Matilda 1934 vol 11 no 03 sep 1st by Girl Guides Victoria

Vol. 11,

SEPTEMBER 1, 1934.

No.3.

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MATILDA.

September, 1934.

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Volume XI.

SEPTEMBER, 1934.

THE ROMANCE OF RUGS. Who is there that has not at some time or other wished for the magic carpet that had power to waft one wheresoeve1' one wished? The rugs and carpets that one walks over so casually have come to us from ancient times. From very old records we learn that the palaces of the Pharoahs were hung with rugs; that the tomb of Cyrus, founder of the ancient Persian monarchy was covered with a Babylonian carpet. And that the course of history was changed by means of a rug, when Cleopatra gained access to Cresar's presence by having herself wrapped in a priceless carpet anG c.arried in and presented to him. Persia acquired the art of weaving from Babylon many centuries before Christ, and has always held the foremost place amongst the rug-weaving nations of the world. Through the ages fine rugs have been used for religious purposes by the faithful followers of the Prophet. Every Mohammedan has his prayer rug, more or less valuable, according to his means, which he caITies with him, ann on which he prostrates himself five times a day when the appointed hour for prayer arrives. An unbeliever has 'said that when th ~ Prophet made his rules for religious practices he considered the physical improvement of hi<l devotees just as much as the spiritual. The preparation for devotion involves the use of the prayer rug. By means of a small compass the worshipper spreads his rug so that th <! "mirhab" or niche in it points towards Mecca, where Mohammed's body lies. Then, aftE,r moving all money or jewellery from his person -in order to appear before his God in abjec- t humility- he combs his beard, produces a rosary and a dried cake of earth from Mecca. These he places just under the niche, then r esting his head on the earth, with hands outstretched on either side, he says his prayers. The niche which every prayer rug has re~lÂ resents the door of a mosque, and reminds all who use it of the sacred mosque at Mecca. Occasionally prayer rugs will be found with thre e or more niches. These are intended for children and family worship. An ancient custom proscribed that a rug should be used to cover a corpse before burial. A grave rug, as it was called, was usually th e combined handwork of the members of a household, and, after interment. would be used to cover the grave as we use flowers. A wedding, 01' dowry rug. is woven by the Eastern maid in preparation for her marriage, and is greatly prized by the Oriental husband, The wealthy Mohammedan rulers vied with each other in taking rugs of the finest

materials with them on their pilgrimages to Mecca, for presentation to the mosque; the whole interior of which used to be hung with beautiful and costly carpets. The first weavers of tapestry known to modern Europe were the Saracens, who, introducing their looms into Spain and France, transmitted to these countries the textile traditions inherited from Nineveh and Babylon Memphis and Thebes. ' It was from France that the weaving of tapestries and floor coverings spread into all the countries of Western and Northern Europe. up to the twelfth century A.D. the hangings and coverings used in these countries were most!., of broidered work, and very rarely of inteJ:woven work, but after that date, owing to the example of the Saracens settled in Southern Europe, and the intercourse of the Flemings with the Saracens during the crusades, the loom gradually superseded the needle in Middle Europe. In France the weavers of these new stuffs were known as Sarrazenos, and that name is still used in Spain for the upright rustic loom, and the Arabic word "Alhombra" still means "carpet." It is also the name of the famous red palace in which the people clf the Iberian peninsula were first familiarised with the use of sumptuous tapestries as floo ~' coverings. The English were the first to send a dyer to Persia to learn from them the art of dyeing and carpet weaving, but the French were the first to organise the manufacture, with the aid, strange to say, of the weavers of England who had been trained in the Persian process. In 1515 Francis 1 f ounded the first fact01Y for weaving carpets in France, In 1643 Louis XIV pe1'manently established the manufacture, first at Gobelins, then at Beauvais, and later at Aubusson . Even to the present day, Beauvais has scrupulously observed the traditions of decorative art of Egypt and Mesopotamia, subordinating the treatment of the conventional design to the naturally flat surface of a cal'pet. The first carpets brought to England were in the royal baggage of Eleanora of Castile, when she became the wife of Edward 1. Thes!fabrics of the loom doubtless g'ave some sense of cheer to the bare walls of Carnarvon, wher~ she made her first home. Edward II g-ave an impetus to the industrv by inviting Flemish weavers to come and set'tie in England, but it was not until the reip-11 of James I that any factory was really seri ouslv started, but this was all too soon wrecke,j by the Civil War. The nefinite establishment of carpet weaving

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must be dated from the Edict of Nantes in 1685, when a number of French Protestant refugees found an asyium in England, and, after naturalising themselves, settled down to the practice of their former vocations of weaving and dyeing. They spread the knowledge through rural England, so that the important carpet industry of Great Britain to-day really resulted from a persecution of the Protestants iT' the 1'ith century. Rugs in the Orient are regarded in a far higher light than in Europe. Symbolism was a powerful motive, affecting largely the design. A circle represented eternity, without beginÂˇ ning or end-the zig zag represented water or lightning. The hour glass figure formed by triangles meant fire or water, and the star of six points signified Allah. A meandering lin~ was the symbol of continuity of life. The tree always associated with religious belief symbolises Divine power and bounty. The whole rug is meant to be the emblem of eternity, and the pattern the changing world of nature. Many and varied were the superstition:; about the ancient rugs; the most popular seems to be that a bead or tuft on the rug would successfully keep away the "evil eye." If only some of these antique, or even the 1T10dern, rugs were endowed with the power of speech, what interesting tales they could tell! -C.M.L.

ers will find that the children will respond readily to such practice, especially as there is such a very definite reason for it this year, and that they will also benefit very much from this corporate activity. Details of Elementary Company Drill are to be found in "DRILL FOR GIRL GUIDES," which is obtainable at the Guide Shop (4d.). The time to begin such practice is not in December-but now. There are probably recruits in every Company now, and with the publicity which the Chiefs' visit will bring, there are bound to be children wanting to join the Movement. For the children's own sake, as well as for the appearance of the Companies, it is desirable thai all our members should be enrolled Guides at the time of the Rally; only enrolled Guides in uniform will take part in the Ma1'ch Past. This will mean extra work for Captains, but if they prepare well, the children should all have the satisfaction of being in uniform, wearing bright shining badges, and being entitled to give a full salute to the Chiefs on the first day of 1935. M. E. BUSH, Commissioner for Training.

New Year's Day, 1935.

AN ANALYSIS BY THE CHIEF GUIDE. On March 14th, at the County Commissione1's' Conference, the Chief Guide gently, amusingly and searchingly reviewed the work of the Girl Guides Association of Great Britain, taking as the title of her talk: "Guiding as I Find It." She said that she looked upon the Guide Movement as a great fire. Some people added sticks to it. These blazed up and fizzled out. Others added logs, which burnt with a good flame and steady glow for some time. Others. again, the most valuable of all, worked year in and year out, putting on, just where they were most needed-nice nobbly bits of coal, which gave out continuous and lasting heat. She thought it would be fatal if the Guides became self-satisfied, or were even thought to be so by people outside the Movement; but the Guide Association was a steadily going concern, which had achieved splendid work in the past and would continue to do so in the future -thanks to the efforts of the County Commissioners and their invaluable Commissioners and Guiders. She then reminded them that, just as all good machines need an occasional overhaul, so must leaders of Guiding periodically review their work, and find out the weak links and where spare parts were needed. (Lack of space prevents us from giving morc than the following brief summary of possible dangers and difficulties in connection with the work of the Guide Association which the Chi':!! then pointed out to her Commissioners): 1.-The dangers which might arise from th .~ very success of the Association's work, and the consequent "approving lethargy" of the general public. Remedy-closer co-opel'ation with

As Guiders already know, we are planning to have a Combined Rally with the Scouts on January !'st, 1935, when we hope most Guides and Rangers will be present to welcome the Chief Guide and Chief Scout. Many Companies have already begun preparing for this by arranging plans for making and saving money, so that the necessary funds will be availabl p. for travelling and other expenses. Details of the Rally will be circulated later' . but Guiders can begin now to prepare their Companies in other ways also. We do not use drill very much in our Company work, but one of the reasons for having it at all is that we may be able to move Guides about from place to place quickly and easily. During the Centenary Celebrations Guides will be much in the public view; they will need to move about quickly and quietly; and at the Rally there will be a March Past, when probably they will march in ranks of ten or even more. We want all our Guides to enjoy the Centenary celebrations and the Rally, and they will do this very much more if they are familiar beforehand with elementary Company Drill and with marching as a Company. Nervousness and unnecessary strain are largely due to unfamiliarity and lack of knowledge. Wheeling and halting should be practised, too, and Colour Parties should practice marching and forming. After practjsing elementary Company Drill, Captains will be wise to train their Guides to "fall in in marching formation" in two ranks already sized, with chosen Guide;:; at the front and rear of the fo\Âˇmation. Guirl-

International Column. GREAT BRITAIN.

_S_e!--pt_e_m_b_e--'l',_1.....:9_3_...:.4:....._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _M::.:....::A:.:....:..:TI L tJ A. educational authorities (in which other countries were in some places more successful than Great Britain) and greater use of Local Asso · ciation Members. 2.-Are we losing some of the fun and simplicity of the original ideas? Remedy-give latitude to the ideas of our younger leaders who will work with the enthusiasm of youth and turn their attention back to the original programme laid down in the Chief Scout's handbook. 3.-Are we keeping abreast of the times'i Remedy, if we are not: To remember that Guiding is a young person's game, and to appoint young Divisional and District Commissioners. 4.-The shortage of Guiders-truly a univer· sal complaint, but one which should not be considered irremedi;ible. One remedy would be to keep in much closer touch with the many othel' Movements which attract present-day youth. In conclusion, speaking as World Chie f Guide, and not only as Chief Guide of Great Britain, Lady Baden-Powell described how immeasurably the unity of the Movement throughout the world had shown itself in the enormous number of letters which she and thE' Chief Scout had received during the various stages of his illness. The love, care and sympathy of the letters made her realise more than ever that mutual work in the Guide Movement was a wonderful breaker-down of barriers. This spirit had also shown itself to be very far-reaching among the children themselves, in the hundreds of joyful, happy lettel's they had sent in with their little gifts of pennies, sixpences, and shillings on Thinking Day. She urged the County Commissioners to make every use of this uniting influence of Guiding, and thanked them for their neverfailing help and support. S.J.W.

"WHAT HAS HAPPENED ABOUT THE RANGER MAGAZINE?" At the Ranger Conference held in November, 1f132, a Committee was appointed to examine the possibilities of running a Rangel' magazine in Victoria. In August, 1933, this Committee submitted a Report stating that, out of the 100 Rangel' companies circularised, 37 Companies had replied, guaranteeing a total of 65 subscriptions at 2 / - each for the magazine's first year. All the Companies which answered the circular were in favor of the etsablishment of a Ranger magazine, and many were willing to help with contributions. The circular had explained that a guarantee of £12 worth of subscriptions was required to print a magazine monthly for six months, t o judge whether the venture should be carrie:1 on. Of this sum only £6 / 5 / - was guaranteeu by subscripti.ons promised. The CommIttee's report concluded: " ... The Cc.mmittee ... '. places on record its. conclusion that, at the present juncture, it will be imposs ible to start a Rangel' magazine, and also that no such magazine is desired by those immediately concerned."

At the Conference in November, 1933, aftel' the above report had been submitted, the Conference again voted in favor of a magazine, and the same committee was appointed to deal with the matter again. In June of this year the Convener of the Committee suggested that, in view of the fact that the interest in the publication of a magazine does not appear to be either deeply roote,l or widely spread, nothing further should be done in the matter for the present. The Metropolitan Ranger Committee accef.ted this suggestion, and t he matter now lapses. SHEILA M. CAMERON, Commissioner for Rangers.

FIRST AID EQUIPMENT. For the Indoor Camp next Summer we are going to need a certain amount of First Aid Equipment. If any Districts or Companies could lend us their First Aid Kit we will be most grateful, and will replace any of the contents which we use. Please send me word if we can have yours. If anyone would like to send us clean old sheets for bandages, it will be most helpful, and will save buying bandages which we may not need. We will send any left ovec to the Benevolent Society. A. McARTHUR CAMPBELL, 41 Spring Street, Melbourne, Cl. F3824.

"Matilda" Competition. Closing Date, Sept . 12. "Matilda's" new cover should be in monotone, i.e., one colour, suitable for printing on white or on one other colour. The size should be 6 in. x 8 in. Prize 10 / 6. Entries addressed to "Matilda Competition," Girl Guide H.Q., 60 Market Street, Melbourne. Open to any member of the Girl Guide Association.

RESULTS OF SOME OF THE COMPETITIONS. Poster-Ellen Taylor, 11 Anzac St., Murrumbeena. Round-Marion Sinclair, 66 Sutherland Road, Armadale. Christmas Card-No prize was awarded, as no entry was suitable for reproductioll.

7th VICTORIAN GUIDERS' CONFERENCE. EVENING SESSION. Space does not permit a full report of the evening session, but we would like to l'ecorcl our appreciation of Mrs. Head's address on the "First Promise," and the talk on the International training at the W orId Chalet by Miss Patience. Miss Moran conducted som~ singing and short speeches, advocating the use by Guidel's of (a) "Matilda," (b) The Guiders' Club, were given by Miss Crellin and Miss D. H . Irving respectively. The amendments to the constitution, ser,t previously to Guiders, were both passed.

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ltiATILDA

September, 1934.

SPRINGTIME REVELRY.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN SEPTEMBER. "Grey winter has gone like a wearisome gue~t, And, behold, for repayment, September comes in with the wind of the we$t, And the spring in her raiment." (Kendall). Orchids: Blue fairies, fringed spider, waxlill, rabbit-ears, beard-orchid, scented sun-orchid , snake, leafy greenhood, helmet, common spidel' alpine, pink fingers, leopard. WildflowCTs: Bulbine lily, scented sundew, trigger plant, tea tree, blue squill, yellow star, daisy, flat pea, wedding bush, hop, bitter-pea, yam, sassafras, rice flower, beard-heath, mitlt bush, golden tip, etc. Wattles: Golden, silver, hedge, "prickly Moses," leper, blackwood. Flcwuing of deciduous trees, ex. plane tree, oak, poplar. Nesting of many birds, ex. blackbird, sonJ thrush, goldfinch, robin, blue wren, scrub wren, honeyeaters, etc. New Constellations. Pegasus (the winged horse). Planets. Jupiter setting earlier; Saturn'" rings becoming flatter-soon will be invisible.

PROTECTION OF WILDFLOWERS. Now that the spring is at hand, it is nece'lsary to again warn Guiders about the Wildflower Protection Act, which has, in the past, been somewhat unheeded by the general public . Steps are being taken, however, by the proper authorities to see that it shall be more strictly enforced during the coming season. After all, only a very small fraction of our wildflower,> come under this act. Orchids form the larg'est group. as every variety is protected, and they are first favorites with everyone. I think one of the hardest parts of this new regulation is trying to explain to children why they must not pick orchids, those quaint blossoms which seem to be their own special property, and on which they have bestowed so many elfin titles. Wattles, too, are included in the list of protected flowers, and they need all the protection we can give them. They have suffered very much in the past from the hand of the picnicer. Acacia armata, the prickly hedge wattle, is the only variety not on the list. While no ferns except the common bracken fern may be gathered. The other protected flowers are the hill banksia, all boronias, ball bau berry, cabbage palm. red correa, silver finger flower. blue Howittea, blue tinsel lily. 1'\1Vltles (including thryptomene). sea box, Gippsland waratah, waxberry. waxflower, garland lily, and blotchy mint bush.

September is ushered in with music, for "the time of the singing of birds is come." In the bush it is the challenging whistle of the grey harmonious shrike thrush that is th~ leaoing note in the rising bird chorus on these fine spring days. With the sunny weather, ton, come the yellow-tailed thornbills in littl~ flocks, and it is pleasing to hear their tinkling melody floating down like fairy laughter. Always singing as they fly, the song has a special charm, risi ng and falling in tone like the uneven movement of their bodies in flight. Back come the cuckoos from their long migration t.) the North, and no spring is properly ushered in until the mournful scale of the pallid cuckoo has been heard. In some districts it is called t he "brain-fever bird," because of its rather trying habit of singing during the night! In the town there is the blackbird's song to listen for, also the changing melody of th\~ .)" llg thrush. The blackbird is, without dOubt, one of the most glorious of songsters, and Viscount Grey of Faillodon, in his "Charm of Birds," pays the following tribute to its musical abilities. "It is," he writes, "not possible to explain why the blackbird's notes excel, and why they mean so much to us. To me there is something that I can best describe a~ intimacy. The songs of other birds please or delight us, but that of the blackbird seems to make a direct appeal to us, and stirs our emotions . . . . .. .. . It is a supreme moment when a blackbirLl passing from one bush of flowering hawthoI1I to another, as if one spot could not contain its joy, utters its song on the wing, in the ecstasy of mid-spring." Even in the heart of the city we may hear the blackbird's song in the spring. Do not let it fall unheeded.

TREE STUDIES. September is the time to watch for the appearance of flowers on such deciduous trees as cak, plane and poplar. The elm flowers comn in August, and these are followed by greenwinged seeds which are often mistaken for the new leaves. The leaves, however, appeal' last of all. The flowers of the elm are wind pollenated, and that is why they come before the leaves. In this way the pollen is not prevented from being blown freely about from one blossom to another. The same thing applies to the other deciduous trees. On the plane trees the flowers are like little balls. These ball" are made up of many flowers. The male ann female are separate, hanging from different stalks. The former are small and yellow. about the size of a pea, and fall off the tree after they have produced their pollen. The Jatter are reddish burrs, the size of marbles, and later develop into the brown seed balls. Both types of flower appear before the leaves. and may be observed in any street tree. The oak and the poplar have long green cat kins, those of the poplar being much more conspicuous. Like the willow, the two kinds of poplar flowers are borne on separate trees. J.R.

September, 1934.

MATiLDA

Ideas for Nature Observation. (from Le Trefle Rouge et Blanc, the Swiss Guide Magazine). Before taking the Guides out into the open, their interest must be aroused by games and competitions in observation. There are graded types of observation games-Kim's game, articles hidden in the clubroom, or half-hidden; articles put on a background of the same colour, etc. (a) The Guides are in files, in Patrols, and numbered, the Guider calls a number and names a plant, and the Guide concerned has to fly, lie down on the ground, hop, etc., according to the method of reproduction of that plant! (b) The Guides are in files, in Patrols, and numbered. The Guider calls a number and asks for the name of a plant with an edible root, edible leaf, edible seed, etc. (c) Each Guide writes down on a piece of paper the name of an animal. The papers are mixed up and g;iven out again. Each Guide has to tear out, with her finge!"s only, the shape of the animal mentioned on her slip. (d) Each Patrol chooses one of their number who can draw well. The Guider shows the drawing of a bird, and each Guide comes up, in turn, looks at the drawing, and goes and describes to the artist of her patrol some part of the bird (claw, wing, beak, etc.). This game can also be played with colored crayons. (e) Patrols have to find for each letter of the alphabet the name of a flower. The next two games require very careful preparation beforehand:(f) The different parts of several plants(roots, leaves, flower, bud, s'eed, stalk, etc.) are drawn and colored on little cards. Eacn Guide chooses a flower and has to find all the cards belonging to that plant. (g) A series of cards representing the silhouettes of trees and their leaves-these have to be matched by the Guides. (Tr. by F.V.B.)

The Stolen Documents. This is a suggestion for an outdoor game, to include stalking, tracking, signalling and knotting, and, more important than these, intelligence and organisation. The patrol or team that uses the last two attributes most vividly is the patrol that will win. The story:-Information has come to hand that certain documents belonging to the Gi!"l Guide Association have been stolen. Do you think that we can find them? Suppose you work in teams (or patrols). We have discovered that the first clue to be followed will be given by an old woman who has lived in the district for some time. The difficulty with the old woman is that she has been married to a scientist and knows the secret of the death-ray, which is stored in her stick. The ray, however, is useless to them if

the victim is within four yards of it. Hel' hearing and sight are not very keen, but she can see moving objects, and if she sees yol.! move, will kill you instantly by pointing her stick at you. As soon as one of your numbel' gets within the required distance, you will find her quite amenable, and I think she will give you the information you require. Being a rather cantankerous old woman, it is possible that the information may be a little obscure. But that, of course, will prove no obstacle to you. It may be wise to take signalling flags and rope with you. Preparations for Game. An "old woman" for each patrol or team, suitably dressed, having a stick, and knowing her message. They should be placed in definitely different directions and the two teams sent towards the proper direction, to save ppssible confusion. The ,wome'n should be partially hidden, in the best stalking country available. In the game played there were two "old women" and their messages were (1) "Find that which is tall and white and would sway in the wind" (this was a flagpole). (2) "At the foot of that which is large and round and ridged and placed high up" (a watertank). At the foot of each of these objects is the beginning of a track, which ends with a hidden note in'forming the trackers that they must look round until a signalling station is seen. The signalling station must be decided on beforehand, being within sight of the end of the track, though not taQ prominent, and a signaller placed there, knowing her message which, in this game, was, "Surrounded by a deep moat and under British territory." There should be a station for each track, and as soon aR the signaller sees Guides appearing at theÂˇ end of the track, she may send VE, carrying on when she receives the proper answer. "British Territory" was a large heap of dE)ad branches, surmounted by a Union Jack, and surrounded by a "moat," the edges of which were defined by two long lines of sticks -though something far more realistic may be arranged, according to the country at your disposal. Important-looking "documents," one for each team, had previously been hidden in the "British territory." Before beginning the game, the story should be told, legitimate questions answered, and a secret note given to the leader of each team. to be read as soon as the document is f('und. This note tells the leader to collect her team, appoint one to tty to catch other players returning home, and the rest of the team to proceed home themselves, remembering that others are out to catch them. The first "document" to reach Captain safely denotes the winner. Knotting is introduced by the fact that the "moat" is "deep"; therefore a bowline shoul;] be used before swimming across. The game will take about U hours to play. When all are in, or at the end of a certain time, discuss successes and mistakes, and the reasons why. M.H.

MAT I 1..}) A.

BROWNIE GUIDERS' SEMAPHORE EVENING. "SEMAPHORE! Oh, Brown Owl, why can't we have a game?" Deep sighs. Has a Pack ever said that to you? I hope not, but - . Oh, well, if you were at the Brownie evening when we concentrated on Semaphore, you would have learnt just heaps of games with which to teach your Brownies-Semaphore games to play right from the very beginning, so that each new letter seems a thrill. Have you ever played "General Post" with Semaphore? Each Brownie is given a letter, and has to act it when it is signalled, e.g., H hop, W walk, R run, etc. You would have laughed when L was signalled to 'see the ver.y tall Guider and the little short one leap across the room and two very large Guiders had to crawl for C. How your Brownies would love it! Another Competition caused much excitement. Five articles, each beginning with a difÂˇ ferent letter, were placed in front of each Six. A letter was signalled, and the Brownies grab the article and race with it to Brown Owl. First Six to arrive with the right article scores a point. At a chosen letter, S, Brownies have to grab everything up and run to Brown Owl. This caused a wild scurry, and in their haste the Guiders left a trail of articles from their Six to Brown Owl. Then we had some telegrams. Six letters were signalled, and from these we had to compose a telegram, and afterwards act it. There were so many more games and competitions which everyone enjoyed, but space does not permit more. Every Brown Owl fouurl something which would be helpful in teaching her own Pack, and those who have not yet started Semaphore in their Packs were filled with enthusiasm to start immediately. Aft~r supper, which we all enjoyed, we closed our happy evening with Brownie Taps. -M.B.

A GROUP OF CEREMONIES. OPENING CEREMONY. Brownies are turned into whirlwinds, and blow madly about the room. B. Owl is West Wind, who chases them. and as each Brownie is caught she holds hands with B. Owl to form a long line and helps catch the other whirlwinds. When all are caught and holding hands, they form a ring round the Toadstool and sing: "Whirlwinds blowing in and out, in and out , in and out,

September, 1934.

Whirlwinds blowing in and out in such gusty weather, Till West wind blows and holds us tight, holds us tight, holds us tight, Till West wind blows and holds us tight, in a ring together." The Brownies then sing the Brownie Song. -M.B. CLOSING. Brown Owl is the stalk of a thistle, and Brownies cling on to form seeds. T.O. is East Wind, and blows seeds home. B.O. and T.O. sing:"Flyaway, thistle down, flyaway, do! Take happiness with you, and bright smile3, too." Brownies sing:"Flyaway, thistle down, flyaway, do! Goodbye to Brown Owl and Tawny, too!" Fly off, waving arms as they do. -M.B . WELCOME CEREMONY. Tune: "London Bridge." "We are here to welcome you, welcome you, welcome you, We are here to welcome you, Brown Owl-." "Thank you for coming, coming, coming, Thank you for coming, Brown Owl-." -R.S. Brownies stand in circle and swing hands, singing. Visitor in centre; at end of each verse, salute and beam brightly at visitor. Use visitor's name for last word of line. POW-wow CEREMONY. Each Six in its home, and the Totem in th3 centre of the room, with B.O., T.O. and Packleader standing in their places round it. 1st Six (creeping to its place in the ring) : "We are bringing to the Pow-wow ringGood Thinking." 2nd Six:"We are bringing to the Pow-wow r ing-Kindness." 3rd Six:"We are bringing to the Pow-wow ringHelpfulness." B.O.: "Let us then think well, be kind, and be helpful." Discussion then takes place, at conclusion of which each Six creeps from the Ring. lst Six-"We are going from the Pow-wow ring to think well." 2nd Six- "We are going from the Pow-wo'v ring to be kind." 3rd Six-"We are going from t he Pow-wow ring to be helpful." -D.M.

MATILDA.

September, 1934.

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MONTHL Y LECTURETTES.

HOPPING.

There will be no special evening in September owing to the Handcraft Exhibition. The next evening wil~ be a "Knotty" one on Wednesday, October 3rd, at Headq,uarters. This does not sound 'v ery interesting, but it may turn out even more of a surprise than the Semaphore night! So come along and enjoy yourself! !

The Brownie Golden Bar test provides for HOIlPing the Figure Eight-which is generally done three times. . To some children this is considered very easy, and I think it would b ~ well to leave it thus, as it offers quite a gooLl bit of encouragement to less venturesome Brownie. Hopping being, of course, the foundation of good balance of the body and general strengthening of muscles, should be encouraged, and in practice a small Brownie quickly realises that to carry out this test effectively she must gain an even balance and control hel' small muscles properly. A simple game played effectively in Pack is Peever, or something on the lines of Hopscotch). Procure a circle of solid wood (or stone) about an inch thick and about 3 inches in diameter; chalk out a course covering fiv '! spaces about one foot apart, then cross spaces occupying about 2 feet, finished by two circles in the last space. Kicking the peever gently with the side of the foot the Brownie hops over this course-into each space and into th~ top circles, then back over the whole course, to where she started. At B.O.'s option, this course can be extended or shortened, but is a mOl'e effective game than hopping the figure 8, a s she must at no time touch one of the chalk lines either with peever or foot; should she touch a line, the course must be re-hopped. It has caused quite a lot of merriment at Pack, and trains a Brownie effectively in the gentl!' but accurate HOP. G.B.

OUR PICNIC.

The following description of a picnic was sent in to "Matilda" by the Brown Owl of the 1st Monbulk Pack, written by one of the Brownies. "The Brownies left the Monbulk Post Office at 1.30 p.m. last Wednesday (May 30th) fOI" Kay's picnic grounds. When we arrived then~ we had our afternoon tea, which we enjoyed very much. Then we played several games. One of the games was called the 'Wicked Olri Witch.' B.O. and Tawny were the witches, and Miss Chomley was the fairy. All the Brownies had to go up to the witch's and say: 'Wicked old witch, are you hungry to-day, For if you are, we will all run away.' The witch would then chase the Brownies and whoever were caught were taken to the witch's den. The fairy was, then told about it, and she told us to do certain things to set the Brownies free. After that, when it was getting towards evening, we had a story read to us. As it was quite late after that we packed up our things and set off for home. We arrived home after a very happy day. Brownie Isabel Storie, 1st Monbulk Brownie Pack."

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OOMPETITION

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A HOPPING GAME. Brownies in double line at one end of hail, facing each other. One chah' for each pair placed directly opposite them at other end of hall. Line nearest the chairs, say to others: "Pussy cat, pussy cat, where have you been?" Partners: "I've been up to London to look at the Queen." 1st Brownies: "Pussy cat, pussy cat, what did you there?" Partners: "I frightened a little mouse under her chair." At the word "chair," the Brownie faces round and hops as quickly as she can to the chair, while her partner, also hopping, tries to catch her before she does so. If caught, the Brownie" change places; if not, remain the same for next turn. -V.H .

BALL THROWING. Ball-Throwing figures in the Brownie Golden Bar test as a further means of control, encouraging quickness of . eye and hand, and a fairly accurate sense of pitch for distance, as well as lreing an embodiment of sound exercise for health purposes. It has been found from experience much easier to start off with bean bags (6-inch squares of stout calico filled with haricot beans or like) as throwing and catching with one hand is more easily managed with this bag which little fingers can grip, and when Brownies have become accustomed to the action of throwing and the ready catching, the ordinary ball can be Âˇ substituted. There are all sorts of ball games open t.o Brown Owl to choose from, but these should be very simple at first until the Brownies become proficient in throwing straight and catching creditably, as to follow the aims of many of these little folks in the first stap;es demands an almost acrobatic standard in players. Cross throwing (Brownies in circles or in straight lines) is an excellent foundation with the bean bags and causes much mirth, but later with the ball soon incites the imagination and encourages skilful throwing- and catching. G.B .

A Three-Hundred-Year Old Vow. Almost three hundred years ago, to a little Bavarian village there came the plague. The village had suffered previous attacks, but that year-1634-was by far the worst that the country had known. More than two-thirds of the population of the tiny village succumbed, and the elders were in despair. At last they gathered together, and vowed that if the rest of the village were spared the survivors would act the Story of the Passion every ten years in the future. It is said that from that moment the plague was stayed; not another soul died; and the villagers have kept their vow ever since . Let us go to Oberammergau and witness the Passion play. It is early morning, a COu]

September, 1934.

morning in spring. The play will begin in a few hours-at eight o'clock. Looking out of the small window of our room we see the mountains all around. We hear the sound of tinkling cow bells, so characteristic of Oberammergau. The hj!rg comes within our vision, and we notice their driver, a young lad with long fair hair curling over his shoulders. We join the stream of villagers going to church. All the bells are pealing loudly, and we make our way to the little old church. Returning to breakfast we realise that our host for the day is a baker, for his day's wares lie spread out on the floor on large flat tray;;, waiting to be put into the oven. We eat our meal hastily and go off to the theatre through the mist which has drifted down from the tops of the mountains. The theatre is crowded. It will hold over five thousand, and every place is occupie,i, dozens standing round the entrances. Our seats are near the back of the theatre, and we can see out above the top of the stage (for it has no covering roof) to the mountains in the distance. From the wings comes the chorus-fortyeight men and women, led by the speaker of the Prologue. Accompanied by a hidden orchestra of over forty pieces, the Chorus sing their introduction, return to the wings, anti the Play commences. Interspersed with many tableaux, the Stor:, of Holy Week is told so wonderfully and so vividly that we realise with astonishment that it is almost twelve o'clock. The rain has now stopped, and over the gray mountains blue is showing in the sky, and we notice a red barn tiny as a child's toy. The audience stands up in preparation for leaving, soon the theatre is emptied, and we return to our host's for th 2 mid-day meal. Far up on the hilly pasture grounds there are still cow bells ringing. All the clouds have gone from the clear, blue sky as we go back to the theatre at two o'clock. All manner of languages are heard in the crowded streets -German, English, French, and many others, all making their way towards the theatre. The Play continues. More singing by the Chorus, more tableaux, and through the scenp.s of the Last Supper and the Vigil in the Garden, on to the final tableaux of the Ascension. In silence the vast audience streams out of the doors and back again to their homes for the night. Although the evening meal is over, it is still light, and we go off to explore the villap;e. We walk past countless shops with their beautiful hand carvings of all descriptions. The actolÂˇS are still busy. Many of them own these shops, and the making of the carvings provides employment during the years when there is no Passion Play. Through the open door of one shop we see a handsome young lad, with the long hair common to the villagers, selling beautifully- carved crucifixes. This afternoon we saw him as S:. John. He is signing his name on one of the numerous pictures of himelf, which are stocked by all the village shops. Long before the actual year of the Play, pre-

September, 1934.

MATILDA.

parations are begun. Miracle plays are pee'formed every year, and from the players in these are chosen the actors for the Passion Play. No one but a member of the village may take any part, however, in the production of the Play, and no married woman may play in it. Ballots are taken of the nominations for the characters, the whole village votes, and the results are made known. More than six months before the first performance of the Play the men begin to let their hair grow, for no wigs are used in the Play. The inhabitants of the village grow up with the ambition of acting in the Play-even the children look forward 'LO taking their part in it. Darkness falls at last. With difficulty we find our way home. Through the cool spring evening air we can heal' the chimes o.f the neighbouring church, and. froy? the dIstant heights comes down the famt tmkle of a cow bell. M.A.L.

Equipment Depot. In future Ranger hats will not be stockea. Guide hats and Ranger hats are now so similar that it is not considered necessary to make a special order or a .special price for .Rangt!r hats so the price WIll be 6 / - for all SIzes. G~iders' Hats 15/-. This is the only other. quality now supplied, and is in a good quality wool felt. All these hats have been remodelled with a shallower brim, and are more attractiv~ as the result. These are supplied in all sizes. Linen Hats. There is now a complete stock of linen hats; the price for these in future will be 4 / - instead of 4 / 6. Centenary. The Centenary Committee have issued a Girl Guide Centenary stamp to be used on the back of envelopes. The design is a photo of the Chief Guide. These are now in stock and are sold at 50 for 1 /-, or 3d. per dozen'. These are chiefly for propaganda purposes, and it is. thougJ:;tt that Commissioners, Guiders and GUIdes WIll use them to advertise Guide Centenary activities. 19th Annual Report has just come to haml. It contains a complete report of Guiding throughout the world, and the price is 9d. Camp Fire Songs. Parts, 6, 7, 8, 3d. each. The songs contained in part 6 are: Wood Fires (words only); The Pilgrims' Song (words only); Peter White (round); Bedfordshire May Day Carol; Green grow the rushes Ho. . Part 7: Little Bingo; A Polish International Song; Grasshoppers Three; A'~ovin~., Part 8: Drink to me only WIth thme eye~: Polly-Wolly-Doodle; Poor Old Joe) Ca' the ewes tae the Knowe's (old ScottIsh tune); Close thine eyes (round). Camp Craft. We have a few in stock of Old Camp Craft Books. These have been reduced from 2 / 6 to 9d. They contain all the essentials for camping, but are not up-to-date. The new Camp Craft Book is now stocked, and thi~ price is 3/-. CLARA BROADHURST, Commissioner for Equipment.

"MATILDA" KNOWS-DO YOU? I-The meaning of the following names of suburbs of Sydney which are of aboriginal origin: Bondi-waves breaking on the beach. Coogee-Rotting seaweed. Parramatta-A place where eeJos lie down. Cronulla-Small pink shell. Killara-Always there. 2-That seven hundred and fifty bullock horns were unearthed on a site for a new building in "Petticoat Lane" (Middlesex Street) , London, lately. It is thought that they were the stock of a trader of ancient times. 3-That screen stars have on the average a shorter life than successful actors and actresses of the stage. 4-That the London Telephone Exchanges employ 6000 girls, some of whom speak more than four languages. 5-That the King is really responsible for the smal1 hats which the Queen always wears because he likes to see her hair. (Mme. Grenier, formerly for many years Royal Dresser to Queen Mary, says this.)

Executive Committee Meeting. A meeting of the Executive Committee of the Girl Guides Association, Victoria, was held at the Guide Office on the 18th July, 1934. Present: Lady Chauvel, Mrs. Edmondson, Misses Bush, Broadhurst, Lascel1es, Purnell, Swinburne and the Secretary. Centenary: Routine reports were receive<.i. It was reported that a letter had been receiv.ed from the Chief Guide saying that the Chief Scout was much better, and that both daughters were coming to Australia. . Guide Village: It was agreed that the VI!lage be advertised mainly as an exhibition and demonstration of Guide work. It was agreed that a film be made showing Guides at work for the Village. Rally: It was agreed that all .Post or Ext'7nsion Guides attached to actIve Compames should attend the party for Extension Guides on Saturday, 5th January, and not the Rally on New Year's Day. Baby Health Centres Association: The invitation of the Committee of the Baby Health Centres Association that a delegate be appointed by the Girl Guides ~ssociation as its repl'esentative on the councIl of the B.H.C.A. was accepted, and it was agreed that the two A.ssociations should co-operate in any way pOSSIble. Ulster International Camp: An invitation was l'eceived from the Chief Commissioner of Ulster for a party of eight Guides and Guid' ers to attend an International Camp which i'5 being arranged for Summer. 1935. . It W~5 agreed that this invitation be pubbshed 111 "Matilda." , Rcutine and financial business was discussed. S. H. IRVING. "I want my house open to the sun and wind, and the voice of the sea-like a Greek Temp~'! -and light, light, light everywhere." (Axel Monthe).

MATILDA.

TRAINING. G:ui~ers who have not previously attended a

Trammg Class at Headquarters must bring to the first class of any .Course a Nomination Form signed by their own Commissioner. Unless announced otb,t!rwise, all Training Classes are held at the Guide Office, 60 Market Street, Melbourne, C.l. (7th Floor). Brownie Training.- Tl-te last. Course for the year will begin on MONDAY I· 1st October. Guider in Charge: Miss N. The';!is. Guide Training.-The last Course for the year will begin in September. Commissioners.-Miss Bush will be at the Guide Office on the third Thursday in September (20th), from 10.30 a.m. till 12.30. M. E. BUSH, Commissioner for Training.

APPOINTMENTS.

DISTRI Gr COMMI SSIONERS. Korumburra-Miss L. E. Salmon, Cartref, Poowong . Malvern (Act.). Miss Margaret Crellin, 123 Kooyong Road, S.E.3. Mel'bein-Mrs. H. A. Flennley, Merbein South. Mildura-Mrs. W. E. MacMillan, Magnolia Avenue, Mildura. Prahl'an-Mrs. Charles W. Bennett, 302 High Street, S.l. Stawell-Mrs. Allsop, Jennings Street, Stawell.

WARRANTS.

Brown Owl. 1st Cohuna-Miss Marjorie Poole. 1st Dandenong-Miss Irene Cockram. 1st Koondrook-Miss Ivy Jamieson. 2nd Parkville-Miss Myrtle Russell.

September, 1934.

1st Mt. Eliza-Mrs. Machin. 1st Richmond-Miss Hazel Gross. 1st Surrey Hills-Miss Mary Butt. 2nd Warrnambool-Miss Enid Smith. 1st Westmere-Miss Gladys Fagg. Tawny Owl. 3rd Colac-Miss Phyllis Westwood. Captain. 2nd Armadale-Miss R. Crocker. 1st Baxter-Miss Muriel Grant. 1st Dandenong-Miss Betty Stephenson. 1st East Melb'ne-Miss Thelma Henderson. 1st Elsternwick-Miss Adele Davis. 2nd Seymour-Mrs. Cocks. 2nd South Yarra-Miss Heather Brown. 1st Surrey Hills-Mrs. G. F. Green. Lieutenant . 1st Maldon-Miss L. J. Robertson. 1st Mortlake-Miss Joyce Jones. 1st Portland-Miss E lsa Williamson. 2nd Sandringham-Miss Lena Cornell. Ranger Captain. 1st Colac-Miss Ethel Begley. Croydon District-Miss Rita Blair.

REGISTRATIONS. Loca l Associations. Arawata, Korong Vale, Maffra. Packs. 1st Cohuna, 1st Pascoe Vale, 1st Westmere, 1st Woomelang, 2nd Yallourn. Companies. 1st Chocolyn, 4th East Malvern (St. John's) , 1st Korong Vale, 1st Hawksburn (formerly registered as 5th Prahran), 1st Shepparton. Ran ger Companies. 1st Bruthen Dist., 1st Dimboola, 1st Lilydale.

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