WITH THE BOY SCOUTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 367, 30 May 1928, Page 6

WITH THE BOY SCOUTS

Wary Sentry, of the Glen Eden troop, writes: “This month the troop has progressed rapidly and many Scouts have entered for badges. “L. Fletcher, E. Sisson, T. Hieatt, A. Rogers and F. Green have passed the test for the Cyclist’s badge, and A. Foster, J. Wood, J. Lawrence, C. Allen and J. Taylor the test for the Carpenter’s badge, the work of A. Foster being especially commented upon. “In spite of wet weather there was a good muster at the parade in the Methodist Church on Sunday, May 27, but it is hoped that a larger number of Scouts will attend the GovernorGeneral’s inspection next Saturday.” Little Thunder, of the First Papakura troop, writes: —■ “Luring May the troop lias been making excellent progress with the items which will be given on the occasion of our second birthday. Luring the school holidays a number of Scouts under the patrol leaders, went to the troop hut and received instruction for the various tests. “On Saturday, May 19, a few members of the troop unde* our Scoutmaster, Mr. H. A. P. Slessor, went to Auckland. In the morning we visited the Central Fire Station we received useful information concerning modern fire fighting. We went to the Art Gallery after we had had our lunch and at 2 o’clock visited The Sun Office, where, under the ' guidance of Redfeather, we followed the fourth edition of the newspaper from written copy to printed edition. What we learnt that day was of great interest to all who were present. “We held our monthly church parade on Snuday May 20, at the Presbyterian jChurch. The patrol competition for April was won by the Swift Patrol and by the same patrol for May. The winning patrol for the troop year is the Fox Patrol.” Flying Moccasin, of the Otahuhu troop, sends the following report: “As the school holidays came this month we have had a good opportunity for scouting work. “In the first week of the holidays two patrol leaders walked to Mt. Wellington and spent a good day. We made our headquarters at the top of the mountain and, except for the fact that we were nearly blown off, it was an excellent spot. With the aid of a telescope we had a wonderful view and, after studying the panorama spread out before us, we turned our attentioh into a more practical channel and cooked our dinner. We left at about half past four and arrived home an hour later.

“The following week four patrol leaders went under canvas for one night on Puketutu Island. We took a signalling lamp and signalled to Otahuhu. It. was rather cold but we had plenty of blankets. After dinner we left, having thanked Mr. Bull for his kind permission to camp on his property. “The next day (Wednesday) we held a field day at Fernie Hill. Some went ahead and laid tracks which the others followed with great attention.. The advance party concealed themselves so well that they were not found when the whistle sounded to come in. In the afternoon we had good scout games, including bomb laying, attack and defence.

“Last week two patrol leaders went up for the missioner badge.- They were very successful, gaining 92 per cent, and 96 per cent, respectively. "We hope to turn out a smart and full troop on June 2, the occasion of the Governor-General’s inspection. “So far we have not had any challenges to games of Rugby. We particularly wish to play Avondale as we hear that their troop is as large as ours.”

Most people would succeed In small things, if they we.re not troubled with great ambitions.—Longfellow.