"What is Scouting?"
"Oh well I suppose it's something to do on Friday nights. It is also a way to get some camping done."
This view on Scouting is a pretty common one and it is a completely wrong one.
Scouting is only truely played on Friday nights. Let's see you get into your uniform and arrive at Scouts and chat to other Scouts. An important part of scouting is making friends. So here is something Scouting has done for you, made, make more friends.

When, at 7:15 the horn is blown, everyone falls in The colour party then parades the Rhodesian flag and Troop Colours. Here is an important aspect of Scout training. By witnessing the colour party you have shown loyalty to YOUR country and Troop. What do I mean by loyalty? We cannot fight for our country. If we are loyal to Rhodesia we stand by her policies. Rhodesia is fighting against communism, drugs, pollution and the fall of man's morals. This is fine but what can a stupid little scout do about this. At your age there is little you can do, but tell your friends not to start smoking, there is no need to tell dirty jokes, etc. Make yourself and your friends aware of the problems that face the world and be prepared to do something to put things right when you can.

During Scouts we learn knots, first aid, etc. I think it is obvious how this helps you so I won't go on about it.

The most important thing scouts teaches you is discipline. When you are told to do something you do it; Why? Mainly because if you don't a senior will jump on you. But at least you know how to take an order. If you respect discipline you will discipline yourself. When exams come up it will be easy to say "Come on number one its time to do some work." You will be able to keep away from drugs and the dregs of Society and its ways. If you accept discipline now and inlater life you will not regret it.

Patrol leaders and A.P.L's are receiving special training, they are learning to lead. They lead you, teach you and order you about. The world is made up of leaders and without them we are doomed. Your parents, school teachers, team captains are all showing you and teaching you to do the correct things under different circumstances, they are important leaders of society.

Lastly Scouts is encouraging you to believe in God. It is up to the individual to choose what form of religion he wants to belong to, but I think everyone should have a religion.

You must admit you are lucky you have subjected yourself to the pleasures of scouting, look how much better off you are for it.

P. BAUM.

Two mental cases were riding down the road on their bikes. One suddenly stoped and let down his tyres.
"Why did you do that", said the other.
"My saddle was too high" he said.
The other got off his bike and turned round the saddle and the handle bars and said,
"If you're going to be silly - then I'm going home!"

D.GOODWIN.

Van der Merwe entered his prize bull on the Agriculiural Show. A day before the show his bull went crosseyed so he called the Vet and he said: "Hold the bull and I will show you what to do". So Van went and held the bull by the horns and the Vet placed a pipe down the bull's backside and blew down it. The bull's eyes came right. The Vet gave Van the pipe, in case thu bull went cross-eyed again. A few hours later, the bull went cross-eyed again, so Van got his African servant to hold the bull, and Van put the pipe down the bull's backside, and blow: Nothing happened., so Van said you come and blow, which the servant did, but before he did it, he turned the pipe around. "Why did you do that" asked Van. The servant replied: "Aah baas! you don't expect me to put my mouth where you put yours."

D.ARMSTRONG.

LORD NUFFIELD:

William Richard Morris wanted to be a surgeon but left school in 1892 at the age of 15 to become the main family breadwinner. Apprenticed to a cycle repairer he left to start his own business with 4 sovereigns. He succeeded through determination and long hours of hard work. He made his first motorcycle in 1900. He made his first car in 1912. It was a two-seater 8-9 h.p., Morris Oxford, and was offered at £165 ($33O). His policy was to plough profits back into the business. He was a man of energy and enthusiasm. He inspired hard work and loyalty in return. His workers had excellent amenities.

Before he died in 1963, Lord Nuffield had given away £6o,ooo,ooo much Of it to medicine but also in assistance to economically distressed areas in the mid-30's and for the recreational welfare of the services. Today, in many parts of the world, these gifts can be seen in the way of swimming pools, clubs and sports centres.

J.COLEY.

Those of the patrol who were in Bulawayo went on a hike during the holidays. The report will be entered by Smiley.

The attendance during the holiday was not too good but this is expected with many people on holiday.

Congratulations to those people who entered the Cook Out and gaining 2nd, 1st and a 2nd.
P.L. G. MOORE

The past month has been fairly uneventful concerning activities, due to the holidays. Now that the holidays are over, I hope the troop will get down to some hard work once more, and get some tests passed. On the 25th August, the Provincial Cook-out was held at Hillside Darns. In the Junior classes, (A and B) the two 8th Bulawayo teams came first in their sections, and in the senior section (Class C) the 8th Bulawayo team came second, after the 11th Bulawayo team. I think the afternoon was enjoyed by all the teams. From the 1st to the 12th September "Expat" took place in the Matopos. Congratulations to Scouts K. Oldham, C.Ingges on obtaining their Advanced Scout Standard.

Patrol Joke:

Wife to scientist husband: 'What makes you think you swallowed a lump of uranium?"
Scientist: "Well, on the way home I burped and a row of houses fell down."

Early to bed and early to rise
and your girl goes out with the other guys!!
P/L. A. HOPE

During the holidays the troop has been represented in several activities. These include Expat '72 on which six members of the 8th took part and had an extremely interesting and knowledgable time.

The troop also has six members showing what the 8th can do in the way of soap-boxes. Well done in obtaining two thirds and a second place.

Right at beginning of the holidays the troop gained two firsts and a second place in the annual 'Cook Out' that was held at Hillside Dams. Congratulations!

Lastly but not least and congratulations to Timmy Watson on being promoted to A/P/L, and to our Plumtree lad, Charlie Inggs on achieving his Advanced Scout Standard. Well done you two and keep up the good work.

The only let down was Bob-a-Job which was not the usual success. This is a means of fundraising for the Troop and it is up to you to do something about it. So next year let's have a record haul.

Patrol Jokes:

Q. How would you catch a rabbit?
A: Well, the way I would do it is to stand behind a tree and make a noise like a carrot!

Bandit: "Stick em up or else."
Victim: "Or else what?"
Bandit: "Don't mix me up this is my first job."

Recently a census was carried out in Britain about the laziness of the British people. Interviewer: "Do you think British people are getting lazy?" Man in the street: "Ach man! I couldn't careless!"

P/L A. BARKER

During the month the troop was represented at a number of activities. First of all the troop was represented at the annual "Cook Out", at Hillside Dams. The teams did well and received two firsts and a second. Well done to the teams.

The troop also had a number of its members on "Expat 72". From all the talk about Expat it is understood that it was enjoyed immensely. Congratulations to Timmy Watson on being promoted to A.P.L. and to Charles Inggs and Kevin Oldham who both received their Advanced Scout Standard.

On the 16th September six mebers of the troop went up to Salisbury to race in the 5th Salisbury Marlborough Scout troop soap box meeting. The troop got to thirds and a second. The meeting was thoroughly enjoyed by all those who went up to Salisbury.

"Bob-a--Job" was also on the agenda for this month, but only a few people tried to do something about it.

Patrol Joke:
What did I.M. Dumb state on his test paper when asked to define a fortification.
(Written upside down - ) Two Twentifications

P/L W.BEGEMANN

The race was over Rhodes & Founders weekend and Robert Bray and I took part in the trip, from Kazangula to the Falls Power Boat Club.

The last week before the race was a nightmare, food clothes, boat, transport, all had to be sorted out. Most important was the canoe which was finished on Thursday night.

As soon as school broke up on the Friday at 11.15 a.m. we picked up the canoe from Rob's house and took it across to North End, to another canoeists' house - John Hamilton. He had a cradle for canoes and took ours up on Friday afternoon.

We left at 6.45 a.m. on Saturday and arriveed at the rifle range just before lunch. We all moved down to the 'Spray View' for a meeting and quick resume of what was to happen. The crowd of about 30 took over the dance floor and had the waiters running circles with orders! (Complete and utter chaos reigned!)

Rob and I had only trained on flat water and we had to pass a rapid test before we were given the go-ahead to take part in the race. Saturday afternoon at about 2.00 pm. we left the rifle range and went along tho Kazangula road which was a terrible dirt road suffering from acute attacks of 'army truckitis'.

We arrived at Westwood and waited awhile for Dave who had taken his boat up to the start for Sunday. Mr. Pretorius, the owner of the property, came out and had a word with us. He said that we could use his jetty about 500m upstream.

We went up there and Rob and I got in and paddled around - we hadn't been in the boat for a week and were rather rusty at the joints.

The roar of Westwood was audible and to us pretty frightening. We went to the bank and put on spray covers, and were told to wait 10 mins. then come. Keeping right of an island.

The others left us and we decided to investigate some rough water. The approach was very cautious and suddenly the Boat seemed to have a will of its own. Panic struck, and we paddle like apes to prevent ourselves from being swept into the main chute

We headed upstream a bit and tried to recover. Ten minutes was up and we started off! Rob looked ahead for his line and I looked around at the bottom and other rocks.....!

Rob picked his line and we paddled harder, we were almost in the middle when I heard shouts and screams from our right. Hard left....(!) miss right... brake right... (!) and with that we changed channels. Now we were in it, buffed around and petrified. With beginners luck we got through. We then turned in the surging current and headed back upstream. Kennedy congratulated us and said do it again. The second time was terrible and we nearly went for a swim! The third was better as we were rather shocked from the second run, and we were determined not to come out., so we paddled (and how!)

Kennedy gave us the O.K. and loaded the canoe back onto the truck and went back to the rifle range. We had supper and crashed early. I was too excited to sleep so I woke rather tired.

We were up at the crack of dawn, our stomachs were suffering from butterflies so Rob and I just had a couple of biscuits. We set off at 7.00am in convey for the Kazangula Police Post. We arrived and sorted out the boats, the last minute preparations were feverish and the tension was .... low. In fact jokes were being cracked and everyone was in a happy mood.

We were called in and given a final briefing and reminder of the rules. The first boat left at 9.00 a.m, we followed in third place at 9.04 with two minute intervals between the boats.
TO BE CONTINUED ....,
P/L A. BARKER

Six members of the 8th travelled to Salisbury to participate in the soap box grand prix run by the 5th Marlborough. The party was lead by Norm Scott with Iain Richie and Steven Baum accompanying him to control the drivers, i.e. Wade Begemann, Graeme Biffen and Gavin Classens. The carts were supplied by Gavin and A. Barker.

The team set off at 8.30 on Saturday in Norm's pick-up. The seating was described as cramped but adequate. The first stop was at Gwelo where we had tea at a scout's house who attended Expat. At 4.30 we rolled into Salisbury and eventually found Mr. Smith's house, 5th Scout Leader. Here we had a swim and drink before going to the 5th Scout Hall where we were to sleep the night. That night we were treated to a braai with a number of Salisbury Scouters and where we met some local talent (talent with a capital T). After the Braai and social, Norm took us to the city centre. After having a look around and a drink the leader decided it was time for bed. After numerous "bed calls" (you could call them all out battles) the team got to sleep at 1.00 on Sunday.

I nearly died in the morning when I was waken at 6.oo and given a cup of "tea". By 7.45 everyone was ready for breakfast which was had at a nearby road house. On returning' we got dressed into scout uniform and left for the hill on the Marlborough Race Circuit.

The hill was just a straight road with no bends. The carts were prepared for the days events, those were: a) longest distance. b) best time. c) Scouters race. While the races were in progress the seniors went to town to obtain a film for Yogi's camera. The carts at the hill ranged from fantastic to poor, the major were good. The average cart was as fast if not faster than our two and we did exceptionally well to gain a 3rd in the long distance.

Classens and the 3rd fastest time by W.Begemann. During lunch break a survey of the race circuit was carried out, definitely not up to Bulawayo standards. During lunch a slight mishap occurred but was soon rectified by a pair of pliers. (Confidential). The afternoon's event were soon finished with Norm winning the prize for the fastest scouter. As we had to be back in Bulawayo by the morning the team left for the Smith's house where they swam and changed. The 8th left in traditional fashion by leaving 2 wet Salisbury scouts. The event ended at no sooner than 12:15 when we arrived at Bulawayo.

The trip was well worth while as many new friends were made and the racing successful. Thanks must go to the Smiths for their hospitality and the braai, Norm Scott who gave us transport and the 5th for organizing the event. The scouts thank Bridgit, Cathy, Noel, Andrew and Paddy for making them feel at home.

S/S. STEVEN BAUM.

This month's suggested spot is one which many of us have visited for a picnic or weekend drive, but few have camped there, namely, Diana's Pools. The site has the big advantage of plenty clean water (and even the possibility of a shaver if there has boon enough rain) along with plenty of firewood for those old-style campers who don't believe in Gas.

Once again this is excellent hiking country although ambition as regards distance should be avoided. The area seems to lie in a basin and there is some pretty stiff climbing to be done to get out of it. Many an experienced hiker has come to grief on the slopes of the surrounding hills.

For those who like a definite objective a hike between the Pools and Mpopoma Dam in a more or less straight line might reveal some further examples of 'zebra spoor' or orbicular granite (See Tramp March 1971 and Monox Report) which would bring the geologists running.

T 0 0 L S

As has been previously pointed out the tools required are few. To start work one will require cheap paint brushes with unpainted handles; scissors; a Stanley or boot knife; a spatula or putty knife; containers for mixing the resin, such as a large polythene bucket for mixing the initial colour and resin, and smaller receptacles such as babies' potties, as these can be easily held. It will also be found that a range of woodworkers' tools will come in very handy. Lastly a tool which is unique to the process, that is, a laminating roller. There is a wide ranpe of these rollers manufactured with washers, split washers, springs, mohair, etc., and one can generally be selected to the individual's requirements. The suggestion here is that a simple paddle roller be used.

THE PROCESS

This falls into three stages
1. The manufacture of the original (which is known as the plug).
2. The manufacture of a moulding. With such items as canoes it is possible now to hire canoe moulds quite easily and, therefore, it is suggested that anybody producing a canoe, or two or three canoes, should hire a mould rather than bother to manufacture their own.
Therefore, assuming a mould is available, the process is as follows:
(a) The mould is washed off with warm water and allowed to dry. Any loose particles should be removed and any blemishes made good either with a stopping compound or with plasticine.
(b) The mould should then be wax polished and polished to a high gloss with a duster.
(c) The mould should then be coated with the mould release agent. This should be applied with a sponge, making sure that no runs or tears appear in the coating and that no dust or particles are picked up from the atmosphere.
CONTINUED NEXT MONTH (d) to (h).

BY P/L. P. MURPHY

It was quite a shock to read in last month's Tramp that only one badge had been gained for the proceeding five weeks, and this lamentable situation appears to be the same with regard to simple tests. As a result it has been decided to run a series starting, very sensibly, at the beginning. Before we kick off two things should be borne in mind with regard to all tests:

1. A defeatist attitude never got anybody anywhere.
2. Nobody helps those who don't try to help themselves.

The Scout Badge
Knowledge of the Movement
If you want to keep up with Modern Scouting keep an eye on the local newspaper. It's amazing what Scouts get up to all over the world.

Promise - remember we are Scouts, not parrots. It is more important to understand the promise than merely to know it.

The Basic Scout Standard

Rhodesian Flag
- Nobody can tell you what a flag looks like. It is far easier for you to do it yourself, and no excuse for any Scout faltering over this test as the Phodesian Flags hangs at the top of the hall every Friday evening. The coat of arms is on our flag for a purpose and we should have some knowledge of it.

The Arms were granted by Royal Charter on 11th August, 1924. They consist of a central shield which bears a golden pick, representing the mining industry, on a green background which represents agriculture. Across the top of the shield is a red lion 'passant' (walking past) between two thistles in their natural colour of green with purple flowers taken from the family coat of arms of C.J. Rhodes from whom this country takes its name. The shield is supported on either side by sable antelopes which are taken from the arms of the British South Africa Company through which Rhodes opened up Rhodesia and which governed the country under a Charter until responsible government was granted in 1923.

The Knight's helmet with the wreath of green and gold leaves above the shield are mainly for decoration. The crest above the helmet is the great Zimbabwe Bird in gold. This figure, carved in soapstone was discovered at the Great Zimbabwe Ruins and is recognized as a Rhodesian Emblem. At the bottom of the arms is the motto 'Sit Nomine Digna' meaning 'May she be worthy of the name'.

When drawing the Rhodosian flag the hardest part will be the Arms and anyone doing this should try first dividing the Arms into equal squares and drawing each piece separately.

Prepare and Hoist Flag
The hoisting, etc., of the flag is a simple matter once your P.L. has taught you practice the knots occassionally so as you don't get rusty then remember these points.

1) Don't fly the flag upside down. It should be fairly obvious on our Rhodesian flag.
2) Ropes on a flagstaff are called halliards.
3) A toggle is the wooden part of the flag which fits into the eye. A woggle keeps your scarf in place, or is supposed to.
4) Half mast is not 'half mast' but one flag length from the top of the staff.
5) When taking a flag to half-mast remember that it should be taken right to the top then lowered the appropriate distance.
6) Sort out when you are going to salute the flag and when not. When replacing standards after a investiture standard bearers should not salute.

Knotting
- Nobody can explain how to do a knot for this is a practical test. Study the following diagrams and if you still get stuck ask someone. These basic knots are the ones you will use throughout your Scouting career so make sure you know them:
Reefknot is used for bandaging because it is a flat knot hence comfortable for the patient.

Clove hitch is used to start a square lashing and to finish both a square and a diagonal lashing. Later you will see it is also used in the sheer lashing. Make sure you have a reasonably long free end for on a smooth spot this knot can dip out under strain.

Round turn and two half hitches is used as a stabilizing knot, such as in holdfasts.

Sheetbend is used to join ropes of different thickness or a wet and dry rope. Get some senior to tell you the story of the snake in the hole - it makes it easy to remember this knot.

Bowline is a vital knot in mountaineering and is important in the abseiling test. Don't try to tie this knot with a loop around your wrist because this is the quickest way of doing yourself an injury.

Slip Knot is used for (?)

First Aid.
With the numerous articles on First Aid that have appeared in Tramp it is only necessary to page through to get all the information you should require. At this stage three points must be especially borne in mind:
1) Cleanliness.
2) Adult help.
3) Reassure the patient, i.e. Do not leave him.

Compass:

If you know the basic points, you should be able to find your way anywhere. Don't got confused between West and East; just remember they always read W.E. not E.W. It is good practice to see which way the Scout Hall faces and to point out approximately the direction of other towns from Bulawayo.

Law and Promise.
This is not just a series of words which entitles you to wear a Scout Uniform. As you go through Scouting you should have a greater and greater understanding of it and it should not be necessary to re-learn it everytime a test comes up. What is more you should always be doing your best to carry out the words of the Law and Promise whether in Scout Uniform or not.

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