Matilda 1934 vol 11 no 01 jul 2nd by Girl Guides Victoria

Vol. 11, No. 1.

JULY 2, 1934.

AN Ol?F H ' IAL TREAS Unr; lU G OF ar: IDERS' INFO IUJ A'l'ION FOlt

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MATILDA.

July,

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Volume XI.

JULY, 1934.

Number One.

LEGEND, SONG AND DANCE. A burning branch sets light to the pile of faggots gathered earlier in the day by bU15y hands. In the fire's glow figures are seen -making an animated picture. Night scents float on the air as evening falls, and bird calls to bird across the valley. Now the first chill breeze after the warmth of sun-set is felt, and more brambles are tossed on the camp-fire, adding cheer to the happy folk encircling the blaze. Tales are called for, and, while late-comers squeeze a way among the crowding groups, the voice of the camp story-teller is heard, and a hush of enhantment quells a chattering of the listeners. A way on the wings of fancy, encouraged by the witching hour 'twixt light and dark, the teller takes his followers. Throughout the ages, in every land have such scenes as the above been enacted, when the spoken word held sway. "Soother-of-care," the Malay calls his village story-teller. Perhaps it is some racial memory of myriad village-gatherings that stirs within us as we sit about a camp-fire, and makes the moments strangely sweet when listening, maybe, to a folk-tale or singing in chorus. How came the folk-lore that associates itself with these age-old scenes? Folk-tales have been styled "little novels of child-like intellect," but, often, wrapped in charming simplicity, where no sharp line is drawn between natural and supernatural, lies some great verity. Jane Harrison, in "Ancient Art and Ritual," unfolds the history of the legend. Nature, she says, is dominated by the existence of periodic events such as the seasons, hence arise the spring festivities during which the l'ite of farewelling winter and welcoming spring is performed. At certain stages of development of almost any race, as if by spontaneous generation, the spring ritual is evolved. Among primitive people the winter is a time of dread, and spring represer.ts re-birth and hope. In their great longing the simple folk collectively discharge their emotion and do what is wanted done. To this day in Macedonia the farmers dig and sow their fields, and then all join in dancing, and leaping, and throwing of spades in the air, with the cry, "May the crops grow as high as the spades." It is the "will to live" that is uttered and represented by the Australian aborigine in his emu dance and other ceremonies. As soon as the season of fertility comes he begins hi s rites with the avowed object of making plants ' and animals grow, for by these his tribe will grow and multiply. He puts on emu feathe 's

and gazes vacantly about him like an emu bird. He imitates the chrysalis of his favorite grub in order to promote its growth. Dancing round the maypole (originally a green bough) was a custom to foster the bursting buds of spring. Not only do we find spring greeted, but drastic action is taken tv drive out winter (or death). In Thiiringen to-day, the young people make a figure of straw, dress it in old clothes, carry it out and throw it into the river. When they return they tell the good news to the village and are given e~gs . and food as a reward. The song they smg IS: "We have carried away Death, And brought back Life." The coming back of life, in this case, is only announced, not enacted, showing a passing from reality to imagery. The Puppet, the May Queen, or the Death, gives rise to the personification of the Spirit of the particular festival. So from perceiving the simple mint! comes dimly to conceiving. In this way a kind of daimon, or spirit, is fashioned, who dies and lives again in a perpetual cycle. The periodic festival begets a perennial god. Emotion of the whole band of villagers is centred on the leader, or spirit, of the festival. We are familiar with the Greek story of Persephone, who is carried below the Earth and summoned to rise again year by year. This occurs on Greek vase-painting. Out of a mound of earth is seen a woman's figure rising, and all around are dancing dremons welcoming her. It comes from things done, and depicts the expression of an undeveloped people. The ever-fresh tale of Red Riding Hood, probably of Indian origin, but known to many younger races, is an interesting account of the periodic coming of dawn. Red Riding Hood (the color of her hood indicates the celestial origin) represents the Dawn. She is devoured by the Wolf, whose shining fur, bright eyes, white teeth and destroying might of jaws prove he is the Sun. The Dawn dies and the Dawn is born again. ' "Oh! What a fright I've had! How dark it was in there!" exclaims the rosy little maid when released. Anatole France has given us interpretations of French folk-tales-passed down from races of great antiquity-which to many, if they have not guessed the deeper meaning of the stories. may com as a realisation. "Beauty and the Beast," "The White Cat," "Sleeping I!eauty," . "Puss in Boots," "Hop 0' My Thumb" belong- to the group of Aryan tales s'y mbolising the perpetual strife between Winter and Summer.

MATILDA.

We have seen that the spirit, once conceived, will always be made again in the mental image of the perceived fact. In place of things done we get personification, or gods worshipped. These become incorporated in the religion of the people. Myths grow round the original leaders in the subsequent years. Legend, song and dance, therefore, arose out of the collective needs and desires of life itself, a fact which gives ample reason for the ever-green interest in folk-lore. There is a fundamental likeness underlying this lore in every country, a unity in diversity with essential sameness but with individuality given by local setting. In ancient palace, negro cabin, forest hut, village green, or by campfire has this simple and direct art offered escape not only from but into life. This lore is essentially dramatic and gives us a key to the ideas and powers, beliefs and customs of the primitive folk. The value of popular traditions is now realised, just when they are beginning to disappear before modern civilisation. India, the home of some of the oldest lore, reveals "hothouse" qualities-colorful, abundant. Norsemen are influenced by the mystery of the long, dark nights and strange, woods from which emerge wicked Trolls to torment mankind. Celtic art abounds in fairies, elves and dwarfs, but has, too, quaint humor. Almost every known animal is introduced in African tales, and animals are the chief characters in Australian, Negro and Roumanian stories. The French display a kind of refined mockery and the unreal life of court and ballroom. The Chinese delight in magic, as in "The Talking Bird" "The Magic Pillow." "William Tell," usua'ny attributed to Swiss origin, has i~s counterpart in Denmark and Norway. Icelandic lore is similar to that of other northern European countries. Modern Greek tales are a mixture of east and west, sometimes like Arabian Nights entertainment and sometimes like Norse tales. In spite of the political divisions of Europe the lesser nations have preserved their soul in song. Such names as bards. skalds, gleemen, minstrels, ballad singers, minnesingers, mei stersingers, troubadours, and trouveres reveal to us the popularity of the leaders of countryside singing. From the end of the first century German tribes had both short poems and long narrative poems in which the people de lighted. From that. time there h~s been. a long succession of smgers and an mcreasmg number of songs. Folk music is orally transmitted, purely m elodic and exists for one of two purposes, poetry or d'ancing. Design, balance, climax inevitably show the ordered balance of these songs. â&#x20AC;˘ There is always a permanency about them. ann a strong national flavor. Possibly Ireland has oroduced the most beautiful folk music. Every incident from the cradle to the grave is ref! ected in it. It is said there are over 5000 folk songs in England alone, showing the breadth of this ancient stream. The lyric poems require vivid and emotional music for ilhlstration, the nana-

July, 1934..

tive poems, often long and unemotional, ask for short tunes good enough to stand endless repetition . Singers of folk songs exist in England within an hour's journey of London, and they sing narrative and other poems exactly as their forefathers have sung them f01' nearly a thousand years. Expressiori of social emotions has found an outlet in the dance from time immemorial. The problem of appeasing the unseen powers, and directing their forces into u seful channels resolves itself into collective rhythmic movements of more or less complexity. Dancing, like language, is part of the society with which it has grown up, and thel'e are usually two groups of dances among tribal races. One serves purely human needl>, and the other is used in magico-religious rite.;. Of the social dances there are those associated with the mysteries of birth, initiation into the tribe of young men and women, marriage, initiation into secret 50cieties of men, and war. The religious dances surround worship of the particular deity, the sun, the moon, fire, ances, tors, and they are associated with the getting of food, hunting, fishing, rain; and, lastly, they are used in sickness to exorise demons, and in funeral rites connected with death and the laying of the ghost, Efforts are being made to collect folk dances of European races, but especially in England is there a great revival of this art, and it i5 not surprising when we learn that the English were once considered "the dancing English cal'rying a fair presence." There are two types of traditional dances in England (as there are in tribal dancing)Morris and Country. The first is spectacular, and danced by men only, It may have been a religious dance at one time. Certainly it is ceremonious and formal, and the few dancers engaged in it must be strong and show great flexibility, yet be lissome and graceful. There is a total lack of love motive and the players do not touch one another. It is essentially not a pleasure dance, but part of some ritual. A special dress, varying in each village, is required, and the dancers are considered profes, sional on account of their unusual agility. The Country Dance is quite different. and forms part of the everyday social life. There is no ceremony, but all join in when the spirit of merriment is abroad. In ordinary dress, the couples dance in parallel lines. Coquetry lies at the root of all the dance figures. which are simple and easily learned. so that any may take part. "Ladies, will you be pleased t o dance a Count ry Dance or two, for 'tis that which makes you truly sociable and us truly hanpy," runs the old order. This dance is p eculiar to England, and is full of national spirit when performed in a village setting. Other countries have adopted some of these recreative, homely dances for their own use. The intimacy and quiet repose of them make them worthy of use in our own restless age, when a return to simple pleasure is sought. Dancing is the most elemental and universal ' of the fine art s, for there is in the nature of things a law of dancing which at crises of great happin e!'ls or exal t ation set s the thought:>

July, 1934.

MATILDA.

and emotions leaping rhythmically to time . Possibly there has not been at any other time in t he course of civilisation such a conscious effort to recapture the fast-disappearing folk lore of t he people. While the progress of science may account for the rapid change in the minds and habits of the masses, it also has given means for gathering thi3 l'Jrecious art, and, too, the clear vision that apprehends, its value to mankind. Educationists realise the appeal that the best of this art has and use folk-dancing, not only for its inherent beauty, but to correct ungraceful movements often gained by other physical exercise, such as "the hockey-walk," "the rowing slouch," "the military clothes-prop stride." Composers have appreciated and used folk melodies in their works for centuries but. of late, there has been a growing love for the songs a~d ballads among the public. Fairy tales derived from folk lore have been beloved by all, and new "finds" are being added to collections which are more widely read than ever. Let us encourage our garden-dancing, om' camp-fire gatherings, our group singing; let us understand the history of this lore and see the significance of each little work; let us not lose the precious beauty of the simple art, but seek to keep fresh the child-like outlook of the poet" and enjoy the dance, the song, 01' the tale for itself. Then shall we be never too old, never too wise, even if asked to believe in Tom Thumb, of whom it is said: "His shirt was made of butterflies' wings; His boots were made of chickens' skins; His coat and breeches were made with pride, A tailor's needle hung by his side; A mouse for a horse he used to ride." AMY DICKINSON (Mus.Bac.)

Guide Village News. COMPETITIONS. What about the Competitions to be held in connection with the Village? Have you started working for them yet? Here they are: 1. A singing Round with Music. 2. A short Story (not exceeding 2500 words) . 3. A poem. 4. A design suitable for a Christmas card. RULES FOR ENTRY. (a) Entrance fee for each entry in any of the Competitions-6d. (b) A prize of 10 /6 to be awarded to the winner in each section. (c) Competitions open to all enrolled members of t he Guide Association in Australia. (d) All matter entered to become the property of the Guide Association. (e) The decision of the Judges to be final. (f) All entries to be accompanied by entrance fee 6d ., also name a.nd address of entrant. (g) All entries to be in by July 31st. Address to Miss Sheila M.acLeod, Guide Headquarters, 60 Market St., Melbourne, C.l.. and labelled "Village Competition." Now do let us have hundreds of entries,

there is plenty of talent in the Guide Move· ment. Think of the PRIZE t hat you might win and also that every entry helps to swell the Fund for our Guide Camp House. ', R. E . FAULKNER, Village , Architect.

Guide House Fund. During the last month the Fund has really started to grow, and now amounts to £467 / 11 /t:. The following is a list of donations:£ s. d. o 10 0 1st Apollo Bay Company .. .. .. 020 Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 060 1st and 4th Bendigo Camp . . .. 1 11 6 Bird Talk by Miss Joan Harper .. Beaufort Local Association .. . . 985 Bridge Party arranged by Misses Janet Landale and Betty Clarke 17 1 4 1st Clyde, Company , .. .. .. . . 0 10 0 5th Caulfield Company .. .. .. 2 13 6 Camberwell North District .. 3 5 0 Castlemaine District '.. .. . . .. 2 3 .1 2nd Canterbury .. .. .. .. .. .. 0 10 0 Cohuna District .. .. .. . ' ., .. 3' 0 0 2nd East Malvern Guides & Rangers 10 0 0 2nd E lsternwick Company 1 10 ,) Miss A. Embling .. .. .. .. 2 2 0 Ferntl'ee Gully District .. .. 27 0 U Fitzroy District .. .. .. .. 2 10 1 Walter and Eliza Hall Trust. . 20 0 0 Kerang District .. . , .. . . . . .. 10 0 0 Lone Guides and Rangers .. .. .. 10 0 0 Malvern District . . . . .. .. .. 25 0 0 1st Mortlake .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 0 10 0 Oakleigh & Murrumbeena District .. 11 8 i) Preston District .. .. .. ., .. .. .. 35 0 0 Richmond & East Melbourne District 3 3 0 "Sun News Pictorial" .. .. .. . .256 4 5 1st Surrey Hills Rangers .. .. 1 0 () St. Kilda District .. .. .. . . .. .. 2 2 0 Swan Hill Local As~ociation .. .. " 8 0 0 Wimmera Division .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 1 (j S. H. IRVING, State Secretary.

HONOURS FOR THE CHIEF GUIDE. All Victorian Guiders will be delighted to hear of the presentation of the Silver Wolf to thG Chief Guide, Lady Baden-Powell. The Silv~r Wolf is the highest decoration of the Boy Scouts. The presentation was made by Lord Hampton, Chief Commissioner of the Boy Scouts Association of Great Britain at the County Commissioners' Conference held at Girl Guide Headquarters in London. Dear Matilda, The appointment of Lady Chauvel as State Commissioner is one which brings a glow of nleasure to the hearts of all Victorian Guiders. Lady Chauvel has for so long identified herself with the Movem,ent, and has given so much to it in "thought. word and deed" that we feel it is the fitting climax to her consistent interest and effort. May we through your columns offer to our State Commissioner our goodwill and best wishes, and hope that her term of office may be a long and' hanpy one? On behalf of the Guiders of Victoria, yours, etc .. MARION SINCLAIR.

ld:ATILDA

July, 1934.

NEST OF MISTLETOE-BIRD.

What to Look for In July. "High travelling winds, filled with the strong storm's soul, Are here, with dark, strange sayings from the Pole; Now is the time when every g-reat cave rings With sharp, clear echoes caught from mOUlLtain springs." (Kendall) Nodding GrÂˇe enhood Orchid. Stately Helmet Orchid. Spurred Helmet Orchid. Early Nancy or Harbinger of Spring. Almond blossom, and visiting wattle-birds. Song of E'nglish thrush. Courtesy of blackbirds. Return of greenfinches. New Constellations. Lyra (the Lyre), with its bright star Vega. P ixis Australis (the Southern Fish) with its brilliant star Fomalhaut. Grus (the Crane). Phcenix (the Phcenix). Indus (the Indian). Plane.ts. Jupiter is the only conspicuous evening planet. Venus is still a morning "star." Mars is neal' the sun. Saturn is rising late.

THE THRUSH'S SONG. In the winter-time, in town, we may listen for the song of the English thrush, a bird that seems to rejoice in cold weather and rain. Introduced from Engla,nd many years, ago, the Mavis (as he is often called) has settled down happily in our suburban parks, and is a welcome friend in every garden he frequents. In May he commences to sing, and the beautiful song is continued right through the winter. He likes to sing best of all perched on the tip of a tall tree or chimney, especially in the early morning and evening. Each bird keeps to his own singing place throughout the season, and wind or rain makes no difference to the song. Many people have tried to catch the thrush';, song in verse. Perhaps this is the best effort. "There, there, there (so he sang); Can't you see it, can't you see it, can't you see it? Love is the secret, the secret! Could you but know it, did you but know it! Hear me, hear me, hear me! Down in the forest I loved her! Sweet, sweet, sweet! Would you but listen, I would love you! All is sweet and pure and good! Twilight and morning dew, I love it, I love it, Do you, do you, do you 1" (S. R. Crockett)

Following a description of the mistletoe-bird in last month's issue, a Guider sent in a nest of one of these rarely-seen birds which she had found at Eltham. Not more than two ill' three inches long, it was made of fine felted material, and was hung from a twig of mistletoe like a little knotted purse. It was covered on the top, the entrance being in t he side, similar to the nests of thornbills and blue wrens. The whole nest was so minute and so delicatelY made that it could easily have been rolled up, and enclosed in one's hand without damaging it. With the nest came a stem from a tree, showing a mistletoe seed just commencing to germinate. It had probably been placed there by a mistletoe bird when it wiped its beak on the bark.

WINTER WILDFLOWERS. Winter is not without its wildflowers, although there is not the lavish display we look for in the spring. On the heathlands there is white and pink heath (epacris) in abundance, and correa, red and green. Correa is often called Native fuschia on account of its long bell-shaped flowers which are full of honey. The most common variety around Melbourne is the green correa-the red is found about Clunes, though both kinds are now cultivated in gardens. ~hese winter wildflowers provide food for the honey-eaters during the cold months. Their most frequent visitor is the spinebill honey-eater, with his long curved bill, which has earned for him the name of Cobbler'::; awl. He is the only honey-eater with a long enough bill to get the nectar from heath bells, and has a pretty way of hovering before the blossoms with quick vibrating wings. Down beside the sea it is the Banksia trees that attract the honey-eaters in the winter months. There is a fine specimen of one of these "bottle blush" trees in the Botanic Gardens, and at the present moment its honey-laden flowers are attracting yellow-winged honey-eaters, brush wattle birds and red wattle birds.

TREES IN WINTER. Leafless trees provide a most interesting study for winter rambles. Each kind of tree has its own pattern of branching and may be recognised from quite a distance by those who train their eyes to observe details. Possibly the easiest tree to recognise is the tall, sentinellike lombardy poplar. It can never be mistaken for anything else. The elm is distinguished by a halo of fine twigs on its outer edge-this is best seen against a clear sky. The branching of the elm is irregular, except in the cases of street trees, which are usually trimmed to a round shape. The plane tree, on the other hand, has a very even contour, and is of a conical shape. The midrib is the tallest and straightest branch in the tree, and from this the lateral branches are given off in a regular manner . The plane tree is usuaTIy hung with little seed balls at this time of the year, and its bark is patchy. The oak gives one the impression of great strength. The branches grow

GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION, VICTORIA EQUIPMENT DEPOT. PRICE LIST, JUNE, 1934. When ordering, please add Postage to price of Goods. Guiders, we ask for your co-operation in our endeavour to make the Depot a helpful success. If Guiders ordering by post would note the following points we might be able to expedite their orders and be more certain of sending them correctly. NAME AND ADDRESS.-Please write clearly your name (with initials) n ecessary, the name of the Company or Pack.

and full address, and, if

SEPARATE SHEET FOR ORDERS.-It would be most h elpful if orders were not included in the body of a 1etter containing matters of policy or organisation. A separate sheet with your name, etc., will save time this end, and so will hasten tht: sending of your orders. YOUR REQUIREMENTS.-Please give a description (including size in the case of hats, etc.) of ea cn article you require and the quantity, items Tequiring special care in this direction are ties, hats, belts, overalls, and badges. TO FOLLOW ORDERS.-Oc.casionally it is impossible to send some items owing to temporarily depleted stocks. The "T.F." sign indicates that as soon as the new stocks come to hand the item in question will follow. RETURNS.-When returning goods (by the way, used goods will not be credited or exchanged) please pack and address carefully and send separately a letter to tell us if credit or exchange is requirer.!. REMITTANCE.-All goods must be accompanied by the cost of goods, plus postage. Always remit by money ordeT, postal note or cheque (include exchange), made payable to The Secretary, Girl Guides Association, at Post Office, Market Street. Coins should never be sent in an envelope . DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS.-Such accounts may be arranged, and, we think, should be a help, especially to country Guiders. Price. Post 9d. 2d. Annual Report (1.H.Q.). .. .. .. .. 3d. 1d. Australian Flag Pamphlet (inc!. card) 1st Biennial Report-World G.G. and G.S. 1/ 6 2d. 2nd Biennial Report-World G.G. and G.S. 2/- 2d. Birthday Books-Girl Guide (leather cover) 3/6 2d. Birthday Books-Girl Guide (cloth cover) 1 / 6 2d. 3/- 3d. Book of Ideas .. .. .. .. .. . . .. 1/6 1d. Brownie Games (Rhys David) .. Brownie Games (Esterel Pelly) .. ., .. 1/6 2d. 1/- 2d. Brownie Handbook .. .. .. .. 3 /3 2d. Brown Book for Brown Owls .. 3/- 2d. Brown Magic .. .. .. .. .. .. 9d. 1d. Camping Days . ... .. .. . . 4d. 1d. .. .. Colour Ceremonial Campcraft for Girl GuidesOld edition .. .. .. .. 9d. 2d. New edition.. .. .. .. .. ~/6 2d. Children from 2 to 5 (Child Nurse Test) 9d. 1d. Diaries, 1933, Girl Guides .. .. . . 3d. 20. 1934, Girl Guides, with pencils 1/ - 2d. Drills for Girl Guides . . 4d. 1d. Easy Guide to Southern Stars. . 2/6 1d. Exploring (Gilcraft) .. .. .. .. 2/- 2d. Extension Branch (new Edition) 2/3 2d. Fiction: A good selection of books for Brownies and Guides obtainable. Prices from 3/6 Field Note Books ., .. .. .. .. .. 9d. 2d. First Aid to the Injured (St. John) .. 2/3 2d. " " " " Preliminary Course 9d. 2d. Fireside Talks and Discussions .. .. .. 9d. 2d. Games: Girl Guide Book of Games (Behrens) 2/- 20. Girl Guide Games and How to Play Them .. .. .. .. .. .. 1/ - 2d. Everyday Games .. .. .. .. .. 3 / 9 3d. Team Games (Trotter) . .. .. .. 1 /- 1d. Games for Guides and Guiders 1/- 1d. Second Book of Games for Rangers 1/3 ~'l. The Mauve Book of Games (Extension Branch) . ... .... '. . 1 /- 2d. Second Book of Indoor Games and 1 / 6 Id. Dances . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 /- 3d. Girl Guiding-Official Handbook .. .. 9d. 1d. Girl Guide Prayers and Hymns .. .. 9d. 1d. Girl Guide Services and Prayers 9d. 1d. The Guide Law (Reading and Prayers) 9d. lel. The Guide Law (Illustrated) Guiding for the Guider1/- 1d. New Edition . . . . . . . . 6d. Id. ..... . Old Edition 4d. Id. Guides on the Move (Drills) 5 / 6 4d. Hints on Girl Guide Badges . . . . .. !Jd. Id. Hints on 1st Class .. Healthy Childhood (Child Nurse Badge ) 5/- 3d. 3 / 9 3d. How a Baby is Born .. .. 2 / 3 2d. Knotting, Splicing and Cordage Lefax Leaflets_ 2d. la. Indoor and Outdoor Games ., 2d. Id. Route Sketching ., .. .. . , Lessons from the Varsity of Life .. . . 17 /6 9d. Letters to a P.L. (Scouts) on 1st Class Test .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9d. 1d. Letters to a P.L. (Scouts), Tenderfoot 9d. 1d. and 2nd Class .. 9d. Id. Letters to a P.L. (Scout Law) 9d. 2d. Lone Guides .. . . .. .. Nature Books6d. 2d. Birds and Butterflies 3/- 3d. Our Own Birds .. .. 2 /- 2el. Our Own Trees .. . . 6d. 2d. Water Life .. .. . , . . . . . . . . 5/- 4d. Ourselves and the Community .. 3/9 4d. Peeps at the Union Jack .. ., ..

PiÂˇice. Post. Pages for Patrol Leaders .. . . .. .. 9d. 2d. Patrol System fOl' Girl Guides .. .. .. 9d. Ie!. Pioneering and Mapmaking .. .. .. .. 2/- 3d. Potted Stories to Tell Scouts and Cubs 2/ 6 3d. Prayers (Scouts) .. 9d. Id. Quo Vadis? .. . . .... . . . . . . . . . . 9d. I d. Rangers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/6 2d. Rovering to Success . . .. .. .. .. .. 1/6 3d. Rules, Policy and Organisation, 1934 1/3 2d. Saints by Firelight (Barclay) . . . . 3/6 4d. Saints of the Flag (Heath) . . . . . . 1/- 1d. Scouting for Boys .. .. ., ., .. 3/9 4c.l. Sea Rangers .. .. .. .. . . .. . . 1 / 3 2d. 2nd Class Tests-Hints on .. .. .. . . 5d. 1tl. Short Hints on Company Management (Lewis) .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. 1/- Id. Signalling for Girl Guides .. . . 4d. Id. Steps to Guiding (abridged edition of Girl Guiding) .... .. . . . . . . . . . . 9a. 1d. Story of the Girl Guides (Mrs. Mark Kerr) 5/- 5d. Stories of the Guide Law .. .. .. .. .. 3/9 3d. Surveying and Mapping (Mackenzie) 1 / 6 2d. Talks on Ambulance Work (Gilcraft) 2/6 3d. Tracks to Adventure ....... . 9d. 1d. Wattle Gold and Other Stories .. 9d. 1d. What are Guides and Scouts? 3d. lel. The World in Model .. .. .. . . 1 / 6 1d. Wolf Cub Handbook . . . . . . . . 3/- 3d. MUSIC. Arethusa .. . . ....... . Boot and Saddle .. .. . . .. .. Border Ballad .. .. .. .. . . Camp Fire Song Leaflets (1,2,3,4,5) Caller Herrin .. . . . . .. .. Cecil Sharp and English Folk Dances Chap Book of Rounds ....... . Children's Song (Kipling) . . . . . . . . Clarendon Song Books-Parts 1 and 2 England . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fairest Isle .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Girl Guide Hymns and Tunes ... . The Hackney Song Book (Scouts) .. .. Little Red Lark .. .. More Than Twice 55 Songs .. Mowing the Barley .... .. . . My Boy Billy .. . . . . . . . . Pocket Song Book .. . . .. .. P ocket Sing Song Book (words only) Skye Boat Song .. . . .. .. .. Shepherd's Cradle Song .. .. .. .. .. Songs for Girl Guides (Walford Davies) Song of the Guides (1. R. Heath) Songs for Scouts .. .. .. Songs for Scouts . . .. .. Taps (Brownie) .. . . . . . . .. The Little Sandman .. . . . . .. The Keeper ... . " . . .. . . . . To People who have Gardens .. Twice 55 Community Songs .. .. Vespers (leaflet incl. Taps) . . .. Where the Bee Sucks .. Children's Singing Games( Si:,: in each set) .. per set 100 Singing Games .. . . .. . , .. .. .. Country Dances- Single Copies, large variety (music and description) Country Dance Tunes (Mu sic only) pel' vol. Volumes 4,5,7,8,10. Graded Series-Grades 1, 2, 3, 4 (music and description) . . . . . . per volume

4d. 3d. 3d. 3d. 4d. 1/6 9d. 6d. 9d. 6d. 6d. 3/1 /6 2 /9d. 6d. 3d. 2/9d. 3/2 /4/6 9d. 1/6 2d. 2d. 6d. 3d. 3d. 9d. 3d. 6d.

1d. Id. Id. Id. Id. 1el. 1d. Id. 1d. Id. 101. 2d. 2d.

1/6 3/-

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1 /3

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4/ 6

4d.

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2d. Id.

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CAlms, REGISTERS, STATIONERY. Price. Post . Brownie Card .. .. . . . . .. .. .. .. 2d. 1d. Brownie Leaving Certificate .. .. .. .. 3d. 1d. Cards-21st Birthday . . .. .. . . .. .. .. 2d. 1d. Calendars-Girl Guide .. . . " . . .. .. 2 /- 3d. Camp Forms .. .. . . .. .. .. per doz. 5d. 1d. Company Record Book (Looseleaf) .. . . 3/- 6d. Refills .. .. .. .. . . . . .. per set 2 / - 2d. Pages .. .. .. .. . . .. . . per doz. 8d. 1d. Parents' Consent Forms, books of 24 4d . 2d. Pencils-Girl Guides': P r opelling-red, green, brown .. .. 2 /- 2d. Plain .. . . . . . . .. .. .. .. . . .. 3d. 1d. Photographs-Chief Guide and Chief Scout Autographed-large .. 10 / 6 4d. small. 7 / 6 4d. Un autographed .. .. 6 / 6 4<1. Proficiency Certificates-books of 24 .. 6d. 2d. Roll Books- Company.. . . .. .. . . .. 1 / - 2d. " " Patrol. . . . . . . . . . 3d. 1d. Seals, Ranger and Guide, per doz . .. 2d. ld. Test Card-Guide .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... 3d. 1d. Test Card-Ranger . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 3d. 1d. Transfer Forms .. . . .. .. .. . . .. 1d. ld. Writing Pads (with Guide Camp sketch ) 1 / 3 4d. Envelopes to match, per packet 3d. ld. Special Centenary Writing Pad . . . . 1 / 3 4d. Envelopes to match, per packet . . 5d. 1(1. EQUIPMENT. Bandages- Triangular-plain white 9d . 2d. Printed, compressed 1 / 3 20 . Belts-Brownie . . .. .. . . .. . . .. .. 1/6 3d. Guide, 26,28,30,32,34,36,38,40in. .. 2 /- 4d. Guider-same sIzes . . .. .. .. . . 4 / 6 4(l. Guider, English make, 32. 34, 36in. 7/- 4d. Belt Hooks (for Guiders' Uniforms) each 3d. 1d. Buttons-Black or brown . . .. per doz. 4d. 1d. Chinstraps . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4d. Id. Cockades- Brown Owl, Captain, District Captain, District Secretary, District Commissioner .. 1/9 1d. Division Commissioner, State Executive .. .. .. .. .. 2 / 9 1d. Colours--Australian Flag .. .. .. . . .. 22/6 1/Union Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 / - 1 / World F lag .. . . .. .. 16/9 1/(Lettering-name of Company, extra. !old. per letter.) Brass-jointed Pike . . . . .. .. 9 / - rail Brass-jointed Pike (blackwood ::tained) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 /- rail Girl Guide Trefoil for top of pike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 / - 1/ Ranger Trefoil for top of pike 22 / 6 1/Spike for top of pike .. 12 / 6 11Leather Carrier for Color 3 / 6 6d. Wall Bracket for Color . . 21 /- rail Cord for Knotting-natural2 yards for .. . . . . 3d. 1d. EmblemsBrownie, ready worked 8d. 1d. Guides, ready workedBlue Wren , Bluebell, Boronia, ForgetMe-Not, Fuchsia, Galah, Golden Watt le, Heath, Heath er, Holly, Ivy, Kingfisher~_ Kookaburra, Magpie, Nightingale, Orchid, Poppy, Pansy, Robin, Swallow, Rose, Rosella, Skylark, Thrush, T histle, Violet, Waratah, Wild Rose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6d. 1d. Ranger, ready workedBanksia, Oak, Willow, Golden Wattle, 6d. ld. Scarlet-Flowering Gum, Pine . . .. Felt only, with red ring worked . . .. 6d. Id . Transfers (Brownie and Guide) .. .. Id. 1d. First Aid Cases for presentation7 / 6, 9 / 6, 11 / 6, 19 / 6, 21 / Outfits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 / 6, 6 / 6 Dressings-"Sanax" . . .. .. 2d., 3d., 6d., 1d. Flynets . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . 8d. 1d. Groundsheets-18in . x 18in. _. .. .. 1 / 3 3d. 6 ft. x 3 ft . . . . , . . 10 / 6 1 / 9 Gloves, brown gauntlet, sizes 6 to n .. 13/- 4d. Hats-Brownie, rush .. .. .. . . .. 2 / 9 1 .'-Brownie caps .. .. .. .. 1 / 10 3d. 6 / - 1 /ÂˇGuide-Felt . . .. .. . . .. Guide-Stitched cotton .. .. 4/ 6 1/Guider-Wool felt . . . . . . . . . . 7 /- 1 / Guider-Fur felt (Australian made) 15 /- 1/ 7 /- 1 / . Ranger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hatbands-Guide (worked "G.G.") .. 2 / 6 1d. Stamped "G.G" .. 1/ - 1d. (ready to work) . Silks for working, per skein 2d. J.d. Ranger-worked red Trefoil . 2 / 3 1d. Ranger-Stamped . . .. .. 1/- 1d. (ready to work). 2d. 1d. Silks for working, per skein Plain Silk (lin. ribbon) _. 4d. 1d. Sea Ranger Tally Bands 1 / 9 1d . 3 / 6 4el. Haversacil:s .. .. .. . . . . 1 / 6 20. Iodine P ens .. . _ 2 / ? 2d. Knives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6el. ld. Lanyards-white . . .. 6d. 1d. Lanyards-brown .. .. . . . . ..

Price. Post. Material-Munition Cloth, navy blue, pel' yard 1/ 6 postage on 3 yards 8d. Amitex, navy blue, per yard 2/postage on 3 yards 8d. Lineen, brown, per yard . .. 1/4 postage on 3 yards 8d. Morse Flag Poles .. . . .. . . .. . . . . .. 9d. 6d . (rail) Mosquito Pens (Ammonia) .. " .. . . .. 1/ - 2d. Name Tapes, 1 line (18 letters) to order3 doz . 3 / 6 lel Name Tapes-2 lines, to order . . . 3 doz. 7 / 6 1d. Overalls-BrownieLengths 24in., 26in., etc., to 36in. .. 6/6 5d. Overalls- Guide (sizes as under): Sizes Neck Sleeve Length Mun.Cloth Amitex 00 12 15 30 11 /13/6 o 12~ 16 34 11 / 13/6 / 16~ 36 12 / 6 13 / 6 1 13 :t 13~ 17 39 12 / 6 15 / 11a 14 18 42 13 / 6 15 / - ~\ Post 4 14~ 19 45 13 / 6 15 / 20 49 13/6 15/5 15 6 15~ 21 52 13/6 15 / Paper Patterns, all sizes (ordel' by length). Overalls, Brownie " . . . . .. .. 1/ - 1d. Overalls, Guide .. .. .. .. .. .. 1 / 3 2d . Guider's Coat and Skirt . . . . .. 1/ 6 2d. Guider's Coatfrock (Victorian design) " . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 / 4 2d. World Flag .... . . . . . . . . 3d. 1d. Patrol Flags-Plain .. .. . . . . .. . . 6d. 2d. Worked . . . . . . . . . . 4 /- 2d. Transfer for Emblem . 2d. 1d . Patrol Flag Poles . . .. .. .. .. . . . . 1/ 9 rail Pouches .. . . .. .. .. " .. .. 1/- 2d. Rope-I inch Manilla, per lb . . . 9d. 3d. per yd . . . Bd.2d. Safety Chains for badges .. .. 1 / - 1d. Screwdrivers-3 in one .. .. . . 1/- 2cl. Shirts .. " . . . . . . . . " ... . 10 / 6 6el. Shoes, black lace-up, all sizesFittings: D, narrow; E, wide. Calf . . . . . . . . . . .. " " . . . . 23 / 6 1 / Glace Kid .. . . .. " .. .. .. " 24 / - 1 /Shoulder knots, all colours . . .. per set 2d. 1d. Snakebite Outfit-Lauder Brunton . .. .. 10d. 1d. In Tin with Tour niquet 2 / 6 2d. Tourniquet only .. .. 9d. 1d. State Badges-Guide (cloth) . . .. .. 6d. 1d. Guider (enamel) . . .. 1 / 6 1d. Stripes-P.L. or Second-each stripe . 1d. 1d. Swivels .. .. . . .. .. . . .. .. . . 6d. ld. Ties- Brownie, ti:-iangular .. .. .. . . 9d. 2d. Guide, Triangular-mervene .. 9d. 2d. Tobralco (large) 1/3 2d. Tobralco (small) 9d. 2d. Guider - Blue- pab , royal, saxe. 2 / 3 2d. Navy . . .. .. .. 4 / 6 2d. Brown . . .. .. .. 2 / 3 2d . Green-light, dark .. 2 / 3 2d. Red-light, dark .. 2 / 3 2d. Whistles .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. . . .. 1/3 1d. BADGES. (Obtainable only through Commissioner or Distrid Secretary, unless there is neither, in which case only the~ are ob~ainable from the State Secretary.) Browme RecrUIt .. .. . . .. . . . . .. .. .. 6d. 1d. Second Class (Golden Bar) 6d. 1d. First Class (Golden Hand) 9d. 1d. Proficiency Badges .. .. " 4d. 1d. Wings .. .. .. .. . . 9d. 1d. 6d. 1d. Guide Tenderfoot .. .. .. .. Second Class .. .. . . .. 6d . 1r1. First Class . . .. .. .. . . 1 / - 1d. Proficiency .. .. .. .. .. 6d. ld. Ranger Tenderfoot .. .. .. 1/- ld. Test (2nd Class) . . .. 6d. 1d. Star (1st Class) .. .. 6d. 1d. Trade Badges .. .. .. .. 6d. ld. Commissioner -Silver Tend erfoot . . 3 /- ld . Committee (L.A.) .. .. .. .. .. 9d. ld. Cords-Division Commissioner . . 9 / - 4d. (with badge) District Commissioner . . . . 5 / 9 4(1. (with badge) Examiner's Badge, cloth .. . . .. .. .. .. 1 / - 1d. Hostess-Patrol Badge .. . . . . .. . . .. 6d. ld. Secretary's Badge, cloth . . . . .. .. .. . . 1/- 1d. Service Stars-Brownie, Guide, Guider, Ranger-I year .. .. 6d . ld. Brownie. 3-year . . . . . . 9d. ld. Guide, Guider, Ranger, 5-yr. 9d. ld. Thanks Badge .. .. .. .. .. .. .. _. 6 / 6 ld. Victorian Executive Committee (H.Q.). 4 / - 1d. Warrant Badges-Captain, RanlSer Captain, Brown Owl. Tawny Owl . . .. .. 1/ 6 ld. Lieutenant (Ranger and Guide) .. .. . . 1/- ld . REGISTRATIONS. Br ownie Pack .. .. . . .. .. .. .. Guide Company .. . . . . . . . . .. Ranger Company . . .. .. . . .. Ranger Patrol attached Company Local Associations .. . . . . . . .. Guiders' Warrant Fee .. .. . . Secretary's Warrant F ee .. . . ..

2/2/2/2 /2 /6d . 1 /-

July, 1934.

MATILDA

horizontally; they are black in color, and fu11 of "knees" and "elbows." The silver birch is recognised by its dainty, drooping twigs-a characteristic which caused Coleridge to call it the "Lady of the Woods." These are just a few of the many kinds of trees there are to study, especially in the town. Winter has its charms as well as summer. We should make the most of them, and learn to appreciate the infinite variety of Nature. J.H.

Camp Fire Song s. "A song for the joy of singing." A famous singer, when speaking of the emptiness of continued publicity and platform applause, said:"Some of the happiest moments of my life as a singer have been when sitting round a camp fire with little urchins of boy-scouts, teaching them some new tune 01' chorus. Seeing their shining eyes and bright responsive faces has been my greatest reward, and has given me more joy than almost anything in my career. I have felt "This is what singing is for, this is the aim of my art'." None of us can live on the heights of enthusiasm such as this always, but we can work in the plain of everyday things, keeping our minds alive to the fact that the hills are there, and will come in view now and again. Yours must be the enthusiasm, mine it is to give a few homely hints. Songs sung round a camp-fire need to be songs that most quickly bring their own return of interest and pleasure. Probably the choice would usually lie between (a) rounds, (b) seashanties, (c) choruses. (a) Rounds need to be carefully chosen and not very difficult, as one can easily come to grief with them. Absolutely strict time must be kept, because if the parts get even a fraction astray, the result can be hideous. Let the company get to know the tune thoroughly well in unison first, then divide into only two parts to begin with, beating or clapping time to keep them together. If the tune is really known this will give immediate pleasure to the singers, and they will be ready to divide into the three or four parts needed. It adds much to the interest if they are prepared to sing loud or soft at 2. given signal. Rounds that are easy and always popular are: "A boat, a boat; Great Tom is Cast; Oh my Love." It is useful to have some dodges to bring out on rare occasions-here are two. Divide the company into two, and let one half sing "Three Blind Mice," while the other half sings "Frere Jacques" (which can be sung to English words just as easily). Only take warning that you must beat to time, and they must keep to it, or there will be H. disaster! The other device is to sing "John Brown's Body" with one half beginning two beats behind the other. (b) Sea-shanties are becoming so well known that there is no need to say much except that each generation of young things seems to enjoy them as much as tht; last. If you halve a few brave voices who WIll learn the words of the verses and constitute themselves the "Shanty Men" with the rest .of the "Sailol:s" singing a hearty Chorus you WIll have an eaSler

and more interesting sing-song. Some of the best-liked sea-shanties are "Billy Boy," "Fire Down Below," "Barney was a Warrior," "Ha~ll Away, Joe." L et the company keep in mind that all sea-shanties were made as a help to pulling ropes and hauling sails, and though not all of them are quick, all should go with a rhythmic flow and vigor. (c) Well-known choruses are a good standby. The ones most useful depend on what is known and liked by any particular company. But instead of keeping always to the hackneyed tunes that usually come under the heading of choruses, try and introduce the choruses of such songs as "The Mermaid," "The Lincolnshire Poacher," "John Peel," and "Hope the Hermit." They are good tunes that are worth knowing, they are easy to learn, and they never fail to be popular. E. HOBY. [Reprint from Monthly News Sheet]

M.ATILDA KNOWS-DO YOU? l.-That the Poet Laureate, Sir John Masefield, who is to be one of Melbourne's centenary guests, has the following history attached to his distinguished office :-The English Laureateship may be traced back to the time of Chaucer in the reign of Edward III (1327-77). He was attached to the Court in poetic and diplomatic employment. From that time for more than two hundred years, poets gratuitously served the Royal Household; but when Ben Jonson was appointed Laureate in the 13th year of the reign of James I, he was allowed "a pension of 100 marks of lawful money per annum." 2.-That the American Flag was first used at Washington in 1776, and adopted legally a.s the National Flag in 1777. 3.-That Morse's electric telegraph was invented in 1832. ' 4.-That the 21st verse of the 7th chapter of Ezra contains all the letters of the alphabet except J. 5.- That the umbrella was introduced into London about two hundred years ago by an old gentleman called Jonas Hanway. He found it useful to protect himself against the sticks and stones flung at him by deri~ ,ive street boys when he first put it up.

A REQUEST. The Editor l'equests the opinion of readers of the "Council Fire" on these points:(1) Is the "Council Fire" sufficiently interesting? (2) Does it give the kind of information which is useful to anyone who is making a study of the work of our World Movement? (3) Does it give a useful interchange of ideas and methods for Company or Troop Leaders? (4) Have readers any definite suggestions for the improvement of the paper which they would like your delegates to bring forward at the Conference?

MATILDA.

July, 1934.

"The man who gets things done never 'find,;' time; he always makes it."

Skipping. Skipping is rQg'arded by most people as a rather rough and boisterous pastime, and by mothers in particular as a most expensive one, owing to its disastrous effect on footwear. It is well to remember, however, that skipping is, as well as a very old game, one of the most healthy expercises that children or even adults can do, because it brings practically every muscle in the body into play. But there are ways and ways of skipping. Like everything else, it needs to be done properly to obtain its full value. Firstly, it should be done in the open air, as, like all strenuous exercise, it calls for deep breathing. The body should be held erect, head up and chin in, and spring on the ball of the foot, the rope swinging with a steady rhythm. Good balance is essential; it is difficult for small children to do this well, as they have the tendency to just get over the rope the best way they can, with no regard whatever to the way they land. Turning the rope backwards has a sl ightly better effect, owing to the expansion of the chest with the movement, but if the skipping is done properly there is very little difference in its beneficial effect with regard to the way the rope is turned. The rope should not be Âˇ too short, for a cramped position is immediately adopted, nol' should it be too long when it curls on the ground and impedes its progress. For the Golden Hand test, the Brownie is required to skip 30 times turning the rope ba<;kwards' this should be easy to a healthy chIld of first-class standard. She is also required to skip a fancy step. This definitelv means a movement of the feet, cross arms is not enough, but it is not necessary nor fair on the child to ask her to turn the rope backwards in this part, as the other movements are hard enough in themselves. There are quite a number of simple steps the children are able to work into skipping. One of the most common is the tapping step. Point right foot out in front and tap four times .on the ground, hopping on lef~ foot meanw~Il e. Repeat with left foot. Pomt and tap rIght foot in front twice, repeat with left foot, then tap once, right and left. This is repeated ad. lib. Another step is toe, heel. toe, kick. ThIS.S done exactly as it is named and repeated, first on one foot, then on the other. Yet another is the first step of the Highland fling. Hopping .on the left foot, the r:ight i5 pointed to the sIde, then taken up behmd the left knee in front of the left knee, behind again, an'd to the ground when the action is repeated with the left foot. These steps certainly need practice, but if the child first learns to skip in good style, half the battle is won. It is well to remember that r

just to jump a rope and land heavily on the flat of the foot is not skipping, and in ovel'looking this pastime, we are missing the chance of a very healthy and pleasurable exercise. -V.H.

The Adventures of Christopher Grasshopper. There was once a grasshopper who grew tired of staying home and playing with his brothers, so he decided to set out to seek his fortune. After walking for a whole day, Christopher came to an old rubbish tip and thought that h looked rather interesting. He stopped to explore it and to see what he could find. Having searched for about half an hour, Christopher came across a pair of old boots. "Ah!" said Christopher, "these are just what I want!" He tried them on. They were much too big for him, but he tied the laces around his ankles twice. Then licking the lid of a jam tin, that he also found, he started Qff again to see what else he could find. The next day, he came to a plantation of green peas. Now Christopher loved green peas better than anything else in the world . He stopped. "Mmm-" he said to himself, as he made a very good lunch. They were such big juicy green peas that he thought his mother might like some of them, so he filled up the spare in the toe of his left boot with the peas and started off once again to find some more advEntures. Christopher had to go very slowly because the boots hurt him, but he did not want to throw them away because he was SUl'e none of his brothers had ever seen a grasshopper in boots before. He had not gone very far when he began to feel sleepy. He had eaten a great many peas, and he had never been travelling for two days before. Just a little further on Christopher saw a very comfortable-looking twig. "That will just do," he said to himself a'S he climbed up on to it and soon was fast asleep. It was only a very small twig, so his boots had to hang over the edge. Christopher slept very soundly for quite a long while, when suddenly he was awakened by a dreadful noise. It was nearly as loud as thunder, at least the grasshopper thought so. He was so frightened that he neal'ly fell off the twig. He shivered so much that the twig shook and nearly broke in two. He opened his eyes. He saw only a little way away a big brown pig with a curly tai~ snorting as loudly as it possibly could, and making straight for Christopher's twig. Poor little Christopher was terrified. He shivered and s hook so much that suddenly one of his boots came off, and flying

MATILDA. 9 ----------------------------------~ through the air, hit the old bl'own pig on the THE PEDLAR'S PACK. nose! It has been disappointing how few entries The pig let out a .loud squeal, and turned t o have been sent in for the Pedlar's Pack. If run, But just then he smelt the green peas, for there are Guiders who are interested and it was that boot that had fallen off the grasswould still like to send in entries, it is not too hopper's foot, The pig loved green peas to o, late, as we have not yet enough to form the and he began to eat them up as quickly as h e pack. ' could. While he. was so dGing Christopher Send in YO,ur entries as soon ,as possible to threw the other boot at him, and flying up into the Secretary: Miss J. Robertson, 101 Maththe ail', he didn't stop flying till he got back oura Road , Toorak, S.E.2. The entries are 3d. home. pel' item. Once back home, he decided to stay there. for he had had a great fright and had lost both his boots and all his green peas. - R.S. TWO NATURE GAMES. July, 1934.

"LAY A TABLE FOR TWO FOR DINNER."

This part of the Golden Bar test is often ne· glected, as most Brownies already have an idea of laying a table from having had to do it at home. Many Brown Owls thus do not give it an important part in the programme, and yet how many Brownies can be trusted to lay a table correctly, without omitting any of the minor things such as pepper, salt, mu stal' t~ and spoons for serving, articles which I find so many Brownies forget. Then, isn't it, nice f or Mother to know that she can depend on hel' little daughter to put everything on the tabl e. and in its right place, and that there won't be any jumping up after the meal has 5tarted in order to fetch missing articles. Then, again, the Brownie should be lh own that appearances count for a great deal, that a snowy tablecloth, shining silver, and glas !;;wal"~ and flowers daintily arranged act as an incentive to an appetite. There is really quit ~ an art in laying a table, and it is the little things that count for so much. Let the Brownie )'('a lise that there is a difference between laying a table in the ordinary way and in the Browni e way. An interesting way of teaching the Brownies, and one that I have found to be very successful, is as follows:Give each Six, or it can be worked with the whole Pack if so desired, a large sheet of brown paper and a box of coloured chalks, The browll paper is the tablecloth, and they have to draw everything n ecessary for a meal. I have found that they get very interested, and some marvellous colour schemes result. . -M.H.

MONTHL Y LECTURETTES. The next special evening for Guiders will be held on Wednesday, July 4th, at 8 p.m. at Headquarters. It will be a "General Knowledge" evening, and will be both amusing and instructive. A charge of 3d. will be mad a, and this will include supper. Make a note of the date and come along. The August meeting will be on August 1st , and will be a "Semaphore" evening. There wiU be games, and ways and means of makingsemaphore attractive to Brownies, and ther~ will be opportunities for Guiders who wish to practise or actually learn semaphore. So, if you know a lot, come and help those who el i) not, and if you know nothing, little or nothing at ail , come and learn more!

1. The Brownies are in two lines across th o hall, about three yards apart. Each line takes it in turn to think of a flower. They give the other line the first letter, when this line guesses the right flower, they run back behind their lines to some colored papers there, pick out the color of the flower and come back to the first line. Repeat ad. lib. 2. Color some old tennis balls, red, yellow, green, blue, orange, etc. The Pack is in a circle with one Brownie in the centre, who has the balls. ~ne throws any color to a Brownie in the circle who must then name a flower of that color. If the circle is a large one, the Bl'ownies get some good practice in ballthrowing. T.E.M.

BROWNIE GUIDERS! Did you know Headquarters stocked a very attractive card to give your Brownies when they leave the Pack? This card is a fawn color with a B,rownie silhouetted in brown. She is at the signpost, one hand of which points to the Toadstool and the Pack, the other to the Trefoil and the Company. The Brownie is going that way. There is room on the card to say when she was enrolled, and when she left the Pack, as well as a little space to say what she did when she was in the Pack. The cal'd does make such a nice gift for the Brownie when she leaves, and is only 3d. See them when next you are in H.Q.

SINGING GAMES. Ther e are a few copies still left of the three singing' games o-iven by the Brownies during the Chief's visit to Melbourne. Any B.O.'s who would like a copy may obtain same by sending a stamped addressed envelope to The Wiseacre Gnome, 63 Ardmillan Road, Moonee Ponds, W.4. "A game only lasts as long as you have the energy and ability to play it. A recreation is something much more lasting and enduring ... it is through recreation, through the l·e-creat · ing of .... leisure time that we can best ... . face this world of rush and speed, of fleeting and fictitious pleasures, and very often of fah;~ values." " . . . . If a recreation is going to last and mean anything at all. it must employ or train some part of you-mind, hands, eyes or ears." Mrs. Greenlees, in "The Guider".

MATILDA.

July, 193·1.

~---------------------------------

Notes on Guiding in Scotland. Having recently retired from over 20 years' work at Scottish Headquarters, it is natural to look back and see how Guiding has grown during these years and the outside influences which have affected it. Should any-one ask what book has made most impressions upon youth during the first quarter of this century, surely pride of place will be given to "Scouting for Boys." Th!!t book, which was first published in fortnightly parts from January until June, 1908, was read voraciously and long before the last part was published there were Boy Scout Troops all over Britain, and not only Boy Scouts, but many Girl Scouts as well. One of our most treasured possessions llt Scottish Headquarters are some letters written by General Baden-Powell, as he was then, to Captain Lawrence, the Scottish Secretary for the Boy Scouts, on the question of what was to be done with the Girl Scouts. Howeve ~', the girls had taken the .matter into their ow.n hands and were determmed to do what thell' brothers did. Fortunately there were some far-sighted wom~m who approved of them a'ld formed themselves into Committees, both in London and also in Scotland, and Miss BadenPowell, the General's sister, was asked to be President. The Girl Scouts who had been at· tached to the Boy Scout Troops were formed into Guide Companies, and the fh'st Guide Coy. to be registered in Scotland was in February, 1910. Soon after this General Baden-Powe'll had to go to Australia, and left his sister to finish the handbook he was writing for Guides. This was not published until 1912, and was called "How Girls can Help to Build the Empire." I wonder if Guiders to-day realise that for several years that book and "Scouting for Boys" was all the help we had in the training of Companies. There were no Commissioners to come round with friendly advice, no Training Schools or Camps, yet .the spirit of aoventure was there, and the GUides did try to prepare themselves for what life would bring to them. The War came, and the Guides were readv. The very day the Red Cross Depot was opened thev were thronging round to see how they could help. They went messages, made bandages, scrubbed floors, collected waste panel' and old bottles, weeded rrardens for people whose g'ardeners had gone to the Front, and made themselves generally useful. Up to 1917 there were only 2000 or 3000 Guides in Scotland. They had increased verv little since the War started, as no one had time to form new Cotnpanies, but in 1917 the Home Office realised that something must be done for the girls of the country. with their fathers at the Front. and their mothers often out working, thev had no one to restrain them, and the Home Office were afraid of the effect upon the next generation. Thev, therefore, gave ont that whoever did Guide work was doing Wal' work, and many wornpn whose time was already devoted to War work becam CQmmissioners or Guider,

To-day there are nearly 90,000 Guides in Scotland. , The happiest years of my life have been spent Guiding. It is such a wonderful siste:'hood that wherever you go you will find friends, as I know from my experience in Ausb'alia, wher,e the kindness I have received is beyond words. M. A . HOTCHKISS

The Watch on the Rhine. A little more than a hundred years ago Carl Wilhelm, author of the "Watch on the Rhine," was a youthful and enthusiastic member of a harmony class. He loved music, and hoped some day to become famous like his hero, Felix Mendelssohn. A friend of his, Rudi, a gypsy boy, foretold him fame of a kind, unexpectedly attained, and without difficulty; but at some dace very far distant. In the meantime he was to prepare for many disappointments. About thirty years afterwards, Carl Wilhelm was the director of the "Liedertafel," which was the best choral society in the town of Crefeld. He had composed several small works, had heard them performed in public, and therefore felt no particular elation whe!l the choir sang to the audience for the first time, his new chorus, the "Watch on the Rhine." It was kindly and quite calmly received. Later, when war with France was declared, Carl Wilhelm was middle-aged. He was disturbed to realise how little he had done towards materialising his boyish ambition of doing something musically worth while. One day a friend told him that his song, the "Watch on the Rhine" had become the most popular song in one of the regiments. Carl Wilhelm assured him it would only bl~ sung among the Crefeld men, who had been members of his choir. But he was wrong. The fame of the song spread through the army, and the whole country, to become the national anthem of Germany; and thus the gypsy boy's early prophecy at last achieved its fulfilment. -M.S.

A SUGGESTION. Have you ever thought of turning the family clothes prop into a flagpole and hoisting a flag, as a method of testing 2nd class knots. If you arrange that some of the ropes are a little short for guys, you will find that the knots needed are reef, fisherman's, double sheet ben·t!. clove-hitch, timber-hitch, round turn and two half-hitches, and square lashing-for the cleat. The overhand knot could easily be introducer!, also the use of half hitches, in fastening the halyards and to make a ring for the halyards at the top of the pole. The ring could, alternatively. be a tiny bowline, fastened to the pole with a clove hitch by its standing part. Inf!identally there is introduced t he method of knocking' in tent pegs, training of Colour Parties and handling' the Colour-not to mention the thrill of gazing on your handiwork instead of just having tied "seven knots"! -M.H,

July, 1934.

MATILDA.

Executive Committee. A meeting o! the Executive Committee was held at the Gmde Office on 20th June, 1934. Present: Lady Chauvel, Miss Purnell, Mrs. E~mondson, Mrs. Faulkner, Mrs. Littlejohn, MIsses Bush, Cameron, Lascelles, Swinburne and the Secretary. Centenary: Various routine reports were r eceived. . It was agreed that for the ,Rally next Summer the t.ype of uniform for Guiders be optIOnal; GUIders should, however, be encourage,i t o wear overalls or a th in coat-f rock . It was reported that the Guide House FunJ totalled £467 / 11 / 3. Commiss~oner~' Conference.-It was agreed that no resIdentIal Conference be held in 1934 but that general programmes be arranged fOl: two afterno~ns during the Guide Village, and that a .one-day Conference be arranged during the GUIde Rally, to be held at whatever place is housing Commissioners. Annual Report.-It was agreed, for 1934, Annual Report forms be filled in as on 31 st July, and reach Headquarters by 31st August. R.P. and 0., 1934.-1t was agreed that the al.tera~ions to Badge Tests, etc., take effect in VIctorIa after 31st July. A list of the Tests etc., affected to be published in "Matilda." , Camp Advisor.-Approval was given to the appointment of Miss C. Broadhurst as Camp Advisor. "Matilda."-Approval was given to the r ~ comendation from the "Matilda" Sub-Commit.tee that States be asked to appoint News CorresDondents for a Monthly Interstate Column in "Matilda." League of Youth.-It was agreed tftat the L eague of Youth be asked to become an Associated Society. Leave of Absence was granted to Mrs. Norman Brookes and Mrs. Thorold Fink. Routine and financial business was discussed. S. H. IRVING, State Secretary.

R.P.& 0.-1934 EDITION. The 1934 edition of R.P . and O. is now available. Guiders should note that alterations occur to the following Rules : Rule 3 Religious Policy. 13 Local Association. 20 Captain. 23 Guiders' Uniform. 29 The Patrol. " :H Brownies. 32 Girl Guides. 35 Mauve First Class. 37 Proficiency Badges. 38 Rangers. " 39 Sehool Companies. 40 The Lone Guide Branch. " 41 The Extension Branch. " 44 Training. " 52a Mauve Cord Award. " 61 Boating and Bathing. 66 Flags. " 67 Camping. S. H. IRVING, State Secretary.

VICTORIAN BABY HEALTH CENTRES ASSOCIATION. Dear Miss Irving, . My Counc~l is most grateful to your AssociatIon for the mterest that is being taken by Girl qui~es in collecting newspapers for the AssocIatIon Depot. The sale of paper is increasin <r and theref ore it is very necessary to have "'~ large stock at the Depot, in order to cope wi t h the demand for same. We are also able to give. employment to girls (who might otherwIse be out of work) in .sorting and folding t he papers, so that the assIstance rendered by the Girl Guides is helping in this direction also besides being of very material benefit to th~ Association. The address of the Newspaper Depot is 495 Spencer Street, West Melbourne and in cases where it is possible for the pape~s to be delivered we would be glad if they could be sent direct to the Depot instead of the Association's office. The Depot is open from 8.30-5 p.m. from Monday-Friday. If any Guides would like to visit the Depot we should be very pleased to welcome them; they may be interested in seeing just what is done with the papers they so kindly collect for us. With kind regards, The Newspaper Depot No. is F 5771--495 Spencer Street, W. Melbourne.

Nurses Wanted. When all our visitors are safely installed in indoor camps for the big ten days next summer, we will need at least one trained First Aider to each camp, and one or two helpers for her, according to the size of the Camp. For First Aiders we will want trained or partially trained nurses, and for helpers Rangers or Guides over 16, holding the Sick 'Nurse Badge. Would .any Guiders knowing of either active or ex-GUIdes or Patrol leaders who would like to help in these ways, please send in their names before the end of this month. Refresh~r classes. in Sick Nursing will be arranged m the Sprmg, and we would like as many people as possible to make use of th:s opportunity to re-vitalise their knowledge. A. McARTHUR CAMPBELL, 41 Spring Street, City.

F or Sale. G UIDER'S UNIFORM, super tailored in England, unworn, may be fitted on at Headquarters. Price 8 guineas. T YPEWRITER. Underwood Portable, very p"ood condition. Owner (ex-Guider) will ~ell for £10, as she has no longer any use for It. Anply to Miss Barfus if you wish to see and try the machine. A good chance to acquire a good typewriter at a very reasonable price.

July, 1934.

MATILDA.

TRAINING. Guiders who have not previously attended a Training Class at Headquarters must bring tv the first class of any Course a Nomination Form signed by their own Commissioner. Unless ', ,11nounced otherwise, all Training Classes ar~ "held at the Guide Office, 60 Market Street, Melbourne (7th Floor). Brownie Trainihg.-The third Course will begin on MONDAY, 23rd JULY, 1934. Guider in Charge: Miss V. Hill. Guide Training.-The next Course will begin in September. Commissioners.-Miss Bush will be at the Guide Office on the third Thursday in July (19th) from 10.30 a.m. till 12.30. M. E. BUSH, Commissioner for . Training.

CAMPING. A Course of Classes for the Indoor Camp Test Certificate and Pack Holiday Permit will begin on THURSDAY, 5th July, 1934, at 8 p.m. at the Guide Office. Guider in Charge: Miss C. Broadhurst. The Class on Thursday, 19th July, will de'll with Quarter mastering. and Guiders may attend this even if they are not coming to the whole course . Any Guider may attend the Course, but oniy those eligible under the following conditions may sit for the Test:A Guider(a) P.1Ust be a warranted Captain or Brown Owl' (b) must be'recommended by her Commissioner' (e) Must have' attended a Victorian Training Week or Camp;

(d) must have attended a Complete training Course in Indoor Camps. E . H. PURNELL, Commissioner for Camping.

APPOINTMENTS. District CommissionerToorak-Miss Enid Colquhoun, 3 Gordon Grove, South Yarra, S.E. L Dis~rict SecretaryCamperdown-Mrs. P. Moore, Nationai Bank, Camperdown.

WARRANTS. Drcwn Owl3rd Ptahran-Miss Jean Johnson, 15 Airlie Avenue, Prahran, S.l. 1st Seaford (St. Barnabas)Mrs. W oinarski Tawny Owl1st Seaford (St. Barnabas) - . Miss Margaret Homebrook Captain2nd Canterbury-Miss J. Maclean. 2nd Footscray-Miss M. Fawcett. 4th Kew-Miss M. Lambe. 1st Miner's Rest-Miss E. Troup. Lieutenant1st Maryborough-Miss M. Arnott. 1st Nyah District-Miss G. Amos. Ranger Lieutenant] 5t Beeac-Miss E. Tune.

REGISTRATIONS. Pack 1st Chelsea. 1st Eastern Hill. 2nd East Melbourne (P.L.C.). Company- 4th Victorian Posts .

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