OF INTEREST TO SCOUTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 149, 14 September 1927, Page 6

OF INTEREST TO SCOUTS

Mr. Hector Christie, District Commissioner for Wanganui, has recently returned from a visit to Fiji. On the boat going over he met the new Y.M.C.A. secretary for Suva, Mr. Waller, and, on arrival at Suva was introduced to the Y.M.C.A. Troop. The troop was inspected by Mr. Christie, who also addressed 150 Suva Scouts at the morning church , service. The Governor of Fiji, Sir Eyre Hutson, was in attendance. “The Scouter,” the official journal of Imperial Headquarters, in the July issue, gives prominence to an article written round Troop Beader Arthur Meachen, of the Y.M.C.A. Troop, Wellington, who is the first in New Zealand to receive the Cornwall Scout decoration. The article quotes from “The Scout Chronicle” of Auckland: “Those of our readers who attended the rally held at Palmerston North some years ago, may remember a small Scout who, although compelled to use crutches at all times, was always smiling, and, if possible, in the thick of whatever was doing. He was no pathetic figure, for so obviously happy and full of true Scout spirit was he that he was almost to be envied. Today he is a young man of 18, but, unfortunately, still on crutches. A King’s Scout, holding ambulance, pathfinder, public health man, rescuer, missioner badges and many others, he is probably, next to the commissioner, the most popular figure among the Wellington Scouts. . . .” * * * The Kohimarama Troop held their first-class tests on Saturday, but, although under cover, were much handicapped by the constant rain. Scouts from Kohimarama and St. Heliers were in attendance, and six fulfilled t necessary qualifications The St. George’s Troop held a successful concert at St. George’s Hall, Kingsland, on Tuesday, September 13. The proceeds are to be devoted to the troop camping funds. Patrol Beader Collins, of Grey Bynn, has made a. splendid model of a suspension bridge while working for his pioneer badge. This fine piece of workmanship is now on view at district headquarters. Beaver Hunter, who has returned from the trails, forwards the following St. David’s news: Bast Saturday the St. David’s Troop spent a day in the open at Mangere Domain, 15 Scouts turning out in spite of the weather’s inclemency. In the heavy rain a breakwind was built in the shelter of some trees, and a fire having been lit, the boys began to cook various dishes upon it. As many were wet and the rain showed no sign of abating, it was decided to go home a.t 12.30, but when half of the Scouts had gone, the weather improved, so the rest remained to practise scouting games. A good turn was done by providing some Otahuhu Guides with hot cocoa at our shelter. At four o’clock the return journey was made in more rain, after an enjoyable outing marred only by the weather. Black Wolf (D. Blackman), of the Avondale Troop, is now a First-class King s Scout, the first in the troop to win this honour. Grey Eagle (Trevor Vend!) has also qualified for the position of King’s Scout, bringing the Avondale total up to five. On Sunday the church parade was held, while a boxing cofitest took place on Friday, September 9. The St. Barnabas Troop, of which Singing Arrow and Supple Bow are active members, will shortly have a wigwam of its own. Some time? ago a building fund was started and such good results have followed that a start is now being made with the work. Much pleasure should be derived from this interesting venture. Patrol Beader E. Whitehead, of St. Matthew’s Troop, has recently been s warded his cyclist’s badge. The St. Aidan’s Wolf Cubs made £l2 at their stall on Daffodil Day, while at a produce stall held last Friday, the Scouts and Cubs collected £3O 13s 7d. REDFEATHER.