•
a I
NOVEMBER, 1935.
I
MATILDA.
November, 1935.
1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
EVAN EVANS
pTY. LTD. ·680-8 Elizabeth St., MELBOURNE, e.l. Official Canns Goods House to the Girl Guides Associ.tion.
I
SPECIAL CONCESSIONS OFF LIST PRICES TO ALL GIRL GUIDE ORGANISATIONS.
::
II IIi.
Write for Particulars to Your Headquarters, or Direct: . to Us. TENTS&FLYS GROUNDSHEETS CAMPING GOODS
::
II
Ii Ii
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::1:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::,.11111111111::11111111 II 1111 II l:m::muuuum
-
D
We have
•
arranged t .. allow
if
Concessions
~ H
on all Sporting Goods.
II
ii
=i :. :: U
WATERPROOFS SLEEPING BAGS MATTRESSES
SPORTING GOODS.
rif :
FLAGS TRAVEL. RUGS CAMP BEDS
-
-
Write to Us for Our List, Prices and Particulars.
-
TENNISr GOLF, CRICKET, BASEBALL, BASKETBALL AND INDOOR GAMES.
SUPPORT THE FIRM WHO SUPPORT YOU
"Matilda" .-\" Official Trt'HfHII'C lrous(" for Guiderl'l' InfortnaUon for \,ictol'ia. AustraliRJ, OPFlN DAn;\, frolll fl.::O :1 .111 . to G p.m.
l'l'ic'p : 3/¡ IH' " Yenr. ~ /. l' o ~ted .
f'NJTI:Il.\Y" , flom 10 :1 .111. t o 1 p.m. "in!!i!' ~llpJ ~s, Gcl. ('a ell.
------Volume XII.
NOVEMBER, 1935.
London, 15th August, 1935. Dear Matilda, Probably you would like to hear a little about the 4th International Training at "Our Chalet," from which I have just returned. Ther.e were five of us Australians-four Queenslanders and myself - and fourteen nationalities, speaking nearly as many different languages, were represented. One's first impression was rather one of hopelessnessshould we ever understand each other 7 But as the days passed this feeling went. ' Falk, 0::one of the Trainees, translated most things into English, French and German, and although we could perhaps not understand all the languages, everyone could follow at least one of them, and for the rest we soon got to know each other's little ways. We arrived on Our Chalet's third birthday, nnd were pleased to hear that never befort: had so many countries been represented at the one time. The next day, 1st August, was the Swiss National Day, commemorating their indepelldence. The Chalet was gaily decorated with lanterns and Swiss flags, and we had "Colours" that morning a la Suisse. In the evening we climbed the hill behind us, each carrying a lighted Chinese lantern, and there lit our fire and sang Swiss songs. Some of the villagers joined us, and the schoolmaster welcomed us to Adetboden and explained the importance of t he day to the Swiss folk, and the meaning of t heir flag . This is exactly like a red cross flag with the colours reversed, and he explained that the red ground stood for love-not for blood-and the white cross fol' that kind of purity we understand by our 10th Law. Our fire was not the usual little Camp Fire we have at home, but a large beacon in which a burning tree stood upright (until through weakness of the trunk it fell!) and on the neighbouring mountains similar beacons were lighted, and we could see little processions carrying Chinese lanterns climbing in the darkness to their fir.es. In the village itself every available light was working overtime. and the stars of rockets rising skywarcls as if to rival the Great Bear, the Plough, Casseopreia and the other constellations which shone so brightly overhead completed a very wonderful picture.
Number Five .
We all felt we were particularly fortunatE' to be at Our Chalet on these two days. Our training was very strenuous, but everything was such great fun, and one was so cunscious of the Guide spirit everywhere, that we hardly realised we were working as much as we wer¡e. Everyone was there to give and to get all she could in the way of inspiration and help. Each day a different country arranged "Colour.s" in its own particular way, and it was most interesting to see the slight differences, although at the core each ceremony was the same. Then we had Commencement, Enrolment and Investiture Ceremonies by different countries, and one day each Patrol produced a suitable ceremony for Thinking Day. We learned songs, dances and games of the various countries, and tried to follow our Czecho-Slovakian friend in her most strenuous physical exercises. An overnight hike was arranged and one of the nearer mountains climbed, a bed found in the hay, and next morning a further climb up to the snow. We were on our mettle all the time, not knowing quite what was coming next. A simple nature stroll-a restful way of spending a morning-developed into a most strenuous fhst-aid game, some of the "accidents" being so realistic that passers-by offered help. Olle dear lady even rushed up with a bottle of brandy for poor Falk, who had been knocked off her cycle by a motor and was found in a dazed condition half under the car, and still half on her cycle. And so it went on, day after day, for ten wonderful days, by which time we felt we knew e:;.ch other. and that after all the language difficulty is just one more hurdle for us to jump, and that I'eally Guides the world over, no matter how they dress or how they speak. are working for the same objective, and al! have the same problems to face. I realis.ed more than ever the significance of our favorite little rhyme: "On the strength of each link in the cable Dependeth the might of the chain. Who knows when thou mayest be tested So live that thou bearest the strain." WheiI'ever I go on this side of the world I find people expecting a great deal of Austra-
4
MATILDA
lians and even more still of Australian Guides and it has made me wonder whether we are living up to the standard they set for us. From my stay at Our Chalet I have found out with what energy and enthusiasm Guides of other countries are working, and in order that our link may remain one of the strong; ones in the cable, I would draw attention to those who, having answered the call to be Guiders in the first place, and perhaps attended a Training Class or Week, but have don!' no further study, and are yet trying to run Companies or Packs, may I invite you to look out from your Company or your Pack, and from your country to the wide, wide world beyond, and think for a moment what your own particular job is in helping to forge Australia's link in the world chain. We had a favorite verse at Our Chalet expressing the wish that gids all round thp, world would join to make one big ring. We all leved it, so I pass, it on to you, Matilda, as I know you'll like it, too. "Si toutes les filles du monde, Voulaient se donner la main, Et suivre Ie bon chemin, Ca ferait une immense ronde. Si toutes. les fines du monde, Voulaient se donner la main." And now Good Luck and Good Guiding to you from-Yours sincerely, FLORENCE A. PIESSE .
The Last Lap of an England -Australia Flight. In the dawn at Kupang on November 6th, a little blue aeroplane, "Christopher Robin," spread its silver wings and whirred its lonely way home across the Timor Sea. The restless ocean lay below, its calm surface ruffled by a light wind, just below the clouds flew the machine, diving occasionally into small rain storms. Far away on the horizon appeared a thin ribbon of gold-Australia! Darwin is a strange, lonely little town, over two thousand miles from the big southern cities, but to a pilot it is home. It was a hot morning when once more the machine flew south, following the sinuous twists of the railway to Birdum, there picking up the overland telegraph line. Through a heavy thunderstorm, the machine tossing in the disturbed ai>.¡ like a tiny boat in a rough sea. On and on, following that slender link with civilisation, the telegraph. Six hours-surely Newcastle Waters must have been passed, but where? At last a fairly open piece of ground appeared in the scrub, and it looked a possible place to land. On the ground I surveyed the damage..! wing-, which was torn on a tree landing, anrl realised that there I would have to remain, till someone came to the rescue. The telegraph line was somewhere near, but I was afraid to wander too far, in case I got lost. It was all so quiet and peaceful, and on the little ridge where I had landed I could see for mile!> arotll)d. Away in the West the sun set, and
November, 1n5.
a s darkness spread over the plains, I curled up in the machine and went to sleep. In the morning I woke with the sunrise and watched the birds. The worst experience was the lack of water. I looked at my slender supply-about one pint--well, it had to be COl!served, so just one mouthful for breakfast, and until nightfall, not a drop. That preciom water might have to last for a day or two! ot a cloud in the sky, just the blazing SUll, and to add to that, the heat radiating from the ironstone. By midday I was determined that in the cool of the evening I would try to clear a track, and get into the air again. Reading a book was no distraction, so taking a needle and thread, I tried to mend some of the rents in the wing. Late in the afternoon the silence was broken by the sound of a motor, and there it was, bumping along towards me with Constable Stott, one of the men from the station and two black boys, and, best of all, water on board. It may not have been the clearest and coolest, but it was the most wonderful drink I ever had. The two "boys" made a fire with spinnifex which I had no idea would burn, and made coffee. After tying up the machine as safely as possible, we hurried back to the station. about eighteen miles away, and there I staycc.l for five days while Mr Owen, of the Shell Co., flew from Newcastle Waters to mend my machine, and afterwards escorted me to Sydney. The machine was eventually towed in and secured to the fence! It was terribly hot, and the occasional thunderstorms made the air heavy. , One evening I was taken to dinner at Tennants Creek, about ten miles away, just a tiny little shack, but Mr. and Mrs. Dwyer were kindness itself, and perhaps I enjoyed that lit.tle party on the goldfields best of all. OIH afternoon the busy flying doctor (Dr. Fentor. ) arrived. He was hurrying to Alice Springs to a patient. Next morning he was back again, to 170 round the goldfields. and that evening he arrived at Newcastle Waters, visited patients, aNi r eturned to Darwin next day. few weeks later I anived in Melbourn e, and so ended the most wonderful adventure. FREDA THOMPSON.
APOLOGY. I should like, through "Matildll," to apol egise to the country Guiders who were nresent at the Guiders' Conference and exoected to oht'lin conj,es of the pamphlet on the 1st Class Test. We regret very much that these were not included among-st the books. etc., brought to the Conference from the Equipment Denot.
.
SEl
BLUE WRENS (Cont. from Page 5). Hp cannot tolel'ate thp interference of this i"terlonp.r, and fip'ht<; him savagely up and nown the nane till he is exhau sted. After l¡ p~t.in'" on the window-sill a few J'YIoments. in f)rrlpl' to reCf)ver. he resumes the fig-ht. This h .. ttl" wit.h his own reflection takes place at ,,]l the windows, even tho!>e under the veral'jdah. M. MORRIS, Hamilton.
N~0~v~e~m~b~e~r~,~1~9~3~5_.~________________~M~A~TIL .~D_A~_____________________________
Editor: M. Hoffmeyer.
They are found in swampy places or whel'e water is lying, and sometimes perch on a dead limb, near water. When disturbed they ri"e .slowly, and flyaway in a labored manner, sometimes uttering a loud croak. The nest if, a rather scanty platform, composed of sticks, placed jn the branches of a tree. This bird is invaluable, eating frogs, insects and yabbies., the last being so destructive to the banks of irrigation channels.-M.H.]
SPIDERS. I have received from Cohuna Guides an excellently preserved specimen of a large spider. It is the Vaconia, or Triantelope, a harmless, though ferocious-looking, creature. Sometime people call it a Tarantula, which is quite wrong, because that is a Mediterranean spider of bad reputation, whom our harmless Triantel ope unfortunately resembles. The body is U inches long; the creature measures 5 ins. across, and would be more with legs fully extended. Spiders have two parts-head-chest, bearing six pairs of jointed limbs, and body. The shod poison claws, in front of the head, close like a pocket-knife, injecting enough poison to paralyse the victim while the spider sucks its ·blood. The small second limbs, the "palps," help with mastication and also clean the poison-claws. The long first legs act as feelers, and the last ones are fitted with combs and hooks to help with spinning. Across the front of the head are two rows of eyes-four in a row. A spider can see only a short distance, however, and depends mainly on its sense of touch, which is very delicate. Do you know that spiders are not insects? They are animals, and vary in size from the tiny garden spiders to the South American giant that preys on humming birds! Spiders are great insect-destroyers. A fullsized man eating at the same rate would require "a whole fat ox for breakfast; an ox ami five sheep for dinner; two bullocks, eight sheep and four hogs for supper; and, just before retiring, nearly four 'barrels of fresh fish"!! Triantelope has been seen to eat seven moths in thirty minutes, and only two wings 01 the largest moth were left. He is a useful fellow, killing large numbers of wood-boring beetles.
BLUE CRANES. Some time ago I was interested to see three blue cranes flying together-I had only seen them singly or in pairs before. A few days earlier four had come to the waterhole near the houE.e, two old ones and two young ones. They were about to alight, but the ducks on the water were frightened, and quacked loudly as they swam to the bank, making such a noise that the cranes flew off in alarm. Is it usual for cranes to stay in groups? Or are thev solitalY, as ours seem to be? . [This note was sent from 1st MOlllvae Guide Company. The "blue crane" is not realIv a crane at but a heron-the white-faced heron-there being a structural difference b~ tween the two birds. Sometimes it i,s< seen In small flocks, more usually singly or in pairs.
aU.
THE PRAYING MANTIS. The nest of the praying mantis is shaped like a tunnel with a circular roof. The outsiae i.s covered with a brown substance, and has slight corrugations which slant towards 01l\~ end. Along the top of the nest is a dout-Ie row of holes, most of which are filled with a white substance. This band of substance continues over the end of the nest. When the maritids are ready to leave the nest, they force their way through the browa substance, leaving behind them numerous tiny holes. There are many insects to one nest. Tiny wisps of green, they are about 1 inch in length when they leave the nest, and quickly double their size. Some of them had quite a struggle to leave the nest, several dying in the attempt. About half an hour after the insects have left their nest, they perform the curious actkn which has given them their name. Balancing on their hind legs, they draw their feelers up to their heads, in the attitude of one who is praying-perhaps they were praying for food! After the maritids had been hatched for a day, they could get from one place to another, partly flying, partly walking, quite well. In fact, one little fellow had his fint €lcalp after half a day of open-air life-the remains of a tiny spidel' testifying to the fact. DOROTHY MEUNER, 1st Bendigo Guides.
BLUE WRENS. A while ago a friendly pair of wrens nested in our orchard. The nest was a neat little structure of grass, with a cover over it, and aside entrance, built in a clump of thistles, about 18 ins. from the ground. Four tiny wrens hatched, and as they grew up the parents taught them to come on to the verandah for food (there is always some oatmeal on a small tray suspended from the roof). One little one died, but the five stiil come. rt was very interesting to watch "bluey" losing his blue cap feather and becoming a little grey wren like the rest, but for his darker tail. A week or so ago it was amusing to see him going round the house, fluttering and twittering at each window, making friendly overtures to the wee grey wren he saw reflected there. Now, however, his blue cap has returned, and as he flutters from window to window he is disturbed to see another blue wren. (Continued on Page 4)
~ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _--.;;.M~A=_T
I_L_D_A _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _N~0_v..:..em=b..:.eI:.!¡,:...=19:..:3:..:1>..:..
THE "SIGNPOST" PAGE THE SIXTH LAW AT THE MEETING. Previous knowledge or ideas which the Guides may have can be drawn out by careful questioning, and will comprise the following: (a) That no Guide is unkind to animals; (b) That she would try to prevent anyone else being unkind to them; (c) That she should know how to take care of her pets--how to feed and keep them clean and happy; (d) That the best way of encouraging the confidence of birds is to have a bir d table and bird-bath; (e) That patience and self-control are most necessary qualities to cultivate, before gaining the trust and friendliness of any creature. After discussion on these points has been held, the Guider may have some further ideas to communicate; for instance, (a) A Guide without meaning to might be unkind, in such ways as over-feeding an animal, or letting a dog sit too near the fire' (b) The val;e of stalking, in helping to give control of mind and muscle; (c) The value of supporting societies which exist for the protection of animals, and the avoidance of entertainments where performing animal s appear. (d) The necessity for knowing the address of the Society for the Protection of Animals. Readiness to report cases of cruelty.
PRACTICAL ACTIVITY. Having sat still for some time, the Company will be glad to move about a little. Try one of the following games, or any other bird or nature game you know is good. (a) Stalking game. (b) The "Rats and Rabbits" game, playerl as "Birds that Migrate and Birds that Remain," or "Animals with Fur and Animals with Hair," or any other variation. (c) Patrols prepare and act the part of an:mals suffering from ill-treatment. Each non-acting Patrol tries to recognise what injustices are being represented. Revision. Later, point out to them that the Law needs care on four main points. (a) Avoiding unkindness, and preventing it; (b) Avoiding over-kindness; (c) Making friends. (d) Encouraging protection. Let them write down the four headings, and also the address of the Victorian Society for the Protection of Animals, 234 Swanston Street, Central 1327, The Animal Welfare League, for sick or hurt animals, 70 Elizabeth Street (Royal Bank Chambers), F6404.
Copies of the magazines of these Societies couln be handed round or put in the Company Library and subscriptions encouraged. (Adapted from "The Guider," Aug., 1929).
HANDLING PETS. Most pet animals are frightened, and even hurt, if they are handled in the wrong way. Here are a few hints which you should bear m mind when you have to lift an animal. Except in the case of kittens only a few days Old, cats should never be lifted by the scruff of the neck. The hand should be placed under the f,o repart of the body and the back legs allowed to rest on the arms. There b thus ample support for the whole body without undue strain on anyone part. Of course one does not lift grown dogs unless they ar~ small, but they should be handled in the same way as cats. Handle. a puppy very gently, and remember that senous results may follow if the little creature is allowed to fall even a short distance. Fowls are very badly handled as a rule. Never try to lift the bird by its legs or seize hold of one wing. The proper way is to grasp the wings just where they join the back and you will find that the bird seems happy and comfortable. A canary or any other small bird is grasped by placin~ the han~ softly over the body, and so enclosmg the wmgs, but leaving the head free. In the same way a parrot may be tackled, and one's hand is well out of reach of the terrible beak and claws. "The Guide"
HINTS. Now that Summer is approaching, and the ~nake emerges from his lair, Company meetmgs would do well to include in the programme some sessions on the Prevention and Treatment of Snakebite. Also, the swimming days will soon be hel'e, and no one knows to whom the responsibility of saving life in the water may come. Methods of rescue in the water can be practised first on land, as also can preliminary exercises for those who can not yet swim. A visit or two to the Company by an experienced swimmer and life-saver is of great value, and consistent practice by the Guides of the instruction given. Do not let mishaps find us unprepared.
AN ADVENTURE GAME. (For Out-of-Doors) Patrols are shipwrecked on an island. Their leaders go to the rescue in a boat, but they can not sail right up, because there is a reef round the island. (Reef should be marked at distance of a few feet from t he shipwrecked ones.) Leader throws a rope to her Patro~, each of whom in turn when receiving it, ties a bowline round herself and is pulled to safety. First Patrol over sails "home" to its corner (a special way of getting along, such as six steps forward [walking] and then rock for
~N~0~v~em~be~1~ 路,~1~9~ 3~5.~__________________~M~A~T~I~L~D~A
~
..
two steps, to simulate a boat, can be used). Each Patrol on returning discovers, by means of a note pinned on the wall, that a burgla::has been, and removed something from their corner. When they discover what is missing they report what they have lost to the Police (Captain). The police give them directions where to look for a clue to the burglars, of whom there are four different ones, working as a gang. Following the directions they find the sign for "Letter hidden." (Each Patrol, if desired, can be sent to a different place as long as the distance is even.) In the "message hidden" is the news, in morse, that the burglars' car has been wrecked and all four are lying injured at a place described. The message was l'eally left for friends of the r enegades, bl!-~ the finders bear no malice, and set off for the scene of the accident, bearing home the injured after treatment. Each "burglar's" injury should be pinned t o him. Points, awarded (a) for speed and accuracy in bowline-tying; (b) for speed in obser:vation of missing article; (c) for speed on arrIval at scene of burglar'S accident; (d) for correct treatment of accident (not speed). [N.B.- Captain acts the part of burglar in the first place, and removes Patrol articles.] -M.S.
VICTORIAN GUIDERS' CLUB. All "Matilda" readers are asked to note that on the last Saturday in each month the Vi<;torian Guiders' Club holds an entertainment. Watch the papers for the next monthly attraction! ! It is your Club, Guiders, so help it by becoming a financial member. Subscription 5 / - per year. Country Members, 3/ 6 per year. CORRESPONDENCE. 16th October, 1935. Dear "Matilda," The small red badg路e bearing date 1917 and surmounted by a gold crown, which Miss Balfus asks about in your last issue, will be a Guide War Service badge. These were issued after one hundred hours' service as messengers, orderlies, etc., in hospitals, Government offices, Red Cross depots, railway stations, air raid hostels, and so on. Guide war service badges were only given to Guides, and war service before becoming a Guide did not count. Although many people who took up Guiding towards the end of th':! war or immediately after the Armistice bp.came eligible for 1919 badges before the Peace was finally signed in June, 1919, many of the best of the new Guiders, who poured in after demobilisation, were not entitled to them. It was probably for this reason that the wearing of War Service Badges was discountinuecl a few years after the war. With best wishes, yours sincer ely, ALISON McM. CAMPBELL.
______________________________ 7
RECOMMENDED BOOKS. At a time when everyone's attention is focussed on Abyssinian affairs any book is welcome that throws light on an ancient country about which so little has been known. There are two l'ecent outstanding books on the subject: "Abyssinian rJourneyJ'" by Marcei Griaule, is descriptive of the country and the people themselves; "Abyssin~a on th~ Ev;e," by Ladislas Farago, deals With the sltuatIOll foreshadowing the present crisis. "Peace with Honour," the much discussed book by A. A. Milne, is being reprinted in a new edition, and will be available shortly at the popular price of 1 / 6. Nature lovers will welcome the appearance of "Feathered Friends," a Gould League Annual. This is well illustrated with excellent photogaphs and colour路e d plates of Australian oirds. It costs 2/ 6, and will make an attractive Christmas Gift for overseas friends. Another booklet which will be useful for the same purpose is a handbook on Australian Wattles, with a number of fine photographic illustrations. Three r路e cent novels which can be recommended for light reading are "The Inquisitor," by Hugh Walpole; "Illyrian Spring," by Ann Bridge; and "Green Rushes," by Maurice Walsh. An outs,t anding autobiography called "Borzoi," by Igor Schewoff, will attract much attention. The author is a young Russian dancer who has lived through the Russian Revolution of 1917. He has written intimately of that period and has produced a book of the very greatest interest. MARGERY HERRING, Chaucer Library and Book Shop.
SECONDHAND DEPOT. The depot for Guide and Guiders' Secondhand Uniforms, etc., has been taken over by 1st Melbourne Rangers. If you have anything to sell or donate, please send it to headquarters or to the Ranger-in-Charge, 2 ~ per r.ent. commission will be charged on all garments sold, to cover general expenses, etc. Any profits will go towards house fund. The Ranger in Charge is Maisie Lynn, 26 Holyrood Street, Hampton, S.7. S. H. IRVING.
GREETINGS! To Guiders of Victoria, greetings! We very much appreciated the telegram of good wishes from the Victorian Guiders' Conference to the Conference of Guiders held on the same day, in N.S.W. Lady David, who had attended a display in Harbour Division and was latel' going to a dance given by the G.G.'s in Kuringgai, found time to come to the. Conference and give u s a talk on International Guiding. We do hope you had an interesting Conference, too!
8
MATILDA
November, 1935.
"One reason so few recognise Opportunity is that it is generally disguised as Hard Work.
THE UNION JACK!
TWO COMPASS GAMES.
"Three in one, A Trinity of Sacrifice. One brought the Blue of Heaven's Hope From the shor,e s of Galilee. Another gave his heart's red blood That Faith might still go free; A third wove Hope and Faith with Love In a life of charity." Sometimes it is difficult to make the Pack interested in the compos.ition of the Union Jack. Probably Brown Owl has spent much time preparing an exciting and interesting talk on the Flag, only to be dishe;>.rtened by a chorus: "Oh, we know all that, Brown Owl, we learn it at schoo!!" Perhaps they know it, very well, or just indifferently, but they are to be bored with it if you just talk about it. How about each Six making a poster-not just an ordinary poster with the cross,e s cu: out and pasted on, but really interesting ones, which will take a few weeks to complete. Ask the Brownies to collect pictures of the threle countries. Historical pictures may be hard to find, but any scenes or pictures of industries, etc., will do. Very often you find a whole string of photos attached to a post card entitled "Greetings from Edinburgh," or some other place. The cross, emblem and a map of the country may be placed at the top of each poster, and the pictures arranged below. When a poster for each country has been made the Pack could try one of the Union Jack with Empire pictures. A helpful book to borrow on this subject is "Peeps at the Union Jack," by Norah M.K.B. Hewitt.
1.- Brownies are arranged in pairs and have to cross from one line to another. In between the lines are many obstacles drawn, or real, so that the Brownies can not cross in a straight line. One gives directions such as "Four Steps to the N.E." and the number of moves taken to get the Brownie from one line to anothel" are counted. Should the driven one make a mistake this counts a a move, and she has to return to the spot from where the mistake was made. When one has been driven over in, say, eight moves, she turns round and gives orders to her partner. This. may be accomplished in seven moves, making their score fifteen. The other Brownies try, and the ones with the least score win. 2.-The Brownies are arranged in a circle with one in the centr,e blindfolded, and standing in a smaller circle. She has some way of telling the north, either by a piece of wood firmly attached to the floor which s.he can feel with her foot, or else she is placed facing the north. Brown Owl says the names of two directions, e.g., North and South-West. The two Brownies in these positions must change places, passing through the centre. The cen .. tre person may either catch them as they pass, or she may find the space that they have left before it is occupied. The Brownie caught or beaten to the place then goes to the centre. 3. A QUIET GAME. The Pack sits in a circle and objects as keys, rings., pins, etc., are passed by Brown Owl till each player has one. Then the last person passing her object to Brown Owl says: "Brown Owl gave me a safety pin." The person next to her passes her object on and says. "Brown Owl gave me a safety pin and a key." Then there is a third passing, and "Brown Owl gave me a safety pin, a key and a match." As the first object returns to Brown Owl she sends out another, so that there is a steady stream of things passing round. When a Brownie makes a mistake in the order in which the things were passed she is out, and the game goes on, till Brown Owl's objects are exhausted, or there are no players left. When they are used to this, the game can be varied by having the Brownies pass the
Some Golden Hand Games. A SEMAPHORE GAME. Have the Pack in Sixes, and number each Six. At the ¡e nd of the room opposite each Six there is a pile of pictures. Brown Owl calls a number, then signals a letter, and each Brownie who is that number has to run up and find a picture beginning with that letter. First correct and back in the Six scores a point. M.E.H.
\
...
I
I
November, 1935.
9
MATILDA
things behind their backs and guessing what the things are by their feel. Suitable things for objects are :- leaves, grass', twigs, corks, hairpins, rings, paper, service stars, badges, rubbers, etc. If this game is played early in the day, late-r it can be replayed by just saying the things without seeing them and saying them in the order in which they were passed. L.T.
SINGING GAME (By Request). Tune: Sandy Girl. "Here's a little Brownie Gnome, W ond'ring what to do. For someone came along And stole her shoe away. Jump up, Brownie Gnome, Try and find your shoe. Have three guesses who it was, And then hop away." Brownies in a circle, with one in centre, with a picture of a shoe on floor beside her. Brownies skip round singing; at third line one Brownies goes and takes shoe. When the end of t he verse is reached, Brownie in centre opens eyes and has three guesses who has he;shoe. If she guesses wrongly, the Brownie with the shoe hops around ¡ the circle. while the Brownie Gnome tries to catch her. (Gnome ('ould be changed to Elf, Sprite, etc., according to what Six Brownie is in.) R.L.S .
Better, Brighter Uniforms. Dear Matilda, We hear a lot about the care and preservation of other people's property, chiefly when referring to hiking and camping. Do we bring enough into every day use combined with the Law of Thrift? Again we have seen in the columns of the press reference to our dull uniform which hurts us a little. With ourselves l'E'sts the l',e medy of the accusation. What a difference bl'ight and lS,hining belts and badges make even if the all-improving iron is not obtainable for the overalls and ties. Cleaning of belts and badges are not simply copying military "spit and polish" but preservation of kit. Registered goods belong to the L .A. or Company according to local conditions, and not to the individual child, and so as such should be returned in good order and preservation. Leather if starved will crack and become scratched, so should be fed by cleaning. If kept in order from the start a very smart appearance will be kept by surprisingly little effort once the standard has been reached. A Patrol or Company Kit Cleaning Outfit is an excellent thing to own. Belts. Din a soft rag in methylated spirit, then in hpol hall (obtainablE' from Coles, 1d., or probIlhly from a bootmaker) and then in boot polish . and rub on belt. Then takE' the handle of a tooth brush and rub over a few times, and finish with a clean soft rag. A high polish will soon appeal'.
About two or three times a year, or when the scratches and cracks come, or if the leathH' is getting dry use saddle soap. Make a good lather without getting too wet, and rub on leather, and leave to dry for a few hours, and then polish with a dry, clean rag. This method is a much longer one, but is necessary occasionally. If the belt is in very bad order, put on a very good lather, and rub several times with a fresh lather, and leave for 24 hours. Then rub with a dry, clean, soft brush and finish with a s,oft rag. Tenderfoot Badges, State Badges and Buckles, 'e tc. Tenderfoot badges when new are hard to shine, but perseverance wins in the end. Re .. move the v,e neer with' sand soap, then wash in clean, hot water and dry. Use the following method: I find "Town Talkette" silver cleaning rag (obtainable from Myers, McEwan's, price 1/6) lasts quite a long time, and can be divided among a few people. It not only cleans badges, buckles, knives, etc., by rubbing t he cloth on the article and then polishing with a clean old toothbrush, and finishing with a clean soft rag but is ,e xcellent for Guiders' State Badges. Th~ crown cleans beautifully, and the T.T. improves, the enamel. This also applies to Ranger badges. Silver polish or brasso is also good for badges, but I find "T.T'. " the easiest meth.od. Every now and again Badges, etc., requIre to be washed with soap applied with a nail brush and rinsed in very hot clean water and dried with a dry rag. When badges, have had too much polish applied they get clogged and will not shine, so wash them and they will be better than ever. ' ~uiders, let us remember our State badges. WIth us rests the responsibility of showing an example to the Rangers, Guides, and Brownies of how to take car,e of kit. In the rush of preparation f~r the Company we often neglect our own kit, and the longer we leave it the harder it is to keep up the standard which when maintained, only requires a few minute~ in the week to keep a bright and shining example of what we expect (or hope for) when we inspect the Company. Yours sincerely, "A LOVER OF BRIGHT THINGS."
Even the Least of These! Kindness to animals? Why, of course! Wha in this enlightened age would think of illtreating any defenceless creature? Yes, but what are those long lines, of truck", iolting and ~.waying through the interminable hours towards Newmarket? Do you see those mfn on bicycles pedallinl; out to Oakleigh, r~ch with a narrow wooden box slung- across hIS back? And look at those curious boardeclUP vans travelling along- the dusty road, in and Otlt of the ruts, to Mildura! I thought I
11)
MATILDA
caught a glimpse of cockatoo's feathers as the luggage van of that country train flashed past! ... The lines of railway trucks, that can be seen somewhere in Victoria at any time of the day or night, are stock trains, and in them sheep and cattle are carted to the central sal~ yards, en route to the abattoirs. These condemned beasts may stand for a whole day and night, or more, packed together in the trucks, regardless of the blazing sun, or a bitter, freezing wind. Upon arrival at their destination, at Newmarket, for instance, they are unloaded into cobbled auction yards, and probably left there for another ten hours or so-still with n6thing whatever to eat. Not bi!fore the evening may they be taken on the final stage of their last pitiful journey to the slaughter-hou€iE!, on account of interference with the city traffic. Some of them die in the slow, bumping trains; many more are injured, and bundled out anyhow on to the platform; and others sink down utterly exhausted on the hard concrete roads, in spite of the drovers' whips and the snarling sheep dogs. I wonder how many of us who have once reen one of them hauled up and flung into the drover',; cart, could ever again really enjoy a mutton chop? The oblong boxes perforated at each enrl, which the cyclists carry, have huddled in then a number of beautiful, tame pigeons. It is almost pitch dark in these tiny prisons, but in the sunlight irridescent greens and purples shine from the little prisoners' slender necks, and glisten on their wings. They are on their way to the grounds of the Gun Club, where they will be unexpectedly released, and as they rise, perhaps uncertainly, confused by the sudden brightness and the strange surroundings, they will be fired at by various "sportsmen" armed with shotguns. The wounded who fall near at hand are hunted by boys with sticks, and those who get away, die more slowly, in different ways ... Men are so fond of shom. Ir.g. The vehicles that look like solid furniture vans are part of a trav.elling circus, and in them crouch lions, tigers and possibly a bear or two. Everybody is afraid of such big animals, and ISO they are kept constantly shut up, except when being trained by means of whip:;, detonators and tridents, or when doing silly tricks in the arena. Who ever really believed that a lion could be made to jump through a hoop of fire "by kindness"? Jack London writes in the foreword to his enthralling book, "Michael Brother of Jerry": "But what tunIs my head and makes my gorge rise is, the coldblooded. conscious, deliberate cruelty and tOt'ment that is manifest behind ninety-nine of every hundred trained animal turns. Cruelty, as a fine art, has attained its perfect flower in the trained animal world." "The natural tricks of an animal are so tame that the public, while they might applaud them in their own pets at hOTJIe. would not pay to ree a public exhibition of them. Therefore, the trainers have to devise other and more unnatural tricks, and. to teach them, have to use brute force. Even if this were not so,
,
November, 1935.
the victims have to be kept in confinement and in unnatural surroundings, and have to be dragged round the country to amuse peop:e in the various towns where they are billed to appear." (From "A Century of Work for Animals"). . The President of the American Humane Association says: "We have seen lions, tigers and dogs shipped in cages so small that they could scarcely stand, and barely turn round. These animals are not guilty of any offence; they are merely the victims of man's insatiable desire for profit and amusement. Is man justified in requiring such a price for his entertainment? Should men be permitted to profit by such conditions ?" These critics have been behind the scenes, and they knew. Nobody could put any "all done by kindness" bluff over Jack London! There is a club named after him, which consists of people who pledge themselves to object in some way to any trained animal performance they may witness. They can get up and leave the place of entertainment when tho:! turn beginE', returning when it is over; or they can speak or write to the management afterwards. If this were done consistently by all humane people, there would be an end of ci-rcuses, buckjumping shows, ducks and dogs made to dance on' hot or electrified plates, and similar barbarous spectacles. In the meantime, the headquarters of the Jack London ,Club in Melbourne is at the office of the Victorian Society for the Protection of Animals, 234 Swanston Street, Melbourne, and all one has to do is to send in one's name-and have the courage to keep the promise. The guard's van of a city-bound train seems an unlikely enough spot in which to find wil:! birds-the last place they would choose to find themselves in, one would say. Yet there often they may be found, packed up in small wired crates with slippery metal floors, giving no foothold as the van rocks and sways. Ros.ellas, cockatoos and galahs. as well as the smaller fry, may reach the Melbourne mar· kets after a noisy, terrifying journey of anything up to three adys. Starving and parched with thirst they arrive, to be thrust hastily into the back regions of the shops, out of sight of any kindly person who might happen to stray into such a place by accident. Mos,t prominently on view to the public are the finished products. whistlers and talkers. who hav:) somehow survived not only the train journey but also the subsequent course of "training," in which extreme weakness brought on by lack of food and water olays a chief part. Birdcatchers up in the Riverina district send dow'l far more than are required, knowing perfectly well that a big percentage will actually die on the way. In order to save freight charges, full-grown cockatoos have been packed into small fruit cases so that they had to crouch down all the time, and be nearly suffocated. The great, beautiful, white creatures, so magnificently active in their native haunts, call scarcely move after being "unoacked"-that i!; the only word to use-and just suffer in silence, too broken and weak to offer any I'esistance at all. It is a shocking sight, but In
N__ov_e_m_b_e_r~,_1_93_5_.____________________~M~A~T:~I=L~D~A~__________________________~11 this Christian land there is no law to pl'event it. Moreover, a cockatoo that has somehow survived all this misery, and been thoroughly cowed and tamed, is eagerly bou~ht by thoughtless people who can grasp lIttle or nothing of what they do notJi"ONtively see. If only man would curb his insensate craving to rob others of their liberty, the animals and birds might then lose their fear of him, and become friendly in their natural state without losing their birthright of freedom and happiness. We groan under the burden of our afflictions, resulting from our own mistakes, and seek relief by victim ising those who cannot retaliate. We clamour for fur coats, and myriads of opossums and harmless native bears are promptly trapped and skinned in ways too horrible to describe. We long for excitement, and' a pack of hounds is loosed all the trail of a fox, that we may capture the thrill of the chase. We cry out for peace in a world of international distrust, forgetting that peace, like other virtues, begins at hom~, and that we could hardly expect it when there is red war being constantly waged by men everywhere against the rest of creation. I had a dream once--but I can put it more easily this way: JUDGMENT. I saw a star gleam piercingly The dark sky through; I heard a great Voice cry with might That rent the veil of brooding night, Yet gently, too"By mercy will I judge the earth From west to east; Stand forth, 0 Sons of Men, and say How ye have used your equal clay, Both bird and beast. "My little furry children, come! How fared you-well? Sweet feathered ones whose wings I wove, (Each tiny shaft a beauty-trove), Your story tell." It ceased . . . The silence slowly filled With limping feet, With rustling wings. Sad lions tamed And cow'ring; foxes trapped and maimed; And, crazed with heat,
Fur-laden captive Polar bears; Cage-fretted birds, Shot-wounded starlings, hunted deer, And starveling dogs and horses clear Men saw. But words Shrank back before that ghastly host Then terror swept Across the guilty human crowd, For 10, the mighty Father bowed His head, and wept. Cinquefoil. I.J.A.
BROWNIE COMPETITION. Send your entries for the Beauty Quest this week, Brown Owls. I regret that 1st South Yarra's Nature Alphabet was too late for competition.
EQUIPMENT DEPOT. We have now in stock, specially imported for summer uniforms, a good quality Alpaca. This makes a vel'y nice summer-weight Coat Frock, and is very cool and uncrushable. It is 54in. wide, and the price is 7/11 a yard. Patterns for this Coat Frock have been specially imported, so Commissioners and Guiders can feel that they are getting the best possible material, and a good reliable pattern. The pattern costs 2/-. C. BROADHURST, Commissioner for Equipment.
TRAINING. Training Week. 1£ applications warrant it a Training Week for Guiders and prospective Guiders (over 18 years of age) will be held from 27th December, 1935, to 4th January, 1936, inclusive. The fee will be 30/-. The place will be announced later. The Week will be for General Guide and Brownie training. Guider in Charge: Miss M. E. Bush, Brownie Trainer, Miss E. Lardner. Applications, accompanied by a deposit of 5/-, should reach the Training Secretary at the Guide Office not later than 15th November. Deposits will not be refunded unless withdrawal is made a fortnight before the beginning of the Week. When applying, will Guiders please state whether they wish to take Brownie or Guide training, and whether they have attended a Training Week before? M. E. BUSH, Commissioner for Training.
MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. ~ A m~l'ting of thl' I1xecutiyc Commltt"" of th!' Girl GuidE'S Association was held at t.he GlIirle OfficI' on the 25th ~('pt(orubN" 103.). Pre.ent: ~lrs. Edmondson, Mr~. Lit tlf'john. ~ll's. Tat!". ~Il~H BURh. MJ!\" Camf'ron, and nil' >'('rrp(ary. (O"id" House: It 'YO" reported that til,· GuidI' House FIlIHI amountpc1 to E3040/4/3, and it \\ as agl'pe(] (hat. R" n re"ult of discussion lit thE' Comml"sionprs' and GUillpl',' Conff'rences, n 'l.'hlift Week ror tho> Gni(]p nOlls/' be h~1<l from tl1(' lljth/2:lr(] N,wpmi)pr. flnc1 that the proceeds be giv('u as a Christmas Bn~ to the Fuud. Record of S .. rvice: It waR agrl'E'(] that a ho(,k be kept liS a hist,?rl('al Tero!'(] o~ all those 11eop]e ron· IwctPfI with GUlfling III "Idona whose help had bE'en sufficiently outstanding to affert th!' hiqtol"Y of the ~ron'llIpnt. . Thanl" BIl.lge: It was 3l!"rt'ed that 1'hanks Ba.Il~{'s bp gl'"l'n to lIll'R. Collett. ~Irs. :111111'1' anll :\lrs. Gnillil' Ranger Conr.. r.'oc .. : It ,yaS rpportE'd that the RanI'('l' Conf!'l'pnce would be held on the' lflth NO'·Nnber . ..\nnual "eeting: It was tll!"rE'E'd that the .\JlJlual )Iepting i)t' hE'ld on thp 22nd NO\·cmber. in thp ~lpet. Inl!" Pool. 8...,r~tary for LOlle.: It waR l'eport~<1 thM :\fiS9 ",Ol·tOll had ngrE'E'd to be i'lecretary for Loup •. LeM'e or AhsenN" It WfiR agree!! that Larly Chauypl and )lisR I'lll'nell "hould be' grantl'11 ipa"e of ab~PIJrP and tbat Miss Cameron should net us Chairman of the CommitteI'. R"Hi/cnRtinn: 'rhe ("('slgnation of Mrs. Thorold Fink was ("E'cE'iycd with rp!:Te't A. RE'port waR recE'\yp(1 from the GE'Jl!'l'al Pnrposes Rnb ·Commltt<'E'. The IlatE' of thE' next lllPE'ting WaR fixed for the tilth Or·tobl"". lOa;). ROlltlu!' IInel flnan('ial hll~inpsR was trnnRncted. R. H. IRVING. Rtate Sel'retnry.
12
A ll1cetjllg of the K\.et·utive Committee of the Girl Guitl .. s Association, Yic ·toria, " 'us held :It the Guilll' Offkl' ou 16tb October, 1935. Pr .... ~nt: ~liss ~. ~l. Cllllwron in the chair, ~lrs. Littlpjohn. ~Jl's. Tate, :llissI's Bush, Swinburne and tbp
November, 1935.
MATILDA
~('('rf!hlJ'Y.
(;lIitl~ ROllsI': It was reporteel that the Fund alllCllllltl'<1 to £30:;7, ancl thut notiel's bad been seut (lut al>onr Thrift "'eek. R.("IH)I·t~
wt.'re
l't'('€'iv(~ tl
from
thp Commissioners'
flutI thp (";nitlf'l's' ('onfpl'encf'!'.
('omrni" ... ioner for Rangerb: It wn8 l"('pOl'teu that l\liss .1. t·. Bores lint! ugre NI to be commissioner for Uaug'Pl's in p1tH.'t.> of )liHS l'UIUPl'Ull. l'r~igDM. ""J'I.'~m.nt to P.O. anel R.: Altpl'tltions and adul t iOlls \\-t'1'P tI pprovefl. _\nnlloJ R"I.ort: Til" clmft of thp alluual l't'purt was l'Nlll :llitl :1PI)1'O\'(,(].
)Iontb: It was
ag'l"P('(l that. Ii'ehruary, If)3G. sho\l III I", adosI'll montb for l'OrrE'H\lOnUence to Com . ('IOfo;ed
missiolll' l' t..; [(lr lJ e llUl'tulent~. •Juninr Ued ('ros,: 11 'nt~ H~l'I"'(1 thtlt Guides be osk .. cl tn support Ill(> :lp[H' nl th!' .Tun lor R~d Cross
or
rill' tn.'·s fnr the sick children uf IIIlHuployed returned t-ioldiPl's.
AI'PI'!'c'intion wn, expr!'ssNI b~' tbe Committee ot tlw .fnninr H I'Il Cl'oS~ for thl' l1<>lp gil'ell in previous "pnl"~ . . llolltine and finltncial business was discussed. ~. U. lnYING. ~t!lt(' ~eeretary.
bt :llol~)liss ll, Flewin. :!llcl North :'IJelbollrne-:lliss R Stewart. :lnd Queeuscliff-)1iss Z. Jt'rmyu . 1st St. ArIlllUcl- :!>liss D. Jackson_ lst 'rooru ~liss G. Evans. al'<l I~oDes · )IiSH W. Perry. 10th Lones- :-iiss H. Martin . 4tb Posts- ~Ii,s F.. "·oClelfol'll. Lieutenonts: 1st BalwYII - ~liss L. Gordou. l1t1! Ul'eloll~ - Miss E. Anc.ll'rson. HI! Ht. KiI<l,t-~liss B. Caspar. Rung"r Cu),taln: lst Brutitl'll - ~ll's. J!'n'shwutl'r. lsi J)jJt1bo,,'a-~!iss D'.\lton. Hnll{.{i>J'~-?dis:-; Jtang~rs-~1iss Liel1t~nant!'l:
1st Luue :!ntl P"st Rnngt'r ~tb
P . Q. Pond.
L. \\'('ickbardt.
Lone HOllgl'rS- )llsR
~1.
Fowlpr.
REGISTRATIONS . Pael< -A Iphington. ( ' oml)lln) --Jth Ballarat. Tth Prahrnn Dumll). 2nll QlI(>('nscliff.
(Dcaf and
LEA VE OF ABSENCE. Mrs. "-. IJ. Cook c'. DiRtric't ('ommissiont'r, Coleraine.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS. :lliss K D. Wallat!'. to 2 Forti St.. Preston. N.1S.
APPOINTMENTS_
CANCELLED WARRANTS.
Dl",trit't COmmiH!iioner: l)ll~'lesforrl: ~Irs.
Anson, BI'idport St .. Daylesford.
WARRANTS. Urowu 3l'li ht Tawll.'ht lst
K",,·
Owl: ('ola(' -:\Iiss r. Westwood. DimlJuoln -~frs . Il:trraelougb. Owl: Xy:tb nistrict - ~Iiss ~1. Pas('o!'. Warl'3l·knalwnl _\Ii.s N. Lt:>mon.
2nll
~1.
IIopt:>-('nmpbell.
For Your Entertainments. Sports and Social Fixtures
YOU NEED
at Better Prices-:.......,GET IT AT
McKellar Press 229 GLENFERRIE Rd. MALVERN
U1875
Wholly Set l:p and Printed by
Pack .
We rl'gret that in thl' October iS~lIl' the following aplwnr(>ll as rl'sl~n"tions inst!'all of acting Captains: 1st Kprnn~ -:m,~ ;\1. DPnkin. 1st 'roornk--;l!lRs .T. ~!itchplJ. ht MOl'tlrtkl'--~J\ss .To)' ('p Jones.
,r.
SCHOOL BLAZERS Blazers Tailored to Measure
Of QUALITY
on Request_
DISBANDED.
Ribbon-bound Blazers in highgrade flannel, from 18/1t
PRINTING
Samples and Prices
~r('lboul' nl'
CORRECTION.
('sntnin:
ht Bnxt .. t· -~liss F.. n . Grant. ht F.X . n. & ('rib Point )Iiss :.th (~f\fllong- l\Hss rl~. 'VilHon. 21111 lIcll·,ham- -~liss .T. 'Vatts.
:It-rl BURt ;\lal"('rn -~liSH K . .-\n!ll'rson. 1st Parkl'iJlf' R;H'k-~1iss L. '['ulJoh. 1st '['prang Pa(·k-)!is. G. ;\1it(·hl'li. ;\rr\ n:lIlg(>rs-~lrs. Brol\ribb.
In the Flannel
best
quality Velour .. from 45/-
SNOWS John Snow & Co_ Pty. Ltd., Melb.CI-
McKELLAR PRESS 229 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.
~: