonged cheer which demonstrated Tapy’s popularity). Just before dismissal Grey Owl wished us all tho compliments of the season and called for three cheers for “Tawa,” which he would be able to hear in New Plymouth. We wouldn’t be surprised if he did hear us. Ist P.N, (CENTRAL) GROUP Our last official meeting took place on Thursday, December 7, when about 40 Scouts and Cubs from the group assembled for tho purpose of holding a farewell party to celebrate tho close of Scouting for the year 1939. Opportunity was also taken to farewell tho group Scoutmaster, Mr. A. H. Sweetman (Rewa), who is leaving some timo next month for the R.N.Z.A.F. At a suitable juncture, Mr. T. Inglis, hon. secre-

tary of the group committee, made a few appropriate remarks and presented to “Rewa,” on behalf of the committee, a silver eversharp pencil. TroopLeader R. F. Barlow, on behalf of the 'Scouts and Cubs of the group, presented to “Rewa” a leather wallet with good wishes from the the boys. Miss J. Barlow also spoke, representing the pack, and appealed for co-operation. On behalf of tho Cub pack, Sixer C. Caldcr thanked “Rewa” for running tho pack during “Akela’s” absence in Australia, and wished him all the best in the name of the pack-. Scouter Sweetman, in reply, thanked all for the presents and appealed for tho fullest co-operation and support for his deputy, Scouter F, Ferry, better know r n as ‘ ‘ Kim. ’ ’ 3rd P.N. (WEST END) TROOP On December 4 a parade opened with flag break and prayers. A good number of boys was present. “Kawau” was still away owing to his working late. On behalf of the troop, P.L. K. Stockdalo presented Scouter Manna with a handsome Scout knife and sheath on the occasion of his birthday. The committee held its last meeting for the present year, and arrangements were made in connection with the treat for Scouts and Cubs held on December IS. A number of boys are practising ambulance work. Commissioner Stubbs visited us and spoke of the book drive. We collected many hundreds of boohs tho following Saturday and these will surely be appreciated by the soldiers. The Court of Honour held a meeting. sth TE AWE AWE Immediately after inspection the jamboree fees were returned to those boys w T ho had paid, and then S.M. gave the troop a talk on tho £>rogramme for camp and tho duties required of the patrols. Tho troop spent the remainder of the evening in patrol corners as there was insufficient room for games, owing to a tremendous pile of books and magazines collected from the book drive. Wo were pleased to welcome two new boys, Andy and George Wardle, to the troop. D. Bradfield and T. Drinkivater passed their Scout's mile, while J. Mohekey passed his Kim’s game. The Court of Honour held its meeting after dismissal. 9th ST. PATRICK’S TROOP We opened our meeting with prayers and insjiection and had a game of two ’g and three’s and handball. We then made arrangements about the trip to the Oliakea aerodrome for next Sunday. The wrestling mat was then spread out and contests of boxing and wrestling concluded tho evening. ST. PETER’S TROOP The inspection was very good except for tho Iluias, who only scored 6$ points

while the Tuis scored 9i points and the Kingfishers 9. Next was tho same as usual work, but not for long. Two new members to tho troop were Keith Shipton and Les Hunter. The first game we had was the spider and tho monkey relay, which the Tuis won one game and the Kingfishers one also. The following game was a hop relay which tho Kingfisher Patrol won, winning the only game. Parents of the boys next, came to the hall for the rest of the evening. The troop was called and Rev. F. S. Ramson was asked to give some badges which wero earned by the boys as follow:—Rescuers: F. Burrell and U. Renwick. Gardeners: F. Burrell, N.

Coke and 11. Renwick Tenderfoot: J. Arlidge. Athlete badges were given to the eleven boys, also district scarves were givon to those boys who were going to tho jamboree. We thank Mr. Mewett for coming along with his moving camera.