Vol. 9, No.2.
AUGUST, 1932.
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August, 1932.
MATILDA
Minutes of Executive Meeting. HELD AT THE GUIDE OFFICE 2017/32. Present: Miss E. H. Purnell (in the chair), Mrs. Faulkner, Mrs. Fink, Misses Bush, Cameron and the Secretary. Guiders' Conference.-The secretary reported that the Guiders' Conference would be held at the University on 17th September. All Australia Camp.- As, with Extensions and Lones, there are 29 Divisions in the State, it was agreed that Divisions be combined to bring the number to 20, the number of delegates invited. The following grouping was approved:Cheltenham, etc., and Mitcham, etc. Ararat and Ballarat. Clunes, Central and North Central. Dandenong, etc., and Berwick, etc. Hamilton and Western. Mortlake, Camperdown and Polwarth. Wimmera and Mallee. Our Chalet. All other Divisions to send one representative each. It was reported that 29 books had been taken by Miss Ahern for Our Chalet. Recommendations from General Purpos,es . Committee-The recommendation that Pamphlets on Brownies, Guides, Rangers and Extensions be reprinted was approved. It was agreed that a Campers' Leaflet (to be sent to all holders of the Camper's Licence and Indoor Test Certificate) be duplicated. Co untry Visits.-It was reported that the following visits had been made:Camperdown-Miss Purnell. Colac-Miss Barfus. Drouin, Yallourn and Moe--Miss Moore. Horsham, Rainbow and W oomelang-Miss Hoffmeyer. Shepparton-Miss Barfus and Miss Lardner. Health Bureau for Children of Returned Soldiers-It was agreed that the invitation to the Girl Guides' Association to be represented on the Advisory Council of the Health Bureau be accepted . Routine and financial business was discussed. S. H. IRVING.
Our Chalet. The list of books which was published in last month's "Matilda" was unfortunat!!ly incomplete. The following were also included in the parcel sent from Victoria to OUl" Chalet: Flynn of the Inland . Lasseter's Last Rid e. - S.ILl.
Guide News. The Guide news in the "Age" will in future be publis hed in the Tuesday issue instead of Wednesday, as previously. ' The "Argus" also publi shes Guide news on Tuesdays, and the "Sun" on Saturdays. S.H.I.
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Honour For the Chief Guide. We are pleased to be able to print the Chief's letter to Lady Chauvel in reply to Victoria's cable of congratulations. Dear Lady Chauvel, This is just to thank you, and through you, the Guides in Victoria, for the delightful cable that has just arrived. . I cannot, of course, help feeling very happy and glad that His Majesty the King should have conferred this honour upon me, and of course it is so specially wonderful in that it means that the King has, through me, honoured the whole of the Guide Movement throughout the Empire. It was delightful of you to have cabled, and hearing from Victoria brings back most happy memories of my time with you last year. We thought about you all so specially last week, when we were having our Coming-of-Age celebrations, and I wish very much that you could have been with us at the service which was held at St. Paul's Cathedral. Victoria was represented by Miss Swinburne, and it was a very wonderful gathering. With very best wishes and Guide greetingfO to you and the Guides in Victoria, Yours very sincerely, (sgd.) OLAVE BADEN-POWELL.
More Hints for New Guidersand Others. New Guiders will find after they have been running their Companies for a while, and some of the Guides have their Second Class, they will start clamoring for Proficiency Badges. If the Guiders will take advantage of the following suggestions the work can be don e to the mutual benefit of everyone. 1. Guiders are naturally not expected to prepare their Guides for all Badges, but they must check that the Guide has obtained the necessary information somewhere, and is ready for the Test. Guides should be ready for these Tests at the time of sending in their entries. It is sheer waste of time for the examiner, (and discouraging to the Guide) to test someone who is insufficiently prepared. 2. The Guides should be n eat and tidy and in uniform for the Test. Where practical work is done, as in cooking and domestic service, they should be provided with an apron as well, anti any money necessary for working ex penses. Marks are given in these exams. for neatness and method in working. 3. Where several tests are arranged for the one evening, Guides can only take one test. 4. (Lastly, and most important!) All Badge examiners and in structors are giving up ¡cheil" spare time willingly for our benefit, and it is the very least that we can do, to make th eir task as easy a s possible for t hem . Guides should be punctual, quiet and attentive during tests. If by any chance they are suddenly pl'eventf>d from attending the test, an apolog-y s hould be sent to examiner if possible, a'1d certainly to the Badge Secretary so that flhc ]:r.owr:, and c~n explain to the e'nminel'.
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MATILDA
A Guide should not expect to be given a second chance to do a test if she has not been able to attend. (Obviously it is not fail' 1.0 worry an examiner for the second test within a ShOI't time). These remarks have been made before, but it is necessary to make them again. In carrying out the above suggestions we are giving our Guides practical experience in the fifth Law. As most of our examiners are non-Guide people, if we fall short in any way, as we most certainly have been doing, we run a big risk of letting Guiding down badly in the eyes of the public. Besides the duty to Examiners and Instructors, we have a duty to our Guides' parents. We should also take into consideration whether the Guides have too many lessons or home duties to make it easy to do Badge work satisfactorily. This is one reason I think for unpreparedness and non-attendance at the Test. -M.M.
Some Don'ts for Annual Report Forms. DON'T look on them as a nuisance. They are int<.resting, and it is fun to know how we grow. DON'T forget to put the place and time of '~he Company or Pack Meeting. DO;'lr'T forget that only Guides, etc., enrolled since 1st October, 1931, pay 6d. Registration fee. (This is not a source of great income to Headquarters. It really only about covers the expense of printing, postage and '~he enrolment card which is received). DON'T include Guiders' Proficiency Badges in the Report. DON'T forget to keep a copy of the form in youI' own records. This will be useful next year when you are filling in the column "previously registered." DOl 'T forget that your Commissioner will want to see the form before the 30th Septembel'. S.H.1.
All Australia Camp. The Girl Guides' Association in New South Wales are organising an All Australia Camp, to be held at Jamberoo (80 miles from Sydney) from 13th to 23rd January, 1933. The Camp will be for Guiders, and there will be training in general Guide, Brownie, Rangel' and Camper's Licence work. Each State will be l'epresented by twenty Guiders. In Victoria. Division Commissionel's are planning that there shall be one representative from each Division, and one each from the Extension and Lone Branches. Some of the smaller (in number) Divisions have been l{rollped together to bring the number down to the required 1 , and we hope that a varied party of Brownie, Guide and Ranger Guiders will be going. A COnfel'el1Ce for Commissioners will be hr>ld during the Cam]), ' and also the meeting of the Federal Council. . The Camp will be the first of its kind in Australia. and flhould he ever so interestino: and cnjoyahle. -S.H.I.
August, 1932.
Treatment of Snakebite. The first matter of importance is how NOT to be bitten by a snake; that is, take the ordinary precautions for country walking. Don't walk carelessly through the long grass; Dop't jump over logs before looking what is on the other side. Don't put hands down hollow logs 01' in l'abbit bUlTows. Be careful neal' water, especially at dusk. In case of snake bite, it is a help after treatment, if even in the excitement, the type of snake could be noted, and, if possible, killed, and as quickly as possible. In treating snakebite it is important to DO THE RIGHT THING IN THE RIGHT ORDER. These are, on alarm of snakebite:1. If a bite is on a limb, ligature about the main joint, i.e., above knee 01' elbow. (N.B.-As the aim of the ligature is to stop the circulation, it must be applied TIGHTLY in the first instance.) 2. Look to see if punctures denoting snakebite are present. 3. If they are, wipe the wound; where no water is available, moisten the handkerchief with saliva. 4. Cut with ordinary pocket knife. The best ·way is by excision, i.e., cutting round the punctures at a distance of a quarter of an inch, and a quarter of an inch deep. This requires ne-rve and skill. The next best alternative is to cut swiftly through each puncture. 'ehe ·~ ut being half an inch long with puncture in the centre, and a quarter of an inch deep. 5. Suck the wound. As the snake injects l'he poison with force, it is only natural to exert the rever e force of sucking. There is practically no risk of poisoning for anyone doing thL, provided that they have not got ulcers. the wound of recent tooth extraction, or any other abrasion in the mouth (or an open sore). 6. Massage the limb to assist the blood that is already in the limb to escape. If wound continues bleeding, the ligature was not put on properly in the first place, and must be tightened immediately. If you have any Condy's crystals with you, wash the wound with a very dilute solution (pale pink) of 'i; he crystals. Provided several people are present, t hey can do useful team work by sending :EOI' the doctor IMMEDIATELY and preparing 'Co make the patient comfortable. If only patient and one other present, the above '~reatment must be carried out before anything else. The patient may faint from shock of bite, but the bite must be treated immediately; when the treatment is completed, bring her to, and treat for shock; that is. keep her warm, comfortable- and resting (don't walk her about); give her hot drinks. Probably on a hike strong tea may be the only hot drink available. Hot milk and coffee are good. Sal Vola· tile can he given, but not a stimulant like brandv. The patient should be l'eassured and not allowed to suffer unduly from fear. The patient should be taken to the doctor, 01' the doctor brought to the patient, as soon as possible. However great the distance, medical treatment must be obtained; the patient may appeal' to have recovered, but secondary
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August, 1932.
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effects may occur which only a doctor can tt·eat. The ligature should be relea ·ed at the eJld of HALF AN HOUR. and FOR 0'1' LESS THAN 30 SECONDS A D NOT MORE THAN ONB MINUTE. The object of this relea·c is to allow the blood just to flow through the limb. This time of flu shing varies with different people, so that no set time can bc given. The important thing i to watch for t he return of the blood, and to retie the ligature immediately that happ€ns. For second and t hird hour release every twenty minutes as above. TAKE OFF ALTOGETHER AFTER THE THIRD HOUR. It is essential that the ligature is applied QUICKLY . This can only be learnt by plenty of practice in the Company meeting. For a ligature use a large handkerchief, silk cord or stocking. Large, thick articles such as these are more satisfactory. N.B. For bites in parts where a ligature can not be app lied wipe t he wound, cut so that it bleeds, and SUCK. M. MOORE .
Poster Competition. A prize of one guinea is offered for the best poster, size approximately 20 in. x 14in. advertising t he Handcraft Exhi bition. The poster . must contain the following wording: Girl Guides' Association, Handcraft Exhibition, Upper Town Hall, Melbourne. Open September 20th. 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. September 21st-24th, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission 6d. Scouts and Guides in Uniform, 3d. There is no entrance fee, but all posters will become the property of the Girl Guides' Association. Entries to be sent to Miss Nora Parker, Girl Guide Office, 60 Market Street, befOl·e Monday, 22nd August. The decision of the judges must be accepted as final.
Stradbroke CUp, 1932. It has been decided that districts wishing to
sell their exhi bits may do so, provided they have a respon sible person or persons permanently in charge to take orders. Exhibits sold may not be removed until the end of the Exhibition, and each district will be responsible for t he delivery of all goods sold. Country Companies will please note t hat goods sold at the exhibition cannot receive the railway concession of free freight home. Exhibits may be sent to the Town Hall, Melhourne, on Saturday, September 17th, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 12 noon. They should be adressed to Girl Guides Association, Upper Town Hall, Melbourne, and should be clearly marked with the name 0 .1· the district whence they came. Tickets for admission to the Exhibition may be purchased from Metropolitan District Commissioners, Girl Guide and Boy Scout Headquarters.
The persons responsible for arranging and selling the exhi bits will be given name discs to admit them. It is requested that Guiders and Guides selling should wear uniform. A letter was received recently .from Lady Stradbroke asking about the progress of ·~ he 1932 competition .for the Cup, and abouL the wOl·k of t he Guide movement in VicLol'ia. It is cheering to be able to report 0 many entries for and such keen interest in the competition s. T here remain only a few more weeks now until the display, which we hope to make the best of its kind that has been seen in Melbourne. The General Committee, which is composed of Mrs. F. M. Faulkner (as convener) and Mrs. E. 1. Littlejohn, Miss Marie Mackinnon, Miss D. Morton and Miss S. H. Irving, as members, has appointed sub-commitees to deal with various branches of the Exhibition . Miss Ann Russell, of the Country Women's Association, has most kindly consented to act as convener of the judging committee, and she will be assisted by Mrs. E . 1. Littlejohn, Miss Marie Mackinnon will be in charge of the receipt and despatch of all exhibits, and Miss Myrtle Russell, of Billeting. Uniform name placards f or all districts will be provided by Miss D. Morton, and Miss Nora Parker is respon sibl e for the Tickets and Publicity sub-committee. When next "Matilda" appears the Exhibition will be in full swing, so hurry with that Handcraft. H. M. F. ALEXANDER.
Hobbies and W·ork Exhihition. On Saturday, October 8th, the Young People's Union of the Church Missionary Society will hold its Annual Hobbies and Work Exhibition in the Chapter House at the back of the Cathedral. This will be of special interest to girls as amongst the various attractions on view, there is to be shown pictures on "Guides and Scouts in Foreign Countries." Most of the articles on view will have been made by the members of the Y.P.U., and these will include hobbies of every description. The Exhibition commences at 2.45 p.m ., and the admittance is 3d. There are also open competitions for girls other than Y.P.U. member and full information can be obtained about this from the leaflets which will be left at Headquarters. Prizes will be distributed for these competitions during the afternoon.
Poland. In Poland nearly every Girl Guide Company is helping the unemployed, either in co-operation with the Committee for the Relief of Unemployment, or independently. In Zyrardow they have organised two spinning rooms at their Guide headquarters, where unemployed girls are earning a living by making linen. At Lwow the Guides have organised nurseries for the children of the unemployed, while at Lodz t he unemployed are making Girl Guide uniforms and wooden goods in shops which have been started for them by the initiative of the Guide organisation.
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lATILDA
August,
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"Consider the postage stamp. It secures success through its ability to stick to something till it gets there."
A Goodbye Rhyme. God bless the Brownies' ears and eyes That they may hear and see The sweetest sounds, the fairest sights Thro' all the years to be. God bless the Brownies' lips and hands That they may say and do Only those things that make the world More happy, kind and true. -M.S.
Are You Home To-Day? One way of collecting pennies . Brown Owl visits each Brownie in her home, knocks at the door (this is done by lifting up brooch ), and enquires "Are you at home to-day?" By way of answer, the Brown ie lifts one foot, and there is found the penny. If she has forgotten it, she says: "Not at home, but will be next Monday" (or day of Pack Meeting). -9th MALVERN P ACK .
The Wiseacre Gnome Speaks. Question: Would you tell me the size, color and shape of Semaphore flags ?-"Tawny". An. wer: Anyone wishing t hese particulal¡s will receive a pamphlet on the same on sending stamped addressed envelope to Miss V. Hill, 63 Ardmillan Road, Moonee Ponds, W.4. Question: If t hrough misunderstandin g a Brown Owl takes a child 7 years of age, what should she do ?-"New B.a." Answer: Firstly, B.a. should see the mother, explain the mistake, and suggest that the child att{end meetings perhaps once a month, no more, just to keep in touch with the Pack t ill she is of age. T he age for a Brownie is 8 years, and much trouble a nd di:;appointment to the child would be averted if Brown Owls would visit the mothers as soon as children come to the Pack, or before if possible, and get first hand information of age, etc. Yours smilingly, . -WISEACRE GNOME.
Something for Nothing. A Toadstool is looking for a home ! Any Pack that would like it please get in Louch with Miss E. Rushworth, Hopetoun Road, Toorak, S.E .2.
Ceremony for Giving Out Service Stars. Pack and B.a. are at oposite ends of hall. On the floor are 12 stepping stones ch alked, to represent each month of the year. Brownie hops up from stone to stone, and arrives before B.a. B.a.-This star is a sign of service rendered. You have helped other people. Brownie: Yes, Brown Owl. B.a.: You have slain Boggarts? Brownie (clapping first to right side and then to left): Yes, Brown Owl. B.a.: May this bright star for ever show That Brown ies help wh ere'er th ey go. She t hen fixes star on to Brownie's pocket. Brownie salutes, t hen runs back to the Pack. -S.M.
Those Wings! Brown Owls! Have you read the Great Brown Owl's words of wisdom, concerning the Golden Hand, or, as it is sometimes still more happily called, the Magic Hand? Those "words" appeared in last February and March issues of the Guider, so if you have missed these, procure them at once and let your Packs benefit by the advice and help contained in those articles. And did you notice in the new R.P .& O. (I hope you all have on e by now-a lovely orange cover for 1932 !) what it says concerning t he wearing of the Brownie Wings? And in VictOl'ia t here is a recommendation "that a Brownie should wear t he Golden Hand badge for at least three months in t h e P ack." ADRI ENNE PALING, Commissioner for Brownies. EXTRACT FROM LEITER OF E GLISH GU IDER. "At present half a dozen Brownies are busy growing seeds for part of t heir first class test. Last Sunday I discovered two of t hem holding t heir umbrellas over t he tiny green sh oots, because it was raining hard, and they were afraid the seedlings would be washed away." "Most of us teach too much and direct tOI) little .. ... .. "
_A~u~g~u~st~,~ 1~ 93~2_.____________________~M~A~T~I~ L~D~A~____________________________7
THE FLIGHT OF SEEDS. The scene opens near the Fairy Ring. All the fairies are there, some dancing together, some talking. Fairy Herald (sounds his tmmpet): Come hither, all fairies, 'tis New Year's eve; To-night our Queen will here receive The pleas for help you have to make, And with her Fees will council take. Come hither, come hither. Fairies all gather round the Fairy Ring, singing Gather round, each fairy sprite, To-night, tonight. Our Queen will hold her revels here. Good cheer, good cheer. Now see how every fairy runs, She comes, she comes. (E}nter Fairy Queen). All-Greetings, your Majesty. Fairy Queen (ascending her throne-Is it a toadstool? ) Greetings, my fairy Fees and Knights! Before we go to fresh delights, Have any troubles here to bring? We'll solve them e'er our songs we sing. Fairies-from-barren-places (announced by Herald) : Your majesty, we have no seed. We cannot grow the things we need. The desert still is bare and dry, The coral isles, howe'er we try Will grow no plant, nor tree, nor flower Unless we give them seed this hour. Fairy QueenAnd have you all prepared the ground? Have soil and water both been found?" (Some fairies hang their heads and murmur "No." They creep away.) The Rest: We've done all that j your Majesty. We beg you, won't you come and see? Fairy Queen-I come. Meanw hile, you fairies of the trees And plants and flowers these moments seize. At our next Council let us know How you propose the seeds to sow.
SCENE II Opens on a scene of great animation as the fairies play around with the new seeds. Fairy QueenCome each of you in turn to show How you have made your seeds to grow. Date FairyPray taste of this, your Majesty! (all fairies taste and murmur "delicious.") Travellers when this fruit they see Carry it to distant lands, And leave the stone on desert sands. Fairy QueenWell done! But what is happening there? Sweet Pea FairyWe're popping seeds into the air! Bun-wood FairyYour Majesty, hold out your arm, We swear you will not come to harm. A burr is stuck on the Queen's arm. All the fairies have to help to get it off again. Cocoanut Palm FairyAnd I have given my seeds a boat In which to distant lands they float. (She floats a cocoanut in a magic basin of water in front of the Queen. Fairies fan it across.) Sycamore FairyAnd I have given wings to mine. See in the sunlight how they shine! (She scatters a handful and the fairies blow them around). Dandelion FairyBut look, your Majesty, at thisJust like a little fairy kiss! (She puffs her ball. All the fairies laugh and try to catch the "blow", and so trying they all dance off the stage). Curtain. Adapted from the story in "The Guider," Sept. 1927, by M.H.J. NOTE-If Brown Owls wish to shorten or .., lengthen this they can easily do so for themsE:lves) .
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Guiders' Conference. The 5th Victorian Guiders' Conference will be held on S~turday, 17th September, 1932, in the Arts BUIlding at the University of Melbourne. The. Conference. is being arranged by a CommIttee of GUIders, representative of the six Metropolitan Divisions, and will begin with luncheon at 1 p.m. iIi the Cafeteria. The programme will be as follows:2 p.m .-Opening. ' 2.30-Group Discussions. 4. - Country Dancing. 4.30-Summing Up. 6. -Tea. 7.30-Singing, Discussions will take place in small groups under a group leader, and will include the following subjects:I-Is there too much red tape in Guiding? 2-Are we playing the Game of Guiding as the Chief Scout meant it to be played '! 3-Are we using the out-of-doors? 4-;Are we in danger of being smug? GUIders are asked to ponder these questions beforehand and come to the Conference prepared to give bright ideas on each subject. In order to select a Committee for the Conference and other similar activities in 1933 Guiders in each Division are requested t~ nominate one Guider to represent them. These nominations, one for each Division, must reach Headquarters by 7th September. So that the catering arrangements may be more satisfactorily dealt with this year, it has been decided to issue tea tickets. Guiders therefore, who wish to have meals at th~ Cafeteria, must purchase their t ickets before the Conference. All such money must reach Headquarters by September 7th (Lunch 1/ 3, Tea a 1 / -). No meals will be served without tea tickets. Guiders who want their tickets sent to them must include postage, otherwise they will be obtainable at Headquarters or at the conference. Will Guiders please bring 3d. to cover cost of postage, etc., and wear name discs? Railway concessions will be available for Guiders travelling singly or in parties, and hospitality can be arranged if required for country Guiders. Names of Guiders requiring either must be sent to Headquarters hy 7th September. JOAN HARPER, Secretary to Guiders' Committec.
Patrol Emblems. THE WARATAH. There are two kinds of Waratah in Australia. The New South Wales Waratah is well known, but the Victorian species is not so familiar. The latter is found in East Gippsland where it grows to a height of twenty or m()l'~ fâ&#x201A;Źet, forming a fine spreading tree. The red flower. although conspicuous. is much smalle,' than that of the New South Wales species. The decorative value of these plants has been re-
August, 1932.
cognised by all the arts and crafts. The name is of aboriginal origin. As the New South Wales waratah is the better known variety, and is the emblem o[ the Girl Guides of that State, it will be selectcd for description. The waratah is a stout, erect shrub six to eight feet high. The leaves, which are placerl alternately on the stem, are dark green and arc Il'om five to ten inches long. The upper edge~ l!re toothed, and the whole leaf is often twisted sideways to the sun. This protects the flat surface of the leaf from the direct rays of heat, and helps to preserve the water supply of the plant. A similar arrangement occurs in the eucalypts or gum trees. The flower s of the waratah are crimson . Each large sh?wy head is not one single blossom, but consIsts of many small flowers, which are closely arranged in alternate pairs on the t h ickened end of t he stem. The flower buds are protected by small green bracts or leave8, and the whole head surrounded by large colored bracts which are a prominent feature of the waratah. The flowers are borne on short curved stalks, and the four petals are joined so as to form an irregular tube split on the outer side, through which the long curved pistil sticks out. The pistil is the ovary or seed box. There are four stamens or pollenbearers. The waratah is well supplied with honey. This attracts many birds and insects who in their turn assist the plant by ditsributing pollen. The gorgeous l'ed colour of the waratah serves to attract ho~ey - eaters, whose long, curved beaks can eaSIly reach the honey in each flower tube. The fruit has a pod like case which splits open on the inner side when ripe. The seeds are beautifully packed in either side, with their 10!1g membranous wings overlapping. These wmgs are at one end of the seed, and greatlv a~s!st in the flight from the parent plant by glvmg the seed a continuous spiral motion which prevents it falling to the ground. The Waratah is one of Australia's most handsome wildflowers, and is now rigidly prote!!ted . But it may be grown as a garden plant WIth care in certain localities. The best way for. a patrol to become acquainted with the pecuhal~ ~ower structure of t he waratah is by exammmg a good specimen . The flowers ap pear in October. J.H.
A Joke for "Matilda"! A MESSAGE RELAY RACE. The original message: "Twelve awkward alba~rossE!s wit~ twenty-four short legs and thIrtY-SIx babIes, flew to Alaska and baCK agairt." Results: 1. "Twelve awkward albatl'oss with sixtv short legs and sixty babies went to Alaska and back again." 2. Twenty albatrosses and pilgrims with leng legs flew to Alaska and back." a. "Five flosses flee to WaiteI' and hack." 4. "Twelve lobsters with twenty-six leg-s running round twice." -M.H,
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Answers to Nature Questions.
The Useful Article.
SE CON D SER IES . 1. Because the female robin, if similarly coloured, would attract enemies to the nest. 2. Round eggs are laid by such birds as parrots and owls, which nest in deep hollows. Other eggs are pointed at one end so as t.o prevent t hem rolling far. T his is particularly noticeable in t he case of sea birds' eggs, for the slightest touch would send them rolling over the side of the cliff if they were round in shape. 3. To escape t he direct rays of the sun, which would otherwise extract too much moisture from t he leaves. 4. T he Sassafras tl¡ee. It grows from a tree fern. 5. T he cat. Because they lack adequate means of defence. 6. From t he seal' shaped like a horse-sho0., which marks the place on the stern where the leaf falls off. 7. Sirius, the Dog Star, in Canis Major. 8. The Duck's bill, which is flat in shape, has sieves inside it and also on the tongue. This enables the duck to sift its food from muddy water. 9. A moth is clumsier and heavier in '.he body than a butterfl y, and its feelers lack t he little knobs at t he end which distinguish the latter. Also, all butterflies fly by day; most moths by night. 10. It is used as a balancer when the kangaroo hops. 11. The mistletoe. 12. The blue wren has t hree toes in front, and one behind. This is characteristic of the family of perching birds. The parrot has two toes in front and two behind, because its feet are used for climbing. -J.H.
A few months ago a Guide Captain asked t hrough "The Guider" for some alternatives to making a morse flag. The problems of Guiders a ll over t he world seem curiously alike, and we often ask that question too. Before going into a list of alternatives we have to realise that it is only for the exceptional case t hat any alternative is necessary, and a lthough we all agree that our company is noth ing if not different from all others, still in t his case we can see that most Guides will gain a good deal from making the flag. It is interesting to note that the making of t he morse flag comes not under the heading of Handcraft (where most of us mentally put it) but under the heading of Service. When we realise t hat both the knowledge gained by making the article, and the article itself when finished are to be used for others, we shall see t hat few t h ings COVel' the ground as making a morse flag does. If we are going to teach signalling, and not merely the morse alphabet, every Guide in the Company needs a flag . We know t hat we learn signalling so that we can send messages to each other both for pleasure and in a case of emergency, but no Guide will ever be of much use in a case of real need if she has got through the test by borrowing her P .L.'s flag for the occasion, and perhaps once 01' twice beforehand. It will not be the fault of that Guide if Signalling means to her, not a service, but an effort of memory, now happily a thing of t he past. Still there is this exceptional Company where the Guides have inherited a complete supply of fl ags from older sisters, and for them is this alternative test. It is not possible to choose an exact equivalent-some things are easier, and some harder to make, than a flag; but anyt hing chosen must include sewing . It must be something that will be useful to the Company (see Rules), but it is not necessary for the entire company to use it at once, as they could not do that with a flag. In each case the measurements should be written down and kept by the Guide, and the article should be quite accurate, just as the flag is. Surely a :flag, 01' some other article, well made, and lasting and able to stand any test of accuracy is a t hing to be .proud of, and the effect of havinr: done one thmg perfectly may do more for our Guides than we know. The standard of :neatness, good sewing, and accuracy must be the highest the Guide i,s capable of. Wp do not want to make it easy for ('hildren, the doing of a hard job well is more fun than any poame ever invented; and any Guider who has been privileged to assist her Guides run an entertainment, or plan a camp, will endorse the statement that no ideal is too lofty. no stannard to high, for them to aim at. It is hal"l for the Captain to fail a child who has '~rietl hard and nroduced a flag half an inch too short. but it is far harder for that same Cal)tain to feel t hat she has allowed the chilrl '~o accept t he second best as good enoun:h. Altern atives. Fla!! Case, made of waterproof material, to I(('ep the Union Jack or Company Flflg' in.
The Post Box. It has been dec ided t hat all Guides desiring cOl'l'espondence links should enclose a twopenny stamp when co::::municating with t he Post Box. It is understood that Guides without the assistance of the Post Box are c01'l'esponding with other Guides, and it is desired that a record b::! made of these, and Captains 3re therefore required to forward particulars giving r:ame and address of such Guides and 'her correspondent. Thp. Post Box has two Guides from Finland wishing pen friends, also many American Girl Scouts who are very eager fOl' friends in Australia. and two Guides from Western Australia. T he Post Box has been unable to place t h ese, and wou ld be pleased to heal' of any Guides wanting t hese links. DORI S M. SLEIGH, Head of Post Box. 24 Wallace Avenue, Toorak, S.E.2.
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Individual Groundsheets-lined and bound round edge. Patrol Curtains. Haversacks-measurements given, or pattern. Cupboard-this must have curtains to provide sewing. Tablecloth for Company or Patrol. Palliasse-made to measure, with flap and fastening. Doll's garments, to teach Health Rules and Child Nurse. Semaphore Flags-two Guides could join and make one each. Cushions for Company-made to measurements. Union Jack-Guide could take one portion and be responsible for it. Wall Pockets-for keeping test cards in. Box for Keeping Colour in camp. First Aid Chest for Camp-must have curtains. Doll's bed, for bedmaking practice in company meetings. A good many other alternatives can be found in recent issues of "The Guider," but here are fifteen to go on with. -D.H.
A Ranger Gasps. The Mysteriously Diminishing Butterscotch belonging to the Desk of the Head of Equipment at the Guide Office. The Committee responsible for tha~ Phenomenon. The desperate Trunk Calls to various Country Boarding Houses made by that Committee. .. The despair. The hope. The despair. The success. The booking of "Wildwood," Belgrave, for. the King's Birthday Week-end for MetropolItan Rangers. The righteous joy of that Committee. The corresponding Joy in the Hearts of fifty-odd Rangers . . . The Inevitable Complications. The cursings. The cancellings. The remark: "Really, we're doing Camper's License work if the Head of Training only realised it." The heartfelt chorus of agreement ... The great Day! The departure at Dawn of the Committee for Wildwood. The Following at Noon of fifty-odd excited Rangers. The Shoving of a few Late Arrivals into the rapidly moving train by an Equally Rapidly Moving Porter. The remarks-"First Melbourne, of course." "Are Rangers ever punctual?" The arrival. The Ecstatic Joy of the Committee. The equally ecstatic division into rooms and patrols. The Country Dancing. The afternoon tea. The Country Dancing. The walk. The Country Dancing. The tea. The Country Dancing. The Camp Fire Stunts in Patrols. The vision of Miss Campbell, alTayed as the portly king, in "Three Pirates." The Joy. of Miss Barfus at This Vision. The stentorIan tones of J ones,-Clfor the Committee, Rangers." The Biscuits. The Apple (singular). The hot-water bottle of Miss Barfus. The Ditto of Miss Wilson. The even More Ditto of Miss Campbell. The country d - - SOlTY, I mean, the lightsout whistle. . •
The reveille whistle at (we surmise) 6.30 a.m. The colours hoisted carefully and SeaRangerily. Ti)e Country Dancing. The breaking of fast in sessions. The Country Dancing. The walk. The Country Dancing. The churchgoing. The C.D. The large dinner. The C.D ... (Heavens, sez the Editor! Where am I, sez the compositor!) The Rangers' Own run splendidly by the Committee. The delightful and satisfying reading-aloud of Miss Barfus-"Wind in the Willows," of course. The 10.30 whistle. The Argumentative Scufflings of our Staff struggling for the bathroom after Lights Out. . . Monday. The sudden Meteoric Appearance of the Commissioner for Rangers and the State Secretary fpr breakfast. The cheers. The Co,\nh·y Dancing. The packing. The Country Dancing. The cheers for the Committee . . . . And the well-earned and righteous snores of that Committee in their Little Beds that Night. . . R.H.
Rangers To give RANGER GUIDERS an opportunity to meet Miss K. M. Wilson, Red Cord Diploma Guider from Imperial Headquarters, an EVENING has been arranged for TUESDAY, 30th August, 1932, at 7.45 p.m. at the home of Miss Sheila Cameron, 65 Pakington Street, Kew, E4. (Tram to Princess Street, Kew, then small yellow bus to corner of Pakington and Eglinton Street-the house is on the corner, and has a tower). Miss Cameron will unfortunately be away, but has asked Miss Bush, Commissioner for Training, to take her place. Miss Cameron hopes that all Ranger Guiders will be able to be present; will Captains please tell their Lieutenants? A Committee of Ranger Guiders will be responsible for the arrangements, and they have asked that each Guider who is able ·~o ·:ome should bring enough for her own supper; tea, milk and sugar will be provided. Will all who are coming please inform Miss Margaret Patience, 16 Mason Avenue, Elwood, S.3 (Tel. L5276) before 19th August? The Committee will be glad if at the same time, Guiders would send in questions on which they would like Miss Wilson to speak. SHEILA M. CAMERON, Commissioner for Rangers.
Bird Lists. In connection with the new second class nature test, a Lone Guider from the country is anxious to obtain lists of birds from the following districts, to assist with her testing : Swan Hill, Wangaratta, Shepparton, Cohuna and Bendigo. Will Guiders who live in .11" near these districts help "Matilda" by sending in lists of any birds they may have seen?
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Studley Park Reserve. It does not seem to be generaHy understood by Guiders what are the regulatIons covering the use by Guides of the Studley Park Reserve for their Guide activities. The following are the regulations which par- â&#x20AC;˘ t icularly affect parties of Guides using the grounds, and Guiders are asked to be most particular in seeing that they are carried out in every respect: "Guiders in the metropolitan area must first seek to obtain a firelighting permit before fires are lit in Studley Park and all such applications addressed to Mr. E. Luly, Land s Department, Treasury Place, Melbourne, C.2, will receive prompt attention. "No permit will be granted to any person, company, club or the like to gather fuel at the park. In all cases fuel sufficient for purpose in view must be brought in by applicant, and fires must only be lit where directed (i.e., at the gravel holes near the eastern boundary fence, on the slope near Studley Park Road, and on the high ground about midway between Johnston Street bridge road and the river). "These steps have been taken solely with the object to preserve tree growth from damage or destruction, either by deliberate or t houghtless act, as well as lessening the great rIsk of grass fires during t he summer." Although the fireplaces are not always found in the state one would wish, after others have used them, Guides will, of course, in all cases, clear up in the Guide way after they have finished. The nermits issued on application specify that i'the a.shes must be flooded with water." It is to be noted that the firelighting permit covers a period of several months, so Guiders need not have the trouble of applyin~ for permission on each separate occasion, provided they remember to take the permit with them each time they go to th e park. -S.H.I.
Croydon Quarry. Will Guiders please note that the quarry at Croydon, at which they have been accustomed to hike, is now closed to the public. It has, of course, always been private property, but until just recently the lessee of the prooerty has been willing to allow people to use it for picnics, etc. However, as it now has a number of horses and young colts grazing there, he is no longer able to allow people to use it as for merly. S. H. IRVING.
ONE THOUSAND BEAUTIFUL THINGS. About three months ago a Guide'!' asked u s to order for her a copy of Arthur Mee's "One Thousand Beautiful Things." Would you, w hoever it is, please get in tou ch with us about the book, the price of which is 10 / -. S.H.I.
11
Training. The next course of Guide Training will begin on MONDAY, 5th SEPTEMBER, 1932, at the Guide Office at 8 p.m. A Course of Brownie Training began on Thursday, 4th August, with Miss Paling in charge. The last Ranger Course for this year began on 28th July, and is held on Fridav evenings at the Guide Office. The 27th Victorian Training Week will be held from 3rd to 10th JANUARY, 1933 and will be in charge of Miss K. M. Wilson' Red ' Cord Diploma. M. E. BUSH, Commissioner for Training.
APPOINTMENTS. Division CommissionerWangaratta, etc.-Miss Margory Syme, Clear Creek, Wangaratta. District CommissionerBrighton-Mrs. F. S. Cobb, 100 Were St. S5. Wangaratta-Mrs. Hubert Docker, Bontharambo House, Wartgaratta. District SecretariesHorsham-Miss H. Appleton. Learmonth-Miss M. Rain. Waubra-Miss Knox.
WARRANTS.
Brown Owls2nd Ararat-Miss E. Leonard. 1st Foster-Miss L. S. Walstrom. 1st Kerang-lV,liss K. M. Hawthorne. 3rd Prahran-Miss G. Oxley. Tawny Owls5th Kew-Miss M. G. Lambert. 1st Maryborough-Miss L. Dickson. Captains2nd Armadale-Miss F. Franklands. 1st Birchip-Miss L. Lockwood. 2nd Collingwood-Miss J. Macneil. 8th Geelong (St. David's )- Miss W. Finnin. 8th Kew (1st M.L. C.).-Miss L. Kelleway_ 1st Kyabram-Miss J. Gillespie. Lieutenants1st Hastings- Miss J. Hodgins. 1st Hawthorn- Miss 1. Watson. 1st NOl'thcote-Miss B. Cerutty. 1st Tallangatta-Miss L. Collins. Miss J. Moncrieff. 1st Violet Town-Miss B . Clarke. Ranger Captains1st Burwood-Miss G. Goodbrand. 1st Casterton-Miss P. Seymour. 1st Kyabram-Mrs. Gunn.
REGISTRATIONS.
Packs. 1st Colac (St. Andrews). 1st Dromana. 1st Noorat 1st Yarrawonga Companies. 2nd Coburg (St. Alban's). 1st Molesworth 1st Dromana. 4th Northcote 1st East Melbourne (Cairns Memorial). Ranger Com l)anies. 1st Arawatta. 1st Benalla. Local Associations Learmonth . Pomborneit Toolamba Waubl'a Whorouly.
12 MAT I LD A -----------------------------------
August, 1932.
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What Is It?
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The following description of a strange bird has been sent in to "Matilda." "It is a little bigger than a starling in size; black with a big white patch on t h e top of its head, and at the front of its neck. It has a long beak." From the description it seems most like a magpie-lark or mudlark. The starling is 8~ inches in length, and the magpie-lark is 10~. The male has a black throat, and the female a white. Otherwise the two birds are similar, and have a black and white plumage. Their legs are long and stilt-like. J.H.
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At the "Get-Together" evening held in the P .G.A. Hall on July 27th, over 50 Brownie Guiders "got' there and exercised their limbs and minds with singing, general and test game;;. . and stories. Supper was not sixpence, as previously stated, but threepence. Hurrah!
Boy"
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