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FEBRUARY I 1935.
Rally Week Memories.
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MATILDA.
February, 1985.
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Volume XI.
FEBRUARY, 1935.
Number Eight.
MESSAGE FROM PRINCESS ROYAL. "I am anxious to send through the Chief Guide a message to the Guides and Brownies of the countries she is visiting. I follow the news of your progress with the deepest interest, and wish the movement and all its members prosperity and happiness. May Guiding ever grow and flourish in your country, and act as an incentive in your own lives to spread the spirit of service and good fellowship around you."
LETTER FROM THE CHIEF GUIDE. 17th January, 1935. My dear Lady Chauvel, I am writing to you, as State Commissioner, to offer to you and to all the Guiders and Guides in Victoria my very deepest thanks for the wonderful time you have given me during my all too short stay in your State. I have been deeply touched by the generous kindly welcome that has been accorded to me on every hand, and I do wish to thank you and everybody most cordially and from my heart. It has been the greatest delight to me to be with you all again, to share the wonderful Jamboree, to enjoy the many guide functions with you, and to meet so many old friends, and to establish contact, also, with many new ones as well. I offer my very true thanks for the friendliness that has been shown to me and mine, and we shall none of us ever forget this most inspiring and delightful time that we have spent amongst you. And now I go further, and congratulate you and your magnificent team of Guiders of all ranks on the immense success that attended all your Guide doings. I had not myse'lf r·ealised what a great deal your Guide organisation in Victoria had undertaken in making such plans for the entertaining of so many, not only of your own Guides and Guiders in Victoria, but for so many visitors from other States, and from Overseas. It has indeed been a most generous gesture, and I am sure that none of those who have been able to come and see you will ever forget the memorable experiences of the whole time spent here with your Victorian Guides and Guiders. The undertaking of the arrangements for so many day~· doings was in itself a big thing, and has indeed been the most outstanding venture that I personally have come across in the Guide world of any State or province or country. There have before been large camps, conferences, and meetings, but never have I come aCrOSS such a diversity of well-planned Guide
doings extending over so long a time, and cat.ering for so large a number. Words fail me to express adequately how very deeply I have been impressed by the efficiency, hard work • .energy and delightful spirit of ready-welcoming hospitality that has been evident throughout the fortnight. Your peop-Ie have indeed shown themselves to be magmficent hostesses, and their splendid efforts have not been in vain. I feel that as State Commissioner you must hav<e had a very heavy task, with an element of anxiety, coupled with responsibility, resting on your shoulders. But thanks to your giving the lead, and thanks to the fine work, forethought and care that was given to the preparation of the undertakings by that grand team of Guiders who are with you and behind you in Guiding, you have indeed had yOl.l r venture crowned with success. I do congratulate you and them-I do indee<t. The good that has come, and the good that will come also in the future from all these Guide functions will, I am sure, prove to be beyond measure. The actual fun and joy at the time has been a delight to all; and enjoyment and happiness has been the key-note surrounding everything that you had arranged so well. The interest aroused and the new enthusiasm that has been kindled in hearts and minds will go out like a refreshing stream of zest and energy for the extension of Guide work in many parts of the country. The good impression made by the Guides will have made many new friends for the Movement, and in its turn will, I feel sure, go far towards bringing in new helpers to work and support us more and more. And so one can consider, looking at your "Guide Fortnight" in retrospect, that whatever it cost in time, in thought, in trouble, or even in money, it has been more than worth while, and will have done a far-reaching, lasting good to Guiding, and through Guiding, to the girls of Australia a-s a whole.
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MATILDA
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May I for one moment comment upon the actual individual festivities that I have so enjoyed with you. We were so particularly glad that your Headquarters co-operated with the Boy Scout'l' Association in arranging that the Guides and Brownies were able to share those days of the Jamboree at Frankston. It made an unforgettable impression. I do feel that your having taken steps was most advisable and most successful, and I would like to urge that whenever opportunity occurs we in our Movement should endeavour to play our part alongside that of our Brother Movement as far as ever we can. As I have said before though our method of organisation may vary in detail, our aims and ideals and functions are identical, and I do fe;>l very strongly that our Mov.ement owes its very existence to the Scouts, we, as Guides, owe it to all Scouting to do all we can to co-operate in a friendly way, and to encourage it and support it and lend it a helping hand in any way possible. The Jamboree authorities deserve our warm thanks for opening their gates to us for that wonderful "Cub and Brownie Day"-perhaps the happiest and jolliest--and certainly the most joyous-of all the days throughout the Jamboree. Nobody could fail to be enchanted with the perfect "Dance Past" of that hoard of delicious Brownies and their attractive dis·· play, and the admiration of the large public, and the obvious enthusiasm and pleasure of all must have given those hard-working Brown Owl organisers their full reward for their strenuous work behind the scenes. It all w.ent so splendidly, and was indeed the most picturesque affair, and reflected enormous credit on those connected with the planning and the carrying out of it all. Personally the Chief Scout and I wer·e most delighted and impressed by it all, and shall· never forgct the radiance and sunshine of the day shining upon those thousands of happy children. The next day for the Guides was in itself a great success, and the fact that some of the Guides being overcome by the heat, though unfortunate in some ways, was, in others, l'ather an arresting incident, since it proved how well the many workers, and most especially the Rovers, could rise to an occasion. I would also like to congratulate all those who so skilfully planned and organised and carried out the excellent display at that Rally. It is not at all an easy thing to arrange a display spectacular enough to fill so large an arena as well as making it interesting and educational and amusing for the onlookers. Your Map and Making of Victoria and her industries was, I thought, quite excellent in every way, and spoke volumes for the care and troubl.e that had been put into the prep~ rations and the performing of the show. In spite of the contretemps of the "faints," we can count the whole affair as most worth while and personally we were .extremely impressed by the fine appearance, smartness and alert vigour of that mass of active, keen Guid.es with their Guiders. Coming on to the ground in their numbers like that they gave an impression of solid
February, 1935.
strength, with deep purpose behind it all. When we have so large a number of disciplined girts within our Movement, all imbued with our ideals, and a live enthusiasm for the highest things in life, the value of our Movement is bound to spread far and wide, and to. percolate through to the homes of Austr/1.lia, now with the present generation, and yet more in the new generations which are coming after us. The impression of eager enjoyment that w~.s given to us at the Rally at Frankston was still more deeply felt by m.e at the Syndal Picnic Party, when I had the golden opportunity of meeting your Patrol Leaders and Guides in that delightful informal way. That was a never-to-be-forgotten experienc,~ to me, and meeting so many hundreds of them at close quarters was most inspiring. I was immensely struck by their earnest interestedness in matters for serious thought, and by their cheerful friendliness. Then I would like to thank you and all concerned for allowing me the opportunity of meeting your Guiders at the Town Hall. It was simply magnificent to see that friendly intercourse of one thousand Guiders gathered together like that, and such a meeting will live long, I am sure, in the memories of all those of us who were there. My only regret about that is that the general public was not able to come in as well, for I believe that the sight of all those enthusiastic young women would in itself have been an eye-opener to many people who are, as yet, only vaguely aware of the generous service that these are giving-unseen, unsung and unrewarded-to their coun·· try and their kind. Then further, on top of that encouraging meeting came that most enjoyable Commissioners' Conference and Dinner. This was indeed quite a milestone in the history of the Movement in Australia, in assembling over 100 Commissioners and State Secretaries from Victoria and the other States for helpful discussions. It is, I think, generally recognised that so much of the growth and life of our Movement depends upon the good kindly leadership of our Commissioners, and our congratulations are due to many for the laying of sound foundations on which to build up Companies and Packs. It was bad luck that the w.eather treated us so cruelly for the Guides' Moonee Valley Day, and it was most disappointing that the displays had to be cancelled, and our Rally held under such adverse conditions. The fact of so many Guides turning up, all smiling, in spite of the cold and rain, gave one the feeling that they were most certainly not faint-hearted in facing up to a difficulty; and it was indeed a great pleasure to see all those Extension Guides so enjoying their party there that day, too. I have always felt that this branch of our Movement is one of the most precious and the most worth-while of all, and deserves to be mo~e widely known, carrying out, as it does, all the principles of giving courage and hope and happiness for the lives of those who need these most. . May I just express my gratitude also to you for affording me the opportunity of meeting so
February, 1935.
'M ATILDA
many of the members of your Local Associations, for that pleasant afternoon's talk at Stonnington. We who are actively immersed in the "uniformed" circles of Guides and Guiders ane sometimes rather apt, perhaps, to forget what immense assistance our un-uniformed "lay helpers" DO give us, and CAN give us, and SHOULD give us in the Movement!! More perhaps could be done here and there by individual Local Association members as "apostles" in gathering in more women to train and act as Guiders; there is a crying need for greater propaganda regarding the aims and methods of our Movement, and an active, keen, live Local Association in any district can make for valuable extension and enhanced activity in our circles. One can look to Local Association members for help in so many directions, and I believe that the more people are ASKED to do, the more they WILL willingly do! There is always a need for helpers in the direction of instruction in handicrafts, badge examinations, the finding of meeting places, the provision of uniform and equipment, for propaganda
5
amongst parents, liaison with religions, education welfare, civic and other authorities, as weJl as a great value to be gained by having members of other Societies with kindred objects represented in our midst. There must now be hundreds of thousands of fine kind women counted as members of Local Associations in our sisterhood, all lending support and backing to our work. 'Some may give much, and others may give little, but ALL are lending the weight of their approval and their sympathy, and this means that public opinion is behind us, pushing us forward on to a good standing in the eyes of the thinking people of the nation. In closing may I again voice my deepest ap¡ preciation of what you and all your Guide folk are doing, my understanding sympathy in your problems and efforts, my warmest good wishes in all the work and progress that now lies ahead of you, and my deepest gratitude for th~ sweet and generous welcome that I have reo ceived in your State from one and all. (Sgd.) OLAVE BADEN-POWELL.
FROM THE STATE COMMISSIONER. At the very end of the Rally Week we made a most interesting discovery. It was that, quite unintentionally, in fact quite unsuspectingly, we had put up what, for numbers in camp, duration and variety of activities, is the biggest Guide show that has yet been undertaken. It is interesting, and rather fun, to know that we have made a record, even though at the time we had no idea we were doing it! This Rally Week-which lasted ten dayshas been a big piece of work for Victoria to undertake, and now, at the end of it, we can feel happily that it was a success, and that our visitors and our own country Guides have gone away saying how much they have enjoyed it. I am so glad that we can have this pleasant feeling about it, because I know how very hard ev,e ryone concerned with it has worked, not only at the time, but for months beforehand. I think everybody has realised what arduous tasks Miss Purnell and Miss Cameron took on with their responsibilities for Indoor Camps and Transport respectively, and how succesfully they carried them out, but perhaps fewer people know that, over and above their camping and transport work, they found time to meet me every week in a Committee which was responsible for co-ordinatin~ the work of all the Sub-Committees. and that during the Rally Week, when their own work was heaviest, they were still available to help and advise any branch of the organisation which needeJ it. Miss Bush and her Rally Sub-Committee spent much time and thought on the multifarious arrangements which had to be made for the Rally on New Year's Day, and in working out the formation of the trefoil design which the Guides were to present on the arena. On the morning ,of the Rally this formation had to be ahndoned owing to an unexpected cur-
tailment of arena space, and all arrangements had to be altered after the Guides had arrived at the Jamboree Camp. I do think we should congratulate Miss Bush most warmly on the fact that in the short time at her disposal an arrangement was made by which the Guide:; could still present a well-designed formation on the arena. We should congratulate, too, Miss Dorothy Irving on the result of her work on the Pageant of Victorian Industries, with which everyone concerned should feel so weJl pleased, and Miss Paling on the Brownies' delightful display, which must have meant much work and organising for her and the Brownie Sub-Committee. And all Guides who went and saw the Guide Hospital at the Jamboree Camp at Frankston, and who were proud that the Guide Association was able to help the Scouts in this manner, would, I know, like to join me in thanking Miss Grace Wilson for organising and taking charge of it, also Miss Moore and Miss Moran for helping her on the Camping and Quartermaster side. Miss Sybil Irving, too, who, besides her other duties, was convenor of the HO!lpitality (entertainments and activities) Sub-Committee, Miss Alison Campbell, who , was responsible for making first-aid arrangements, Miss Anderson and the Guiders' Committee who ran such a successful party, Mrs. Bainbridge, who made arrangements for the Guide Service on January 6th, Miss Colquhoun and Miss Mitchell for organising the Commissioners' Dinner, Miss Christina Brown for arranging such a happy day at Syndal, and Miss Bush and Miss Swinburne, for making such splendid plans for Moonee Valley, and who had the bad luck to see them all frush'ated by the weather-our thanks are due to all of these for helping- to make the week 5) ple",sant.
MATILDA All these whom I have mentioned by name are convenors of the main Sub-Committees, but space in "Matilda" will not allow me to thank by name all the 37 Commissioners and Guiders who took charge of Indoor Camps-most responsible work which they did so splendidly that I hope they realise how warmly our visitors have expressed themselves when telling us how comfortable and happy they wer e in their respective camps; or the Guiders who assisted in running them; or the Guiders and Rangers who worked so hard at the Jamboree Hospital. Including those at the hospital we had more than 160 people doing whole-time jobs for us during this ten days, and I think that is a record to be proud of. I want to thank, too, the numerous people not mentioned above, the workers on the SubCommittees, all the people who have been helping in so many different capacities, and I want to say to everybody that each time we have any big piece of Guide work to do, and this time more than ever, two things impress me most strongly-and one is how splendidlf our Guide people work, and the other is how nice they are to work with. SIBYL CHAUVEL.
THE SILVER FISH. All Guiders and Guides in Victoria are rejoicing that the Chief Guide has conferred the Silv,e r Fish on our State Commissioner, Lady Chauvel. W¡e who know what Lady Chauvel has done and is doing for Guiding here are very happy and proud at this official recognition of her services. This "is the highest possible award for good service for the whole Movement." and on behalf of all the Guiding community in Victoria, we offer Lady Chauvel our warmest congratulations. EDITH H. PURNELL, Vice~Chairman, Executive Committee.
THE BEAVER. When Lady Baden~Powell, at the Guiders' Party, gave the award of the Beaver to Miss Sybil Irving, many Guiders there present were able to offer their congratulations in person, but this, the first issue of "Matilda" since the Rally, is an opportunity to say t<,> Miss Irving again how glad we are that thIs award has come to her after all she has done for the Guide Association of Victoria. We know the great value of the work that s~e ha~ done during the last ten years, veal'S m whIch we have grown from a small organisation into one ]2,000 strong; and we know also how deeply she has the inteI'ests of the movement at hearT. . The Beaver is a comparatively new award . The design is a bronze beaver worn on a dark blue cord. Miss Irving is the first Guider in A~1ltr~lia tQ receive it. SIBYL CHAUVEL,
February, 1935.
GOOD WISHES AND PRESENTS. Cables and letters of good wishes to Australian Guides and to the Victorian Centenary Rally came to us from Lady Somers, the Guides of Great Britain, of Belgium, of Baluchistan, India, of Japan and of South Africll.. As well, most delightful presents were given to us by Mrs. James Storrow-a lovely anr! interesting rug woven by Indians quite 200 years ago, and a cheque for ÂŁ100, both for the Guide House-by the Guides and Bluebirds of Baluchistan-a delightful Log-Book and a Scrap-Book-by the Guides of Belgium-a book of photographs with the most charming cover made of Birch bark. These gifts are all at Headquarters. Please look for them when next you visit us. S. H. IRVING.
The Indoor Camps. The Indoor Camps for which we have been planning for more than a year are over. It is hard to realise this, but I hope you all have happy memories which make the Camps a very real thing to you. I find it hard to say "Thank you" properly to all the Guiders who helped to staff the Camps, and also to all those who attended the Camps. I feel confident that it was the willingness of everyone to fit in with unusual conditions that made for much of the happiness and fun in the Camps, and it is good to hear of so many who have taken back with them a renewed enthusiasm for Guiding and a resolve to pass on some of the happiness to those who were unable to attend the Camps. It is very encouraging to have received many letters from those who lent us Schools and Halls, saying how pleased they were with the behaviour and general orderliness of the Campers, and expressing goodwill to the Association as a whole. EDITH H. PURNELL, Commissioner for Camping.
Camp Impressions. Dec. 28th:-Guides from the hills, from the sea and from the open spaces, are trooping, trooping on to camp. Gladly they come, to learn that simple things are good. How often we try to picture what our new "home" will be like. "Who will be in charge?" we as!;:. Soon all things are made clear. Our Commandant welcomes us to Phelia Grimwade House-and what a comfortable, happy home it is. Hark! The rising whistle! Away hurry our energetic ones, each intent on securing a bathroom, while their sleepy sisters snatch a few extra minutes beneath the blankets. Dressinlr completed, beds rapidly made, and down stairs we lltraggle. there to await the signal fQr (Continued on Page 21).
February, 1935.
MATILDA
THE RALLY (Frankston), JANUARY 1, 1935. A T the signal for the march to begin the Brighton Band, led by a drum-major, who performed wonderful evolutions with his staff, ., ,\,~. , ,\:' crossed the arena to the grandstand. Then came the first of the 8000 Girl Guides, ... ,J':' i a dense party bearing flutterâ&#x20AC;˘.~. )~ ing Union Jacks, preceded by ~ '1",, , '-. ._0.'".1 three Guides carrying the W\ , " 1 \\ Chief Guide's standard, of ' bright blue embroidered with I ' " J: .\. Guide badges. From the hill ; on the right hundreds more . ,! emerged, moving in a surg'e of dark blue, 16 abreast. For ~ a moment the crowd of 30,000 spectators was hushed, then applause thundered from the packed hillsides. The Guides circled around to face the grandstand, each group saluting Lady BadenPowell on her dais. Applause rose and fell as 200 New South WaJes Guides, marching with the swing and lilt of a refreshed army, went by. They were followed by 60 from New Zealand, 90 from Queensland, 70 fron: Tasmania and 50 ,each from South AustralIa and Weste~'n Australia. From Victorian cities and towns, Ararat, Pura Pura, Carranballac, Del'rinaUum, Miner's Rest, Orbost, Boolarra, Hamilton and innumerable others, came the remainde~' of the huge army of girls and women. Looking down on the billows of blue hats, Lady Baden-Powell gave the signal f?l' the Guides to be seated. Locks of flax en haIr, dark hair curly hair, and straight hair moved in the br'eeze. Blue, pink, green and yellow ties, with gold Guide badges, made the scene like a huge painting on a blue background. In the front rank wer,e Guide Commissioners from Great Britain, South Africa and India.
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Scouts Cheer Chief. The Scouts following, marched with more exuberance and less solemnity than on the Saturday previous. On this occasion they cheered until they were hoarse as they passed the Chief Scout. Fijians, Cingalese, Malayans, Hungarians, Belgians seemed to step higher and bear themselves with greater pride. Indians in perfect time marched with a shorter step. The New Zealanders went past in the regalia of Maoris, bare chests shining in the sunlight, piu-piu waving, weapons aloft, and teko-teko charms swinging from their shoulders. Bare-legged, weal'ing brilliant red, tight-fitting skirts lined with white, passed the 12 newly arrived Nauru Scouts, who have not left their island before. It was a wonderful
experience for them, and they seemed to be almost overcome with awe. The marshalling arrangements were working amazingly well. The march never lost its symmetry, and the few officers who moved among the closely packed ranks giving directions were unobtrusive. The great army seemed to march and take up position of its own volition. Dust rose to the right of the grandstand in a thick clouci, but not a head was lowered as the boys passed through it, and not a smile was lost. Cheers began before the boys emerg,ed from it. When the march past of the Australian section began brown hats and white Sea Scouts hats were hoisted on a maze of staves. When about 6000 Scouts had still to come from beyond the hill, quite a number of Guides fainted, and Lord Baden-Powell became perturbed and gave the order for the march to stop, sayingl:"Scouts and Guides, we have stopped the rest of the parade as it is getting hot, and I am not going to detain you by making a speech. I want to wish you all a very happy New Year. I have to apologise to the Scouts who came and serenaded me last night because I was rather tired. Instead of seeing in the new year I slept it in. It is a wonderful new year for all of us. It is brilliant and bright , sunshine which some people do not seem to appreciate. (Laughter.) We are here gathered together in greater numbers than has ever been the case in the world before. You boys and girls should be intent on doing your duty to your country, your people, and to God. Many of you were here on Saturday when the Governor-General read a message from His Majesty the King. I want to read that to you again and ask you to take away that message in your minds and try and carry it out in the new year as you have l'esolved. Make friends wherever you go and whenever you can, be friendly to all, and carry out the fourth law. God bless you." Lord Baden-Powell then read the message from His Majesty the King. "We want you all to know how very proud we are of you to-day and of your magnificent numbers," said Lady Baden-Powell in a brief address to the Guides. "We are delighted to see such a vast assembly of Guides. I have brought a message for you all from the King's daughter." She then read the message from the Princess Royal. Lady Baden-Powell then called on the State Commissioner (Lady Chauvel) and presented her with the badg-,e of the Silver Fish. "It is the highest award I have to offer your State Commissioner for her years of splendid service," said the Chief Guide. Amid thunderous cheers from the Guides and Scouts she hung the badge, with its navy and pale blue ribbon, over Lady Chauvel's shoulders.
MATILDA
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GUIDE DISPLAY. Victorian Industries. The great moment of the day for Victorian Guides was the pageant which they had rehearsed for months. On a huge map of Victoria, outlined by rows of Guides, the main illd~stl'ies of each district were represented by picturesque tableaux formed by Guides from '. he districts. A long ~le of Guides, marching two abreast , and carrymg furled umbrellas of bright blue cloth, moved over the arena and formed th':! winding course of River Murray. Following them, a rank marching three abreast was diverted to form the southern sea coast and single ranks outlined the remaining bo~ders. At a whistle signal every Guide sat on th ~ ground, and at another signal every umbrella was unfurl-ed to cover them. Bright blue, in double rank, they sketched the river course and a wide blue line, ,edged with yell ow, ou t~ lined the sea coast. With a sudden rush a number of aborigines appeared on the scene, running and dancing among the "trees" in the centre of the map. Flourishing spears and shields, they whirled in a wild corroboree giving way to groups representing the indus~ tries of to-day. The position of Melbourne was marked by l!. garden of flowers, a g r oup of girls dr essed in vivid green silk frock s, with flow ery headdre,;ses in gay colors. Then came Guides from Mildura and Merbein, repr~senting the dl'i ~(l fruits industry, with a cartload of grap.es. The Wimmera Guides' display of the wheat industry was most effective. Clad in ankle-length frocks shading upwards from soft g r een to ripe corn yellow, they carried sheav,e s of wheat, and garlands of brilliant red poppies wreathed their heads and shoulders. Kerang and Swan Hill Guides, in bright emerald gr een dresses, with orange or yellow caps, and clu sters of fruit hanging from their frocks, represented the citrus fruit industry. Redshirted Guid e ~ from Bendigo and Ballarat, complete with winches and buckets, and rough cabin, showed where gold was mined. Guides disguised a , pack et~ of butter and yellow cheeses ran across the arena to mark the staple industries of their districts, Camperdown and Colac. Black and white cardboard cows ambled elegantly behind a cardboard dairy, supported by Wannambool Guides dressed in milkmaids' frocks and bonnets. Echuca Guides made an attractive lucerne field in their frocks of green silk and their mauve and purple shaded headdresses. The maize products of GippslaJ:ci were represented by the Bruthen Guid~ s: , dressed in pale brown frocks and carrying tall yellow maize stems. Shepparton Guides illU 3hated the canned f r uit industry with huge silver and blue tins overflowing with yellow anu red fruit, and a banner bearing the words, "We eat what we can, we can what we can't." An ('ffective display was given by the Berwick Guides, representing black coalmining, dresse(l in battered grey shirts and trousers, and wearing caps equipped with Davey lamps. Th e brown coal and briquette products of Yallourn were depicted by Guides from that district, wearing clever "briquette" costumes and glowing red caps, groups around two tall
February, 19~'5.
power standards. Other districts repr-esentelt were Castl~maine and Harcourt (apples), Rutherglen (wme), Orbost (river fishing), Maffra (sugar-beet), Wangaratta (broom millet), Poowong and Korumburra (dairying). Last of all rabbits, the most familiar part of Australia~ scenery, were represented by numbers of small G?ides dressed in brown and gr-ey costumes, WIth long-eared caps and furry white tails. Miss Dorothy Irving was responsible fOL' this interesting display. This was followed by Scouts from the Queensland contingent who presented "An Interrupted Greek Tragedy," which evoked roar:; of laughter. Footscray and Williamstown Scouts then jousted in the manner of knights for the honour of fair ladies, although their horses were chiefly hessian and legs. ("Argus." 2 / 1/35)
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORLD COMMITTEE. Everyone was so interested to have the chance .of meeting Mrs. James Ston'ow, who. as ChaIrman of the World Committee of the Girl Guide and Girl' Scout Association, had gO much to tell us of the World Association and of Our Chalet at Adelboden, which is th" heme she has given to the Guides of the World. Mrs. Storr ow, besides showing a great interest in the Guides and Guiders of Victoria whom sne met, gave ÂŁ100 as a present to the Guide House which we all hope to own in the near future. Wear e immensely grateful to Mr3. St01TOW for coming all this way to visit us.
AN INVITATION. The 1st Mt. Eliza Guides and Brownies request the pleasure of the company of up to 500 Guiders, Guides and Brownies at a Rally to be held at the Orthopaedic section of the Children's Hospital on Saturday, 2nd March, 1936. We want to see a Rally. We can't go out, so we ask you to come to u s. You can come by train to Frankston and hike out in time for lunch at 11.30. After lunch we shall have games and songs. Will Packs and Companies bring their own food please? Matr on will have lots of tea for us all to drink. R.S.V.P. by 19th February to Mrs. Gavan Duffy, Captain 1st Mt. Eliza Cov .. Mallaranny, Mt. Eliza. ' N.B.-Guidel¡s, PLEASE let me know how many wish to come from your Companies and Packs. The number is limited to 500, and in case of a surplus wishing to come I do want to have plenty of time to let you know if your numbers have had to be cut down. R.G.D. "WILL the Guider who lent Mrs. Fairbairn a pair of smoked glasses while she stood on an outpost directing Guides to their Area colours, at the Jamboree, on January 1st, please collect same from the Editor, 123 Kooyong Road, Al'madale, with thanks for the loan of them.
F'ebruary, 1935.
MAT ILl>
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A
GUIDERS' RECEPTION. The Melbourne Town Hall was filled with blue uniformed Guiders on the 2nd of January, when more than a thousand of them assembled to welcome the World Chief Guide, Lady Baden-Powell. Each State of the Commonwealth, as well as Africa, India, Great Britain and New Zealand, was represented. When she arrived the Chief Guide was welcomed by Miss Margot Anderson, the President of the Guiders' Committee. There wen? cheers as she ascended the platform, escorted by the State Commissioner, the State Secretary, and the Secretary of the Guiders' Com¡ mittee. As the Chief saluted a chord from the piano gave the signal for the whole mass of Guiders to break into the "Welcome Song," sung to the tune of "Men of Har-J.ech," and composed by Marion Sinclair, who conducted the orchestra. Margot Anderson welcomed the, Chief on behalf of all of the Guiders, and pres,e nted her with a charming letter-case made of handwoven blue linen, containing a copy of the "Welcome Song," written on parchment. At the same time visiting Guiders were welcomed, and Lady Chauvel was congratulated on' being awarded the Silver Fish. There was loud applause. The Chief came to the microphone to respond to this welcome. She thanked the Guiders wamly for their gift, and said how delighted she was to be in Australia again . She had not expected when leaving Perth nearly three years ago, to be back so soon. The passing of time, she said, was nothing between friends, one can pick up the threads again in a few moments, be the br.eak three years, thirteen or thirty. Being a householder, and not merely a guest staying in a hotel, the Chief said she felt like cne of us living here in Australia. She congratulated us on the progress of Guiding made during the last three years. "It must have been," she said, "a most striking sight for the public to see that vast solid mass of disciplined young things marching. ~>n to the arena at Frankston-gay, happy, smIlmg and purposeful." The Chief re-read the message from tn" Princess Royal which she had read at the Guides' Day on Tuesday. She felt she ha d not read it well then because that part of the programme had been hurried so the childr.e n could take shelter from the sun. "The keynote I want to leave with you tonight," she went on, "is the spreading of tnf' spirit of service and goodwill that is referrerl to in this message. You are doing a w ond"," ful service to the younger generation, as you g o your way in Guiding." She pointed out the value in characterbuilding, and the difference it will make in years to come. Since the cataclysm of .the
war all parts of the world have been suffering from one ill or another-distrust for eaen ot'her, restlessness, craving for emotionalism, speed and sensation. Children of to-day are born into a difficult world, and the Guill Movement is doing a great deal to counteract these difficulties. "I am tremendously thrilled to see you so k een," she added, "and I do very much hope that in the course of the next few years your dr.eam of a Training Centre in Victoria will be realised." She congratulated us on the amount of money already in hand, and expressed a hope that a fairy godmother or godfather might turn up to complete the sum needed. And then she produced from her pocket a special award from Imperial Headquarters- the Beaver, awarded for splendid work done behind scenes. It was presented to Sybil Irving, the first Beaver in Australia. All Guides know how this distinction is deserved. Loud applause rang through the Hall as the State Secretary deceived h er badge. When . her speech was ended the Chief came down from the platform, and, preceded by a Colour Party, bearing the Chief Guide's standard, moved from group to group, chatting with the Guiders, renewing old friendships, and shaking hands with :each one. Under the direction of Margaret Crellin, a Persian fantasy was presented in mime, the story being told behind scenes. It was very dever, and everyone seemed to enjoy it thoroughly. When it was time for the Chief to leave the Guiders formed a Guard of Honour to the doorway. MARGARET CLARKE .
Correspondence. Dear "Matilda," Many of us were thrilled with th e delightful stunt at the welcome to Lady Baden-Powell the only criticism being that there was but the one. It does seem a pity to have such talent in our midst and not do something with it. Some people may have been to that delight . ful function, "Stunt Night" at the University, when groups present stunts, sometimes of a topical nature, and usually written by so"" e member or m embers of the group. Would it be possible to run a Guiders' miniature stunt night, with Divisions, or something of that nature? There need not be many re: hearsals-we could not all aim at the finished work of Wednesday evening. It is an excellent method of promoting team work, and on the whole Guiders do lack the
3January 111t1 1935"
[By Courtesy of "The Age"]
1_4_ _ _ _ _ _ _~_ _ _ _ __.:M:.::...;.;:A:....::T I L D A opportunity of that. It is a chance for developing hidden talent also. At any rate, what do other people think of it? It might appeal to Rangers if we are too self-conscious, but a little fun now and agam might be a help. Yours sincerely, LEILA TULLOH .
Guide Gathering. "SYNDAL," JANUARY 3rd, 1935. One of the most delightful of the "Guide Gatherings" during the Chief's visit took place at "Syndal," generously lent for our enjoyment by Mrs. B est. The City saw the ever-present stream of navy blue converging on Flinders Street station, where special trains caught them up, delivering them safely at a little wayside station near Glen Waverley, when the stream flow ed .endlessly once more, along the road and up the hill-a curious, rather thought-provoking sight. Where ever are they going? WHY were they going? Syndal is a wild, beautiful place, with trees and open spaces, and a v.ery untamed little river tumbling along the valley, spanned by a rustic bridge. This bridge was only wide enough for one-way traffic, and later became the centr¡e of many pleasant encounters. On arrival, each camp or group decided on the best place for lunch. Across the stream and up the slope was Mrs. Faulkner, with cool
February, 193~.
drinks or boiling water, as you will! and small blue tributaries immediately converged on her! The Gathering fbroke up into glroup-s of Guides, Rangers, Guiders and Patrol Leaders, the last forming a Guard of Honour for th(l arrival of the Chief Guide, and later lunching with her. It was a day of delightful inconsequenceyou walked, or talked, or read or went to sleep! just as you wished. Nothing seemed to matter very much, except to enjoy the be,auty and peace of the countryside. Then came the great moment of the afternoon, when the Chief gathered a thousand or so of her "million Children" around her and talked and joked in her own inimitable fashion -stories of "Heather" and "Betty" and "Peter"; then, in response to a que,stion, the charming story of the awakening of her own interest in Guiding, her meeting with the Chi.e f Scout ("The only interesting man or. board is a Scout man, I' she wrote to her mother) and much of his life story. Through this love-story of real life were scattered high ideals and helpful thoughts for the. guidance of her "Children." Then Mrs. Storrow was brought within the massed circle of blue-and the Guides saw their Fairy Godmother in the flesh. After many cheers and farewells. the blue stream started once more on its homewal'd iourney-a beautiful day, lovely surroundings, happy contacts, the Chief Guide of all the World to give enjoyment and inspirationsuch was Syndal. MOLLIE HOFFMEYER.
THE HON. HEATHER AND BETTY BADEN-POWELL. [By Courtesy of "The Age"]
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16
MATILDA
February, 1935.
GYMKHANA (Moonee 'Valley Racecourse), JANUARY 5. Much of the pageantry of what was to have one of the greatest events of the Girl GUIde rally was lost when heavy rain spoiled the Guide gymkhana at Moonee Valley racecourse ?n Saturday. Nevertheless 4,000 Guides and GUIders showed how valiant is the Guide spirit i? .the fa~e of difficulties. Undeterred by the drlvmg ram, the leaders of the various groups organised an emergency programme which kept the girls busy, but sheltered, for several hours. unfortunately all the games and competitions had to be abandoned, and so had the elaborate displays which each State had planned. A quamt platypus dance had been arranged by the Tasmanians, a Maori display by the New Zealand Guides, a 'Gnion Jack Iormation by the New South Wales Group the Landing of the Buffa!o by the South Aus~ tlalians, and another special display by the "V\: eH Australians, but tl~E::1e was not sufticient sheltered area for any of these to be performed. The spectacular march past, for which the chairman of the World Committee (Mrs. James Storrow) was to take the salute, could not be held on the sodden turf in the rain, but instead the Guides were formed up at one end of the main stand and marched along the wide corridor through to the other side. Marching four abreast they passed the saluting base where, from a high stand erected just outside the committee luncheon room, Mrs. Storrow, accompanied by the State Commissioner (Lady Chauvel), took the salute. Beside the stand were the Hon. Heather and the Hon. Betty Baden-Powell. Meanwhile, in one of the refreshment rooms, nearly 200 extension and crippled Guides ap-n Brownies had gathered instead of in the saddling paddock, as planned. The Chief Guide on her arrival went first to see these Guides. With a colour party, formed by a representative from each State of the Commonwealth, bearing the Chief Guide's standard before her, she entered the extension Guides' room between a double rank of Guides forming a guard of honour. She shook hands warmly with each member of the guard, and then, accompanied by the Commissioner for Extensions (Miss Alison Campbell), she greeted all the crippled Guides and Brownies who were lying in cots or sitting on chairs arranged round the room. These Guides had been looking forward very keenly to this party, as it is the first opportunity they have had to meet the Chief Guide, and one small country Brownie had saved up every penny of her Christmas money to pay for her fares to the city so that she could be there on Saturday. There were over 20 post Guides and Brownies from all parts of Victoria, from as far away as Swan Hill. The Post Brown Owl for Victoria (Miss Joan Alston) was there, and the Brownies had with them the Brownie totem, a large, solemn bl'own be~n
o~l sitting on a great green toadstool. In SPIte of their disabilities they were all tremendously cheerful, and some of them have done extraordinarily well in their Guide work. :r'hel!7 are. not a great many first-class Guides m VIctOrIa, yet the difficult tests had been passed by a blind Guide who was there on Saturday, and another diminutive Brown;p with spinal disease had achieved a first-cla~; badge. Those in the cots did not wear full unitorm, .but had badges pinned to bed-jackets a,n~ serV:lce stars fastened on a strap round tnell¡ WrIsts. The Brownies from the Austin Hospital pack were distinguished by their bright woollen bed-covers. After she had spoken with every Guide and Brownie in the extension room the Chief Guide moved on to the front of the stand where she addressed the Guides assembled i~ the main stand and the one adjacent to it. "Now look here, Guides," she said "this is really a very important occasion because this is the last time I can talk to ~ll of you together. You have brought many surprises to me this week. I knew how good you were, but I never dreamt so many thousands would be gathered at the rally. The Brownies on Mo.n~ay were so. delightfully happy and smllmg that the Chlef Scout nearly burst into tea.rs of joy. On Tuesday the Guides, in their solId ranks, were most impressive. Until then the public had probably been quite critical as to the value of the movement, and you helped that day to convince them that guiding is worth while. You convinced them then by appearance; in the future you must convinl!e them by deeds. I was very impressed with the jolly spirit you all have, and I am carrying away with me round the world the very happiest memories of Australia. The jamboree has been a very great occasion for the Scouts -ten thousand radiant souls making friends together, and many of you Guides have had the opportunity of meeting Guides from other States, without any barriers of any kind, in this last week. I want you all to go back tn your homes filled with a new zest in all guiding activities. You are all older Guides here, setting an example and leading the way for the little fellows, and you must remember to be a Guide always, whether in or out of uniform. Good luck to you all, and stick to all that is best in guiding, and I hope when I return I will find double the number." In conclusion, she congratulated the organisers of the gymkhana on dealing with the situation so well in spite of the difficulties, and expressed her regret at not seeing the displays which had been arranged. She called for three cheers for the Chief Guiders in Au':ltralia, and the whole mass of Guides in the two stands responded with a tremendous shout which echoed over the course. ("Argus")
'February, 1935.
17 MATILDA ~~-------------------------------
GUIDE SERVICE, JANUARY 6th. 3000 Girl Guides Attend Service in Melbourne Town Hall. In spite of two disappointments, the absence of the Chief Guide (Lady Baden-Powell) and the necessity to hold the service indoors instead of in the open in Scotch College ground~" as originally planned, the Church service which on Sunday, January 6, brought to a close the Girl Guides' Centenary rally was a very impressive occasion. Following the experience of the gymkhana on the previous afternoon, and the continued bad weather during the evening, it was decided not to run any risk in connection with the service on Sunday, and to abandon the plan for holding it in the open air. As the Melbourne Town Hall was the only building capable of holding such a large assemblage, the State Commissioner (Lady Chauvel) got in touch with the Lord Mayor of Melbourne (Councillor A. G. Wales) and asked whether the Town Hall could be made available. Consenting readily to this request, the Lord Mayor explained that there might be some difficulty in providing seating accommodation as the hall was empty and the staff off duty. However, the first arrivals at the hall found everything as it should be, and Lady Chauvel's explanation and her expressions of gratitude for the services given out of hours by the Town Hall staff were gre.eted with warm applause by the vast gathering of Guides, Guiders and Commissioners assembled for the service. The excellence of the organisation at head quarters was demonstrated in the fact that although the arrangements had to be altered almost at the last moment there was no hitch in the proceedings. and every inch of space in the hall was occupied. Chief Guide's Message. Be.cause the Chief Scout needed her with him at Frankston yesterday afternoon, th~ Chief Guide (Lady Baden-Powell) was not able to attend the service, at which she was to have given her farewell address to the assembled Guides. "She was frightfully di!<appointed," Lady Chauvel told them on the Chief Guide's behalf, "but she felt she should remain with the Chief Scout. She asked me to give you her love. tel! you how sorry she was not to be here. and how glad she had been to see vou all, that she hoped that you all in you" Guiding would g-row in numbers and progress in every way. She wishes you all every happiness." As Stat p Commissioner Lady Chauvel sa;d' "As this is the ]flRt time that all of us w;ll ""pet too-et.her in Melbourne during this rallv. I want to tell you what a happiness it has been to us to have you all here. some coming from ,ÂŤ, fa>' awav. and WP. would like to wish you all happiness in Y0l,lr Guiding wherever you tl,re,"
The Ideals of Guiding. "I have always felt that the Guide movement had behind it something that was simply marvellous, a kind of little compactum of virtues which was renewed day by day, and I am not sure that you have not really beaten th,} Scouts in the possession of these," the BishoJl of Geelong (the Right Rev. J . J. Booth) said in his address, which followed the main portion of the service. The Guide law, he pointed out, stood first for honour, then loyalty, duty, friendliness, courtesy, gentleness, obedience, cheerfulness, carefulness, and cleanliness. These ideals represented ten great pearls, which, linked together by a great many lesser ones, went to make up the chain from which hung the pendant cross, the three arms of which stood for faith, hope and love. "If that chain of invisible pearls and its pendant are really worn in the heart," Bishop Booth added, "then you are going to play a great part ill making this world something better than it has been, because you have the one thing needful to make the best of life. We look forward to the time when the. world will understand more and more the meaning of those three words-faith, hope and love, because with understanding of the deeper meaning the outer and the physical aspects will soon fade away. Your leaders hope that there is coming into the world a brotherhood cemented by those very principles that we have called pearls this afternoon, but we can never really understand what those principles are until we see them incarnate." Also taking part in the service were the Rev. A. Wilson Macaulay (former Moderator of the Presbyterian Assembly), the president of the Baptist Union of Victoria (the Rev. J. C. Martin), the Rev. J . D. Northey, of the Congregational Union. and the Rev. J. W. Rowse, of the Methodist Church. Especially impressive in the order of t h e service was the reading in unison of the Girl Guides' Prayer, which contains the petition: "Help us to think wiselv. to speak rightly, to resolve bravely, to act kindly, to live purely" (From "The Argus," 7/ 1/35).
INTERSTATE AND OVERSEAS VISITORS. Gniclp.>'fI way be interested to know that our li"t, of VisitOr<; for the Guide Rally numbered: H'odel'atpd Malay States, 1. r.>,o"t Britain, 2. India, 3. South Africa, 3. America, 2. New Zealand. 65. Australian States, 483,
18
MATILDA
February, 1931i.
JAMBOREE HOSPITAL. When we were invited to "Run a hospital" at the Scout Jambor,ee we accepted with alaerity, because it seemed such a thrilling thing to do, and such a wonderful opportunity to work with the Scouts, and help them with the biggest undertaking they have yet tackled in Victoria. We had heard and read so much about the Hospital, taken care of by the Cheshire Guides at the Arrowe Park Jamboree, that it was with delight we hailed the opportunity of a similar experience. Matron Grace Wilson, of the Alfred Hospital, who was District Commissioner at Carlton until a few months ago, was asked if she woulll organise the hospital, and she accepted with great joy, because she loves Guiding and loves Camping. Plans went forward quickly, Dr. W. B. Wishart, Scout Commissioner for Health, was in charge, and Colonel Heath mad~ arrangements for our equipment and the layout of the Hospital Site. Nurses (who had all been Guides), Guiders and Rangers were asked to come and help. Of course everyone was thrilled to be asked, ,e ven though it meant missing some of the Guide activities in Melbourne. There were nine, nurses and fifty Guide people, in addition to four doctors and the dentist, who visited every morning. The Hospital Wards consisted of four military marquees, three having twenty beds-ten down each side-and the fourth for the casualties, and the dentist department, and the operating theatre. Each bed was covered with a white. spread with the Guide Tr,e foil in saxe blue appliqued on. Beside each bed was a box for the patient to keep his things in. A wireless set went in turn to the three wards, and all the wards were kept gay with flowers, sent by kind friends. The wards, offices, mess tent, dispensary and cook-house buildings all had electric ligh,:, and there was a telephone in the office. Each section of the Camp had its own staff-patrols, as it were-and they remained the same, jobs were not changed round as in an ordinary camp, but there were definite "on" and "off duty" times for everyone, arranged in the patrols. The office was a comfortable place to visit-it was awfully efficient, with a staff of five who worked to a time-table. There were Box Files which were very impressive, and papers fined in for every patient. Perhaps you would be sitting there filled with admiration for the people on duty, and a Scout Master would come in and ask for "so and so from New Zealand, and the staff would just flick over some papers and say the boy was discharged. and had been sent back to his camp; or a boy would come in with his blankets and a notp from the doctor at his sub-camp, and a kind member of the office staff would quietly take him over to the wards; or perhaps an ambulance man would bring in acciQf:nt CMf: anQ
,l.ll
he would be rushed over to "Cas." It was a v,e ry interesting part of the Hospital, and one which tempted you to make up an excuse to creep in. The Patrol duties were much the same as in an ordinary guide camp. The cooks cooked the meals, but they were provided with a most sumptuous cookhouse with two pantries and a scullery, hot water laid on, and a huge kitchen range. The Mess Patrol set the tables and served the meals and looked after the mess tent, and as there were two sittings to every meal, meal hours were busy ones for them! The Campers kept th~ tents up and in good order, did the incinerating and provided very satisfactory grease pits. There was a patrol of guiders and rangers called the Ward Orderlies. They seemed to work awfully hard carrying all meals to the wards and washing dishes from the wards, squeezing oranges and making egg-flips, and tidying the wards, but it seemed to the rest of the Camp that this was a good sort of patrol to be in. They were actually "in" the hospital, as it were-and were frequently invited by departing patients to visit their camps-in fact, they were so ,obviously thrilled with their job that it must have been great fun. These Ward Orderlies wore the ordinary Guide overall throughout the Jamboree (with stockings) and there were no complaints from the patients-even the neurotic ones. The nursing sisters were thrilled with their job, too-they were unused to nursing under camping conditions, but no one would ever have suspected this, they were absolutely splendid . and the cleanliness of their uniforms (not guide) and caps was the cause of continual amazement to everyone else. In addition to these patrols, the nursing and office staffs, lady cubmaster and a ranger who were the hospital dispensers, and a Guider was in charge of equipment and laundry. One day the Chief Scout visited the Hospital, and while he was meeting the staff, the boys were nearly fallin~ out of bed with excitement. On hearing this he hurriedly went to the wards and chatted with each patient in turn. Most of them when asked what was the matter with them replied "nothing!" and obviously felt that what ever was the matter was well worth putting up with on this occasion at least. Over 120 patients went through the hospital, and these included foreign and interstate boys, and one who was deaf and dumb. Everyone has heard about the storm that took place, and some of the tents being blown down. The hospital wards were kept up manfully, first by the Guides, and then by a body of stalwart ~ovf:rs whQ camf: to help-imagine
~F~e~b~ru~a~r~y~,~1~93~5~.__________________~~M~A__ T~I~L~D~A~
going to sleep in camp on a stormy night, knowing that there was no need to arise with a mallet at any time, because seven Rovers were on duty! It is fun being independent, but it's lovely being able to stay between the blankets! Mentioning Rovers reminds me of billies and billies and billies of tea. It almost seemed that the Hospital Cookhouse was noted for its welcome to all who were thirsty, and it wasn't only in storms, either. When it appeared safe to empty one lot of tea, someone else would arrive for a cup! Although all this sounds awfully busy, and we had gone down to the Jamboree to work, there were many opportunities to visit the Jamboree Camps, the daily arena events, and to take part in the big Campfires which everyone enjoyed so much-and we all felt we really were part of the Jamboree. In our jobs amongst ourselves we had the greatest fun, just as you always do in a Guide Camp. We had one very mirthful Campfire of our own on our last night, at which everyone, including the medical and nursing staffs, did stunts. antI we ¡e nded up with a very good supper! Everv member of the Hospital Staff was very p,:lat! that the Scouts had asked the Guides to look after their Jamboree Hospital, and that she had had the opportunity to take part in it. It was an experience which for interest and joy will not soon be forgotten. ELAINE MORAK
The Aftermath. WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO NOW?
,
In the seething times beforehand and in the midst of the thrilling whirl, the future seemed to beckon as a "dolce far niente." Now that Futul'e has become this Present, is it just to remain the "slack time" after the rush? Laurel sprigs we certainly have been given; we have been praised-sometimes for the things which are not our glory, sometimes in appreciation of the bigger things we are tackling together-but can we award ourselves the complete laurel wreath? "On the strength of each link ... dependeth the might of the chain." How much of th<.' "success" of the recent Guide activities can be credited to our own special link in the cable? There will be an influx of recruits into many Companies and Packs ; these children will expect much of Guiding. Why should not we Guiders also expect much? Let us be a little critical:We teach our Guides the Rules of Health; do they only "know" these for test purposes, Do thev really try to carry them out in daily life? There is still that mania for sleeping with doors and windows tightly closed, as we found at some of the Indoor Camps; and the habit of handwa.shing before meals and aftel¡
_____________________________1~9
visiting the lats. is by no means ingrained yet. Surely outdoor camping is not the only place for teaching health rules practically? The Guides learn to cover a mile in 12 minutes by means of Scouts' Pace-how is it that they so quickly tire on a walk? Have none of them done "four walks of at least three miles" for their test? Do we give them practice over shorter distances while they are in our charge, and do they understand that physical fitness is something to be proud of and worth achieving with effort? Guides are trained to be observant and orderly in their habits; how is it, then, that we have this mass of lost property, and why is a scavenging party of Guiders and Rangers necessary after Rallies and Gymkhanas to clear UP banana peels, sweet-wrappings, and less pleasant refuse? Then you need to see Guides' luggage and oarcels to realise how detached from daily life is the knot test!! and as for Guiders . . . . (perhaps the Rangers' knots w.ere better?) What CAN we do to make our Motto true? BE PREPARED does not mean "be prepared for the test"-it means "be prepared to use all this useful knowledge in order to help yourself and other people at all times in the best possible way that you know." This all sounds as if we were depressed, and had lost our faith in Guiding; it is not so. We have in the past few weeks seen so much that had made us thrill with pride, that has renewed in us the vision of the tremendous possibilities in this voluntarily shouldered job of ours, that there can be no Slack Time now! What the Chief Scout and Chief Guide claim for Guiding whenever they talk to the world about us-it's got to be TRUE-and that is to be our Centenary Resolution: "0 Thou Who givest visions unto them that love Thee, Give us also courage to make our dreams come true." F.V.B.
Lost Property. The Depression is surely over if people can lose cameras, overcoats, hats, dresses, watches, purses, etc., and not notice it! At least, if they do not enquire at Headquarters whether such articles have been found. We have a miscellaneous assortment awaiting claimants:Guide hats; Guide hatbands; Cadet hatbands; Odd belts; Table napkins and rings; A sheet; A haversack; Several cameras; Watches: Purses; Fountain pen; Pocket knives: Knives, forks and spoons; Towels; Tea towels; Billies; Fancy dresses (probably used in Di3play); Books; Notebooks; Diaries; Autograph albums; UMBRELLAS; Coats; Cardigans; Flag cases; GROUNDSHEETS!!! MUGS!!!
20
MATILDA
Scissors; Ties; A scarf; Bathing caps; Apron; PLATES-including china ones; A whistle; A singlet; Odd stockings; Sandshoes; Slipper,,; Gloves; Sponge Bag; Camp-Beds; Pillows. F. V. BARFUS Guardian of L.P.
International Gathering. At the international conference held on 3rd January, 1935, at the University, speaker~ of five nationalities each described the orgamsation of the branch of work in which they were interested. Lady Chauvel presided. Mrs. StOIrOW (U.S.A.) described the chalet at Adelboden, in Switzerland, which she gave to the movement for international conferences, and as a meeting-place for Guides from all countrie3. To further the international aims of this project, a fund called the Juliette Low fund eXlsts, established by an American, Mrs. Low, who was the moving spirit in promoting the first world conference in 1926. She died in the following year, but her name.is perpetuated .in this fund. Although Austraha, because of Its distance, is precluded from participating in the travelling allowance which it gives to Guides visiting the chalet, Mrs. Storrow expressed a hope that if two Guides with the necess.al'Y first-class qualifications could be found and their expenses paid as far as Naples, the fund could provide for the remainder of their expenses. "The effect on the girls themselves mingling together in this way is extraordinarily valuable for broadening their outlook," Mrs. Storr ow said. The next two speakers, Mrs. Lewin and Mifls Niven, of South Africa, described the Guid2 organisatior. in the Union of South A!rica, where it is distributed among five provmces, each with its provincial council, which are controlled by an headquarters executive. The president is the wife of the Gover nor-General (Lady Clarendon), who is a sister of Lord Somers. There are altogether about 1500 Guides in South Africa, in additlOn to a movement known as the "Wayfarers," begun by those who were specially interested in the vast native population. Miss Niven, who is one of the founders of the Fairveldt Training Centre, described how it was established, 15 miles north of Durban, in 1927. for the accommodation and training of Guiders, Guides, patrol leaders, and Rangers. It takes more th'l!l 1000 children a year. Miss Barron, of New Zealand, said that the organisation in that country differed very little from South Aflica, except that whereas the latter was a lar~e country, Wit:1 five provinces. New Zealand, a much smaller country, had 10 provinces, each with its own commi3sioner. While its small area made organisation easy, it also created a danger of insularity. The next speaker was Mrs . Hogg, of India, who came to the meeting from a camp fir e which she had attended in the picturesque costume worn by women of the Pun~ab-shot sill~
February, 1935.
lavender tunic and full trousers, with a graceful headdress of cherry-coloured silk gauze woven with golden dots and edged with gold thread embroidery. The difficulties which beset guiding in India are chiefly the variety of languages spoken and the number of religions with their accompanying customs and class distinctions, but in spite of these the movement is spreading. Miss Hawthorn, of Queensland, was the last speaker, and she described how through cooperation with the Government, an enormous amount of country, about 8,000 miles in one year, was covered in Guiding areas, by rail, air and car. An ingenious system of instruction by broadcasting had been evolved to reach lone Guides in far-back districts. (From "The Argus.") .
Guides Entertain Visitors. Although a number of Guide commissioners and senior Guiders went to Frankston on SatUl'day afternoon, 29th December, for the opening of the Scout jamboree, the majority of the country and interstate Guides in camp remamed in Melbourne and were entertained by the metropolitan Guides in whose district they were camping. The East Malvern district had arranged an afternoon at Wattle Park for the Guides camDed at Korowa and St. John's Sunday School, East Malvern, but owing to the weather they went instead to the Lloyd Stree~ State School, when.. they had games and songs. The Guides from Brighton Grammar Schoel camp and from the Black Street Congregational School spent an out-of-doors afternoon with the Brighton district companies at Beaumaris. A large number of Guides camping at the University, the Training College , Children's Aid Home, Church of England Hostel, Carlton, and North Melbourne Methodist Hostel were entertained by the Guides from that district at the University grounds, where they had races and games and afternoon tea. Mrs. J. P. Bainbridge, Mrs. Sutcliffe, and Miss Clayton, who are commissioners for these districts, a:-ranged the programme. The Malvern district Guides took the visitors who were camping at Tintern and at the Hawthorn Pre ~ tyterian Sunday School to St. Kilda for the afternoon. A party was held at St. Margaret's School, arranged by the Toorak and Armadale district, for which the commissioner is Miss Enid Colquhoun, and attended by the Guiders camping at St. Catherine's and Guides from Glamorgan and Lam'iston. The South Yarra companies f'nt ertained the visitors who are at the C.E.G.G.S. in Merton HaJl, Morris Hall and Phelia GriMwade House at a Darty in the n1ain assembly hall. The commissioner for Williamstown, Mrs. Eadie, was present, as well as a number of interstate commissioners and the airwoman Miss Fr¡e da Thompson. The Caulfield district companies had arranged a SPQrts programme at ShelfQd
1
February, 1935.
MATILDA
Girls' School, but it had to be abandoned because of the rain, and an indoor party wa::; held at St. Mary's Sunday School, Caulfield. Their guests were guides camping at the Alma Road Presbyterian Sunday School and at St. Mary's. Guides camping at the G.F.S. Hostels in Spring Street and Berry Street and at St. Hilda's spent the afternoon at the Botanic Gardens with the Oakleigh, Murrumbeena and Dandenong companies. The commissioner for Kew, Mrs. Frank Tate, and her Guides arranged an afternoon at the Zoological Gardens for the Guides camped at Carey Grammar School and at Swinburne Technical College. At Ruyton Girls' School the country Rangers were pntertained by the Hawthorn Rangers. Similar parties were held in other districts, and in the evening the visitors were taken on a tour of the city to see the Centenary illuminations, and some went to a bird lecture given by Miss .Joan Harper. This was to have been given at headquarters, but so many Guides attended that at the last moment it was transferred to the Kelvin Hall. On Sunday church parades wel'e held in every district, and after a free afternoon most of the camps held their Guides' own service in the evening.
COVER DESIGN. Entries are invited, and should be in by March 1, 1935, for a design for cover of "Matilda." This competition is open to all members of the Girl Guide Movement, and their friends. Prize, £1 / 1/ -.
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3rd Camberwell; 1st Canterbury; 1st Surrey Hills; 1st Hampton; North Melbourne; 3rd Kew; S.R.S. "Akuna." Ranger Captains of the above Companies are asked to communicate with Miss Lummis, 108 Dandenong Road, Malvern, S.E.7, stating whether their Rangers would be willing to continue visiting the Home during the comin~ year. This work with the children of Kindergarten age is a very special service. Children from the Kindergartens in the city who are in need of a change of air spend three weeks in happy. healthy surroundings, and are given special care and attention during their visit to the holiday Home . Full details regarding the duties required 1)£ Voluntary Helpers will be forwarded to Com panies who are interested, and, as many Helpers are needed throughout the year, it is hoped that Ranger Companies who have not visited the Home will make a special effort during 1935 and send in their names to be added to the list as early as possible. This is a great opportunity for Rangers to help the children from the city to have a happy holiday. M. G. LUMMIS. 22 / 12 / 34.
GAME. Have a "Merry Moments" Competition. Patrols collect during the week pictures of jollylooking people or happy gatherings. Have a picture gallery at the next meeting and award points for the best collection. M.S.
CAMP BEDS.
CAMP IMPRESSIONS (cont. from Page 6).
Would Guides and Guiders who brought camp beds to camp please be so helpful as to scrutinise the bed they took home, to make sure they got the right one? We still have several unclaimed beds which do not tally with the descriptions of thos" which have not yet returned to their owner", so perhaps some have gone to the wrong places! F. V. BARFUS.
prayers and colours. A wave of blue flooding the dining room signifies to us "eats," but to our good friends in the kitchen it must mean WORK! How good they are to us. Cutlery swamping the sink just shouts "Pantry Patrol to the rescue!" Work over, off we go to see the sights of Melbourne. Many new friendships ar,e made each day. Friendly visits being paid from room to roomyes, even after "lights out." Our Guiders too are jolly good sports. Many times they (and we) had cause to remember the eighth law. They managed to smile in spite of "short-sheeted," or "apple-pieri" beds. Many and varied are the things we doCountry dancing, Camp fires, "stunts" ('nuf sed), outings, etc. All these play their part in making camp something we will never forget. We wish to give our gratefnl thanks to all who did so much to make our Camp the wonderful camp it was, and we hope that many others will join our ranks and be happy, contented Rangers, ready to go to Camp again. Too many Guides! The thing's impossible! There can't be too many Guides! -By a Ranger.
Week-End Visits to the Kindergarten Holiday Home. CANTERBURY RD., FOREST HILL. During the year voluntary work has· been undertaken at the Kindergarten Holiday Home by the Misses Black, Miller, Townroe and the following Rangel' Companies:-
22
:\lATILDA
Lost! ! ! A BROWN RUG, plain one .side, stripes on the other, was lost by a Guide from Donald attending the Indoor Camp. The name JUNE RESEIGH was worked on the rug. Will Guide Campers having a similar rug please make sure they have brought home the right one? Miss Cameron will be glad to heal' of any clue to the whereabouts of this rug. Two gold-washing dishes brought from Ballarat for the Display item have also been lost; the owners would be most relieved to hear that someone is keeping them safely for them.
February, 1933.
will be for Trainees who have already been Guides, Rangers or Guiders. The second Course, for new Guiders only, will begin on Friday, 1st March, 1935. Guider in Charge: Miss M. Hoffmeyer. Ranger Training. Prospective Ranger Guiders should communicate at once with Miss Cameron, Commissioner for Rangers, and the First Course will be arranged to suit the majority of those wishing to attend. This Course will begin at the end of March. M. E. BUSH, Commissioner for Training.
"GUIDING FOR GUIDERS."
Training. Guiders who have not previously attended a Training Class at Headquarters must bring to the first Class of any Course a Nomination Form signed by their own Commissioner. Unless otherwise announced, all Training Classes are held at the Guide Office, 60 Market Street (7th Floor), Melbourne, C.1, at 7.45 p.m. Brownie Training. The first Course for the year will begin on Wednesday, 20th February, 1935. Guider ill Charge: Miss A. E. F. Paling. Guide Training. The first Course for the year will begin on Monday, 25th February, 1935. Guider in Charge: Miss G. H. Swinburne. This Course
With the busy programme arranged for the Guiders who were in Melbourne for our Centenary Celebrations, it was interesting to find so many Guiders attending the various sessions arranged. Separate sessions were held for Brownie, Guide and Ranger Guiders, at Ridley College, St. Catherine's and Phelia Grimwade House respectively. Sessions were given on Discovery in Nature; Second and First Class Tests; Games; the Report of the Quo Vadis Council; Company and Pack Management; Brownie Ceremonial and Handcraft. We are very grateful to Miss Smith (N.S.W.), Miss Hawthorn (Queensland), Mrs. Caldwell and Miss Ford-Smith (South Australia), as well a s the Victorian Trainers, who took charge of sessions. M. E. BUSH.
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