STRATFORD SCOUTS’ CAMP.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 14, 18 January 1915, Page 2

STRATFORD SCOUTS’ CAMP.

(By Scout.) The Stratford troop of Boy Scouts completed their annual camp on Tuesday last, having spent ten days under canvas on the banks of ihe Mangaehu liiver, on Mr Ewan Jackson’s run on the Toko Road. With the exception of two days the woathei was very good, and all enjoyed themselves. 1 The camp was pitched in an ideal spot, being sheltered from all winds and in a very pretty piece of native bush. Close to the camp was a stretch of clean sand, where the scouts could try their strength at various games, etc. This sandy spot was also the testing ground for many a tug-of-war. and relay races; it was also fche scene of rather an amusing incident, when a fully-dressed Scout, in running to the edge, failed to stop in time and disappeared into the river. He was soon recovered none the worse for his unexpected dip. About two chains on the south of the camp was a large flat many acres in extent, where parades, drill, instruction, anti scouting was held. A good deal of hill country was also covered by the boys, when at scouting practice, and some very creditable work was gone through. A midnight inspection by the Scoutmaster on one wet night disclosed, some amusing incidents. Being rather a warm night, some of the tents wore open at the bottom, and in some instances a head would he partly out in the rain; from another tent the patrol leader had his bare feet out in the wet. All were sound asleep and unaware of the downpour. The Scouts were very gratified at the number of settlers who paid them visits at various times, and also to Mr and Mrs Jackson for their kindness and attention in supplying meat, milk, vegetables, etc. Mr N. B. Fryday, Mr and Mrs W. Huzziff, Mr Brown, and Messrs Lucena and Marfell also sent eatables on every oj>portunity. Mr Bain, storekeeper at Toko, .sent a large hag of biscuits to tlie troop on their return journey to Stratford, and Mr and Mrs Peter Naiuc supplied fruit and lollies. Amongst other visitors to the camp was the Troop Chaplain, Mr C. E. Howard, and Mr H. Partridge, assis,fcant scoutmaster of one. of the New Plymouth troops. The latter stayed to the end of the camp and instructed the Scouts in Swedish drill. A church parade was held in the Toko Road Hall on Sunday last at 7.J0 p.m., the service being conducted by the Rev. C. E. Howard, M.A., Troop Chaplain,