SCOUT NEWS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 379, 14 November 1932, Page 6

SCOUT NEWS

patro'l competitions ROTORUA NUMBER TWO TROOP PARADES IN FULL STRENGTH DEFINITION OF "SCOUT PACE" The full number of the Rotorua No. 2 Scout Troop paraded in the school hall last Friday evening to undergo further scout work and to take part in the usual patrol competitions in scoutcraft. After inspecI tion carried out by the Scout Master j and troop leader, it was announced I that Scout R. Reed h'ad been promoted to second of the Lion Patrol. Cheers were given and "Reedy" suitably replied. Although Cub Master Watson's visit lasted a few minutes, the boys are sure he will not forget the rousing welcome he received in the form of two war cries. During the leaders' examination . which followed, competitions were resumed, the Cuckoo, Owls, and Kotare showing prominence in resuscitation, fireman's lift ..and signalling. Boxing was the great attraction of th'e evening and despite the common complaint of epistaxis which resulted from several fieree bouts, the boys continued to show their enthusiasm. Still in that mood, they were later dismissed by the troop leader. Scout Pace "To go a mile in 12 minutes at Scout's pace." So reads the fifth test of the second class badge. This particular test is chosen because of th'e remarkable lack of knowledge displayed by even a number of first-class scouts as to the real idea which prompted the inclusion of this test in the second class badge. . "Scout p-ace" means that you do a number (say 20) of paces marching and 20 running. You thus advance alternately walking and running. Some one will ask, what is the use of being able to do a mile in exactly 12 minutes?" The reply should be that, in the first place you know for certain that you can do a mile in exactly 12 minutes and five miles in an hour. As an instance. You set out at scout's pace on an unknown road without mile pegs at 7 o'clock; when your watch reads 8 o'clock you know that you are 5 miles away from your starting. point. The test doe$ not ask that you do a mile within 12 minutes, but in 12 minutes exactly. Very often leaders will pass their boys on a first attempt. That is not good practice, but the boys should be made to cover the same distance three or four times before finally deciding a pass. Scout p-ace is very often a good substitute for a watch. For example; Your patrol is invited out to tea at 4.30 p.m. to a place 5 miles away. If you set off at scout's pace at ,3.30 p.m. you will be sure of arriving at the proper time. Th'e whole key behind scout's pace is 'practice makes perfect."