DECEMBER 1, 1934.
Vol. 11, No.6.
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D~cember. 1 934.
MATILDA.
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December, 1934.
MATILDA.
Volume XI.
DECEMBER, 1934.
8
Number Six.
SPECIAL FLAGS AT THE RALLY, "Of all emblems, a flag is one which is universally accepted among men as the incarnation of their inteni.est sentiment, and when uplifted above them concentrates in itself the annals of a nation and all the traditions of an empire." The Rally on New Year's Day will be another epoch-making event in our Guide life, and every Company will be proud to carry in the March Past its Colours, whether these be the Union Jack, Australian Flag, World Flag or Company Standard. We shall see again the Chief Guide's Standard-that beautiful piece of embroidery worked for the Chief Guide by English County and Overseas Commissioners. The description of the Standard is as follows, and those of us who were fortunate enough to see it at the Rally in 19301 are hoping for another close view. "On the hoist is the. Trefoil in gold on blue. Next comes the blue sea, with silver waves and dolphins, with three ships sailing forth into the ends of the earth to carry Guiding overseas. This refers to the Overseas work of the Chief Guide. In the midst of the sea is the Gold Fish, which she alone wears. Then there are red motto bandsthe red for cheerfulness-and the mottoes are, on the one side, BE PREPARED, and on the other the Powell motto in Welsh, which means "Where there is a Powell there is safety." Between the motto bands there is a space of green and white triangles, and they are the tents of our camps on the green grass, referring to the outdoor side of our Guide life. In the fly are two fine lions, and these are the Baden and Powell crests." Interesting Company Standards which will probably be seen at the Rally are those of the Toorak College Company, 1st St. Kilda Guides, and of 3rd South Yarra (M.C.E.G.G.S.). The first was presented to the Comp,my (then 1st Malvern) by the Principals in December, 1921, and handed to the Colour Party by the first State Commissioner, Lady Stradbroke. The Standard is beautifully worked; it bears the Guide Trefoil, gold on blue, the State Badg<!, the College motto and badge. 1st St. Kilda
Company's Standard, the gift of the Captain, was dedicated in August, 1933, to mark the tenth birthday of the Company. The emblems on this Standard are the International Guide Trefoil, the Victorian State badge, the badge of St. Kilda, Motto Bands with BE PREPARED and the Company motto: Be strong. Between the Motto bands is a green field (representing the out-of-doors), with the four Patrol emblems (birds). The tip of the fly bears the figure of St. Joan of Arc, chosen as the Company emblem. These Company Standards are only achieved after m<>nths of careful planning, to get a design which will embody the ideals and traditions of the Company, and also comply witil heraldic regulations. The New Year's Day Rally will be the first Victorian State Rally at which the Guide World Flag has appeared. Many Companies now carry this Flag as their Company Coloul', taking its place in the Horseshoe opposite the National Flag. As most Guides know, the World Flag design is a gold trefoil on a bright blue ground. The stars in two leaves of the trefoil mean the leading stars which Wt' will always keep before us: the Promise and the Guide Law. The vein or line in the central leaf is the compass needle which will always give us the right course or way in Guiding. "The base of the stalk is the flame of the love of mankind. It will always burn high, brightly and intensively in the heart of all Girl Guides and Girl Scouts." Older-established Guide Companies will be carrying the former type of Company Colour -the First-Class Badge on a navy-blue ground, with the name of the Company. The quotation at the beginning of this article is indeed true of our national flags, both the Union Jack and the Australian Flag. As for the special Guide flag&--Standards, World Flags and other Company Colours-they represent to us the annals of our fourteen-yearold Movement here in Victoria, as well as of Guiding generally, and the traditions of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts-that Sisterhood of which we are so proud to be members. F. V. BARFUS.
MATILDA.
Welcome, Chief!
December, 1934.
Interstate Column.
(Tune: "Men of Harlech")
SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Welcome, Chief! at this glad meeting, Take Victoria's happy greeting, Who in treasured hour so fleeting Gives you heart and hand. From the din of ocean's thunder, Hill and plain and far bush-wonder, Drawn by bonds that naught shall sunder, Gathered here we stand. Chorus: Set the echoes flying With a song undying; Work and fun, in friendship one, On Faith and Hope relying; Rouse then, Guiders! Honour plighted, All in vision wide united; Welcome, Chief! the torch is lightedGreeting now we bring. Welcome, Chief! To you we're bringing Smile for smile, and song for singing; Thoughts of glad goodwill are winging From each heart to you. In the world, where'er you travel, Shades dispel and cares unravel, Ne'er a soul can warp or cavil, If to Guiding true. Chorus as before. -M.S. [Will all Guiders please learn words, as this song is to be sung at the reception given to Lady Baden-Powell on January 2.
The annual meeting this year formed the official welcome to Lady Dugan as State Chief Commissioner. The meeting was held in the Adelaide Town Hall. The Colour Parties formed a Guard of Honour extending right down the centre aisl(o. even outside, and Headquarters Colour Party led the way down the aisle. The front of the platform looked just like a real garden, it had been so wonderfully decorated with flowers of every kind. On the platform there were Lady Dugan (State Chief Commissioner), Mrs. K. D. Bowman (State President), Mrs. R. J . Rudall (Deputy State Chief Commissioner), Miss V. Ralph (State Organising Secretary), speakers, Dr. Madigan (Chief Scout Commissioner) and Dr. Grenfell Price, and members of the State Executive. The organ galleries were filled with metropolitan Guiders and Guides on one side and the Choir on the other. During the evening the choir gave several delightful songs, and Miss Grivell, the Commissioner for Singing, gave as solos some old favourites. The hall was packed-in the stalls the front rows were fitted with Heads of Departments and Commissioners. Then came members of Local Associations, examiners, parents and friends, and upstairs was filled with guides. The meeting was a great success. Lady Dugan has certainly adopted a large family, but that family hopes to help in making her stay in South Australia a very happy one.
GUIDERS' PARTY. Guiders are reminded of the necessity for sending in AS SOON AS POSSIBLE requests for tickets for the Guiders' Party for the Chief Guide, which is to be held on January 2nd in the Melbourne .Town HalL It is realised that there are some Guiders who are not connected with Companies or Packs, and may therefore have been overlooked when the circulars were sent out. Any such people are requested to get in touch with Miss Alison Brown at Headquarters, or to can at the latter, where a supply of forms will be available.
SPY'S STORY. An Observation Game. Each patrol is a tribe of Red Indians setting out to bury their hidden treasure. (Two patrols only play this, but the company could be divided into sides.) With them they take one member of the other tribe, who is friendly, apparently, but is r eally a spy. Then they go and bury their treasure (some article such a!:; knife or whistle). They return to camping ground, and the spies return to their original tribe and describe where the enemy has hidden their treasure. They give full directions, but can't go back with the tribes to direct them
MATILDA KNOWS-DO YOU? 1.-Some of the flames rising from the surface of the sun are 286,000 miles in height. 2.-That seventy separate pieces are used in the making of a violin. a.- That quaint old forms of salutation in various countries are as follows:(a) in one of the larger Cyclades, in the Archipelago, in saluting, persons recipro¡ cally moisten each other's hair. (b) The inhabitants of the Phillipines bend Ivery low placing their 'h ands on their cheeks, and raise one foot in the air with the knee bent. 4.-That the highest mountain in the Moon has been named by Earth astronomers Leibnite. Its height is 24,920 feet. personally, so that the success of their treasure finding depends on full directions. Each tribe then sets off to find the other's treasure. The spies could be Guides who need either personal tuition in signalling or tracking, or else Guides who need to be tested in something outdoorish, and this could be carried out by Captain or Lieut. while the tribes are engaged¡ in discovering th~ treasure. R.V,H.
becember, 1934.
A BIRD LECTURE.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN DECEMBER "The month whose face is holiness! She brings With her the glory of majestic things. What words of light, what high resplendent phrase Have I for all the lustre of her days? She comes, and carries in her shining sphere August traditions of the world's great year." (Kendall) Wildflowers.-Tasman flax-lily, yellow-eye, golden shaggy pea, elderberry panax, swamp goodenia, blushing bindwood, small-leaf bram. ble, saw groundsel, rosemary everlasting, Kangaroo apple, anemone buttercup, star fruit, shining currant bush, Christmas bush. Orchids.-Hyacinth, mountain Caledenia, blotched sun orchid, large tongue orchid, horned orchid. Stars-Aries (the Ram), Sirius (the Dog Star), Taurus (the Bull), Canis Minor (the Little Dog).
WHAT BIRD IS IT? Here are some further notes about the unknown bird mentioned in last month's issu~ of "Matilda." So far we have not been able to identify it. "I am sorry to tell you," writes our correspondent, "that I have been unable to make any satisfactory obs~vations of that new bird which I mentioned in my last letter. Three times only did I get a glimpse of it. When it is on the wing the back feathers are a reddish brown; but when perched on a twig the back is rather a dark brown. As far as I can see it is just a brown bird, about the size of a grey thrush, and very timid. Once I built a rough bower and left it for a few days, then I hid in it on my next visit, but the birds seemed quite conscious of my presence. One could always tell when the birds were in the vicinity of the nest, as one would give a queer whistle and the other one would call "chuck! chuck!" Once I stayed for half and hour, and they would not approach the nest. The nest was built in a fern tree about 7 feet from the ground. When the chicks were first hatched out they had a very deep orange skin, and their throats were the same colour. Only a few tufts of light brown down were on the body. When they were fully fledged the head, back and wings were blackish brown, and the underneath was a buff colour. The back feathers were the same colour as the bird which percheC on the twig. Three light greenish brown eggs formed the clutch; they were about the same size as a mudlark's. The nest was found in the heart of a gully."
On Saturday evening, December 29, at Girl Guide Headquarters, a lecture illustrated by lantern slides will be given by Miss Joan Harper, entitled "Our Victorian Birds." The lecture is intended primarily for members of the Guidzrs' Club, but all Guides and Guiders will be welcome. Admission 6d., Guides in uniform 3d., in aid of Club funds. Supper will be provided.
BELL BIRDS. "Welcome as waters unkissed by the summers Are the voices of bell-birds to thirsty farcomers. When fiery December sets foot in the forest, And the need of the wayfarer presses the sorest, Pent in the ridges for ever and ever, The bell-birds direct him to spring and to river, With ring and with ripple, like runnels whose torrents Are toned by the pebbles and leaves in the currents." When Kendall, Australia's greatest nature poet, wrote these lines, he was thinking not of the true bell-bird, but of the bell-miner, one of our most handsome honey-eaters. Tho:! crested bell-bird is a perfect ventriloquist, and therefore is hard to detect. It is found in the dry interior, such as the Mallee, and usually associates in pairs. The bell-miner, on the other hand, gloriously attired in olive-green, is always found by or near water-hence the exactness of Kendall's picture, which depicts the bell-miner as a guide to the thirsty traveller in summer-time. Bell-miners do not utter bell-like notes, but rather give utterance to a continuous "tinkle," which is unmistakable for any oth~r bird note. These songsters are always found in' colonies, and being of a similar colour to the gum tre'!s they inhabit, are difficult to see. The nearest bell-miner colonies to Melbourne are at Beaconsfield, Upper Ferntree Gully and Belgrave.
SUMMER STARS. The beauty of summer-time is not confined to the daytime alone. December brings a promise of glorious nights, when it is true relaxation to wander out-of-doors with only the stars for company. Now is the time to study the first constellations of the Zodiac, which are just r~-appearing-the Ram, the Bull, the Heavenly Twins, etc. The Zodiac is the apparent path of the sun among the stars. It forms a great girdle round the skies, and only part of it is visible at anyone time. It is also the pathway of the moon. Zodiac is an old Greek name-it means "path of animals," and each of the twelve constellations belonging to it are named after an ani¡ mal or a human being. The Ram is rather inconspicuous, but the Bull is a fi~ constellation with its red eye, Aldebaran, and its two groups of stars, the Hyades and Pleiades (or seven sisters). J.H.
!tfATILDA
6
December, 1934.
"Joy is the grace we say to God." -Jean Inglelow. A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL READERS.
Moments for the Meeting. MINUTE LAWS. Who has suffered from Indigestion? Most of us have been acquainted at some time of our lives with its young brother, the Bilious Attack, at any rate. What has this to do with the Law? Much; for food is chiefly the cause of Indig~stion; and food and the Fourth Law may be found to be very closely allied. In a fairly recent copy of "The Guider" it was pointed out that one of the reasons why the Chief Scout is wefcomed by people of so many countries is because he has shared their food. To do this comes down from early times as a gesture of friendliness. From sharing food of this kind it is only a step to sharing the food of thought with those we meet. To be really friendly one must know something about the outlook and ideas of others. Lack of proper understanding leads to a kind of indigestion of the spirit very often-to jealousy, quick temper, resentment and other such disturbing feelings. It is not required that we push ourselves into the thoughts of others, but to be interested in such matters as they care to discuss with us, and to be considerate of their point of view. This is what the nations are trying to do at. the present time, in order to come to mutual understanding for the sake of peace. We should also be trying individually to show friendliness to those around us, finding the remedy for that "spiritual indigestion" whic¡n we all experience at different times. In this way we may be genuine bearers of the Christmas message of Peace and Goodwill. -M.S.
Garnes. HIKING PARTIES. Guides in patrols, numbered. Nos. 1 are bicycles, they hop to end of room and back, when their number is called. Nos. 2 are on horseback; they go in a series of jumps, both feet together. Nos. 3 are in a car, which is running badly; they run two paces forward
and one back. Nos. 4 are hikers, and walk as fast as they can. Nos. 5 are in cabs, and go on all fours. Nos. 6 are charabancs; when No.6 is called, each Guide catches hold of the person in front of her and the whole patrol runs to end of room and back. (If there are 8 in each team, Nos. 8 would be the charabancs, Nos. 7 would be steam-rollers, and move at a shuffle.) M.L.
BOUNCE AND TUNNEL GAME. Two teams of equal number sit on the floor facing each other, legs apart, toes touching the toes of the Guides in the opposing team. A ball is given to Number 1 of each team, which should be at different ends of .the line. When the whistle blows, she has to bounce the ball on the right side, catch it, bounce it between her legs, bounce it on her left side, when it will be caught by No.2, who follows the same procedure. Thus the ball goes down the line. When it reaches the last Guide in the team she shouts "Up," and all the players in the team pull up their legs, making archways with their knees. The last player bowls the ball right down the tunnel of the legs. If it should stop anywhere it must be passed on by the Guide who is nearest. When it reaches No. 1 she shouts "Mine," and holds the ball up with one hand. First team to finish wins. ("The Canadian Guider")
Health. [Continued] Although clothing should be capable of retaining warmth, it should not be airtight, as the skin needs ventilation. This is an important point to be realised at night as well as in the daytime. A may say to B, at breakfast or in the train, "My dear, I slept like a log last night--never moved once"! We are told by health authorities that this does not happen. Everybody unconsciously stirs and turns in their sleep. The reason is that the skin surface must have air, because we breathe through the skin. Movements during sleep are Nature's way of ensuring that all parts of the skin come in contact with air. Night
December, 1934.
MAT I L b A
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attire and quantity (also quality) of bedclothes should receive consideration; these should not be heavy, of a type which prevents ventilation. While we interfere with the output of heat by clothing we also interfere with the disposal of matter discharged by the skin. Therefore the layer next the skin should be absorbent. Underclothing should have this quality; it should also be light and cool. This leaves the business of preserving heat to the outer clothing, keeping for underwear the function of protection from dust. Clothes suitable to the season should be worn; and a Guide trained in rudiments of health would not be misguided into foolishly sacrificing comfort to appearance. FRESH AIR. What is the real truth in the proverb, "Laugh and Grow Fat?" [To be dealt with in next issue]
Swimmer's Badge. DO'S AND DON'TS. Now that the summer is coming on many Guides will be thinking of trying for their Swimmer's Badge, so here are a few hints on what the Examiner expects from the Guide, and what the Guide should be prepared to do. Do encourage the Guides to work for the Swimmer's Badge and Life Saver's Badge. Every Guide should be able to swim. Do make certain that the Guide knows thoroughly each section of the test. Don't send a Guide for the test unless quite ready. The Examiner's time is precious. Don't forget the -25 yards Back Stroke must be done on the back with either the arms folded or placed on the hips. Do remember that to pick up a brick from the bottom of the bath, the Guide must first swim up to the spot then dive down and pick the brick up. Do you know that the dive need not be an elaborate one-just a neat dive from the side of the baths or springboard is sufficient! Don't keep the Examiner waiting. Punctuality is essential. There is nothing more annoying than for an Examiner to be kept waiting about baths, which are usually very bleak and damp. Don't forg.et to pay Examiner's fare. N.B.-Holders of the Bronze Medallion of the Royal Life Saving Society qualify for the Lifesaver's Badge, but must first swim 25 yards in clothes before they qualify for the Swimmer's Badge. M.H.
Over the Hills. TOTEM LORE. Those of us who own Scout or Cub brothers have probably yearned with joy over their exciting staves; unfortunately, to members of
the Guide Movement the owning of a staff is forbidden, for obvious reasons. It seemed that with the banning of the staff went the possibility of r ecording one's achievem.ents, one's camps, one's memoried hikes, badges, the Big Moments in one's Guide life (shaking hands with the Chief Guide, for instanc.e!) through the medium of totems and totem-lore. Now symbols to the child mind have a definite value; they vitalise ideas far quicker than words, they are convenient to use, they breathe romance and adventure. So came the idea which is now being carried out in our company, and which has done much to encourage originality in expression work and handcraft, and which helps each child to develop her own individuality. Briefly, each Guide owns her personal totem-record in the shape of a coloured cushion, which is the recording-place of her Guide history. Mostly the Guides collected old sacks, or sugar bags, and held Patrol Washing Parties, when they washed and dyed the hessian the patrol colours. AftCl' the cushion was sewn and stuffed and a fringe left at .each side, came the thrill of designing one's totems. Of course the Patrol totem held pride of place in the centre. One could either draw it with coloured inks, paint it with oil paints (only that took time to dry), embroider with coloured wool, or applique. After that one remembered the date when one was enrolled, and carefully affixed this (mostly appliqued) in Indian Sign writing on one side. One's fi r st hike-oh, definitely, specially if one was enrolled on it; and on would go a conventionalised representation of a fire. If one had the joy of attending the last Rally, one consulted the ev,e r-useful Aboriginal Signs and Totems, published by the Boy Scouts Association, N.S.W., and evolved from that a sign meaning "big corroboree," which one joyfully translated to one's cushion. That book proved a mine of treasures; if one had a woodcraft name, one worked out one's private and particular totem from its depths, and totems for various badges, too, if too complicated to applique as given in th.e badge book, were often translated into aboriginal terms and appliqued on to the cushion. Various campsby the sea, in the hills, in rain-were all symbolised with convenionalised waves, trees, etc., accompanying the tents. One could go on indefinitely-and great was the joy of the company when the Commissioner gave permission for all particularly well-made cushions to be entered for the second-class useful article test. Not until the recruit has become a Tenderfoot can she own a cushion-and the joy of adding totems to it as time goes on is one of the glorious things one does "because I'm a Guide now." R.V.H. "There was no breeze to stir it. Its branches were moveless as a woodcut. Like a giant that is brooding on old combate, his cloak about him, loomed the cedar; a giant cicatrized but unhumbled . . . . A little curled pale moon became apparent now, like a feather blown over Murcote." (Blind Men Crossing a Bridge)
MA TILDA.
December, 193¡1.
"If you build castles in the air-your labour will not be lost-that is what they should be. Now put foundations under them."-Browning.
Christmas. As Christmas once more approaches, Jet us pause for a moment and consider what message it has for us as Guiders. Ar'e n't we all inclined to think of Christmaa only as a time of giving and receiving presents and to forget what lies, or should lie, behind all this giving and receiving? Therefore, suppose we look into ourselves and see what we have to give our Brownies this Christmas, and how we are going to give it. Shall we leave them with a feeling that Christmas is just a "peak period"-a time when B.O. and Tawny are so busy with the material side that they have no time to worry much about the spirit of Christmas, or shall we give them some understanding of the meaning of Christmas, so that they realise that all the happiness of Christmas comes because the greatest gift of all was given to the world on the first Cnristmas day? To do this we must remember that Christmas is a happy time, and we must not allow all the somehow unavoidable rush and turmoil of this season to obscure our vision. Let us remember that Christmas, because of its origin, is essentially the children's time, and in endeavouring to give them something that will endure, perhaps we ourselves will find that happiness which is the essential spirit of Chr1stmas.
"The Empty Christmas Tree." "But this is where the Brownies stay, Hush, Hush, tu whit tu whoo!" The Pack sat in Pow-wow, most solemnly discussing a Christmas Good Turn-a really, truly, exciting good turn that had never been thought of before, and one that the whole Pack could share in. There were many suggestions, but none that were original. The Elves thought it would be nice to dress a doll for the Orphanage. The Pixies wanted to ask their mothers to a teaparty and the Sprites suggested inviting another Pack to spend the day at the sea-side with them. They had already dressed one doll, and it was not long since they had enter-
tained their Mothers and, of course, a party at the beach was as much a good turn to themselves as to the oth~r Pack. The Fairies had a bright idea. "Brown Owl, why couldn't we have a Christmas tree and invite a lot of people?" "Oh, yes, Brown Owl, a Christmas tree!" shouted the whole Pack. "Um-m, yes-s," murmured Brown Owl, but how could we get enough toys for a Tree, and who do you mean by a 'lot of people'?" "Oh, well," said the Fairies, "our friends, or perhaps another Pack." "Well, you know it takes a great deal of money to have a nice Christmas Tree. What would you think of having an empty one?" "An empty one, Brown Owl?" The Pack gazed at each other in amazement.. "Whatever do you mean? We couldn't have an empty one. It wouldn't be any good at all." "Wait till I explain, then," replied Brown Owl. "We will get a pretty tree and decorate it with tinsel and paper lanterns, then ask our friends to come to a party. Each guest will be asked to bring a small toy to hang on the tree. I'm sure woEl will get crowds of toys for it, and then we can send it to the Orphanage with our very best wishes. Do you think that is a happy idea, Brownies?" "Oh, yes, Brown Owl, it's lovely!" chorused the Pack. Then a real Pow-wow began. It was finallv doElcided that people were to spend no more than 116 on toys, so that no child would receive something better than anyone else. They also thought it better to have toys for children under 8 years, becauSoEl there would be too many at the Orphanage for all to share in the tree. Millie's father owned a nursery, and she was sure he would let the Pack have a nicelyshaped tree. Brown Owl said she could get a tub and set it in. The next few meetings were very busy and ~xciting. The tub had to be painted green and, sad to say, some of the Brownies were rather green, too. Brown Owl and Tawny har!. lovely coloured papers and showed the Pack how to cut out and make lanterns to hang on the branches. At last the day of the party arrived, and aU the Brownies were at the hall long before 3 o'clock, which was the time for the party to
December, 1934.
MATILDA.
begin. They dragged the tree into the middle of the room and felt very pleased with it. It looked so gay and Christmassy, even without toys, and the Brownies had planted some plasticine toadstools at the foot of it, just to give a Brownie touch. Soon the guests began to arrive. Friends, Aunts, Uncles, Mothers and Fathers all turned up to see this tree which they had heard so much about. Everyone carried a bumpy sort of parcel. Brown Owl asked the Commissioner to tie the toys to the tree and the Brownies helped to unwrap them. There were baby dolls, boy dolls, monkeys on sticks, whistles, Christmas stockings, and all sorts of weird animals. Pretty soon the tree was laden. What fun they all had, opening parcels and seeing them tied to th~ tree. When the last thing was tied on and everyone had admired it, they played games; even the grown-ups played in games like musical arms and drop the handkerchief. Th~ Rangers helped the Pack to serve tea and as so many had come, Brown Owl was afraid there wouldn't be enough for all, but Brownie Mothers are always generous, and had sent big plates of cakes. At 5 o'clock Brown Owl sprang a surprise. She told the Pack that a lorry was coming to take th~ Christmas tree to the Orphanage, and that Matron had asked the Pack to go, too. The men came and very carefully lifted the tree on to the lorry, and the Brownies scrambled up, too. Everyon~ shouted and waved as they started off, the driver going very slowly so that nothing would be jolted off. When they got to the Orphanage, which was not far, the tree was taken into a large room, and all the little boys and girls came and looked at it in wonderment. "Let's sing our Brownie rhyme around the tree," said Brown Owl, and soon they were singing joyously, "We're the Br<'wnies, here's our aim, Lend a hand and play the game." Then they ran out, laughing, leaving the children to the spell of the Christmas tree. "What fun we've had to-day, Brown Owl. I think I like an empty Christmas Tree better than a full one," said Millie. "So do I," answered several more. "I know I like it much better," said Brown Owl. "Now, it's time you all ran home to tea. Good-bye, Brownies." "Goodbye, Brown Owl, good-bye. We'll have another tree next year." And all the cheery little people ran off, thinking of the happy time they'd had. M.K.B.
CHRISTMAS FAREWELL. Tawny places Totem in centre of hall. Attached to it are a number of pieces of coloured wool (one for each child). At the end of the string is attached an envelope with the Brownie's name on it. Inside is a card with the Six emblem coloured on it and "A Merry Christmas," etc. The envelope is placed face downwards. B.O. then brings in Brownies who have been playing outside, and they form a ring round the Toadstool but inside the env¡elopes. B.O., who has order of strings, calls first Brownie to her, salutes her, shakes hands and gives her the end of the string, and child find s
9
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envelope, goes to door and says goodbye to Tawny. Repeat till last child has followed her string and left hall. RL.S.
MORAL COWARDICE. With reference to the article entitled "Moral Cowardice," I should like to say that our Pack made up the following prayer with considerable assistance from Brown Owl:"Oh, God, help us and all other Brownies to keep the Brownie Promise; help us to remember the Brownie Smile and to be kind and helpful so that we may make other people happy. Amen." Each Brownie made a copy to take home, and we keep a spare one for visitors to use. The Pack takes quite an interest in it, as it is our own special prayer. We have it nearly every meeting. S.D.C.
BROWNIE GUIDER'S SHARE IN THE CAMP HOUSE. Last month it was suggested that Packs might like to give one week's pennies and Brownie Guiders 3d. to add to the sum raised by the entertainment in the Kelvin Hall. Several Packs immediately sent in their money. What do the other Brownie Guiders think of the suggestion? If they want to help too, will they send their contributions as soon as possible to Miss M. HeseItine, 87 Westbury Street, East St. Kilda, S.2. All contributions will be acknowledged in "Matilda." The following Packs have sent in their pennie3:3rd Kew 116; 1st Canterbury 2/ 6; 6th Malvern 2/7; 1st Toorak 2/ 8; 2nd Brighton Beach 2 / 9; 1st Armadale 2 / 6; 1st Portland 2 / 6.
A REQUEST. Dear Matilda, I wonder would any Brownie Packs like to adopt a Post Brownie and provide her with a uniform, overall, belt, tie and cap? They need not be new-ones the Brownies have grown out of would be very welcome, and as we have t~ll and short. wide and narrow recruits, the sIze does not matter, either. I would be very glad to write and tell the Brownies who is wearing their "good turn" and, if possible, send them a photograph. ' Guide greetings. JESS M. BOYES, Post Brownie Secretary
Children's Libraries. I have been asked to write about children's libraries, so will tell you something of th p. one I know best, as I worked there for some time. It is called The Children's Book Club, and has its being at 17 Connaught Street, London, and undertakes to provide reading matter for children between the ages of six and sixteen. Children's libraries are becomin increasin-
10 MAT I L D A. December, 1934. ~-------------------------------- --------------------------~--~---
ly popular, as they supply a need felt by many parents, who welcome the opportunity it affords them of enabling their children to amuse, instruct and educate themselves with an unlimited selection of books, which are carefully chosen and recommended by the Librarians, whose business it is to know what will satisfy the young man or woman who may demand a story about a chimpanzee or a life of Queen Elizabeth. I think it safe to say that children who live in England develop a taste for reading at an earlier age than do our young people. The reason for this is easily explained by the fact that our climate is more conducive to an op~n air life, while English children, less fortunate, are forced to spend much time indoors. However, to return to 17 Conn aught Street. You must imagine a large, cheerful room lined with bookshelves containing about 3000 volumes, which are being constantly added toany book suggested or requested by the merr.bers is incorporated, provided, of course, that it is considered suitable. A table laden with illustrated papers and several easy chairs add to the comfort of nurse or governess, while the young member is choosing a book, sometimes a lengthy proceeding. The books are so arranged that the child can find what he seeks without trouble. The picture books and more childish books are to be found in the low shelves, so the small member can browse with ease. The older children are provided for equally well, the volumes being divided and placed in the shelves according to subject and labelled clearly, so the child who wants, for instance, to read about Drake will know :'It once that he is to be found in the Historical Section, and as every volume is marked to show what age it is suitable for, the librarian can tell at a glance if the choice is a wise one, and if not, can suggest another book on tho: same subject that will fit the age. This CU3tom of indicating the average age at which a book is appreciated is a tremendous help to country members who get their books by post. They are sent an excellent catalogue which shows unmistakably the age, matter, and, in the case of historical books, the period of each volume, so there is little chance of the child meeting with disappointment. The library also makes a point of sending the next book by return post. The reading of school stories is not encouraged on the whole, as most stories of this kind are badly written, and as a rule have little semblance to reality, though there are a few provided of the best available. This criticism does not apply, of course, to books like Jeremy by Walpole, or Stalky & Co., and others of th e kind. Juvenile French and German books are also supplied. The life of the librarian is never dull. A b00k comes back by post and a crumpled piece of paper falls from it on which is laboriously printed:"Dear Librarian, "PleD-se send me a book about Pirates with a happy ending. "Love from Bill."
In spite of an elaborate system of entri.El.s, it takes some time to find which of the many Bills is interested in Pirates. A small girl of ten looks one in the eye and demands a reliable life of Alcibiades. The books are well cared for and directly they show signs of wear are replaced. Any fears of parents regarding the carrying of getms of youthful complaints are allaye:l by a rule which requests each member who joins to notify the library if they have illness in the house of an infectious or contagious nature, and when this happens, the book is not returned, and the library replaces it at their own expense. It is difficult to generalise about the popuparity of any particular type of books enjoyed by the young ones. One is often asked if they read such authors as Dickens and Scott, and one is bound to admit that such requests arc few, but I have noticed that suggestions of this kind are refused on the score that "WiJ have them at home." Books about animals are much in demand by all ages, and historical stories, fiction or otherwise, find great favoUl. MARIE GREENE
GIRL GUIDE LIBRARY. Would all subscribers kindly return books which have been out some little time, as we are anxious to "readjust" our shelves befol'e the Rally. Thank you. "LIBRARY."
YOUTH. Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind. It is not a matter of ripe cheeks, red lips and supple knees; it is a temper of the will, a quality of the imagination, a vigour of the emotions; it is a freshness of the springs of life. Youth means a temperamental predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite of adventure over the love of ease. This sometimes exists in a man of fifty more than in a boy of fifteen. Nobody grows old by merely living a number of years; people grow old only by deserting their ideals. Years wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry, doubt, self-distrust, fear and despairthese are the long, long years that bow the head and turn the growing spirit back to dust. Whether seventy or seventeen there is in every being's heart the love of wonder, the un¡ failing childlike appetite for what next, and the joy of the game of life. You are as young as your faith, as old a'3 your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear; as young as your hope, as old as your despair. In the central place of your heart there is a wireless station: So long as it receives messages of beauty, hope. cheer. courage, grandeur and power from the earth, from men and from the infinite, so long are you young-. When the wires are all down, and all the central place of your heart is covered with the snows of pessimism and the ice of cynicism, then are you {!'rown old indeed. (From Scout and Guide Courier, W.A.)
December, 1934.
MA TILDA.
Equipment Depot. The 1935 Diaries are now in stock, and they are very attractive in colour, and the contents are good. Prices are 1/- without pencil and 1/3 with pencil. Postage 1d. Xmas Cards are also in stock for Brownies, Guides and Rangers. There is a big range, and prices are 2d. and 4d., with a cheap lot for Brownies at two ald. Mothereraft, by Hester Viney.- Imported from Headquarters, and gives the complete .. care of babies from six months to two years old. In part two it gives feeding, clothing, character formation and everything also necessary in the training of children. This book is 5/3. Rather expensive but well worth having. Guiding and Ourselves (being some Thoughts for Guides). This little book is (1/6) by M. A. Campbell, who is well known to Guiders as the compiler of the two books of Guide Prayers, and is welJ worth reading. Perhaps those who will gain most from reading will be those who have been Guiders for some years, and know the technical parts of Guiding so welJ that it risks becoming a routine rather than an adventure. It is good for us all to get a straight talk about the things that matter, and these helpful chapters help us to take stock of our attitude to Guirung and our method of carrying it out. It is a book one might give to a felJow-Guider for Christmas. We have now in stock a cheap edition of Lessons from the Varsity of Life, the price is 5/6, the more expensive and attractive edition is 17/6. This is an autobiography of the Chief Scout, and makes very interesting reading, and very suitable for a Christmas present. Gems of the Bush and Wonder Animals al'e two new Sun Books, priced 6d. These are a great help to recruits in their nature work. Girl Guide Pencils.-Propelling pencils in colours of green, red, brown. These make very nice Christmas presents and are 2/-. Arrangements have been made for a Guider's summer uniform in the coatfrock pattern. This wiJJ cost 35/- for the complete article. AlJ people wishing to order must send to Headquarters stating alJ their measurements. The material is in a lightweight Delysia. This material can be bought by the yd. at4Jfl. The firm making for us will also make Guiders' own material for 9/6. Calendars.-We have in stock a fairly large quantity of Guide Calendars. These will cost 9d., postage 2d. C. BROADHURST, CC?mmissioner for Equipment.
"She gazed into the pale lucent heavens, where they nimbused Murcote vale; at the delicate beauty of their gold, at the great cedar as well; at its extreme blackness in the gold of the sky. There was no breeze to stir it. Its branches were moveless as a woodcut. Like a giant that is brooding on old combats, his cloak about him, loomed the cedar; a giant cicatrized but unhumbled . . . . A little curled pale moon became. apparent now, like a feather blown over Murcote."
11
Victorian Guiders' Committee REPRESENTATIVES FOR 1934-35. Lones-Miss D. Irving, 5 Sorrett Avenue, Malvern, S.E.4. Eastern Suburbs-Mrs. M. Ebeling, 80 Stephen Street, Footscray, W.13 North-Eastern Suburbs-Miss D. Irving, 5 Sorrett Avenue, Malvern, S.E.4. Outer Eastern-Miss Alison Brown, 39 York Street, Mont Albert, E.10. South Eastern-Miss V. Harrison, 126 High Street, Glen Iris, S.E.6. Western-Miss W. Dickenson, 37 Saunders Street, Coburg, N.13. Extensions-Miss N. Lloyd-Green, 513 Mt. Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds South-W esternSouthernCheltenham and MentoneCroydonArarat-Miss Heather Brown, Phelia Grimwade House, M.C.E.G.G.S., Anderson Street, South Yarra, S.E.1. BalJarat--Miss M. Hutton-Jones, 17 Wendouree Parade, Ballarat. Barwon-Miss R. PurnelJ, 10 Hermitage Road, Geelong Berwick-Mrs. W. Black, Cooring, Coldstream Camperdown-Miss M. Bradshaw, YaralJa, CentralTerang Clunes--Miss E. D. WalJace, Wandsworth Flats, Maryborough Dandenong-Miss M. Anderso.n, 56 inartin Street, Elwood, S.3 Gippsland-Miss C. Ritchie, Kardella. Hamilton-Miss G. Mackinnon, 4 Gaynor Court Park, Malvern, S.E.4. MaBeeMortlake-Miss E. L. Lardner, 48 Glendearg Grove, Malvern Northern-Miss M. Hoffmeyer, 194 Barnard Street, Bendigo North-Eastern-Miss J. Robertson, 103 Mathoura Road, Toorak, S.E.2 Polwarth-Miss N. Watson, 10 Ruabon Road, Toorak Western-Miss P. Sprague, 38 Thanet Street, Malvern, S.E.4 WimmeraEx Officio Members: Lady Chauvel, Miss S. Irving. Office-bearers: President, Miss M. Anderson. Secretary and Treasurer, Miss A. Brown "TO MAKE THE BEST SAWSIDGES THAT EVER WERE E'A T." Take a leg of pork, and cut off alJ the lean, and shred it very smalJ, but leave none of the strings or skin among it. Then take 2 lbs. beef suet and shred it very small, then take two handfuls red sago, a little pepper, salt and chopped onion, chop them together and salt. If it is small enough to put the yolks of two or three eggs and mix all together, do so; make it up in a paste if you will use it straight away; roll out as many pieces as you please in the form of an ordinary sawsidge, and so fry them. This paste will serve a fortnight on occasion. (Old English recipe-might be useful in camp!)
12
MATILDA.
A WOODCRAFT PRAYER.
o
God, how wonderful Thou art in all Thy world! Wondrous is the wind that sways the branches Yet is itself unseen. Wondrous art Thou in the flight of the robin And the song of the blackbird; In the form and fragrance of the wild rose, And th~ sheen of the butterfly's wing. Wondrous art Thou in the magic of the budding bush, And the splendour of the night sky; In the fashioning of my body, With all its powers and senses. But most wondrous art Thou Thyself, If Thy thoughts are so full of beauty. Help me, then, to move with wonder through Thy world, So rich in mystery and glory. Van Dyke.
VICTORIAN GUIDERS' COMMITTEE 1933-34. Statement of Receipts and Payments. To " " "
Minute Book .. .. .. £0 3 6 Sundry Postages .. .. .. .. .. 0 12 S Envelopes.. .. .. .. .. .. " 0 0 9 ConferencePostage on Circulars .. £2 9 8 Stationery, Duplicating, etc. .. .. .. .. 0 19 10 Foolscap .. " .. 0 0 3 Tickets .. .. .. 0 2 6 Fee Caretaker .. 1 0 0 4 12 3
December, 1934.
" " " By
66 Lunches at 1/3 .. 4 2 6. 199 Teas at 1/- : . . . . . . . . . 9 19 0 Circular, Divisnl. Commissioners 0 2 9 Balance . . . . . . . . . . 294
By " " " "
Adf'ance from H.Q. .. .. .. .. Fu~her Advance from H.Q .. T~.. Money . . . . . . . . . . . . Lunch Money .. .. Levy at Conference .. .. ..
£22
2 9 0 0 300 9 19 0 426 3 1 3
£2
£22
2
9
Passed By Guiders' Committee, 17th August, 1934. (Signed) M. EBELING, Chairman.
FOR SALE. GUIDERS' COSTUME, skirt 26in., hem 41in., Bust 36in., Underarm 16iin. Price £13/10/-. Can be inspected at H.Q.-D. RUSSELL. FOR SALE-PORTABLE GRAMAPHONE, with or without several Country Dance Records. In good order. £4 or what offers. Particulars on application to MISS D. IRVING. 5 Sorrett A venue, S.E.4. GUIDER'S COSTUME, best twill, tailormade, medium size, nearly new, £4/10/-. Also hat, size 7, and Guider's belt. Can be inspected at G.G. Office, Market St., C.l. J.McC. ~.X• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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