Scout News

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20272, 14 August 1937, Page 20 (Supplement)

Scout News

By “Silver Wolf.”

It was my prlviieg-s last week to bike to some old Maori food trails, and it occurred to me what wonderful travellers the Maoris must have been. I could follow the trails for miles over the hllL x-'l ridg-es and I could not help noticing- bow nearly all the trails kept to the easiest places, even In country that looked dtf- > ficult In any place. Reports of the hike appear in other space—but I thought what great backwoodsmen the Maoris must have been. By the way, St. Peter’s, thanks very much for your reports, but they all reach me a day late. Any reports that are to be published the following Saturday, must reach me not later than Tuesday, as we have to hand them to the Waikato Times on Wednesday. Here is a good piece of news—the Rangers are holding their concert on August 16 at St. Andrew’s Hall, Te Aroha Street. Hamatan a knows the programme, and you are missing a great entertainment If you do not attend, and the charge Is only 6d. So roll up and give a helping hand. It's going to be good. Happy trails. HAMATANA. WELCOME CORNER. “Tonga."—St. Peter’s from Tonga, Annabel, " HAMUTANA " Rovers. Good camping and happy trails to both of those Scouts and a warm welcome to the great Brotherhood of Scouting. ST. PETER’S TROOP. Shortly after the commencement of our usual parade last Friday the olTleer in charge or St. Jo-hn’s arrived and announced his Intention of bringing his troop over to visit us that night. Wo Immediately lit the fire, put on an extra large amount of water, and saw that everything was ship-shape. St. John’s arrived about 7.45 and we welcomed them with what we thought was a rousing performance of the Dominion haka (What St. John's though of It was another thing.) We theu settled down to a very enjoyable evening, and suggestions for games were received rrom both troops. About 9 o’clock cocoa and gin-ger-nuts were served and enjoyed by all. Although the visit was entirely unexpected, It went off very well and if st. John's enjoyed It, we cetrainly did. Our troop Is becoming international now, our newest member, “ Tonga ” hails recently from the Island of Tonga. Roll up, aiJ overseas visitors, you are welcome at St. Peter’s. ROVER NOTES. HAMUTAHA CREW. Well, here’s the best crew In the Waikato, appearing in print once more. Of late we have been very active, and ended on a high note last Sunday, when “ Hendy” managed to dig up a car rrom regions unknown, and we hopped aboard and went off to Te Awamutu to Join the Damien crew in a search for a Maori pa. Needless to say we had some run and we will leave It to the Damien's to describe the trip. One or two things have put us wise to any future trips with the Damien's, such as crawling through miles of Tern In shorts and paddling across icy cold streams in our boots and socks. We will know what to wear next time and II we hadn’t been as strong as we are, we probably would all have died of pneumonia or some such calamity. However, all’s well that ends well and we most certainly do look forward to any trips of a like nature. DAMIEN ROVER CREW. I trust that all our •* Ilamutana ’ friends have completely recovered Iron* the effects of our week-end mystery tramp. The Damiens thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and are sure the visitors dio flereklno was our destination and a M dl a.in. d on ,r Sunday. Alter' our °drlve Mr 50 miles, we decided that to proceed further alleld without a bite of something to eat was absolute madness, and consequently three-quarters of an hour was spent In boiling the billy ami enjoying our feast. Our intention was to attempt to locate the old Maori Taupo food trail. Our guide hail a pretty good idea where we would strike the trail, and under his leadership we set out. At the root ol a very steep hill about half a mile rrom the road somebody found the track and we were all soon down behind him. The path was very well defined and wo had absolutely no trouble in following it. XVe finally came upon a large hole In the ground and various suggestions were advanced as to what It might have been. During these discussion* our G.S.M.,

Bill Glasgow, commenced a little search all on his own and was well rewarded for his labours, for he came to light with : what we think Is a Maori Tribal Boundary : Post. It Is In ralrly good condition ana the carving Is still very clearly defined. i It Is certainly a find for us and soon will be gracing the walls of our den. We rambled round Tor about an hour longer and then set out for the cars a further billy of tea was brewed and tnen tbe Journey home was commenced. The " Hamutanas’ ” were billetted out for tea and departed for home at about 8 p.m. We hope that they will be Interested enough to accompany us on our next trl h- . The Damiens’ third birthday party is due on Saturday. September 4. and we sincerely hope that Pierre and his boys will be with us. This also applies to our Te Mata-Ruru Mends. The appearance of a group's notes In the Scout News appears to be an excellent recruiting scheme. I believe Hamilton have benefited considerably and the Damiens’ have roped In a very keen and promising member. Our recent social evening also brought us a new member Well. I think that I have filled my space this week, so “ Au Revolr." BT. GEORGE'S TROOP. Last Monday saw us down at the but and we startfd the evening by collecting an assortment of maps from the boys, which had to show the route rrom their home to the hut. There were some perfect examples or mapping and anyone could have followed them with half an eye. (Perhaps.) ATtcr this, the S.M. announced that all Patrols would be taken In a stiff tenderfoot test Tor the Hear Patrol Cup. Competition was very brisk and the Kea Patrol came out the winners, holding the cup for one month, with the Kangaroo and Tul Patrols tying for the honour of runners-up. Then followed an Interval of games and In the boxing department there were two knock-outs registered, but they were evidently tough and came up for more. There seem to be some future New Zealand champions In the making here. After this we made arrangements for our parents’ evening next week, and Judging by the keenness shown, it looks as ir it will be a big success, so we will bid you farewell till next week. BT. JOHN’S TROOP. Last Friday we met at the but and started off the evening with Inspection, etc., after which xve tried our hand at whipping rope ends and made quite a good Job of it Tor a first try. We are managing to get In some equipment and next week we hope to make a start on semaphore nnd Morse, when we get some nags. After a run over Tender Toot work, each Scout was sent to bring In as many different kinds or tree leaves as possible, and there were some very good results. Then we tried our skill at band soccer and we believe that Claudelands are champions at this. Later on. when we have had more practice at It we intend to put In a challenge, so look to your laurels, Claudelands: First Claudelands. Well, here we are again with otfr weeklv contribution. Since we last appeared Iti print, we have been studying On these cold evenings we warm ourselves up with a game or “ hand Soccer." before commencing patrol work and we are pretty good now. We challenge allcomers, nobo.lv barred except the Springboks: Our attendance lately has been Improving steadily, and we are now getting down to work in real earnest. Next week we hope lo build our new patrol corners the p i .'s remember the nails . and our artists (.?) will he kept busy decorating them. Wolf Cubs' Pow-wow. I was very pleased to receive the notes from St. George's and First Frankton this week. Thank you. However, we are not j getting Ihe response that we should. Come | on Claudelands. we would like to hear ' from you. I expect that with all the notes on your meeting you can give us at least i half a column. We hope so, anyxvay. * Well, here's some good news for you. ' First Frankton are holding their first birthday parly after being reorganised. All Cubs are invited t<> turn up at s.an this afternoon. Don't forget to bring your i mugs, caiufire stunts, and a plate of I Cheerio, and good hunting. GREY EAGLE. St. George’s Cub Pack. Well, here wo are in print once again. We now have a membership of 84, as well as a waiting list. Just lately several of our boys have passed their badges, three having passed their first star, two their second star, and others have passed their house-orderly, guide, gardening and toymakers’ badges Lately we have had several afternoons at the Lake. We hope to send In a fortnightly report to your column, llut cheerio for now. ST. GEORGE'S PACK.