THE BOY SCOUTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2722, 29 January 1910, Page 3 (Supplement)

THE BOY SCOUTS.

One of the laws of the Bov Scouts is to “smile and whistle under all circumstances.” Mr. Webster, the local trict secretary, has introduced a song which has been taken up heartily scouts. The music goes with a and suits the sentiment of the verses. THE SCOUTS’ SONG. When things don’t go to suit you, And the world seems upside down, Don’t waste your time in fretting, But drive away that frown. Tho’ life, is oft perplexing ’Tis inueh the wisest plan To take your troubles bravely, And smile whenever you can. Chorus: — Smile whenever you can, ’Twill make your pathway brighter, To smile whenever you can. » Why should you dread the morrow. And thus despoil the day, For when you borow trouble You always have to pay. It is a good old maxim, And it often should bo preached, Don’t cross the bridge beiore you Until the bridge is reached. Chorus: — Till the bridge is reached.^ Don’t cross the bridge before you, Until the bridge is reached. And though you’re strong and sturdy* You may have an empty purse (And earth has many trials Which I consider worse).; But whether joy or sorrow, Fill up your mortal span, ’Twill make your pathway brighter To smile whenever you can. Chorus: — Smile whenever you can, ’Twill make your pathway brighter, To smile whenever you can. METHODIST TROOP.

The Tui Patrol of the No. 4 (Methodist Troop) have had a w-eeiPs camping out at the Hole-in-the-W all. They left town on Saturday, the Sth, and by dark had tbeir tents pitched. The majority remained out until the following Saturdav, coming in only on the Sunday to attend their Church. One or two came into town in the mornings and went out again in the evenings, they hating to attend to their ordinary work. A very enjoyable week was passed, and some good scouting was done. The best piece of work was the drawing of a plan of a course travelled by one-half of the scouts, t-bc only instruments used being a compass and pencil, and then the following of the same course by the other half, their only guidance being a map drawn bv their mates and a compass. The distance travelled was about a mile over a winding course, and the finish-ing-point was a large rock upon which was scratched the name of the patrol. So well was the map drawn, and so closely was it- followed by the second party that the rock was discovered without the track having been lost once. It should be said, however, that the track followed was, over a great deal of the distance, aloim sheep tracks, and so perhaps was rather easily followed. The cooking, with a couple of exceptions, was all that could be desired, and included even jellies and sauce for Biddings, and one of the scouts was talking of becoming a camp cook straight away. It is rumoured that ope scout, on arriving home late on Saturday evening, begged his mother for leave to make a custard for Sunday, but history does not say whether the request was complied with. The new song “Smile Whenever You Can,” was learned and sung with great gusto, especially when the dog ran away with, the morning’s bacon, when the billv vas knocked over just- as the scouts were getting ready to sit down, and when, manoeuvring with visiting scouts it was discovered that chip pota_ toes rather resembled chips of petrified wood than of potatoes. Members of the other troops visited the camp on the day of breaking-up, and spent a pleasant hour, and late in the evening camp was struck, and, to the tune of “Smile Whenever You Can” the scouts began to make tlieir way back to town, some by boat, and some in traps kindly lent for the purpose. ST. ANDREW’S TROOP. The attack on the Methodist camp last Saturday with the Y.M.C.A. scouts was good practical work in scouting, though the surprise effected by No. 1 troop was not reckoned on. A good afternoon’s work was put in, however, and after the flag of truce had put an end to hostilities, the campers extended an invitation to the raiders t-o remain to tea. This was enjoyed—although, the provisions were short —and altogether a. pleasant time was spent. The members of the troop are looking forward to having their own club rooms at the old manse, and it is proposed to have a. workshop and other features of interest. NO. 1 TROOP. Scout E. Forrest has been made the Troop' Sergeant. Last Saturday _ the troop learned that the Y.M.C.A. No. 2 and St. Andrews No. 3 troops intended raiding the Methodist Scouts camp at the Hole-in-the-Wall, and it ■was zesolved to intercept- them. Scout Quigley did smart work in ascertaining the movements of the raiders, ana the troop, under Sergeant Forrest and Leader Fox, waited in ambush and cleverly took them by surprise. Nos. 1 2, and 3 then combined in an attack on the Methodist camp. The campers were alert, and secured two prisoners, hut could not bo drawn out of their camp. , __ On Wednesday twelve of No. 1 troop went into camp, and are doing, good scouting practice. Sentries are kept throughout tho night. The troop has challenged the Y.M.C.A. scouts to a. cricket match to-day. Y.M.C.A. TROOP. Seven scouts have qualified for the 2nd. class ticket. The troop has a military tent for camping purposes. The Scout’s Rally on Sunday mornings is attended mostly by Y.M.C.A. scouts. Good practice has been done m the mornings by several members of the troop, who'are keen on winning the cricket match against No. 1, to be played at their camp this afternoon.