WITH THE BOY SCOUTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 499, 31 October 1928, Page 6

WITH THE BOY SCOUTS

An American Star Scout, Hunter Mann, of Dayton, Ohio, the most widely-travelled Scout in the world, is at present visiting Auckland. Although only 12 years of age he has already crossed the Pacific 16 times. While in Australia he passed his King’s Scout tests, and, duiring his stay in Auckland he intends taking the tests for his All Round Cords, one of the examinations being for the Interpreter’s badge and the language— Chinese. Scout Hunter Mann has travelled 3,000 miles into the interior of China and, as he once acted as interpreter to two Chinese who were unable to understand each other, he should have no difficulty in adding the coveted Interpreter’s Badge to his list. This interesting visitor from overseas called ■ at headquarters yesterday and presented District Secretary Mead with an American First Class Badge, stating. his intention of leaving this morning on a brief visit to Rotorua. It is with deep regret that we learn of the death of Scout Charlie Campbell, of the Victory Sea Scouts, at the early age of 16. Although he was seriously ill in hospital hopes were entertained for his recovery, but complications followed his accident.

As evidence of his popularity in the troop, all members attended his funeral last Friday. Also present were Assis-tant-Sea Scout Commissioner Woods, District Sea Scout Master Thode, Troop Officers C. Foote and B. Dean, Assis-tant-Commissioner for Scouts, Mr. E. B. B. Boswell, District Secretary' J. J. Mead, and the District Cubmaster, Mrs. A. E. M. Roughton. The sympathy of all Scouts will go out to his family in their bereavement.

At the meeting of Cub Officers, held at District Headquarters last Wednesday, Mr. A. J. Veart, Assistant-District Commission for Wolf Cubs, presided. The proposed Cub picnic at St. Heliers Bay was discussed at length and it was decided that it should take place on Saturday, November 17. A sports committee, consisting of Mr. E. Leikis (convenor), Mr. Tribble, Mr. Watson and Mr. Veart, was appointed. It was decided that permission be obtained for the formation of a Cub Examination Board, and that the fol-

lowing be appointed examiners: Second Star and Collector, the Assis-tant-District Commissioner and District Cubmasters; Artist, Mr. J. J. Mead; Weaver, Mrs. Roughton; Woodworker, Mr. Veart; First Aider, Mrs. Roughton, Miss Watts and Mr. A. E. Marks; Athlete and • Swimmer, Mr. Matheson; Signaller, Messrs. G. Iverson and Tribble; Observer, Mr. G. Iverson; Guide, Troop Scoutmaster; House Orderly, Troop Committee lady; Team Player, by certificate from school teacher. The need for competitions was stressed and a committee, consisting of the Assistant-District Commissioner and the District Cubmasters, was formed to attend to this. Mention was made of the Stone Shield, and that it was to be made a District Trophy. * * * Scouters interested in astronomy are invited to meet at the tram shelter, Grafton Bridge, on Thursday, November 1, to visit tlic observatory of Mr. Jones, who, if conditions permit, will talk on visible planets and constellations. The Gordon Troop will celebrate its sixth anniversary on Friday, November 30, at 7.45 p.m., at St. Peter’s School Room, Great North Road. The roll of the Fame Sea Scouts, Point Chevalier, now stands at 34, and numbers of boys are still applying for admission to the troop. On Friday, October 26, practice in flag signalling and the rule of the r<?ad was carried out and several boys were also passed in Tenderfoot tests. Saturday was occupied in boat work. Wary Sentry, of the Glen Eden Troop, reports for October: “Recently. C. Edwards, A. Foster and J. Taylor passed the test for the Cyclist’s Badge. “On October 13, a party of Scouts went to the property of Mr. Tregaskis to select a suitable camping ground, and the following week Troop Deader A. Allen, Patrol Leader C. Edwards, Patrol Leader A. JVoods, Seconds L. Fletcher, A. Foster, F. Green and Scouts M. Edwards, E. Sisson and W. Cato camped on the site chosen. Despite a few mishaps, chiefly in the cooking line, a very enjoyable week-end was spent.

“The Tiger Patrol have now won the coveted Inter-Patrol Cup three times in succession.’’