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SEPTEMBER, 1935.
Number Three.
CAMPING IN 1935. By S. B. Rustomjee, Member for Camping. (From "The Indian Guide," June, 1935.) (Our present system of camp organisation has been developed to meet the need for rules created by the existence of badly-run camps. The success of the organisation is testified by the enormously increasing number of Guides who camp each year under Guiders trained in campcraft. One of the effects of our camp organisation has been, I think to cause camp to be looked upon as a thing apart. We are rather apt to forget that each Company camp is but one factor-and a very valuable onein the scheme of character-training embodied in the Guide Movement. Camp should surely be worked into the year's progressive training of each Company. It may be the culminating point, but it must be included in the continuity of company activities. Thus it is really a part of every Guide Captain's duty to go with her Company to camp whenever possible.) Amidst the maze of forms to be filled up, licences, inspections and what-not, perhaps the fundamental reasons for camping get rather hidden from sight, and we overlook the fact that to fulfil the need of the Guide is the real object, not the convenience of the Guider, nor the endorsement of a Licence, nor any other of the side issues of the organisation. In the beginning of a most excellent book entitled "Camp and Character Training," by Major Crum, we read: "It is not enough to give the boys a good holiday. It is not enough to make them handy and teach camp discipline! and even if in addition you teach them something useful-to swim, to cook, etc., that is not enough. If you have not done something to inspire the boys with a wish to be true Scouts and helped them to live up to their code, then you have not got the full value of your camp:' What will help us to get the "full value" out of camping for our Guides? For one thing. I think we. want to aim at getting a feeling of peace and stability into our camps. There will never be time to do路 all there is to do, but what we do need not be done in a continuous rush! Th e first step towards the attainment of this is for the Guiders to aim at getting the techniqu e of Camping at their finger-tips, so that a blown-down tent or a grease-pit that
does not allow for the soakage of water are not calamities that blacken the day's horizon, but can be treated as slight mishaps easily put right. This is where the training camps will help. On the same principle a Guider is not treating herself, her family or her Guides fairly unless she has a reasonable staff to help her run the camp. At least she should have a competent quartermaster and one other, who should take charge of sickness and emergency arrangements. The responsibility of every camp rests on the Commandant, but authority can and should be delegated to a very great extent to the rest of the staff and Patrol Leaders. The Commandant will then find time and opportunity to watch her camp and ask hers路e lf if all is well. Are. the Guides getting time just to realise and enjoy the fact of being in camp? Are they getting to know and love the out-of-doors ?-learning that pleasure in common things which is a lasting joy? Are they applying the Guide ideals to their daily camp life? She will be able to consider these points and many more. Another thing which will help us to get "full value" is to keep our camping as simple as possible. Resourcefulness, ingenuity and initiative cannot be developed to any very gr.e at extent in camp which is furnished with every kind of "household necessity." All the joy of that "backwoods" feeling of having improvised something or done something well without the usual tools is lost. So do let us leave behind our tables and chairs and learn to make use of our hands and brains and the material nature provides! One other thing which perhaps affords the surest help toward getting the "full value" is really to use the patrol system in camp. Leadership is recognised as being one of the greatest assets in the development of character, so let us see that P.L.'s are given authority and held responsible for their patrols. It is often so much easier to do a thing oneself than to leave it to someone else who may make blunders, that the patrol system is quite often only a theory, not a practice. The daily Court of Honour or Leaders' Council should be the time when the Leaders think and plan and report,
4
MATILDA
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not just a meeting where the Commandant reads out the day's programme which she has already made out. (Just a word about Camp Advisers. They are appointed to be a real help to Guiders with the running of their camps, choosing of camp sites, etc., they are not a menace, and by no means to be ignored. When a C.A. visits a camp [do let us avoid the word "inspection"] she comes to see if any help from her knowledge and experience of camping is needed. She does not come to make useless criticism in a report. Is the camp Guidey? Is it healthy? If the answers are in the affirmative, the camp will be a satisfactory one; on the other hand, should there be any difficulties, the C.A. will stay and put on her thinking-cap and set to work with the staff and P.L.'s to put things right. To help forward the Campers is her object, so do let us use our C.A.'s as much as we can, both while planning out our camps, and asking for their help and advice and criticisms after our Camp report has been sent on.) Let us make 1935 an outstanding year for camps. Ranger outings, Flock holidays and hikes give "full value" to our Guides and for the Guiders real pleasure in their work, and "best of all along the road friendship and mirth."
Camping. Combined Ranger Ca'mp--A Camp for Rangers will be held from 27th December, 1935, to 3rd January, 1936, inclusive, at Mornington. Guider-in-Charge: Miss Daisy McKinnon. Fee 22/6. Concession fares will be available. Applications (not more than six from one Company) accompanied by a deposit of 5/per Camper, should reach the Camping Secretary at the Guide Office, 60 Market Street, Melbourne, C.1, not later than 14th October. 1935, accompanied by written permission from the District Commissioner. Not more than one Guider from each Company may be included in the application. Combined Guide Camp.-A Camp for Guides whose Captains are not qualified Campers will be held from 14th to 21st January, 1.936, inclusive, at Mornington. Applications (not more than six from one Company) accompanied by a deposit of 5/- pel' Camper, should reach the Camping Secretary at the Guide Office, 60 Market Street, Melbourne, C.1, not later than 14th October, 1935, and should be accompanied by written permission from the District Commissioner. Not more than one Guider from each Company may be included in the application. A Camp for Patrol Leaders will be held at Mornington from 14th to 21st January, 1936, inclusive. This Camp is for Patrol Leaders who are not more than 15 years old, and have gained the Second Class Badge. Applications should be sent in order of preference, as it may not be possible to accept all, and exact age should be stated. Applications, accompanied by 5/- deposit for each Camper, should re!l.ch the Camping Secretary, Girl Guide
September, 1935.
Office, 60 Market Street, Melbourne, C.1, not later than 14th October, 1935, and should be accompanied by written permission from the District Commissioner. A Campcraft Week for Guiders will be heIrI at Mornington from 6th to 14th January, 1936, inclusive. The W.e ek is open to any Guiders who wish to attend for general Campcraft training. Fee 35/-. Railway concessions will be available. Applications, accompanied by a deposit of 5/-, should be made in writing to the Camping Secretary, at the Guide Office, by 8th November, 1935, and the envelope should be marked "CAMPCRAFT WEEK." Deposits will not be refunded unless withdrawal of application is made a fortnight before the beginning of the Camp. Guiders are advised that, as Training Camp life is fltrenuous, they should not apply if unable to take part in Camp routine.
TESTS. A limited number of Guiders will be tested for the Camper's Licence and Quartermaster Certificate, on the recommendation of the District Commissioner. Guiders taking these Tests will need to attend the Camp from the evening of 3rd January, till 16th January, inclusive, in order to have the .necessary training in pitching and striking camp. E. H. PURNELL, Commissioner for Camping.
THANKS! The Director of the World Bureau, 17 Buckingham Palace Road, London, S.W.1, England, 26th June, 1935. Dear Miss Irving, As Miss Royden is just off to Suomi-Finland, for the World Committee Meeting, I am writing on her behalf to thank you very much indeed for sending us ÂŁ3 / 10 / 10 towards the Thinking Day Fund from Victoria State. We are most grateful to the Guides of Victoria for their generous contribution. We enclose an official receipt, No. 99, and a "Thank you" card herewith. With best wishes, yours sincerely, (sgd.) M. WALKER, asst. secretary.
INTERSTA TE NEWS. South Australia. Guide Headquarters was the scene of great activity on Monday, August 5, when the Annual Meeting was held. Lady Dugan (State Chief Commissioner) presided, and gave a most inspiring speech. making a strong plea for improved leadership, and stressing the importance of a travelling commissioner to make personal contact with outlying centres. Other speakers who contributed towards the success of the meeting were Dl¡. A. J. Schulz, M.A., Ph.D., Mrs. Levinson and Col. Beevor. There was a record attendance, and the floral decorations in gold and brown, and the afternoon tea arranged by the hospitality committee, were greatly appreciated by everyone,
M A 'r I L b A
September, 1935.
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Editor: Mollie Hoffmeyer.
Wasps. The wasp family is one of the most interesting in the insect world, and if treated with respect, is really quite inoffensive. There is the big black one who digs little burrows in your garden path, kicking the dust up with his legs; the tiny black ones who build in small holes in the woodwork of the back door; the paper wasp of whom I know nothing from personal observation, but who sounds equally interesting; the wasps that will persist in building cells along the tops of books, or in folds of people's overcoats, or best uniforms in Camp. But that's another tale! My story is of the handsome but awe-inspiring threadwaisted wasp. Zizz-zzzzz! !! came the familiar sound, so I quickly looked round to locate the owner, at the same moment ducking with horror, fo:t.here within six inches of my nose was an enormous black and yellow wasp with equally enormous legs dangling in a bunch beneath. This was my first acquaintance with the beautiful thread-waisted wasp who was Building her mud nursery high on the wall of the shed. She was about H inches long, black with bright yellowy-orange stripes, and a decided waist. a mere thread joining the two sections of her body-a most remarkable waist, which gives the wasp its name. Already there was a day or two's work completed and the home was growing rapidly, as you could see by the wet mud. During the days that followed it was most interesting to watch this growth--the first day three cells were built on, two sealed up and completed, and the third left open; the second day, two moreone sealed and one open, and from then on a daily average of two. The second cell was ~enerally finished in the late afternoon, and left unsealed. Whether this was to allow the mud to dry before filling the larder, or whether the wasp waited until dusk to do her spider-hunting, I do not know. She did not recommence building until fairly late in the morning. Each cell was about Hin. long and !in. wide, so you can imagine the amount of work that wasp put in over a period of three weeks! She had to carry each ball of mud from a tlam at least 100 yards away, the journey taking from g to 2 minutes. She then spent a 'martel' of a minute moulding the mud to form the cell, working it on with her mouth and front legs. supporting herself with her hind legs, and holding the mud in her middle pair of legs. Then off for more mud, back and forth, until that cell was complete, and the edge smoothly and neatly rounded off. Sometimes she went inside to make sure that ev-
erything was finished off properly. I did not see any of the larder-filling, egg-laying, or the sealing of the cells, but one morning a most interesting thing happened. The wasp took the lid off a cell by chewing round with her mouth, leaving a clean cut, then pushing with her legs, until the lid fell. Inside there was one spider, so evidently she put a temporary lid on to keep it safe till morning, when she could complete the filling. You may know that wasps fill their cells with spiders for their young to feed on, and to prevent these spiders from putrefying, they paralyse them by stinging them. Thest; "doped" spiders will keep for weeks, or until the eggs which are laid in the cells by the wasp hatch out, and the grub requires its food. Each cell has one egg laid in it, the grub hatches, feeds on the spiders, pupates, finally emerging a perfect wasp. It is interesting to note that the cells, built along the top of a big book, yielded 51 spiders, an average of 5 to a cell. They were all the prettily-coloured garden spider. Sometimes caterpillars are used. I once saw a curious object moving on the verandah, and looking closely found it was a wasp carrying a caterpillar slung beneath its body. The weight was too great for the wasp to fly, so eventually it abandoned this choice morsel. To return to the thread-waisted wasp-she was most particular to finish the "nursery" off oroperly. She walked all over it, examining it, plastering extra mud along the part where it was joined to the walls, and finally plastering mud all over the smooth surface, giving the nest a rough-cast appearance. This was not the end, however. She built part of yet another cell, and there it remains unfinished. Was she tired of her job, or did She come to a bad end? Noone knows, for I saw her no more. E. SYDES.
'Possum Performances. Flop! Right in the middle of my chest, active and heavy! By the time I had opened my eyes and collected my wits, my visitor had removed himself. Sitting up and looking round, still feeling rather dazed, I found myself being watched gravely by a small grey 'possum, perched upon the rail at the foot of my bed, regarding me with great interest. He was a friendly little fellow, and inspection over, he made up his mind that I was not an enemy and departed on a tour of discovery round the room, finally leaving by the window and disappearing among the creepers on the side of the house. A few nights later I was again awakened, this time by a slight rustling noise, and there was my precious acquaintance, or perhaps his wife, very busy on the window-sill, making a nest out of the curtains! She would run from side to side, and, taking an end of the curtain in her paws, coil it round on the window ledge, then run and collect the other curtain, and so on, from side to side, until the nest was completed to her satisfaction. When I awoke in the morning the 'possum was gone, but there, on the centre of the window-sill I much
__________~~~________~M~A~Ti~L~D~A~________________~S~ep~t~e~m~b~er~,_l~9~3~5. to . the mystification of my family, was a cosy little nest. I have often wondered since if, perhaps, my first visitor was not Mrs. 'Possum, too, just spying out the land. Since then she has been back many times. Sometimes I have heard her coming up the side of the house, rustling the leaves as she passed; at others, I have heard nothing until I woke to find her hard at work. Other nights she brings all her friends and relations-and they have great races, chasing each other round and round the balcony, or leaping, with resounding bangs, on to the iron verandah roof. For some time now I have seen or heard nothing of them and as, during recent storms, a pair of 'possums was electrocuted by some fallen wires on a neighbouring garage, I rather fear my little friends must have come to an untimely end. S. McLEOD.
Nature Notes. HAMILTON. This afternoon we had a shower of "red" rain (or rather pale pink rain!). It started to fall about 2 o'clock, though for an hour before the sky to the south looked strange; more like an approaching dust storm than rain. A strong wind had been blowing from the N.N.W. for 24 hours before the rain came. We very rarely get dust and rain here together but surely it is very strange for it to occur in winter. The water which ran from the roof was slightly rusty in appearance, but where it rested on the cabbage leaves the water was clear, with a sandy deposit at the bottom of each little pool. It seems strange, but as our soil is not a bit sandy, we cannot think how the sand got there if it did not come in the rain. [This phenomenon was widespread i.n Victoria. Violent storms in South Australia carried the sand for miles and rain brought it down. "Pink snow" was remarked on at Buffalo.-Ed.] 1st BENDIGO GUIDES. When going for a walk awhile ago I saw two robin redbreasts lying on the ground very close together, and as I drew ne!lrer, one k~pt running at me and t~en l¡unnmg. round. Its mate which had not stilTed. On gomg a lIttle near~r I soon discovered the motionless one to be dead while its mate was protecting its dead body. I went on my way, and turning round I saw the lonely one settle down to keep watch. [Poor little robin! I hope every Company will see at least one robin before the winter is over-very soon they will "go bush" to attend to house-keeping duties.] 1st PICOLA GUIDES. The Australian Flower Pecker arrive.d at the beginning of August. The first Harbmger of Spring was seen on August 15tJ:!. . [The Australian Flower Pec.kel: IS the ~IS tletoe Bird-n.ot unlike a robm m colourmg. It does not "arrive" because it does not ~o away! It is, however, rarely seen because It loves the tree tops.-Ed.J
BUTTERFLIES. Two beautiful butterflies may be seen thi3 month-the Painted Lady and the Australian Admiral. I actually saw one of the latter one warm August day. They are quite easily identified. The hind-wings of the Admiral are reddishbrown the fore-wings are darker, almost black, with some spots on the tips and a large yellow splash on each fore-wing. It is by these yellow splashes that you will know them. Eggs are laid on nettles, so you may find them there. The Painted Lady is also reddish-brown. She has four small blue spots on the hindwings and the tips of the fore-wings are black, smartly spotted with white. Her babies like Capeweed, so try to find some eggs there and rear the beauty for yourseli. I would like to hear if any Companies have seen these two butterflies this Spring. M.H.
COMPETITION CORNER. Entries are coming in, Guiders, and some amazing creatures appearing in the alphabetical poems! Give your Company a chance to exploit its literary genius at the expense of Nature! Entries must be at Headquarters by September 8th.
NATURE STORIES. Delightful stories have been sent in from Euroa Hamilton, Bendigo and Melbourne. Thank you, Guides and Guiders. Send me some more-"Matilda" loves your adventures! Please don't be disheartened by delay.in publicationkeep the "Glory Box" full. M.H.
LYRE BIRDS. Nocturnal Animals Awake! Mr. R. Littlejohn, originator of the lyre-bird film inventor of the flashlight for nocturnal ani~als will show his films and tell his experiences i~ HAWTHORN in the Third Week of OCTOBER. Full details later-Look out! G. H. SWINBURNE.
THE LONG HIGHWAY.
Tune: The Bells of St. Mary'S. There's a highway that's waiting for any who will To follow its winding o'er woodland and hill; A road that allures you and beckons you so That, shadow or sunshine, you feel you must go. Chorus: The Call of the Highway, oh, hear it come stealing! A far call, a clear call, to those who del!ly; . With Joy for our watchword, and smIles m our haversacks, We'll take our hearts a'singing Down the Long Highway. Come Captains and Leaders, and Companies too; Come Brownies and Rangers, a welcome to you; Come all who would follow the path that we fare To the foot of the rainbow, the treasure to share. Chorus.
September, 1935.
MATiLDA
7
LET'S GO OUT, AND HAVE A WOOD HEAP RACE, etc. Select some spot---a certain tree, gate or other object suitable for the reception of messages, and hide therein, in different places, a note for each Patrol, containing such instructions as "Everybody collect, if possible, or else notice, something different beginning with G" (or any other letter); or, "Collect the greatest possible variety of leaves, sort them and bring them back, within a certain time" (no dupllcates in the one Patrol). Having done this, write a description of the tree or object, jumbling some of the lettel'.3 in the words, or else do it in Morse. Give the note, sealed, to each Patrol Leader at the outset of the game, with instructions not to open it until told. Then really begin the game with the Woodheap Race. Each Guide collects wood (P.L. organises this). The first Patrol to stand in file, each Guide with her wood, may begin the next part of the race. One piece of cord, held by the first Guide in the file, is all that is necessary. Captain and other Guiders (if any) stand some distance off; 50 to 100 yards gives a good run, and test for knots. The first Guide ties a hitch round her wood, and runs, dragging it behind her. If the knot slips, she reties it on the spot and continues her runlosing, of course, on speed. On arrival at her terminus, she unties the wood, scoring two points if the knot is correct. She runs back with the cord to the Patrol; and all continue in like manner until the last one is back. Each Patrol, when all its members are finished, then runs in file and stands in front of its woodheap, being awarded speed points in order of finishing. The next thing to do is for each Patrol to bring Captain a mug of tea. Speed points are awarded for this; and on the arrival of the tea, the Patrol is given orders to open its sealed message. The game ends with the Nature observation, points being awarded according to what is require.d in the hidden letter. Patrols then reckon up their totals. Further suggestions for the Hidden Message. (These all would require a time-limit). The most varied list of bird-observations. The most varied list of insect-observations. The most varied list of wildflowers (described or named, not picked). The most interesting list of general observations. M.S. Guiding in Schools and Colleges (Continued). who then divided into two groups-Heads of Departments and Guiders-to discuss matters of importance to School Guiding. Later the groups re-united and summarised the business. Miss Hamilton then addressed the gathering, assuring Guiders of the importance of their work, and inspiring them to further efforts. Afternoon tea and social intercourse were then enjoyed.
A FLAG FOR THE EXTENSION BRANCH. Before the Extension Party at Moonee Valley in January, the Extension Branch borrowed the Broadford Company's flag for two enrolments. This gave the Broadford District the idea of collecting enough money to give a flag to the Extension Branch. So on a recent Saturday Miss Alison Campbell, Commissioner for Extensions, and Miss Daintry Gillett, District Commissioner for Broadford, went to Broadford, where they were greeted in the main hall by the Rangers and Guides in Horseshoe formation and the Brownies in a Ring. The flag carried by a Ranger colour party was formally presented to Miss Campbell, wbo then handed it to a Guide colour party, who took charge of it until she left. A very nice carrier and bag were given with the flag. Any Extension Guiders who want the flag for ¡e nrolments, etc., can get it from Miss Campbell, 41 Spring Street, Melbourne, C.l.
"THE TROUBADOURS" MATINEE. When "The Troubadours" (Joan and Betty Rayner) were playing here in July they generously gave the Extension Branch 20 seat'l for their final matinee. Owing to short notice it was only possible to get into touch with 12 Post Guides and Brownies, but those who did go had a wonderful afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
BADGES. Will Extensions who want badges please apply to Miss Peters, Extension Badge Secretary, 5 Gordon Grove, South Yarra, S.E.1, and NOT to Miss Campbell. J.A.
GUIDING IN SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES. On Saturday, 10th August, a conference of School Guiders and Heads of Guiding Departments was presided over by Miss Robina Hamilton, Commissioner for Guiding in Schools and Colleges. It was !held at St. Margaret's School, Glenferrie Road, Malvern, by courtesy of Miss Gipson. Unfortunately the weather did not permit of any sessions being held in the lovely gal'den; but cheerful fires were aglow for the occasion, and were much appreciated. Miss Hamilton welcomed those present, (Continued in Preceding Column)
8
MATILDA
September, 1935.
Every man is a fool at least ten minutes a day. Wisdom consists in not exceeding the foollimit.
THE PACK'S GOOD TURN TOWARDS COMPANY CAMPING. There are quite a few gadgets a Pack can make that would be most useful and helpful for the Coo's camp. First and foremost are the well-known shoe-cleaning and badgecleaning outfits. These can be made very at¡ tractive, and most Brown Owls will have quite a number of ideas on these subjects. Two other handy devices can be made for the bathroom, or I should say, the bath tent. These are racks for toothbrushes and face washers. In the case of the formel', take a piece of strong cardboard about 18 ins. long by 6 ins. wide. Cover this with thin white mackintosh. On the top edge and at either end sew firm ly with thick thread an ordinary brass ring. Then about 1 in. from top edge and at intervals of about 3ins., fasten other brass rings with paper clips taken right thl'ough the cardboard and spread out on the other side. A little f urther down and spaced in between the first lot of rings, put another row. Then another row below that. Above each ring can be written the name of the owner of the brush which is slipped into the ring, handle first. If the camp is to be a big one, several of these racks would be needed. In the case of the latter, the rings would bil replaced with brass hooks and to make a nice finish to both these articles, the backs need to be covered with paper painted over to hide ends of clips and hooks. V.H.
KEEPING THE PACK AMUSED ON A WET DAY AT A PACK HOLIDAY. Brown Owls are extremely fortunate if they have seven fine days on a Pack Holiday. Quite likely one day at least will be wet and it is for that one. day that preparation must be made before the holiday is begun. When choosing a house in which to hold t he holiday, one always looks for some fairly large room or v¡erandah that could be t urned into a play-room during wet weather. It is really quite simple to amuse the children, the most important thing is to see that they keep warm. When the. orderly work is done for the morning, the children could be sent out on to the verandah with a length of rope. Skipping, besides being excellent exercfse, will keep them amused for an indefinite time. When thoroughly warm and a little of their superfluous energy expended, the children could be occupied with handcraft, competitions, table games, etc. An interesting handcraft, that
will not take too long, will hold their interest, especially if it can be a surprise to take home to mother. If the children have. something to do all the time, they will not notice the weather and the hours will pass. If it is still wet after dinner, a longer rest hour could be given and the children well supplied with comics and stories. Even if it is still raining when rest hour is over, a short sharp walk in the rain will do the children no harm if they change when they come home again. That is much better than staying indoors all day. And so the day passes, finishing up with songs and stories around the fire before bedtime. In this way, it will be found that the children have enjoyed themselves very much, and though a wet day means no long walk, they know t hat they can have just as much fun at home. N.T.
SOME CEREMONIES. ENROLMENT. The Pack forms a fairy archway. One Brownie is turned into a sign-post and bears a sign, "BROWNI E WAY," with an arrcw pointing to the archway. A Sixer leads recruit up. The sign-post says: "Tell us the passwOI'ds on the Brownie Way." Recruit: "1 will try to do something for someone every day." Brownies say: "Pass on through the Brownie way." Recruit and Sixer g{) through hand in hand, followed by other Brownies. As they follow through the archway, they form Fairy Ring, ready for the Enrolment. M.K.B. INSPECTION. T.O. is a chicken farmer and all t he Brownies are her chickens. They all perch in rows with their hands clasped under their knees. B.O. is a manager of a boarding-house who wants to buy some chickens for the weekend. She examines each bird carefully, noting comb, beak and feathers, etc., and then finally to see if it is a good strong bird she and '1.'.0. each take hold of one arm and swing the Brownie three times. If she lets go, she is no good, and she has to go into the soup pot. If she does not let go, she is bought and taken off home. M.E.H. CLOSING CEREMONY, Brownies in a circle. All start skipping, singing the following to" uts and May," and t he leaders break the circle and skip to the door, the others following:
__~S~ep~t=e~m=b~eI~.,~1=9~3~5.~______________~M~A~T_~I~L~D~A~--________________________~9 "Come on, Brownies, everyone, To-day we have had lots of fun, But now the afternoon is done, 'Tis time we all went home again. "Let's skip along two by two And think of good de.eds we can do To show that we are Brownies true When we have reached our home again." L.T.
SOME COMBINED PACK GOOD TURNS. Have you ever collected "Comics" for the Children's Hospital or a Home? The Brownies enter enthusiastically into this saving of their own and collection of other children's disused copies. These nights are cold. Why not make a quilt for some thinly-clad baby? Most Brownies can knit a four-inch square; these "washed," sewn together and lined with flannel make a very cosy cot-cover. DaInty coloured wools, of course, make it more attractive. D.M. Here are two ways in which we can help other people. Let the Brownies save up old bottles and small jars such as marmite jars and bring them to Pack. When quite, a number have been colle,c ted, have a big "wash-up" of all the bottles. These are greatly in demand at the Children's Hospital for medicines and ointments. Another way to help is to collect newspapers and to deliver them to a Baby Health Centre. If these are delivered regularly, the Baby Health Centre can make quite a sum of money from old newspapers. R.L.S. A Pack good turn that we did some while ago and which proved a great success was to ente,rtain a poor Pack to a Christmas party in the Gardens. The Rangers paid the fares of the children and a kind friend of the Pack gave us whistles and Llow-outs, but, beyond this, the Pack provided the rest of the entertainment themselves. Although in this case the Pack actually shared in the fun, they made out the programme beforehand, choosing the. games they thought the vther Brownies would like, pruviding most of the tea, and arranging it all. They met the other Pack at the tram and conducted them with great excitement to the Gardens, where they showed them round and looked after them all the afternoon. They then conducted the.m back to the tram and farewelled them with great excitement. M.E.H.
TWO SINGING GAMES. 1.
I AND OUT THE BROWNIE P ACI(. Tune: Round and Round the Village. 1. In and out the Brownie Pack, In and out the, Brownie Pack, In and out the, Brownie Pack, As you have done before. 2. Salute your Brownie partner, etc. 3. Follow her to Brownie ):md, etc.
4.
Shake hands before you leave here, etc. Method: Brownies in a circle. One is chosen to go in and out during the first verse. 2nd verse: She choose.s one child and salutes. 3rd v·e rse: Follows her in and out circle. 4th verse: They shake hands with each other. First child returns to her place, and second D.M. goes in and out. 2. GOOD TURNS. Tune: Here we go gathering nuts and may. 1. We're the Brownies who lend a hand, Lend a hand, lend a hand, We,'re the Brownies who lend a hand, To help someone every day.
2.
Oh, Brownies, how do you lend a hand, Lend a hand, lend a hand? Oh, Brownies, how do you lend a hand, To help someone every day?
Method: While one Six is out, the others are lined up at top end of room. The Six which is "out" decide,s on a "good turn" and suitable actions, e.g., dish washing. The Six then advance from the other end of hall to the Brownies waiting in line, singing the first verse of song. The other Brownies reply in the second verse, whereupon the first Six performs the actions decided upon, e.g., one pour in water, two uses soap saver, three washeil dishes. four dries, five puts away, etc. Thf: first Six to guess the good turn is then out, or the Sixes may take turns to go out. L.D.
BROWNIE GUIDERS' EFFORT FOR CAMP HOUSE. As the result of selling handcraft left ovex from the Curiosity Shop, the sum of £1 / 7/ has been receiv·ed for the above effort, also a donation of 5/ - from the Warracknabeal Pack. This brings the total to £25/12 / 6, thus realising our ambition to raise £25 to give to the Guide Camp House from the Brownie Branch.
RALLY MEDALS. We have heard that in some Companies Guides are not allowed to wear the Centenary Rally Medals, while in others these Medals are seen shining brightly over the left pocket of every Guide. We would like to point out that the wearing of these medals is what was intended. In some country Companies the wearing of the Medal indicates that the Guide was in Melbourne for the Rally. So Guiders. please let the young enjoy their medals which really do shine rather well. ' S.H.I.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT. . Owing to lack of space letter from K. W. Monbulk, not published this issue.-Ed. '
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Juliette Low Memorial Fund. The report of the Chairman, Juliette Low Memorial Committee, dated 31st August, 1934, gives very interesting information about the administration and use of this fund, which was established in 1927, to perpetuate the memory of Juliette Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts in the United States. The Committee arranged for the publication of a book describing the life and work of the founder of Girl Scouting. It also adopted a resolution "that, in memory of Juliette Low . . . a fund be raised to be known as the Juliette Low Memorial Fund, for the promotion of Girl Scouting and Girl Guiding throughout the world, as a contribution toward world peace and goodwill." The book, "Juliette Low and the Girl Scouts," is now in its second edition, and provides reading that is both entertaining and inspiring. Victorian Headquarters has a copy, given by Mrs. James Storr ow. The fund, which is supported by all the Girl Scouts of U.S.A., provides the expenses for Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from all parts of the world to enable them to attend the Guide Chalet at Adelboden, Switzerland; the basis on which the Juliette Low Awards are made is as follows: The Girl Scout chosen to receive an award as the representative of her Region or country must be either a Golden Eaglet or a First Class Girl Scout; she must be 17, 18, or 19 years of age, must be in active service in a troop, and must have been in Girl Scouting for at least three years. The selection should be based primarily on Girl Scout spirit, outstanding loyalty and knowledge of Girl Scout standards and work, taking into consideration whether or not the girl expects to remain in Girl Scouting so that she may pass on to other girls the benefit of the experience and training she receives. It is in memory of Juliette Low's intense interest in the girls of all nations and of her belief in the far-reaching importance of personal friendships among girls of all nations, and of her keen desire that every possible thing shall be done to help girls of all nations to know and value one another that this fund is being raised and these awards given. In 1930, the awards went to eight Girl Scouts to enable them to camp in Canada, and to three Canadian Girl Scouts who camped in the United States. In 1932, eighteen girls were awarded a fortnight at Our Chalet, with travelling expenses; two came from each of the following countries: Norway, Denmark, Finland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, France, Great Britain, and four from the Unite a States. The 1933 awards went to four Girl Scout~ of the United States, and two from each of the following countries: Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland; and one from Ir.eland. The eleven girls benefiting from the 1934 awards came from U .S.A., Latvia, France, Lithuania and Canada. The value of the friendships made at these meetings of pick,ed girls from many different
September, 1935.
nations is far-reaching. Those who attend realise what the international growth of Scouting and Guiding can mean by increasing friendship and understanding among nations. These beginnings may still be as small as mustard seeds, but let us do what we can to help them grow into great spreading trees under whose branches there will be Peace.
ALTERATIONS IN PROFICIENCY BADGES. Guiders will have seen in P.O.&R. for 1935 that there has been a complete re-arrangement of the AMBULANCE and SICK NURSE Badges, both Junior and Senior. Guiders in England have been urged to try the scheme for at least some months. The idea is that all this work should be done through the St. John Ambulance Association, and the Red Cross. The Guides present these certificates in order to obtain their Guide Badges. We do not feel justified here in making a definite alteration while there is a chance of not being a permanent change. Therefore, in Districts where existing conditions are good, and there has been no difficulty in finding instructors and examiners, no change should be made. If help is wanted in instructions, and there is a difficulty in finding an examiner, the St. John Ambulance Association will supply both. without Ia fee, for the Junior Section (Guide Badge) ONLY. There will be a charge of 1/- for a certificate. There must be a class of about 20 befol'e an instructor will be supplied, which means a complete company must take the Lectures, or a District Class be formed. Anyone v,ishing to do the Senior, or Ranger Badge, through the St. John Ambulance Association, will have to attend the ordinary course of Lectures, at a cost of 5/- each person. This cost would be too heavy in many cases, but there is no reason why the course should not be taken when desired. The Secretary of the St. John Ambulance Association told me there would be no difficulty in arranj!'ing classes of tests, and they were quite willing to help. As a means of checking I should be glad if. for the present, anyone wishing the help of the St. John Ambulance Association would make their application through me. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE BADGE. RANGER. Owing to an error, the following sections were omitted in the syllabus published in the August issue of "Matilda." 1. Natural History. For BOTH town and country Rangers add the clauses:Know where the sun rises and sets at midwinter and mid'-summer, with regard to local landmarks. Know six constellations and their positions in the sky on (or about) 1st February, 1st May, 1st August, and 1st November, at 10 p.m. M. MOORE. Commissioner for Tests and Badges.
_S..;.e;;.:p~t..;.em;.:.;.;;;b..;.er;,."...:1~9~3.:..5:...._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.:..M::...:.:A:....=T I L D A
EQUIPMENT DEPOT. A Short History of Guiding in Victoria has just been published and we are selling this for the small sum of 2d. "Every First-Class Guide should know the origin of the Guide Movement and its development in Victoria as well as in England," so this pamphlet is supplying a great need to all -who are doing this Badge. It is also useful to Rangers who are endeavouring to do Aims, Methods and Organisation. An A.B.C. of Guiding, price 1/3, 2d. postage, is now to hand. This has been ' published in the Guider over an extended period, and those who found Miss Maynard's talks helpful will wish to have this in book form. Camp Fire Leaflets, parts 9, 10, 11 are now available. Price 3d., plus 1d. postage. Games for Guides (McKenzie) is a new book of Games containing games that have not been met with before. Price 2 /3 plus 3d. postage. All those wishing for new ideas will want to own this book. Company Record Books (loose leaf), price 3/-, plus 6d. postage, are essential to every well run Company. There are loose leaves for records of Service Stars, Company Accounts, Annual Registration, 2nd Class, Camping Accounts and Patrol Sheets, which enable a Captain to keep a record of every Guide who goes through the Company. C. BROADHURST, CommissiQner for Equipment.
NOTICE. The Shop will be closed all day for stocktaking on Tuesday, October 1st.
Meeting of Executive Committee. A meeting of the Executive Committee, Girl Guides' Association, Victoria, was held on the 17th July. Present--Mrs. Faulkner, elected to the Chair, Mrs. Edmondson, Mrs. Littlejohn, Mrs. Tate, Misses Cameron, Lascelles, Swinburne and the Secretary. Guiders' Conference-Programme was approved. Girl Guides' Association, London-A letter was read stating that in future brown shoes and stockings may be worn by Companies who prefer them to black. All Guides in a Company must wear the same colour, and that Rang-ers fYlay wear either a triangular tie or a wide-end tie, but the whole Company should wear the same type. "Here is Phantasy." It was reported that .IlS a result of "Here is Phantasy" the sum of £14 had been paid to the "Matilda" account. League of Youth.-It was agreed that Miss M. Jolly be asked to represent the Association on the Governing Council of the League of Youth.
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Letting of ·the Meeting Pool.-It was agrecd that the Meeting Pool should not at present be let to other organisations, as full use was being made of it by the Association. Guide House.-It was reported that the Guide House Fund amounted to £2,978/5/10, anonymous cheque for £100 having been l'Cteived. Tests.-It was agreed that a meeting of 'Examiners and Secretaries be held later in the year. Routine and Financial Business was discussed. S. H. IRVING, State Secretary.
Training. Guiders who have not previously attended a Training Course at Headquarters must bring to the first Class of any course a Nomination Form. signed by their Commissioner. Unless otherwise announced, all Ttaining Classes are held at the Guide Office, 60 Marjket Street, Melbourne, at 7.45 p.m. Guide Trainin~. The fourth Course for General Training will begin on Monday, 23rd September. Guider in Charge: Miss J. Thewlis. New Trainees who are not yet beyond the Tenderfoot stage and who wish to attend this Course should communicate at once ,with the Training Secretary, who will make arrangements for some special training to prepare them for the Course. . Training Week. If applications warrant it a Training We.ek for Guiders and prospective Guider's (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, Hlth September, 1935, 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 held from Friday, 6th, to Monday, 9th September, inclusive. Fee 15/-. Trainer: Miss F. V. Barfus. Deposits will not be refunded unless withdrawal of application is made a fortnight before the beginning of the Week. When applying will Guiders please state whether they wish to take Brownie, Guide or Ranger 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 for Training.
FOR SALE . £2-GUIDERS' UNIFORM, best Navy Twill, cost £4/10/ -, only worn twice, large size, also hat and belt. Owner leaving :§hottly for Queensland. Please communicate' MISS ROBINSON, Box 5, Drouin.
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MATILDA
GUIDE HOUSE FUND DONATIONS. Guide House Fund donations for July, 1935, were as follows:Miss C. Broadhurst .. " .. .. £0 13 0 Maryborough Local Association 15 0 0 Sale of Centenary Medals .. .. 6 5 0 Anonymous Donor .. .. .. . .100 0 0 Mrs. Mountain .. .. .. .. 1 0 0 1st [)andenong Rangers .. 1 0 0 Sale of Leather over from Village .. .. 1 1 0 Miss J. Alston .. .. .. 1 5 6 Total £126
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APPOINTMENTS. Div. Commissioner. Mornington-Mrs. Evan Pearse, Mornington Rd., Mt. Eliza. Dist. Commissioner. Hamilton-Mrs. Le M. Kneebone, 28 Gray St., Hamilton.
September, 1935.
Captain. 10th Hawthorn-Miss B. Jacka. 1st Inverleigh-Miss P. Crane 1st Koondrook-Mrs. E. J. Eagle Lieutenant. 1st Camperdown-Miss E. Bell 1st Drouin-Miss M. Irons 9th Hawthorn-Miss F. Gregory 1st Kyabram-Mrs. Bennett 1st Kyabram-Miss 1. Robinson
CANCELLED WARRANTS. Captain. 1st Beaconsfield Upper-Miss G. F. Alber.:; 1st South Yarra-Miss F. Davies 1st Surrey Hills Rangers-Mrs. G. F. Green
CHANGE OF ADDRESS. Captain. 2nd Kew-Miss M. Fergusson from 30 Princess St., Kew, E4, to 16 Ridgway Av., E4.
WARRANTS. Brown Owl. 3rd Colac-Miss P. Westwood. 10th Geelong (St.Mathew's)-Miss J. Adcock 1st Warrnambool-Miss J. Stewart Tawny Owl. 1st Cheltenham-Miss M. Hornibrook 2nd East Malvern-Miss C. Morris 1st Poowong-Miss L. B. Hartnell
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