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Volume XI.
MARCH, 1935.
Number Nin('.
A MESSAGE. From Katharine Furse (in "The Council Fire") Two happenings emerge from our Eighth World Conference which seem to me to be immensely important from the point of view of our future. In reply to a message of loyalty sent by Mrs. Nicholas Brady, Chairman of our Conference, to His Holiness Pope Pius XI on behalf of the Catholic Delegates and Visitors who were present, s'h e received the following telegram: "His Holiness, appreciating the filial homage of the Catholic Guides and Girl Scouts assembled at Adelboden, wishes the organisation growing prosperity and He blesses paternally the work of the Conference and those participating in it. "(Signed) PACELLI, Cardinal." This blessing, which shows the interest and sympathy felt for our World Movement by the Holy Father, should help us an to work for the trust and confidence of His Church all over the world. When enrolling children as Guides or Girl Scouts and hearing their 'Promise of loyalty we must inevitably remember our duty to help them to live according to the laws of their faith. And we have also to recognise our obligation to protect their conscience from the slightest embarrassment which might follow some small negligence on our own part through our ignorance of what may be required of them. Following on this, the other happening which seems to me to be very important is the agreement reached by our Conference on the subject of Prayer. We had the following question on our Programme: "Should Prayers be included in the Official Time Table for World Conferences, Trainingsetc.? Or should time be given for Personal Devotions? Or Silence at the Hoisting of the Colours and at Camp Fires?" This had been circulated in January, 1934, to all countries, members of our World Association. This question was the result of a discussion which took place at Adelboden between the Chief Scout and the World Committee-just after the opening of Our Chalet in 1932. The subject had originally been introduced by a Moslem who had spoken of her embarrassment when Prayers were shown officially in the Time Table of a World Conference, and when she found herself faced with the alternatives: "Should she attend the Prayers in order vO
take part in the whole programme, even though breaking a rule of her faith 7" or "Should she absent herself from Prayers and thereby separate herself from the majority of delegates and appear to stand out from what was arrang,ed?" It was because this question, which raiscJ a matter of principle, seemed to be very important that the World Committee asked the Chief Scout to give his advice with regard to it, and he suggested that the word "Devotions" not "Prayers" should be shown in our official programme in future in order that everyone could feel free to be loyal to her conscience. And that a short period of Siience snCluld be provided during the Hoisting of Colours during which each person present could pray according to her creed. When the question came up during our Conference this year Madame de Kerraoul proposed the resolution"Should! Prayers be included in the Official Time Table for World Conferences, Trainings, etc.? Or should time be given for Personal Devotions? Or Silence at the Hoisting of the Colours and at Camp Fires?" Madame Malhowska on behalf of the World Committee moved the following resolution: "That there should be no official prayers on these World occasions, but that there should be a period of Silence at the hoisting of Colours and at Camp Fires, if desired, and that time should be set aside for personal devotions." Mrs. Tufton, on behalf of Great Britain, seconded it, and Mrs. Cedergren, delegate from the Sveriges K.F.U.K.'s Scoutforbund (the Y.W.C .A. Association of Sweden), supDorted. followed by Miss Sabry, of the Egyptian Girl Guides. and Mrs. Edey, of the Girl Scouts of America. The resolution was agreed to without discussion. Perhaps it will only be in the dim future that the full significance of this agreement will be understood. In the meanwhile it seems to me to prove the solidity of the foundations of our World Association. Twenty-seven countries were represented at this Conference by seventy-one delegates and visitors of different creeds, and thev united in adopting procedure for our World Centre which will probably do more than anything elsp to unite our Movement in understanding and peace.
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~1.~::::~::::::: =\ ~1'.!lpnUill'nrf. APPRECIATION. Dear "Matilda" As I am un~ble to get into touch with them individually, may I use your columns for a letter to those Guiders who worked so hard for the Guide Display at the Jamboree? I hope some have heard a few remarks to cheer them on their way. . Both Scouts and outsiders have been most kind in praising "the gr.e at showing, in spite of heat and dust, of a varied and most interesting Display." But only we, who were in the middle of the heat and dust and other equally trying things, can appreciate fully the work done beforehand, and the marvellous way in which they canied on under great difficulties. I am sorry that in the emergency not all was seen to the best advantage. And, "Matilda," did you know that, in spite of everything, and various prophecies to the contrary, the Display finished about ten minutes before time!! Yours, etc., DOROTHY IRVING. Dear "Matilda" Can you soive this problem for me? My Lieutenant was left in charge of the Company one night, and on her way to the Meeting saw one of the Guides in company with a boy friend. Upon the child's arrival at the meeting the Lieutenant spoke severely to her, and gave her six verses of poetry to learn by heart as a punishment. The rest of the Company were incensed at this treatment, and threaten to resign if the Lieutenant is not removed. What shall I do about it? Yours, etc., "COUNTRY CAPTAIN." ["The Walrus," of the "Signpost Page," invites solutions to this problem. Address "The Walrus," 66 Sutherland Rd., Armadale.]
COVER DESIGN, "MATILDA." Is your entry in? It is expected by March 1. This competition is open to all members of the Girl Guide Movement and their friends. Prize ÂŁ1 / 1 / -.
"Doing nothing for others is the undoing of oneself. We must be purposely kind, generous, or we miss the best part of existence. The heart that goes' out of itself gets large in fullness of joy. This is the great secret of the inner life. We do ourselves the most good (loing something f9r oth!!rs.." (H. M;lnn)
March, 1935.
BALUCHISTAN. How many Guides and Guiders have seen the delightful Log Book sent us by the Guides of Baluchistan? . A number of people feel that as no Guides from India were able to come to the Rally, it would be a pleasant thought to send back to Quetta, by Mrs. Grey, a collection of photos, etc., of the Guide Rally and of Guiding generally in Victoria, so would you all like to help compile a book? There is at Headquarters a supply of loose leaves for the book. Would any Company, Guide, Ranger or Guider wishing to fill one collect it straight away and return it by the 5th March-Mrs. Grey sails for India on the 12th. S. H. IRVING.
AN APPEAL. It is proposed that a Guide Company should be started shortly at the Melbourne Orphanage, and one of the biggest difficulties is the cost of the uniform, particularly the hat. If any Guides, Rangers or Guiders have old uni forms or hats they could spare, the Committee of the Orphanage would be most grateful to receive them. These parcels could be left with Miss Barfus at Headquarters, from where they will be collected. GWENDOLIN S. COBB, District Commissioner
GUIDERS! READ THIS!! Those who were present at the recent lecture on Victorian Birds arranged by the Committee of the Victorian Guiders Club, and given by Miss Joan Harper in the Kelvin Hall (which, by the way, was filled to over-flowing) will no doubt be pleased to know that the Committee have arranged a series of Saturday evening entertainments. These entertainments, which will be of a varied nature, will take place at Guide Headquarters on the last Saturday in each month, commencing on March 30th. The arrangements for this evening are in the hands of the Guiders in the Southern Division. Admission will be 6d. (Guides in uniform 3d.) and supper will be available for the cost of an additional 1d. Sweets will be on sale. Remember the Bird Lecture from which unfortunately many had to be turned away, and keep the last Saturday of the month free and come early! Details of each entertainment will be announced later. G.C.W.R., Hon. Sec. Vic. Guiders' Club. "The monthly lecturettes that were started last year on subjects of general interest wm continue to be held in 1935. So keep the fir st Wednesday of every month free-starting 1st Wednesday in March at 8 p.m. sharp. Supper 3(1. S\lbjects to be announced later."
March, 1935.
MATILDA
THE MONTH OF MARCH. The month of March is heralded by the flute-like carol of the butcher-bird-never 80 glorious as in the mellow season of the year. Already there are signs of Autumn's bounty in the hawthorn hedges of the open country, with their heavy crops of scarlet haws-a sign, maybe, of a hard winter to follow. In hill gardens, parrots and blackbirds have quite stripped the rowans of their tangerine fruits, but a furthe), supply of winter food for the feathered folk is assured in the ripening holly berries. Down unfrequented by-ways great tangles of bramble are hung with luscious blackberries, gleaming jewels of black and green and scarlet, the delight of little flocks of silver-eyes. Gum trees are shedding their unwanted leaves, and a walk through the forest on a windy day will reveal a grounri carpeted with newly-fallen foliage. Nothing is prettier ·than the drifting fall of these red leaves, unless it be the tumbling flight of the rufous fantail, who this month must leave th2 mountain gullies where he has played throughout the summer months. Watch, too, for swifts on the wing. They have started on their long journey back to Siberia and Japan. Welcome swallows are gathering on telegraph wires in preparation for their flight north, while magpie-larks at the approach of Autumn, congregate into small flocks, to the accompaniment of much wing waving and loud crying. J.H.
THE STORY OF A SAUNDERS CASEMOTH.
One day nearly a year ago, in February, 1934, a friend came to have lunch with me. As she was not an ordinary sort of visitor, but a Guider, I was not surprised when she produced the old home of a Saunders Casemoth from her handbag, saying she had found it on a pavement in Brighton on her way, and though it was a bit squashed, she thought I might like it. It was a good specimen, and we decided it had been a female, as the case was so large. We put it on the dressing-table, and went and ate lunch. Afterwards I went to powder my nose, and what should greet me from the looking-glass but Mrs. Saunders Casemoth! After I had recov·e red from the shock I became very excited, as I had never owned a live one before, and we had just taken it for granted that this inanimate-looking object was devoid of life. However, she was very much alive indeed, and was making a silken ladder across the mirror as fast as ·ever she could, exactly as described by Dr. Leach in "Australian Nature Studies." She was very shy. and if touched ever so lightly would stiffen her case, pull in her head, shut the top and cling tightly to whatever surface she was
on, all in one action. She was very restless, and I never knew where I would find her next. This made going to bed, or, indeed, entering my room at any time, a delicate business, until I had located the Casemoth caterpillar. Once, after exhibiting her to my Company, I carelessly left her ·a t the house of some friends. On discovering her they kindly raised the lid of her box for air, and next morning I had word to please come and remove her from the ceiling of their hall. This went on for a fortnight, and all the time she firmly refused to eat anything offered to her. Not even the juiciest rose leaves would tempt her to take so much as a mouthful. Gradually she became less energetic, and contented herself with moving here and there over the wire gauze of the window with increasingly lortg periods of shutting up house and doing nothing. Finally she became a fixture and ther·e she hung through Autumn, Winter and Spring. The case became a little shrunken all over, and in the end was about 41ins. long, and barely one inch through at the thickest part. I decided to leave her alone for a year, but had really Quite given up hope of her ever doing anything. And THEN-just the other night, as I was getting ready for bed, I noticed that the pupal skin was sticking out about an inch below the case! By a coincidence the Guiderwho-gave-it-to-me happened to be stayin!! with me again, so I hauled her out of bed and we examined it by the light of matches, because I'd worn out my torch in camp. We realised now that it was a male, and had been a male all along, because lady casemoths don't leave their cases at all. We searched for the moth but failed to find him in the bad light. and thought he might still be in the pupal skin, as we could not see an opening in it. H : > must have left it at once. I think. as by daylight we found him on the sill already much damaged, as if he had been trying to escape. He was an inch long, with golden yellow front and body of alternate rings of black and yellow. His wings wel'e black and as long as his body. The "fernlike feelers" were also black. He lived all that day, but was dead by next morning. We were sorry not to be able to give him freedom during his brief life apart from his cumbersome home, but he was not strong enough to fly when we found him. I cannot say I am sorry to have him as a specimen, as I expect it will be a long time before another comes my way. G.P.
ABOUT CRESTED BELL-BIRDS. In the November "Matilda" is a note about Crested Bell-birds, remarking that they are in the Mallee. They are further south than this, their call being frequently heard in the bush quite near Bendigo. The call is a rather monotonous, though tuneful whistle, usuaI1y on one note. They will readily answer if you whistle. I have spent a whole afternoon stalking them, and was apparently near them, though I never caught sight of one. I have, however. frequently seen them on the open road, which they appear to like. They disappear quickly once they catch sight of you. M.H.
6
MATILDA
March, 1935.
"A merry heart goes all the way." "The Signpost" Page Sub-Committee, 1935. Editor: Marion Sinclair. Committee: Peggy Sprague, Mary Lamb, Rosemary Heath, Lena Weickhardt.
Moments for the Meeting. The following Fagot Ceremony is taken from "The Guider," and may be welcome as a New Year suggestion for Company meetings.
FAGOT CEREMONY. No two people agree as to the symbolism of a Camp Fire. It has been a bone of contention in the Guide world, and yet the world over, in spite of differences of opin~on, the Camp Fire in the realm of romance still holds . a unique position. Here is an idea from a Sunday School In Los Angeles that some Guider~ may be g!ad to include in their own Camp Fire ceremomes. There are "eats," some jolly songs and nonsense, and then, when everyone i~ happy, a special yarn leads up to more serIOUS reflection after which comes the Fagot Ceremony . E~eryone gathers in a circle round the fire. Then those who wish it take a fagot, and quietly place it on the fire. With it goes some fault some bad habit, some unloveliness, that is be~t burnt to ashes with the fagot. At the same time, if they are able, they recite a few well-chosen lines from a poem or hymn. There is no public confession. Yet each fagot represents some renunciation. The days of human and animal sacrifices have gone; but fire is stil.l a.purifier, and may continue to be a very slgmficant symbol.
Definitions. These terms are frequently but vaguely understood by new Guiders. I suggest the following explanations: Patrol Time.-The time during a Company meeting when the Patrol Leader teac~es her own Patrol. In a new Company, or w!th untrained Leaders this may be partly dIrected, and the P.L. h~lped, by placing a test game after it. Free Time.-A few minutes absolutely free, when Guides may play, work, visit other
patrols, etc. Good training in discipline by instant obedience to "Freeze" whistle at the end. Group Time.-The Company is divided into Groups, according to work-Tenderfoot, Second Class, etc., under the direction of Guiders or outside trainer-e.g., Doctor or' NUl'se for Ambulance. Patrols in Council.-A baby Court of Honour, where thp affairs of the Patrol and Company are discussed, arrangements made for hikes, etc. Notices given out from Court of Honour.
The Astronomer Badge. THE UNIVERSE AROUND US. Alpha Centauri, one of the Pointers that point to the Southern Cross (the one furthest from the Cross) is our nearest known neighbour among the "fixed stars." Although it bears this relation to our earth, it is difficult to realise its distance from us. Light, which travels at the rate of 186,000 miles a second and takes eight minutes to reach us from th~ sun, takes at least three and a half years from Alpha Centauri. This fact alone gives one a glimmering of the vastness of the universe to which our solar system belongs. All Australian Guides know that the Southern Cross, found in the fly of our Australian flag, signifies that the flag is the proud possession of a country in the southern hemisphere. How many Guides, having learnt the composition of the Australian flag, can locate the position of the Southern Cross in the sky? The Cross on our flag could mean so much more if we were aware that it represents the formation of one of the most striking constellations in our southern sky. It would be an excellent opportunity to point out the Cross to recruits when teaching the composition of our flag, and at the same time unveil something of the beauty, depth and wonder of the universe around us. Pos-
March, 1935.
MAT I L D A
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sibly this would be a stimulus to the pursuit of further knowledge of other heavenly bodies. It is necessary for guides to have a cl,:ar understanding of the solar system to whIch our earth belongs to gain the Astronomer badge. According to one theory, it is supposed t~at many millions of years ago a star travellmg too close into the vicinity of our sun caused a cigar-shaped filament of hot filmy gas to be torn from the sun's form and suspended in space. The thick part in the middle of this filament consisted of matter which came off plentifully when the star was .nearest and the pull was strongest, and the thmner ends were caused by the first and last parts breaking away. . . Gradually this filament cooled, and as It dId so it condensed into detached separate forms, the biggest being near the centre of the cigar and the smallest at the two ends. These forms which became the sun's planets move about in space as separate bodies, each describing an orbit (a path) ~' ound th~ sun. The solar system then contams a varIety of objects-large, medium-sized, small, and very small. The sun is the central object or bod.y, and planets, asteroids, etc., rev~lve. around ~t. This solar system of ours IS Isolated m space. Sir James Jeans, for ~xamp.1e, s.ays: "If a pea and nine smaller objects In PIccadilly Circus represent the sun and planets, the nearest stars will be represented by a small seed somewhere near Birmingham-all in between is empty space." The causes of day and night, the seasons, the phases of the moon, tides, eclipses of the sun and moon, and the approximate distances from the sun of the principal planets, may be found under the Astronomer Badge in "Hints on Girl Guide Badges." A knowledge of this section of the book will also help Guides to determine approximately the point of the compass at any given til1'!e of the day or .night when the sky is suffiCIently clear, WIthout using a compass. . The sun is a star, and every object other than planets and satellites are suns, giving out their own light. A planet is a bod~ which. revolve~ aro~md the sun. Having no lIght of ItS own, It shmes only by reflected light of the sun .. A satellite is a small body revolvmg around a planet. Besides the eight principal planets known to most people, it is. interesti~g to note that a ninth planet was dIscovered ill March, 1930, at the Lowell Observatory, Arizona. This planet has been called Pluto, and is thought to be smaller in diameter, volume and weight than the earth. The constellations to be pointed out need to be studied over a prolonged period so th~t they may be recognised in their different pOSItions as we turn from them. "An Easy Guide to Southern Stars," by M. A. Orr, is most helpful when learning the constellations. The times of the rising and setting of the planets Venus, Mars, Jupite~ and Satur!1 may be found in the astronomIcal notes In the daily newspaper.
Over the Hills. STALKING AND TRACKING. Stalking and tracking develop(a) Observation; (b) Alertness; (c) Love of nature and out-of-doors; (d) Self-control. (a) Stalking. . Control is more necessary for stalkmg than for tracking--control is needed both of body and mind. It is necessary to balance suddenly on one foot or in some queer attitude, so that the quarry may not be alarmed. It is often difficult to discipline muscles to move slowly and quietly; difficult, too, not to lose our tempers when the object takes fright and speedily departs, or when someone else made the noise that frightened it. The best way to observe birds is to remain still and let them do the moving. They are curious by nature, and will come quite close if you "freeze." If proc~ed ing yourself, however, remember three thmgs in the order of their importance, as follows:Movement, Sound, Appearance. A bird will notice movement before sound, and sound before appearance (meaning the colour of your clothes). Hence the need for good ability to "freeze." . With regard to sound, use any natural nOIses such as gusts of wind, to help you, and move so that any noise you may make will be hidden by them. If you are definitely going stalking, dress for the part inconspicuously; but gay frocks will not be so great a disadvantage to you if you are careful about the first two requirements. When stalking an animal, remember its sense of smell, which betrays you when you are neither heard nor seen, if the wind is in the wrong direction. Stalking has something to give both heart, mind and body; do not neglect it amongst the Company activities.
Those N ew Year Resolutions. Hopefully, last year I started a note-book on Row I Should Run a Company in 1935. (Sometimes the difficulty and drawback of being young is counterbalanced by such hopefulness as this!) I looked back through the months of 1934 to February, when I had started the year with such high hopes and good resolutions. Mine, of course, was to be the Perfect Company. We were to be THE Outdoor Company in Melbourne ... We would have hikes once a fortnight ... We would all get our Naturalist, Hiker, and Bird-L?ver Badges ... We would do. lots of star-gazm~; we would pin on the notIce-board those delIcious woodcrafty bits of Joan Harper's out of "Matilda." More, we would use them in our out-of-door adventurings . . . We would have meetings outdoors all summer ... Ours would be the glory of "woodsmok~ at twilight," of hearing "the birchlog burning," of reading (Continued on Page 10)
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MATILDA
March, 1935.
"Success consists not so much in sitting up at night as being awake in the daytime." M.K.B. "The Br'ownie Page" Sub-Committee, 1935. Editor: Nancy Thewlis. Committee: Violet Hill, Leila Tulloh, Margaret Heseltine, Mary Dorothy McDonaid.
St. Patrick. March 17th, being St. Patrick's Day, the Editor advised me that it was my duty to give an original idea on St. Patrick for the Page!. "Original!" said I. "There is nothing original that can be said. He has been dead 1747 years!" Whereat the Editor reeled off "ideas," but nothing to my mind in the nature of originality. ~he even mentioned snakes!! By the way, did you know that the snake legend originated in the Worship of the Twisted Snake which ,'las one of the cults Patrick had to fight in Ireland? I am sure that at some time or other your Packs have acted the Story of St. Patrick. The fioor has been divided into England, 11'('land and France, with rough seas between. Brownies have been pirates, boats, sheep and goats (which Patrick herded), parts of monasteries, Druids-yes, and even the snakes which he shut in the box and then hurled into the sea. My original idea (but of course it may not be) was for each Six to illustrate the story on large sheets of paper. Parts could be drawn in coloured chalks or coloured paper cut out and pasted on. My Pack has made very attractive pictures of stories like this, but when I came to think of St. Patrick's time, I decided I did not know enough about it. What sort of houses did they live in in those days? What was the boat like that the pirates used, and how did they dress? I decided it was time I visited the public library and found out. There the perusal of many fat volumes which mostly say the same thing about him, I fo~nd it w8;s a sailing vessel made from the skms of antmals sewn together in which he sailed. The head of one of the animals was at the prow, and this is probably the origin of the figurehead on ships of later days. Patrick's first home near the Severn, or Bristol Channel, was quite large and was made of wood and stone, but in Ireland when he was a goatherd, he probably lived in ~hat :vas called a wicker-work house-stakes dnven mto the ground at an angle to form a tent, then smaller sticks woven and interwoven through them. the whole being covered with mud. Wattle and daub huts were built in the same way by the pioneers of this country. Why not make this a handcraft? The drinking vessels were made of stone hollowed out and also of wicker-work and mud. Skin bottles were
Butt,
Ruth
SCfltt,
used. There were also mOre substantial houses made from blocks of stone very roughly hewn and not cemented together in any way. Sometimes it is hard to interest a Brownie in the lives of the Saints of the Flag, but if Brown Owls would find out what the people looked like and how they lived in those days, you may give a touch of romance to the barest facts. A trip to the Public Library may be helpful to you, too. If YOUI' Packs are going to act the story or illustrate it in any other way, do not forget to stress the simplicity and gentleness of this man, who obeyed the call to return to a harsh and cruel land to fight for Christianity. M.B .
Concerts. Brown Owls! Are you thinking of mising Pack funds or sending a large contribution towards the Guide House? If so, hel'e are a few suggestions for a Brownie concert, the same being always appreciated by grown-ups, especially if all the al tists are children. The first thing to do is to study the hall in which the concert will be staged, and consider its possibilities regarding stage decoration, space behind the scenes, likely entrances and exits and lighting. You will then have an idea of the type of item that can be staged successfully, as almost as much depends on these details as on the quality of the talent you have to work on, which is the next consideration. One of the easiest items for children to tackle is to dramatise a song. Very few children are entirely without a voice good enough to sing in a mass, and if you find out one or two who are quite hopeless, they can be gently drafted on to other activities. Nursery Rhymes work wen, and the Brownie library holds a very nice book of nursery rhymes set to new tunes. Australian Bush songs also prove adaptable, the brown uniforms of the children making excellent tree trunks, and handfuls of gum as a finish making quite a realistic bush. Poems by A. A. Milne set to music also make a good foundation for this type of thing. These items have the advantage of including the whole Pack if necessary, even if they only form part of the scenery. Plays are a bigger undertaking. Quite a lot of work must go into the background and
March, 1935.
MATILDA
props, though many books of plays have suggestions for the easy and effective making of the necessary stage decorations. It is best as far as possible to let the children give their own interpretation of their parts, therefore proving much more natural and amusing; whereas if too much instruction is forced on them, their actions are apt to become stilted and ineffective. Any dancing or actions to music are best if of the simplest, but done in good time and unison. Another idea is for Brown Owl or Tawny to recite an amusing poem and the children to do the actions to the words. A piece called "Miss Milligan's Girls" lends itself admirably to this. This also applies to songs, some old favourites being "To a Miniature," "Rendez-vous," "Petticoat Lane," etc. These can be made most attractive and amusing, always appealing to the audience, besides being easily fixed regarding dresses and staging. To illustrate such songs as "The Wedding of the Painted Doll" or the "Toymaker's Dream" is a bigger task, there being such a variety of dressing and movements, but it can be made very attractive. Anything in the Japanese line can be staged easily, as Japanese dresses and scenery are among the least expensive and are easily made. Most children have, or can borrow, a kinoma. This, with crepe paper sash, chrysanthemums and fan, complete the outfit. Dead branches, such as are cut off fruit trees at pruning time, with little pieces of pink paper tied or stuck on them, make excellent cherTY blossom tre,es. Fairyish things usually appeal to the audience and actors alike. Brownie games make a nice and stirring item. but need to be carefully chosen with regard to type of stage and hall. Tn all items it is well to remember that most halls have level floors. and not too high a stage; therefore anything with too much sitting down, espec.i ally on the floor, will be hard on any of the audience who are not in the two front seats. It is well to note also that "The GU'i der" has lately had several very nice plays for Brownies. besides having expert advice each month on suitable plays for children. At any rate. Brown Owls, here's to your next concert and the fun you and the Pack get out of it will be well worth the effort. even if the financial returns do not "break the bank!" V.H.
THE CAMP HOUSE. How many Packs made a New Year resolution to send in one week's pennies as part of the special Brownie effort to help the Guide .Camp House? If you did not. why not do it now? It is not too late to send it in to:Miss M. Heseltine, 87 Westbury Street, East St. Kilda, S.2. All contributions will be acknowledged in "Matilda" each month. In addition to other Packs whose contributions have already been
acknowledged, the following Packs have sent in their pennies; 7th Malvern 2 / -; 3rd Prahran 2 / -; 1st Corryong 1/ 6; 1st Somerville 1 / 3; 1st St. Kilda 2 / 6; 4th Malvern 2/ -; 1st Richmond 2/-; 9th Malvern 1/2; 11th Malvern 1 / 6; 1st South Yarra 1/ 6; 1st Kallista 1/-; 1st Oakleigh 1/6; 1st Pascoe Vale 1 / 6; 1st Rainbow 2 / 3; 1st Tatura 2 / -.
HELLO, PEOPLE! WISEACRE GNOME SPEAKING! Here I am, back from my annual trip to Fairyland, and having . dusted my desk, filled my inkwell and taken a fresh quill, I am ready for all the questions you wish to ask. So, Brownie people, when in doubt, ask the Gnome! Question: What happens about service stars when a Pack is in recess? Do the children start afresh when the Pack resumes, or are the previous attendances counted? (2) Also, what happens when a Brownie is away, say for 2 or 3 months, through illness or infection? Answer: If the Pack starts afresh within the year, a 75 per cent. of possible attendances is taken, i.e., time attended before and after recess. If Pack starts afresh after time when service star would be due, stars just lapse, and a fresh start is made from anniversary of original enl'olfnent date, from when it is always taken. The same applies to Ques. 2. Yours smilingly, THE WISEACRE GNOME.
MONTHL Y LECTURETTES. The Monthly lecturettes that were started last year on subjects of general interest will be held regularly in 1935. So keep the first Wednesday of every month free-starting 1st Wednesday in March at 8 p.m. Supper 3d. Subjects to be announced later.
TOONA DEPOT. Please note below the change of address of the above depot. It is badly in need of offerings of Brownie uniforms, ties, belts, caps, hats, emblems-in fact, everything that can be spared. The demand is great, and the supply very small-in fact, at present no supply at all! So please, Brown Owls, if your Packs have anything at all to spare, DO send them in. They will be greatly appreciated. If any parcels for the depot are left at Headquarters addressed to me, I shall call for them if you would please let me know by writing or ringing Windsor 265. JEAN M. C. ROBERTSON. 101 Mathoura Rd., Toorak, S.E.2.
SINGING GAME COMPETITION. The Brownie Page Committee is conducting a Singing Game competition. There is NO ENTRY FEE!! and the PRIZE IS 5/-!!! Singing games must be original and entries should be sent to the Editor by April 1st. The best game sent in will be published in the Brownie Page. Result~ will be published in May "Matilda."
10
MATILDA
COLLECTION OF PENNIES AND GAME. Brownies in Sixes in lines. A small circle is drawn at each end of the lines. Brownies pass pennies down to the end Brownie who piles them one on top of the other. At the word "go," the end Brownie picks up top penny with right hand, passes it into left hand and on to next Brownie's right hand and so on up t~e line. First line to have a ~eat pile of penmes at. the other end of the line wins ~f a penn~ is ~ropped, the pel'son who dropped It must pIck It up and pass it on before she may pass another one, therefore the whole M.B. line must wait. Those New Year Resolutions (cont. from P.7.) "the noises of the night ... " We would create in our company such an atmosphere and tradition of woodcraft lore and Outdoor Guiding as could never be lost or forgotten . .. We would, in fact, "go singing to fashion a new world." And then came the business of teaching and testing Tenderfoots ... And then came badges and badge-tests ... And then came our Camp Fire Night in aid of the Camp House . . . And then came the Handcraft Exhibition And lastly came the Rally and the Jamboree And I re.flected sadly to myself, as I washed the black sand of the Jamboree from my shirt, and sent my coat-frock to the cleaner's to rid it of all the cwts. of Frankston accumulated in the seams, that really, for all my good resolutions in February, 1934, we'd managed to accomplish just one thing from all that list,-and that was pinning the cuttings to the notice-board. Personally, I couldn't see that the company had, owing to my efforts, advanced one more inch along the Woodcraft Trail. So I heaved a despairing-Guider sort of sigh, and went to my aforementioned notebook, and above all the other resolutions about "records-keep them," and "parents-visit them," and "recruits-training of," I wrote in large letters:OUTDOOR COMPANY MEETINGS. Then I turned to a fresh page, licked my pencil, and heaving another sigh, wrote as under:My New-Year Resolutions. 1. Re-read Scouting for Boys. 2. Remember the big paddock within 100 yards of the Guide hall-without any cover but anyway we can star-gaze. 3. Ask the Influential Member of the L.A. if we could USE' her garden-it's enormou s and the shrubbery would be splendid for stalking game¡s, if we took immense care. 4. Re-read "Tracks to Adventure." (Obtainable at the Guide Office. and definitely a sine qua non of all Guiders.) 5. OUTDOOR COMPANY MEETINGS!
-R.V.H.
March, 1935.
Equipment Depot. BOOK BARGAINS, Reduced Prices! Brownies. Brownie Guiders who need fresh ideas and do not yet own the BROWN BOOK FOR BROWN OWLS should take this opportunity of buying a copy at 2/ 6 (reduced from 3 / 3). It is published by the Girl Scouts of America. Lon s. The little book, LONE GUIDES, now selling at 6d. (reduced from 9d.) should be in the hands not only of all Lone Guiders, but of Lone Patrol Leaders and of Guiders who have Lones attached to their Companies. Even those who do not feel they have a definite interest in Lones would love to use some of the ideas for illustrations of the Company Notices; there is a delightful sketch illustrating Health Rules in Camp, a good idea for a Nature Calendar for the Patrol Corner, and wouldn't it be splendid if all our Company Meetings were as thrilling as the Lone Company Letter given here as an example? The Boak of Drills for Girl Guides.-Formerly 1/ 3, now 3d. This book is now out of print, because it has been superseded by the small booklets on Drill and Ceremonial, but we have been able to secure a few copies of the Drill Book, and feel many newer Guiders who never had a copy will be glad of this chance to get one cheaply. It has also a chapter on Stretcher Drill, and the diagrams illustrating formation of Horseshoe would be very helpful to new Guiders in the country who have never seen this evolution! Old Copie of "The Guide." One penny each. A few shilHngs of Company funds spent on these would give endless pleasure and interest to the Guides, and any Guider who does not already know this little weekly paper would find much to help her with programmes, and give her new ideas for the Company activities.
NEW PUBLICATIONS now Available. Writing Pads with the Girl Guide Badge in green are now to be had at 7d. each, and they were made to match the green Centenary envelopes which have been so popular with thc Guides. The pad is a small size, 8in. x 5in. -just right for dashing off a note to Susie, telling her what time on Saturday you will be able to take her for that test. It would also make an attractive setting for the Company Programme or notices, and the Guides alway:; love anything with the badge on it. For a shilling you get a pad and a packet of envelopes. The Girl Guide Book of Recreation, by E. M. . R. Burgess, has just reached us; the price will be 3 / -, and it certainly seems well worth the price. There is a thrilling series entitled "The Be Alerts," which could easily be adap-' t ed to thrill any Australian Company. There are lots of Games of Alertness which would probably be too much for the Guiders, but the Guides might manage them! Ideas for Guide Sports should be acceptable, and the competitions and games on nature lore look very excjtin~, with their illustrations in duplicate, so that you can tear one out to U$c for the
March, 1935.
~f
ATI
Company. The last part of the book has Ballads adapted for Acting, some Short Sketches for Acting, and a Trefoil Ceremony, Ceremony for awarding Second Class Badge, and a Camp Fire Ceremony. Altogether, it should be a helpful book for Guiders who feel that this year we l'eally MUST make Guiding thrilling. Third Biennial Report of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. Price 2 / -. For the illustrations alone every Guider would want to own this book, for would it not be thrilling to be able to show the Company such pictures as Mrs. Stonow offerin/! our Chalet' to the Guides of the World: "iew from our Chalet; Swedish Guides and Lisbon Brownies; and Guide scenes from Norway, Poland, Brazil, Madras, France, etc.? A welcome page is that giving both th e music and the words of the World Song (both Freneh and English). There is again the design for the World Flag, with explanation of its emblems. Apart from the Messages from thE' Chief Scout and the Chief Guide, there is til(' continuation of the Historical Sketch by Dame Katherine Furse, Director of the World Bureau, including the description of the Opening of Our Chalet; the 7th World Conference (at which Miss Swinburne was a delegate): a description of how Dame KathE'rine got hE' r Totem name; more about the Calgaric and Adriatic cruises and the marvellous experienees of those who took part; and even a note ahout thE' All-Australia Training Camp. Besides these, there are dozens more articles and reports of enthralling interest, and the last section of the book, with details of each country where Guiding is to he found, is by no means the least interesting. Guiders! If you need inspiration for the year's work. read the arcl Biennial Report of the W.A.G.G.G .S.!
GUIDE MEDALS. We still have a number of the Centenarv Bl'oo('hes at 6d., and Guiders are asked to I~t the Guides know about them, as the profits on the sales go to the Fund for the Guide House. C. BROADHURST, Commissioner for Equipment.
HANDCRAFT. The Cherub Shoe Company has generously sent the Association a large quantity of "Leather Cuttings," suitable for making into various oddments, and some of which are large enough for ground sheets. Anyone wishing to take a supply may do so from Headquarters at any time. S. H. IRVING, State Secretary.
SINGING GAME-THE POSTMAN. Hark! I hear the postman coming! Hear his sharp rat-tat. He is very late this morning, I'm surprised at that. He is usually here quite early, Quite by eight o'clock. And I run to get the letters When I heal' him knock. Children sit, each Six together In a circle.
L~D....:_:..:.'\_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _----.,;1c.:.-.1
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING. A meeting of the Executive Committee was held at the Guide Office on 20th February, 1935. Present. Mrs. F. W. Faulkner (elected to the Chair), Mrs. Edmondson, Mrs. Littlejohn, Misses Broadhurst, Lascelles, Swinburne, and the Secretary. Guide Raily. Letters of appreciation and congratulation were read from the Augustine Congregational Church, Mrs. A. Corney, Church of England Girls' Hostel, Miss Black (for Terang District), Mrs. Davidson (for the Hamilton and Coleraine Division), Miss Francis (South Africa), Mrs. Markham (for the Girls' Friendly Society), Mrs. Lewin (South Africa), Miss M. L. Murray (Scotland), New Zealand (per Miss Barron and Miss Blackmore), Miss Niven (South Africa), New South Wales (pel' Miss O. K. King and Miss Starkey), Rev. Wilson Macaulay, Presbyterian ChUl'ch, Hawthorn, Queensland (per Miss Hutchison), Mrs. Rundle (for Kerang District), Mrs. Rudall (South Australia), South Australia (per Miss Ralph), Mrs. Storrow ( U.S.A .), Y.W.C.A. (per Miss Turton). Guide House. Gifts of ÂŁ21 from the Chief Guide and ÂŁ100 from Mrs. Ston'ow were reported, and the Secretary was instructed to write letters of appreciation from the Committee. World Bureau. International Training, 1st10th August, 1935. It was agreed that Miss Florence Piesse, 1st MUl'l'umbeena Rangers, be recommended for this training. Round Table for Trainers. It was agreed that Miss Dell Hayman be asked to attend the Round Table for Trainers. King's Jubilee. It was agreed that Guides should combine with local celebrations, and think out any special plans in Districts. Deniliquin. It was reported that the Deniliquin District had at its own wish been transfelTed from New South Wales to Victoria. Routine and financial business was disS. H. IRVING. cussed.
SINGING GAME (Cont. from preceding col.) In the centre is a pillar box (either made of cardboard or an old tin), and Packleader or T.O. have a bag (a haversack) in which there is a letter for each Six. The words are chanted while the postman walks round with his bag and places a letter behind one child in each Six. At the end of the words all look behind them and the children with the letters see who can post them in the pillar box first. There i!'l also a tune to this which anyone can have on application to Wiseacre Gnome (63 Ardmillan Road, Moonee Ponds, W.4), aceompanied by a stamped, addressed envelope and 3d. in stamps, which money goes towards improvements for the Brownie Page. V.H.
12
MATILDA
Training. Guiders who have not previously attended a Training Class at Headquarters must bring t,) 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. Guide Training. 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, Com missioner for Rangers, and the First Course wiII be arranged to suit the majority of those wishing to attend. This Course wiII begin at the end of March. . Commissioners. Miss Bush will be at the Guide Office on the third Thursday in March (21st) from 10.30 a.m. till 12.30. "Guiding for Guiders." Miss G. Niven, Red Cord Diploma Guider, of South Africa, who spoke at the International Evening, will be passing through Melbourne on her return from New Zealand, and we feel that Melbourne Guiders will be glad of an opportunity to meet her and hear from her some special aspects of Guiding. A meeting has therefore been arranged for Friday, 15th March, at 8 p.m. Miss Niven wiII tell us about Our Chalet and the Eighth World Conference, and Guiding in other places: and will teach us some songs. In order to make arrangements for a suitable hall we need to know the approximate number of Guiders who will be attending, and metropolitan Commissioners have been asked to let me know by 1st March how many Guiders will be coming. The place of the meeting will be advertised after this information has been received. A charge of 3d. each wiII be made to defray expenses. M. E. BUSH, Commissioner for Training.
APPOINTMENTS. District Commissioners-Cambel'weII South-Miss M. Moore, 44 Parlington St., E.7. Frankston-Mrs. A. K. Ballantyne, Tower HilI, Frankston.
March, 1935.
Tawny Owls-9th Malvern-Miss E. A. Fair. 1st Tel'ang-Miss Glenton Mitchell. Calltain~-
1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st
Arawata-Miss M. Ritchie. Coburg-Miss Leila M. Cutting. Mitcham-Miss Rose Ireland. Murrllmheena-Miss Vera V. Murrell. Sandringham-Miss M. Nicholson. Shepparton DistrictMiss Florence ·Badenhop 1st Stanhope-Mrs. Hicks. 1st Viet. Lone Guides-Miss Enid Bunning. Lieutenants-1st Birchip-Miss N. L. Watson. 2nd Colac (St. John's)-Miss Rose Richards. 1st Dromana-Miss Elizabeth Shaw. 1st St. Kilda (All Saints')Miss Joan L. Blake Gth Victorian Lone GuidesMiss Phyllis Lightowler 1st Yarrawonga-Miss Constance Cavanagh Ranger Captains-1st Arawata Rangers--Miss C. Ritchie. 3rd Victorian Post RangersMiss Margaret Cleland 1st Woomelang Rangers-Mrs. Fargie. Ranger Lieutenant1st St.Arnaud Rangers- Miss Hilda Griggs
REGISTRATION. Pack ~-~rd
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