Eighty Scouts Try Their Skill

An April Saturday was a busy one for boys scouts in Gisborne, when 80 of their number gathered at the property of Mr L. Morris, Te Hapara Road, to compete for the Nasmith Shield. In the bright sunshine of a cloudless day they tried their hand at the many skills a good scout should know, from tying knots to lighting fires. Included in the contest, which involved five local troops, were tests on Scout law, flags and saluting, first aid, signalling, etc. Later, there were events of a novelty nature, such as chariot-racing and flagpole-raising, and there were also a number of pioneering displays, including an aerial ropeway.

Group Scoutmaster J. F. Preddey (Warneford Troop) conducting a first aid test with members of the Takitimu Sea Scout troop.

A Tainui Sea Scout preparing his dinner.

Members of the Mangapapa Troop commencing construction of an aerial ropeway trestle.

"Be Prepared", says the familiar motto on the tent fly above this boy who is so plainly taking its advice to heart as he gets ready for a test.

Scoutmaster D. Stichbury (Wesley Troop) (kneeling) conducting a semaphore test.

Raising the flagpole was a difficult trial for those scouts whose ambitions were too big for their abilities. When too many staves were, tied together on the ground.

The result was a pole too unwieldy to erect.

Tainui boys sending signals by heliograph, a device by which the sun's rays are relayed from mirrors.

Mangapapa Troop boys with the trestle made from poles, to which is attached an aerial ropeway by which scouts and gear may cross the ravine.

Scoutmaster D. Crack (Tainui) giving boys a knot test.

Assistant District Commissioner J. Sheldrake presenting the Naismith Shield to patrol leaders of the winning troop, Tainui Sea Scouts. Only a few points separated the troops.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 10 : May 5, 1955

Eighty Scouts Try Their Skill