AUGUST, 1935. A~
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August. 1935.
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Volume XII.
Number Two.
AUGUST, 1935.
FOR HEALTH, POWER, FUN-DANCE. In various parts of the world there are places where the sick go to dance, believing that through the feeling of ecstasy produced by such dancing they may obtain health. Apart from the r.eligious faith of those people, this belief is justified to a certain extent. Suppose that we like the idea of the glorious human being developed to the highest degree of health and skill. How shall we make that ideal come true? We shall select such exercises as will eventually make all the parts of this human being work happily together: the bones, the organs, the muscles, the blood, the skin, the nerves and the mind. Such dancing as develops controlled, natural movement, has a cleansing effect on the body. If vigorous, it increases the rate of circulation of the blood and of energy production. It enriches the blood, and that means that all those parts of the body which are fed by the blood r.eceive better nourishment. It clears the lungs, strengthens the heart muscle, provides normal stimulation for the nerves, and therefore acts favorably upon the internal organs. In fact, it gives the body a cleansing work-out.
The order in which movements are mastered must be watched very carefully. The dancer starts with simple movements of gymnastic value and special exercises to correct minor faults of physique. Each movement, as her skill increases, comes nearer to the dance, until a series of these movements arranged together and performed with perfect control and rhythmic balance, looks like a small dance. To-day many dancing schools make special arrangements to moot the needs of those who do not want to become professional dancers, but just to have their "weekly work-out" under expert supervision and to receive careful instructions as to what to do with the short time they can devote to dancing during the week. In all ages man has danced becaus.e it made him feel exalted and at peace. This peace was the first result of dancing that he noticed; it is the first for the dancer to-day. Then he noticed that it made him more powerful; that is the second stage now, as in early times. Ultimately, it brings the dancer, at least during the dance, to happiness. JOAN HENRY.
IMPERIAL HEADQUARTERS BUILDING FUND.
you all to know how much we love seeing the Guides from overseas, and that it is a pleasure to do anything we can to help them enjoy their visit. Yours very sincerely, (Sgd.) MURIEL MONTGOMER,Y: >. General Secretary.
The following letter has been received from the General Secretary, Miss Montgomery, acknowledging Victorian Guides' contribution to the Imperial Headquarters Building Fund. 18th June, 1935. My Dear Miss Irving, Thank you for your letter of the 13th May, enclosing a draft for ÂŁ241 / 15 / 7, being the amount, less the exchange, which was contributed by the Guides of Victoria to the Imperial Headquart.ers' Building Fund. We do absolutely understand how impossible it is for you to pay the exchange, and we are more than grateful for this sum of money. Will you please let the Guides of Victoria know how very much we all appreciate what they have done for us. It was a very noble effort, and our thanks go out to you for this big contribution. It is kind of you to say that your Guide people appreciate anything that is done for them when they are over here. I do want
WHY NOT ACT?
(Continued from Page 6)
thought into effect. Last year my greatuncle's entire family was wiped out! (Shows emotion). Millicent: Dear me, I am so sorry; it must be very trying for you all. How.ever;¡ our big Family does not kill creatures unnecessarily; if they do good and not harm. Spider: What is the name of your Family? Millicent: The Girl Guides. . Spider (waddling off): Our grateful thanks are yours. Goodbye! (He goes.) _ Millicent (pl'eparing to leave): Goodness! I won del' what I shall meet next? The End, M. ,
MATILDA
Australian Aborigine Badge. SYLLABUS FOR GUIDE BADGE. Guides should read "The Little Black Princess" (Mrs. Aeneas Gunn) and the sections in :'Blackf~llows of Australi.a" ("Sun" publicatIOn) whIch cover the requIrements as giv(lJ1 below:Section I-The Aboriginal Race. . Describe the Australian Aborigine (race, physical attributes and characteristics). Know the reason for the great international interest in Australian aborigines in the world to-day. Know (a) how the land was tak-en from them in the early days of settlement; (b) the first contacts with civilisation and the British race (explorers, escaped convicts, traders, miners, cattlemen, etc.). Know something of the various areas in which the aborigine lived. Understand(a) our special responsibility towards the aborigines, and how to prev-ent ill effects of modern civilisation; (b) how to protect and preserve the aborigines that remain. Section II-The Life of the Aborigine. Know several types of homes and houses, and be able to draw one. Have knowledge of(a) the diff-erent types of food, how obtained, how cooked; (b) cooking utensils. . Know how a fire is made and carried. Describe middens, and where they can be seen to-day. Know some of the tools used, and how they were made. Know the methods employed for making string, a dilly bag, a canoe. Know some of the weapons used for fighting and hunting, and how they are made. Be able to draw a boomerang. Describe some children's games and their toys. Know something of that corroboree which depicts ev,e ryday events and happenings. Know something of(a) means of communication-sign language and smoke signals; (b) hunting and tracking. Know the meaning of seven aboriginal names (including place names). Know two legends.
SYLLABUS FOR RANGER BADGE. Rangers should read "The Little Black Princess," the whole of "Blackfellows of Australia," and any other book from the reference list, or any recognised book on these lines. Should hold the Australian Aborigine (Guide) Badge. Should have some knowledge of distribution of tribes and tribal territories. Should know two places in her Qwn State wh~r~ camps hl\v~ been,
August, 1935.
Should know something of(a) kinship, organisation and behaviour; (b) marriage laws. Know something of their beliefs including(a) totemic ancestors or clan c~'eator gods' (b) creation myths. ' (c) ritual associated with totemic ancestorll. (d) churingas. .S~ould. know methods of present-day admlmstrabon, and how far it is functioning . Should know something of Art and Design of the aborigines.; type and place of some cave drawings. Be able to copy two designs. Reading Matter includesAustralian L-egends (Peck); Neighbours of the Never Never (C.M.S.). Understanding the Australian Aborigine (R. W. Elkin) . Spencer and Gillen. Australian Legends (ed. A. Lang)-Ml'S. Langloh Parker. Dr. Roth: Transactions of Australian Museum, Sydney. Oceania. The Australian Race (Kerr). Re Design: Pamphlets in National Museum. Art in Australia, May, 1934-article by Miss U. McConnel.
VICTORIAN GUIDERS' CLUB. The annual meeting of the Victorian Guidel's' Club was held in the Club Room on Monday, 24th June, 1935, at 8 p.m" when after the reading and adoption of the reports and balance sheet the following amendment of th:! ConÂŁtitution was passed: That Clause (a) of Paragraph 11 be amendcd by adding the words "and to ex-Guiders" after the words "Headquarters Executiv-e." Membership of the Club is therefore now open to ex-guiders. The following office-bearers and committee have been elected for the ensuing year: President: Miss Jean Robertson. Vice-Presidents: Misses L-ena Weickhardt and Dorothy Coles. Hon. Treas: Miss Lena Cornell. Hon. Sec.: Miss Cecil Rogers. Ast. Hon. Secretary: Miss Lorna Gordon. Committee: Misses Edith Paterson, Nancy Th-ewlis, Joyce Inglis, Freda Thompson, Frances Davies, Gladys Onians and Mrs. Ebeling. After the bus.iness of the meeting was concluded members were entertained at supper by the retiring Committee.
FOR SALE. GUIDERS' COAT AND SKIRT. Mrs. Russell, 142 Main Street, Bairnsdale. Waist 29 in., skirt length 2n in., underarm 16~ in., bU$t 34 in. Price ÂŁ3, or offer.
August, 1935. MAT t L D A ~~~~--------------~=-
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NATURE NOTES.
ONE MORNING-
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One morning, bright and early, the Company set out for Kee.gan's Ford, the home ?f the quarries from whIch the sandstone used m the Shrine of Remembrance came. Captain and four or five Guides had. gon~ on ahead, leaving the others to follow WIth LH;mtenant. While resting under a tree one GUIde suddenly exclaimed, "Look at the dogs!" and we saw, fifty yards away, s~veral animals tumbling carelessly down a hIll, among the trees. We thought at first that they must be young foxes but as some were black and others grey, decid~d that they could scarcely be right, so tried our powers of stalking. Real stalking! When we were nearly down to them, three oj' four of the larger ones ran off quickly, and, to our surprise, we found that they were CATS!! There were quite a number of kittens, some with their eyes barely open, and others quartergrown. All were very large, and had a pronounced strain of Persian in them. They had taken possession of some rabbitburrows for their homes. Strange to say, W'e did not see a rabbit all day, so wondered if the cats had disposed of them all. The nearest home to Keegan's Ford would be quite a mile away, so it would be interesting to learn how the cats first came there. 1st KYNETON GUIDE COMPANY.
QUERIES. Cohuna.-The spider with the blue and black body and red head is one of the trapdoor spiders, a male of the species, called Missulena. When encountered, these spiders stand upon their rear legs and fight quite fiercely. All trapdoor spiders should be treated with respect; their bite is not fatal, but can have very serious consequences. Poisonous spiders are usually labelled >yi~h red spots or stripes-a most helpful prOVISIOn of nature! A small, light-brown beetle is a destructiv~ leaf-eating species named Paropsis. This little beetle draws its feet in, rather like a tortoise, and is amusing to watch. Very dainty are its feet. Study them with a magnifying glass. The leaf sent is a Phyllode (see a recent "Matilda") and is probably diseased, as the species does not produce autumn leaves. Information concerning the smaller leaves will be published next month. Watch "Matilda" for the story of the Wattle Goat moth. Good work, Cohuna Guides! You are indeed , alive to Nature and her marvels.
Footscray. Across the rungs of a ladder ,w as stretched a fine spider-web, on which were about 50 black and white specks. When these were touched, they proved to be tiny spiders which ran for cover. The Black-Heart. This bird has a fawn body, grey head, and a black mark where the. heart is. The mother and father birds are always together. When nesting, the .mother sits on the eggs first, and when she IS hungry, the father changes places with her ;until she has had a meal. Bena. Some carrot seeds fell into a crack in the decking of a smoother. The seeds sent down roots to the soil below and the carrots grew. The end in the earth took its normal shape, but the path between the slabs grew quite flat, its thickness being that of the space between the slabs. Drouin. When a ground lark runs it puts down its head and tail as though it were in a race. It never hops but always runs. When the sea-gull walks, it puts out its chest and works its head backwards and forwards. ' To escape an enemy a spider lies fl!!t out so that it is not noticeable. The golden wattle has more gr.owing strength than a cootamundra because, ' when the two grow side by side, the cootamundra does not send out limbs on the Golden Wattle side. .
ROBINS. Scarlet-breasted, Red-capped and Flamewatch for them; they are about now, away from the dense bush until nesting time return~. I have seen them near my house, in town. The earliest report of one that I have received was from Geelong on May 17th. Notice the smart dash of white on their dainty wings.
COMPETITION CORNER. Did you learn many new things, Guiders, through your Guiders' efforts in collecting leaves. ' Many were the strangers brought to my notice. . . The three winning Companies are:1st--Kyneton, with 260 leaves. 2nd-3rd Bendigo, with 175 leaves. 3rd-Cohuna, with 53 leaves. . Well done, Kyneton! In a very nice letter, the Captain tells of the great jnterest aroused by the Competition. I am afraid that an apology is due to Cohuna. It was not only autumn leaves that were intepded; to have conected 53 of these was indeed an achievement.
NATURE ALPHABET. Encourage your Companies to "look wide," Guiders. Can they compose a Nature Alphabet, in verse, each letter of the alphabet to be reoresented by one of Nature's childrenbird, beast, fish, insect, tree or flower. You have five weeks for this literary effort.
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_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _....;:M=-:=.A T I L D A
August, 1935.
"Do what lieth in thy power, and God will assist thy good will."- Thomas a Kempi;;. Editor: Marion Sinclair.
Why Not Act? Why not? The Chief Scout has recommended it; and there is endless fun and satisfaction in getting up a play-provided that the bugbear of fuss and worry can be reduced to a minimum for all concerned. There is no jollier way of raising funds; and if a Patrol can write its own play or do its own dramatising of ballad or story, it makes the effort twice as tllrilling, and also stimulates the originality and imagination of the producers. The following short sk.etch can have its details of natural history filled in, and be used; or else it may serve as an idea for the writing of better sc,e nes, or different sections of Guide work. To my mind, however, there seems tu be so much scope in Nature for scenes like this; and surely it would add to the thrill of a Guide's observations, were she required to supply them for the basis of a Patrol play Ther.e are many Nursery rhymes which would lend themselves to the writing of N ature sketches such as this one-though, of course, the reader will not imagine that Nursery Rhymes are the only way of introducing the subject! This one just happened to occur! The rhymes which rise to my mind are: Sing a Song of Sixpence; Hushaby Baby; Three Blind Mice; Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary. It is good to raise funds, and use them to keep little children warm during the winter; or to give gifts at Christmas time. It is good too, to consider the Service of Laughter; and in producing some gay entertainment, plan to give it without charge to an audience whose lives are not the same happy business that so many of us experience. LITTLE MISS MUFFET (Adapted). Dramatis Personre: Millicent Muffet (a Girl Guide). Mrs. Muffet. The Spider. Scene I-The Muffet's Dining Room. (A table laid with breakfast for two.) Mrs. Muffet (calling): Come along, Millicent, your curds and whey are ready. Millicent (from afar): Yes, Mummy. (She runs in, looks at table, peeps in bowl set for her, then runs to window and looks out.)
Oh, what a lovely morning! Could I take my breakfast outside? Mrs. M,: Why, yes, of course, if you like. Sit over there on that lovely tuffet under the tree, but look carefully first, in case of snakes, won't you? Millicent: Yes, mother. (Dreamily, and half to hers.elf): What should I say to a snake if I did see one there? Mrs. M. (decidedly, with alarm): Millicent! On no account wait to say anything! A snake usually likes the first word if annoyed, and after that no one cares to .enter into conversation with it. If you do see one run back here at once and have the first word with me, do you hear? Millicent: All right. (Turns away with her bowl and sp.eaks thoughtfully): I should like to talk to something out there, anyhow. It's such a lovely day. Scene II. Millicent seat ed on tuffet, eating. The Spider enters. Spider: Ahem! Good morning, Miss. (Millicent looks round. She is a little startled at seeing the Spider, and nearly falls off tuffet, but regains her balance.) Millicent (nervously): Did you ... speak? Spider: A wonderful morning for flies! (He fixes his eye on one which has land.ej on Millicent's plate. She hastily shoos it off.) Millicent: Yes, I suppose it is .. . What kind of spider are you? Spider: It is my great privilege to be, Miss, a Garden (or Death's Head, or any other non-poisonous kind) Spider. Millicent: How interesting. What kind of a house do you live in? (Here conversation ensues between Millicent and Spider, and further acting, if fitting, until sufficient information has been given): ThenSpider: Well, I am afraid I must go now, it has been very gratifying to find a human being so interested in our tribe. Usually humans scream at sight of us and cry "Kill the wr¡etched thing!" often carrying their (Continued on Page 3 )
August, 1935.
MATILDA
First Class, Cook's Badge. (This badge falls actually under Handicraft in the Book of Rules; but one feels that there is so much dependent upon a good cook that its inclusion in the "Service" issue of the Pag;! will possibly not be inappropriate.-M.S.) This badge is one t hat requires quite an amount of practice beforehand, and no Guide should be allowed to enter for it until she has had some experience with every branch required for the test. It happens only too often that Guides come along and tell the examiner that they have never really cooklOd anything in their lives! but they want to "have a go at it." Is that fair to the examiner-and above all, is it fair to the child herself? Captains may wonder how they can help their Companies. to acquire a knowledge of cooking; it seems impossible to do the actual practical work with them; but before one can ever make a successful cook, one must have a knowledge of the f undamental rules; and that is where Captain can help. She can give her Guides the t heoretical knowledge which they must apply practically, at home; and from time to time bring the result along for the rest of the Company to inspect. Then, occasionally, a competition could be held, and patrol points given for the best results. Then, apart from the actual cooking itself, points are allowed at the test for orderliness of work, method and cleaning up. A Guide should not cook in her uniform without a white apron or overall over it, and she should have a sound knowledge of how to wash up all utensils used. Since it is usually impossible to test from more than two or three sections practically, it is often desired that Guides do a written test as well. The questions may be sent to the Guider, and the test done at the Company meeting, or at the Company's conveniencethus giving more time for the other part of the test. Guides should be trained to cook all simple foundation items, such as scones, plain pastry. porridge, etc., without the aid of a recipe book; and a Guide should test the heat of th~ oven for herself. Guiders! Please remember, too, that when Guides go for t h is test, they should be prepared to pay for all ingredients used, plus fuel. It does often happen that children arrive at t he appointed spot with absolutely nothing in the way of equipment--not even an apron or a tea-towel. E.R.A. [Guiders will be glad to know that further notes by Miss Armstrong, the writer of this helpful article, will be published in subsequent issues of "Matilda." The notes will deal with each section of the Cook's Badge test.]
Use a Gelagraph Duplicator FOR LONE AND POST BUDGETS. HOW TO MAKE ONE. Some years ago there appeared in "Matilda" an article on the making and use of a gelagraph or hectagraph. Having used this satisfactory method of duplicating for two
7
years, one feels that other people should know of its virtue and cheapness. Materials required for making a gelagraph large enough to do one sheet of paper, writing pad size: 3 ozs. powdered glue, 8 ozs. glycerine, a few drops of oil of cloves (to preserve). A tray to hold the j,eJly is necessary. The previous writer suggested a scone tray. When this was used for some time it became rusted; and in time the jeJly hardened and was useless. I have found that a sheet of cardboard made into a tray, or a shallow box, is best. A lid is necessary to prevent dust accumula,ing on the surface. Directions for making jeJly: Put a small drop of water in a saucepan and mix with the powder till the glue is damp. Stand this saucepan in another of water and put on the fire till the glue is quite melted. (Do not let it boil or it will make bubbles, which are hard t'J get rid of.) Pour in the glycerine slowly and continuously, mixing gently; and add a few drops of oil of cloves. Stir well, but gently, and pour the mixture into the tray. Keep it as level as possible. If bubbles should form on the surface, draw them to the sides by lightly dr awing a piece of paper across the surface. Paper and Inks. Procure at Norman's some hard-sized nonabsorbent paper for your originals. A special ribbon (4 / -) may be bought, or special hectagraph carbon, greeny surface, and hectagraph ink. (This, I believe, can be bought in various colours now.) Then you need your paper for the copies. I use smooth-surfaced paper, 2 / - a half ream, quarto size (the same size as that in exercise books). An ordinary steel nib is used if you intend using ink. Drawings, particularly, done by this duplicator are splendid. To use Duplicator (which must be set into a stiffish jeJly). Having typed, duplicated by carbon, or written your originals, wash over the surface of your jelly with warm, salty water. Make it just wet, but without the moisture lying in pools. Lay your original face downwards on the jelly, and rub it lightly all over to make sure it is in contact, and that air bubbles do not exist. Leave it for five minutes and then peel off. Now you can run off your copies as soon as you like by laying them on the jelly, just as with the original. With typewritten originals you can get up to forty-five copies. With handwritten ones, many more. Be careful to sponge the surface after use, or the surplus ink will remain on the jelly, and cause smudged copies next time. The jelly takes at least three days to absorb the ink, so do not use it too ~on after a previous time. I find two duplicators, each made with twice the quantity of glue and glycerine quoted, will do four pages, so my budget can be done within a week. These duplicators of mine cost about 6/ 6 altogether. It would help their funds for Ranger companies to own a duplicator for doing concert tickets, programmes, test lists, etc., and also L.W. be an interest for the members.
MA'i'tLl>A
August, 1935.
BROWNIE PAGE. MONTHLY LECTURETTE. The next special evening for Brownie Guiders will be held on Wednesday, August 7th, at 8 p.m. in the Meeting Pool at Headquarters. The subject will be "Brownie Games in Relation to Health." There will be a speaker, discussions and games to follow. This evening should prove one of great value to Guiders, and it is to be hoped that many will come. The usual charge of 3d. will be made, and supper will be served.
A Special Good Turn Meeting. STORY (To be Acted). Grisilda went to stay with her Aunt in the forest. Every year she left her home in the city to spend a holiday among the flowers and the trees and the animals. Grisilda's aunt was a wise person, and it was said that she had dealings with witches and gnomes and fairies and such-like beings, but Grisilda was never sure. She was too shy to ask her aunt, but always kept her eyes wide open in case they did come about. Once she was quite certain she saw an elf shinning up a rose bush in the garden, but when she ran to look closely, there was only a preyingmantis sitting on a bud. Her aunt was very kind. She was always helping someone, making beef tea or soup and taking it to sick people, or knitting woo!lies for the poor. She was very fond of ammals. Once she mended a robin's leg by tying splints, made from matches, on it. The robin comes to the window and sings every morning now. When Grisi'lda first went to visit her aunt, she was not very particular about keeping her nails clean, and she often forgot to clean her teeth at night, and was generally rather untidy. Gradually her aunt had made her see how much better and healthier it was to have white teeth and clean nails, how much nicer to fold your own clothes and put things away tidily, rather than leave them for someone else to do. This year Grisilda was eight, and she thought it time she made her own bed. So the very first morning she hopped out of bed and pulled the clothes down to let them air. S~e flew into the tiny bathroom, scrubbâ&#x201A;Źd hersejf all over and then got dressed, tidied the room, made the bed, and ran downstairs to ask Mary if there was anything she could do to help. As she opened the kitchen door she thought she saw a little person in brown run out on to the back porch. She hurried across the floor, but there was no one to be seen. She asked Mary if any Brownies had been about, but Mary only smiled and asked her to stir the porridge. At breakfast time she screwed up her courage to ask her aunt if she ever saw any fairies. "Why, often," said her aunt. "They are always about the place. Have you seen any, Grisiida?" Then Grisilda told her how
she was looking for them always, and only this morning she felt certain she had seen a Brownie flit across the kitchen. Then her aunt explained how the Little People will come about the home, when there is "good will" among the folk. When people are selfish and lazy and don't do things to help others, the I ,ittle People will not come near. But when a home is clean and bright and the folk are happy, helping each other, the Little People love to come and help about the home. "Because you have been thoughtful for others, your eyes are opened, and you may see the .I:<'airy Folk." After breakfast, Grisilda walked through the forest to take some nourishing broth to old Mrs. Spindle, who was very poor. She picked a bunch of blue bells for the old lady on the way. Coming home, she took a different path through the forest, and suddenly she came to a very tall hedge. She could just catch glimpses of a most beautiful garden on the other side. and what looked to be a lake with willows looking into the water. "I wonder if I could get in?" she thought. But although she walked and walked until she was back to where she started from, there wasn't the sign of an entrance that she could find. "Well, what a funny thing! A lovely garden and no gate to lead in to it! I must hu'r ry home, or I'll be late for lunch, but I'll come back." At lunch time she told her aunt all about it. "What do you think it is, Aunt? Who would live there?" "Perhaps the Fairies would know. If you ask at the house of Mrs. Wig Wump, she may tell you," said Aunt. "Where does Mrs. Wig Wump live, Aunt?" "Why, just near the garden. You must use your eyes, my dear." "I'll go back and look this afternoon," said Grisilda. After she had dried the dishes for Mary she went to say goodbye to her aunt. "I will give you a Fairy pass word that may help you to get into the garden," said hee aunt. "Lend a Hand." "I will," said Grisilda, and she set off gaily. When she got outside the gate, she met Mischief, the cocker spaniel. He was shaking bis floppy ears about and rubbing them against a stump. "Poor litle thing," said Grisilda, "you are full of burrs." She knelt beside him and took out every burr. He was so pJeased, and wagged his tail cheerfully when she had finished. Then she hurried on, keeping her eyes open for Mrs. Wig Wump's house, and sure enough she found it. It was not an ordinary house like Grisilda's own, but one made in the trunk of a tree with a small door and two windows. A gum nut was used for a door knob. She knew it was Mrs. Wig "'{ump's house because a black cat was sitting on the step and a birch hroom was leaning against the door. Witches always have a cat I).nd a broomstick. "Please, Pussy, is Mrs. Wig Wump in?" asked Grisilda. Pussy just went on washing her face and winked her eye, so Grisilda timidly knocked at the door. "Come in," said a voice. "However can I fit in?" wondered Grisilda. However, she turned the
August, 1935.
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MATILDA
knob, and to her great surprise she was able to walk in. Mrs. Wig Wump was dressed in a black silk frock and looked quite nice-not wicked like witches in story books, although her nose was rather long, and her chin, too. She was sitting by the fire, eating hot buttered toast. "Have some tea," she said, and nodded to the teapot on the table. "No, thank you!" said Grisilda, "I've just had lunch. Could you tell me about t he lovely garden with the h~dge? To whom does it ~elong, and how do you get in to it?" "Why, I own it, and it is quite easy to get into," said Mrs. Wig Wump . ''There is simply nothing to stop anyone from getting into it." "Oh, that is queer," said Grisilda. "Not at all queer," said Mrs. Wig Wump, very emphatically. "It is called the Garden of Happiness, and only those who know the secret of happiness can find a way into it. It is perfectly simple." She got up from her stool, shook the crumbs into the fireplace, and tthen began ,t o pack up the dishes. "May I wash them up for you?" askeci Grisilda shyly. "Thank you, my dear," said Mrs. Wig Wump, and she poured the hot water into the dish. Grisilda washed up very carefully and left the dishes on the table. Mrs. Wig · WUrop seemed to be dozing and she did not quite know what to do. Then she saw some cups and plates on the dresser, so she tip-toed across and packed hers away neatly with them. Everything was tidy now, so she looked at Mrs. Wig Wump and founded her watching her with a twinkle in her eye. "Thank you very much, my dear. You are a real Brownie. Call at Peter Rabbit's next door. He would like to see you." Grisilda said goodbye and went outside. She looked about for Peter Rabbit's house and there it was at the bottom of a stump, a funny little crooked house with a chimney sticking up. She went across and knocked. Peter Rabbit opened the door and said "Hello" very cheerily. "I didn't know you had a house like this. Isn't it lovely!" said Grisilda. "Humph, not so bad," said Peter. "Come inside." In walked Grisilda without even bending her head. In the sitting room was a large heap of shirts and trouser ~ . "Just sewing on a few buttons," said Peter. "All my shirts hav·e lost a button or two. J hate mending." "So do I, but I'll lend a hand," said Grisilda cheerfully, and soon they had sewn all the buttons on, and folded the clothes neatly. While they sewed Peter told her how lovely the garden was to play in. "I do want to go, Peter. Could you show me the way?" "Well, it mostly depends on yourself," said Peter. "I lost the way once, but then I forgot the pass-word." "Oh, I wonder was it 'Lend a Hand'?" said Grisilda. "That's the one," said Peter. "But how could you forget it, Peter, it is so easy!" "Easy to remember the words. but not alwa'Yis easy to act it," answered Peter Rabbit. "Let's go and see Polly Possum. She lives not far from here." When they came outside, Grisilda saw many little cottages about. "Strange I have not seen those before," she thought. To get to Polly Possum's, they had to climb seven wooden steps, all scrubbed silver white. Polly was sittin on th(! top step ip the hade of the porch,
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She was sound asleep. She had been darning, and her sock had fallen down on to the next step. "We won't wake her. She has such late nights," said Peter. "Let us finish her darn· ing and give her a surprise when she wakes up," said Grisilda. She sat on the second top step and Peter sat on one lower, and while they darned, using pine needles instead of steel ones, Peter told her more about the garden (in whispers). When the socks were finished, she folded them neatly. "Come and show me more of your friends, Peter Rabbit," she smiled. They walked down what seemed to be a street with shops. From one shop there came a great commotion. They went in to find birds making up parcels of seed to take about the country. There were just boxes and boxes of them, all to be wrapped up and taken to other parts of the forest. "What fun!" said Grisilda. "May I tie some up, too?" Soon she and Peter were helping. "What a blessing I can tie a reef knot." The birds chattered all the time as birds will, and told Grisilda funny stories. When all the parcels were tied up, the birds thanked Grisilda and Peter, and fiew off with their seeds. Presently Grisilda heard a grunting and a puffing rather like a pig, but different. Then such a queer animal came down the street. He looked a little bit like a pig, but had very short legs and claws instead of trotters. "This is Mr. Wombat," said Peter. "Grunt, grunt!" said Wally Wombat, "did you ever see such a mess as I am in? Come in and brush me down." They followed to his house, and he produced a clothes brush and some blacking and brushes. Peter began to brush his coat and Grisilda tackled his boots. She didn't like it much, but felt very sorry for the poor thing. He was in a dreadful mess. She was careful to clean them well, insides of heels, too. "Why, I can see my face in them, thank you!" said Wally Wombat, and he put them on ann looked quite spruce again. "Let us go and sit by the lake, it is very hot here." Presently Grisilda found herself under lovely trees beside a lake. "Oh, I'm in the garden and I didn't even see the hedge!" she cried. "There is no hedge around the Garden of Happiness when you remember to act the pass word," smiled Peter Rabbit. PROGRAMME. I.- Game (energetic). 10 minutes. 2.- Ceremony and Pow-wow. Story. 10 mins. 3.- Act story. Inspection-nails. Grisilda could not see a Brownie if her nails were dirty. 3 minutes. 4.-Collection of pennies. Pennies are the soup to be taken to Mrs. Spindle. 3 minutes. Hedge may be formed by forms fencing off a part of the hall. 5.-Handcraft. Brown Owl must have everything arranged very carefully. A picture of Mrs. Wig Wump's cottage, a toy rabbit and possum, etc., make it more fun. Have darning started, so that they only have to finish it. It depends on size of Pack how many houses each Brownie visits. Brownies find the various houses. When each child has finishe9 her jobs she passed quite easily
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by hedge into garden. Here she may help T.O. make a garden in the Scrapbook or plant something in a miniature garden in a flower pot or saucer. 30 minutes. 6.-Fairy Ring. 5 minutes. 7.-Game. 10 minutes. S.-Tidy up. Goodby.e. Brownies in a ring. B.O. asks them if they would like to make next week a special "good turn" week, and each one sees how many extra specially nice things she can do for someone else. Mothers come first and Brownies may write what they have done for her (it must be a secr.et) and hand it to B.O. next week. Then holding hands tightly, the Pack repeats: "We a magic chain will make With wondrous links that cannot break. Thoughts for others, Brownie smiles, This chain will stretch for miles and miles." -1st Surr.ey Hills Pack.
BROWN OWLS-AND TAWNIES!! Do you all take "Matilda" each month. She is so full of interesting things that you cannot afford to miss her monthly visit. So-if you do not now, ask her to call next month, and if you do, see if you can get another friend for her. She wants 150 new homes to help her grow. Will you help? N.T.
COLLECTION OF PENNIES. Brown Owl has a number of postcards cut in half. Brownies buy half of a p.c. and run round the room to find the other half to match it. When found, the Brownie brings it back to Brown Owl and gets another one. Brownie who has most p.c.'s at the end of five minutes wins. Brownies who have no pennies may help Brown Owl arrange cards when the other Brownies bring them back. M.K.B.
ANNUAL GUIDERS' CONFERENCE. The annual conference of Victorian Guid.ers wil'l be held this year at the University on the afternoon and evening of Saturday, September 21st. Guiders are asked to make a note of this date. Suggestions of topics for discussion should be sent in to the Secretary of the Victorian Guiders' Committee to reach her not later than August 14th. ALISON BROWN, hon. sec., Victorian Guiders' Committee.
"It doesn't matter that the woman is middleaged, or mouse-like, provided she really enjoys outdoor things. If she really prefers cooking her sausage on a stick over a woot!fire to having it cooked for her on a gasstove, if she really pref.ers walking home in the rain to going home bone-dry by bus, you can be sure the Guiding she gives her Company will be REAL." (From "The Guid.er.")
August, 1935.
Correspondence. Ward 3, Orthopredic Hospital, 20th March, 1935. Dear Matilda,We have had great thrills this month. First of all, there was our Rally on 2nd March. (Thank you so much for putting in our invItation.) It was great fun. We had over 100 visitors, mostly Guides, but there were some Scouts from Frankston, too. All the Guides, Scouts and Brownies belonging to the Hospital were out on the lawn, and when the visitors carne we all had picnic lunch. Afterwards we had time to talk to each other, play games and sing. Then came the March Past! Our Commissioner for Extensions, Miss Irving, and our District Commissioner took the Guides and Brownies' salute, and the Scoutmaster of the Hospital Troop took tile Scouts'. All we Hospital folk supplieq the Band by playing on combs! We should like to thank all the Guides, Brownies and Scouts who came, and only hope they enjoyed the day as much as we did. Last night Helene Morrison was enrolled. It was a lovely night, and all the Guides and Scouts were drawn up to the parapet overlooking the lawns and sea. A fire was prepared, and one of the Scouts lighted it (with one match!) One of us had never seen a real fire before so that made an extra thrill for all of us. Everyone who was already enrolled had an electric torch, and when Helene had made her promise Captain lighted a tiny candle. It stood on the parapet just in front of Helene. Our Commissioner (Mrs. Ballantyne) enrolled Helen, and afterwards we sang songs and a story was told. Some members of the L.A. carne out--wasn't it nice of them? Don't you think we have had g-ood times this month? 'Specially as Mr. Chisholm came and told us about birds one night, too. All good wishes from 1st MOUNT ELIZA GUIDES. Dear Matilda, Could you link us up with a Guider who has a good set of more or less original games, and relays for knot work? In return, 1st Monbulk could send about half a dozen of our own tried and trusty friends. Yours in search of adventure, K. B. WELLINGTON (Cap.) 1st Monbulk. "Korumbeen," Monbulk. [Anyone interested write to above address].
TENTH BIRTHDAY PARTY. The 1st Oakleigh Girl Guide Company will be holding their Tenth Birthday Party in the Church of England Parish Hall, cr. Warrigal and Dandenong Roads, on August 15th, at S p.m., and would be very pleased if any former member of the Company could be present on that night, ALINE LEE (Cap.)
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Revised Draft for Local Knowledge Badge. RANGER. 14/5/35. This badge may be worn by any Ranger who passes in Section I and at least one other section. l.-N atural Historv. For Country Rangers: Know the haunts of ten wild birds or animals, and 20 plants in the neighbourhood. Describe the succession of flora on a certain bank, in a wooded area, or other spot, throughout the year; or marine life on the shore in her neighbourhood. Know the best places for camps, picnics, etc. . If there is any specially rare local plant (>1' bird, Rangers should make it the subject for special study, and make every effort to preserve it. For Town Rangers.-Know what trees and birds are to be found in the parks, public I!.'ilrdens, etc., throughout the year. Have visited the Natuml History Museum, Zoological Gardens and Botanical Gardens at least twice each, and be able to direct enquirers to various interestinl!.' sections thereof. Know of at least three paddocks, narks, etc., where Guides may hike, and be able to ' give information re getting permission to light fires there. obtain water; how to get there. including fares, distances, etc. II-History. Know the ol'igin of eight local place-names. Know the lives of at least three "local worthies," who may be heroes or heroines, philanthropists, statesmen, authors, artists, scientists, or any persons of historical or artistic importance who have spent part of their lives in the neighbourhood. Draw and bring to the test a sketch map of the neighbourhood. showing the situation of the' principal buildings, churches, public offices, schools, institutions. factories, quarries, mines, mountains, rivers, lakes, etc. Have visited six historical buildings of the vicinity. and he able to answer questions about them; or Give a short account of six important events that have taken place in the district; or Have visited three historical buildings. and be able to answer questions about them; and I!'ive a short account of three important events that have taken place in the district. If any ttaces of aboriginal habitation remain in the neighbourhood, know and describe them. Act (with others) a scene from the history of the neighbourhood. lII.-Social Knowledge. Describe what local facilities have determined the fixing of industries or crafts in her own locality, and describe the history and development thereof. Know and be able to describe with fair accuracy. as to position and area, all the pub1i~ open spaces, commons, parks, gardens, recreation fields. in the neighbourhood; also the puhlic swimming baths and play-centres.
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B~ able to guide a stranger to the town hall. pubhc halls, and centres of municipal government in the neighbourhood. Know broadly the functions of the City C?unci! or Shire Council, according to locality. GIVe the name of the Mayor or Shire President. Know the police stations, fire stations, fire alarms and means for dealing with fire in the neighbourhood. Know the position of the main public buildings and institutions in the neighbourhood, the date :vhen !ounded, ~he cause to which put, the. way m. WhICh orgamsed, and something of theIr relatIOn to the larger social system" (Federal, State, Local. etc.) of which they may form a part. Know the names of the main roads, methods of transport, lighting, water and POWH supply of the town. ;\1:, MOORE. Commissiolll'l' for Tests and Badgp~.
TRAINING. G!li~ers who have not previously attended a Trammg Course at Headquarters must llring to the hrst class of any course a Nomination }o 'Ol m, signed by their Commissioner. Unless otherwise announced, all Training Classes are held at the Guide Office, 60 Market ::ltr'eet, Melbourne, at 7.45 p.m. Brownie 'nain ing. The third Course will begin on THURSDAY, 15th AUGUST, 19395. Guider in Charge: Miss E. L. Lardner. Guide Training. 'l'?e fourth Course for General Training will begm on MONDAY, 23rd September. Guide.!' in Charge: Miss J. Thewlis. New Trainees who are not yet beyond the Tendedoot stage and who wish to attend this Course should communicate at once with the Training Secretary, who will make arrangements tor some ;,pecial Training to prepare them for the Course. Training Week. If applications warrant it, a Training Week for Guiders and prospective Guiders (over 18 years of age) will be held at Morongo Presbyterian Girls' College, Geelong, through the courtesy of the School Council, from Monday, 2nd September, to Tuesday, 10th September, 1!J35, inclusive. The fee will be 30/-. The Week will be for General Guide and Brownie Training. Guide Training: Miss M. Hoffmeyer; Brownie Training: Miss E. Lardner. If applications warrant it, a Week-End of Training for Ranger Guiders will be helli from FRIDAY, .6th, to MONDAY, 9th September, inclusive. Fee 15/-. Trainer: Miss F. V. Barfus. Applications (envelope marked "Training Week") accompanied by a deposit of 5/-, sh01:"1I~ be sent in writing to the Secretary, TI ammg Department, at the Guide Office, to reach hel' not later than 5th August, 1935. Deposits will not be refunded unless with-
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drawal of application is made a fOI·tnight belore the beginning of the Week. When applying will Guiders please state whether they wish to take Brownie, Guide or Rangel' Training, and whether they have attended a Training Week previously? The next Training Week will be held at the end of December. M. E . BUSH, Commissioner fo r Training.
August, 19:35,
REG ISTRA TIONS. Paclt- 1st Murtoa. Company-2nd Brighton Bea ch,
1st Toora.
DISBANDED. Company- 2nd Bendigo. 1st Mandurang. 3rd Bendigo (All Saints) Ranger Co.
CHANGE OF NAME. Lieutenant. l st Daylesford Co.-Mrs. J. L. Plummer (nee Outhrim Vernall)
APPOINTMENTS.
CANCELLED WARRAN'l'S.
District Commissioner. Beechworth- Mrs. Curtis, "Myrla," Kerford St., Beechworth. Dunkeld-Mrs. Woodburn, Yurnga, Dunkeld Division Secretarv. N.E . Suburbs~Miss N. Walters, 4 Hawdon St., Heidelberg, N.22.
Brown Owl. 1st St. Kilda-Miss Alice Cook. 1st Seymour-Mrs. McBean. Tawny Owl. 1st Seymour-Miss Eva Head. 1st Ararat--Miss Mary McLean. Di strict Secretary. Seymour-Miss Dorothea Boddy. Captain. 1st Aberfeldie-Miss Leila Castell. 2nd Seymour-Mrs. Cocks. 1st Camperdown-Miss Elma Gannon. 5th Richmond-Miss Kyra Smith. 1st West Melbourne-Miss C. Wilkinson.
WARRANTS. Brown Owl. 2nd Hawthorn-Miss D. Withington. 2nd Surrey Hills-Miss A. Slade. 2nd Yallourn-Miss B. Kerr. Captain. 1st Box Hill-Miss D. Thorpe. Lieutenant. 2nd Footscray-Mrs. McGrath. 9th Hawthorn-Miss Lorna Cuzens. 1st Surrey Hills-Miss Edna Nimmis.
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