SCOUT NOTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 209, 4 August 1937, Page 14

SCOUT NOTES

(By “Tenderfoot.”)

“I have had an honour conferred upon me by the King. It is impossible for me to thank individually every „one of those who sent congratulations, but I do appreciate most warmly the touching kindness and the jolly spirit in which all have expressed goodwill to me.” Thus does the Chief Scout acknowledge the congratulatory expressions which he received following his receiving that rare distinction—the Order of Merit—at the hands of the King. Ho later says: “Remember when you congratulate me about receiving this reward, it is really I who should congratulate you on this new recognition by His Majesty, on the occasion of liis Coronation, of all of us in the Boy Scout brotherhood —me for anything I have done for it, and you for what you have certainly done for it.” Now isn’t that like the Chief, refusing to take all the honour upon himself; he wants every Scouter and Scout to share it.

Now just what is this new distinction which has come to the movement, and of which quite rightly the Chief is the guardrail P The Order of Merit is a special distinction for eminent men and women, and there can only be 24 members of it. There are two badges, military and civil, the former having crossed swords and the latter oak leaves. The ribbon of the order is blue and crimson. Again, congratulations to our Chief on joining this very select company. Should we ever see him again we shall look for that-blue and crimson ribbon, won’t weP Of course, everyone is now busy sprucing up for the big parade to take place next week. Manawatu has a reputation second to none for being the smartest and best turned-out on occasions such as when Commissioner Cooksley, of Hawke’s Bay, is visiting us. Therefore, it is expected that every Scouter will have his troop punctually at 7 p.m. at the All Saints’ Church Hall. The Commissioner, we are told, will have an important message for the boys, and later for Scouters, officers and parents. Let us all be there. One wonders just how many King’s Scouts there are in the city. It woiild be interesting if someone would write and tell us. Here is how the thought came to “Tenderfoot”: AVhen the King recently reviewed the thousand King’s Scouts and life-savers assembled at AVindsor Castle, he shook hands witli many of those present. One of the boys, afterwards speaking to his chums, said: “See that hand? AA T ell, it’s not going to be washed for a very long time—the King shook it.” And now because of this incident the Chief has determined, whenever he attends a Scout rally anywhere, that he shall see the King’s Scouts and Scouts who have saved lives, separately, and shake hands with them. Will you be one of the favoured band ? Better hurry through and qualify. All Saints’ Troop.—The weekly meeting opened at 7.5 p.m. with a fairly good attendance. After inspection we opened with two games of tunnel and overhead ball with our new soccer ball. Following this work was carried on in the patrol corners, square lashings being taught to the new boys in preparation for the Labour Day rally. Next a talk was given by Scouter Oallis on mapping and conventional signs used in the first-class journey. This journey seems to hold many second-class boys from getting their first-class badge, and the talk should help to carry them through their test. Second R. Smith was promoted to the position of patrolleader in place of patrol-leader Howard, who has temporarily left the troop. An electrician’s badge was presented to Patrol-leader Major prior to flag down and court of honour meeting. St. Paul’s Troop.—The vexed question at present at St. Paul’s is “who broke the window?” But the important thing is that a glazier has had instructions to fix it up. Still, care is required at all times. Even then, accidents will happen. Brian Belfit is practising for his tenderfoot badge at St. Paul’s. The arrangements are nearly complete now for file birthday party. An important item, the cake, is ready. S.-S.-M. Barlow is finding it difficult to carry on; there arc so many mands on his time. AVo must help him all we can.