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MATILDA.
F ebruar y , 1936.
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FEBRUARY, 1936.
Number Eight.
A Visit to the New Zealand Guiders' Camp Home.
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R.M.S. "Monowai,'" Pacific Ocean, nearing Vancouver, Sept. 30, 1935. Dear Editor, A cool afternoon having at last arrived, I am taking the opportunity to tell you, as ) promised. of my visit to the New Zealand Guiders' Camp Home in Auckland. Two ()f the New Zealand Guiders whom I had met. in Melbourne carried out their promise of taking me out to see "Otimai." Unfor, tunately the day was very wet, so I did not get the best view of the hills as we drove the sixteen miles out, mostly through pretty residential suburbs, however. At last we came to the turn-off, and the rr.ilway station, the post office, the church, and the dairy which the Guides used, were pointed out. Then came a sharp corner into a kind of lane, and in a few moments we had pulled up and I was gazing at a large beaten copper tablet on a brick wall, "The Guiders' Home." "Otimai" was a private country cottage belonging to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson. The lattel' was for some time Chief Commissionet¡ for the Dominion, and gave this delightful house and eleven acres as a training home. She has also added to the original building the "Pine Room," so that about 40 people can be accommodated. Now let me take you through the house. As at Glengarry, so often, we entered through the kitchen. It was quite laTge, with two .e:ood sinks, a wood stove, and an electric ring-. Think of it--electric light! From the kitchen I had to go out another door and see their pride -a real well, apparently bottomless, of pure drinking water, with a bucket on a rope to let down. Bath water, etc., is pumped up electrically from the creek. Back through the kitch n, we passed into a sitting room, and off it was a single room for Guider or Commissioner. The verandah was a kind of deep loggia, where some sleep out, and meals are usually had. At the other end was a mattress room, where nearly all the mattresses " . hung up on gadgets like enormous coat-hangers, Up a narrow staircase, we came to .
long attic with high beds all round, and low beds underneath. These are pulled out at night. There is a window at one end which the Guides like, for outside it is kept a stepladder in case of fire. They often use it, but not for fire! I think there was also another bedroom, but now I must lead you to the "Pine Room." Its name is taken fTom the wood of which it is built, and it certainly deserves a special name. It is a long big room, wood panelled, with big rugs, a few easy chairs, books, p~c tures, a window with a view at one end, and a lovely fireplace at the other. A room in which one could tind peace and inspiration. Upon the mantelpiece was framed the ceremonial which is always observed for the camp fire. Guidel's (or Guides) in residence are divided into five patrols, named after native trees growing in the Otimai bush. Rimu and Kauri are two of them, but spelling fails me over the others. A twig of these is placed on the fire by each leader as she repeats a few words linking a characteristic of the tree to an ideal in Guiding. A brief ceremony, but I should think, impressive. Once in a patrol, you always return to it, as one does at Foxlease. Off the "Pine Room" is a bedroom for two Guiders, with its own bathroom and lavatory. Ben~ath it, are bath.s, showers, cupboards, and a hlke room. ComIng outside again, we are in front of the verandah, and there is a flagpole and a small lawn, with a narrow horseshoe of asphalt. Bulbs were the chief thing bloo!"ing in the garden, but sweetpeas were commg on. There was a sundial, and beyond some fruit trees, then round the corner of th~ house we plunged into the bush. It is impossible for me to describe adequately this lovely corner of New Zealand bush. It is so entirely different from our own but has its own special charm. There was ~ winding path through the trees and thick undergrowth, which after the rain smelt fresh and earthy. Several of the trees were labelled for the Guides to learn. There wel'e lots of pun gas, what I would call very large treefems, but are not actually such. Half-way down we cam u Jon the "cottage." This i a
MATILDA
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single room, with a verandah, to aeommodate four to six Guides or Rangers, and can hr taken separately from the house. At the bot ¡ tom of the hill a clearing has been made and grassed, and it is here tha~ games are played. Cr0ssing it, our path stIll wound. through trees and shrubs, and presently we dIscovered the Chapel. At one end of Ii small clearing, the stump of a very large tree had been placed. Over it grew mosses, while ferns peeped from its crannies. In front a cross of rough sticks had been set, flanked by bottle .. containing fresh daffodils. Around the edge of the Chapel daffodils had been planted, and were blooming. A little further on the woods ran down to a swiftly flowing creek, which forms one of the boundaries. I was most interested to see the same pride of possession as we in New South Wales havE' towards Glengarry. My Guider friends looked round with an eye of intimate affection, and quietly rectified one 01' two little things that some oversight or inexperience had left not quite up to standard. But I must add that "Otimal" looked very spic and span, and would be, I think, an easy place to keep so. Altogether my afternoon there was a very happ:y one, and I hope I have conveyed some idea of what "Otimwi" is really like. I am now very near Vancouver, after quite a good trip, and becoming most eager to see what I can learn of Guiding and camping ir. Canada. With all best wishes. Yours sincerely, MARY E. MILLS (from "The Waratah")
THE EDITOR. Our Editor, Miss Margaret Crellin, has resigned owing to pressure of other work. We all regret her resignation and are extremely grateful to her for all the time and energy she has spent on "Matilda"; we appreciate, too, the progress which "Mat~lda" has mad~ during the time Miss Crellm has been m the Editor's Chair. We are glad to be able to say that Miss Margot Anderson has agreed t~ ta~e o;r; t~e Editorship, and feel sure. that MatIlda WIll flourish under her guidance. S.H.1.
EQUIPMENT NOTES. Guide Hats. In the near future the price of Guide Hats will be l'aised to the sum of 6/6, but the postage will be the same. This has been found necessary because we wish to supp~y a better Quality than hitherto, a~d to do th.ls we must pay a sli'?htly better prIce. The pnce of wool, which is better than it has been for some years, makes the pri~e of Wool. felts. correspondingly more. ThIS new p~lce WIll co~e iuto operation as the new st!>ck IS used, so ':'111 all clients help us by sendmg the new prIce, which, if necessary, will be remitted. CLARA BROADHURST, Commissioner for Equipmellt.
February, 1936.
Stradbroke CUp 1936. At a meeting of Division Commissioners held at Headquarters on the 1st November, 1935, it was agreed that the cultural side of Guiding needed developing, and Commiss'oners were asked to give a lead. It was agreed that the aim of the Cup Competition in 1936 should be (a) to develop the cultural side; (b) to be good propaganda; (c) to raise funds for the Guide House. It was decided that the Competition should be for Acting, Singing, Country Dancing, International Story Telling. It was agreed that Districts should give particular attention to these four headings when planning programmes. It was agreed that Miss L. M. Andrews be convenor of a Sub-Committee to considel' plans, the members of the Sub-Committee to be Mrs. Faulkner and Mrs. C. P. Fairbairn. At a subsequent meeting of the Sub-Committee the following details were' decided. (1) To equalize as much as possible the number of Companies in Districts, country and outer-suburban Divisions will be linked as Districts. Definite lists of these will be announced later. (2) The word Guide in all these competitions includes Brownies, Guides, Rangers, Guiders and Commissioners. Competitions are listed under the foHowing heads:(1) One-Act Play, to play for not longer than thirty minutes; An original play, based on (1) Historical event; (2) Legend or Fairy Tale; (3) Modern Plot, to be sent into Headquarters labelled "Stradbroke Cup- ¡One-Act Play," at the end of April, 1936. If a suitable play is forthcoming it will be included in the list of plays to be given later. Extra points will be allotted to the district from which it originates. N .B. This will be an opportunity for Extension and Lone Guides to assist their district in the Stradbroke Cup Competition. 2. Singing. Choir to consist of any number of voices. List of songs to be sung will be set later. 3. (a) Country Dancing, Team of eight Dances optional. (b) Original Australian Dances (this section is not compulsory). 4. Story-Telling. This Story must be told as round a Camp Fire, it should not take longer than 15 minutes and must be of International Character. Outside assistance may be obtained in working for these items. Rules for judging and points to be allotted will be announced in due course. It is hoped that a Festivlll1 may be held shortly after judging to include some of the best talent discovered during the competition. L. M. ANDREWS. Convener $tradbroke Cup Sub-Committee.
February, 1936.
MAT I L D A
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Editor: M. Hoffmeyer.
An Interlude. After spending 路some busy hours with the Girl Guides among the gums and wattles of a wooded hill beyond Corryong, in the Upper Muri'ay district of Victoria, we drove home to Towong to find a most interesting excursion awaiting us. One of the stockmen, whilst moving cattle from the river flats to higher ground before the advent of floods, had found a number of nests, which he would show us if we cared to go, We were tremendously interested, and agreed at once. It meant a further three-mile drive along the excellent Murray Valley Highway, then a change to horses, which he had in readiness, knowing Qur interest in birds and their ways. Ii was a glorious afternoon in early September, such ase we praise as typically Australia. The sun shone from an unclouded sky, there was no wind (we are so sheltered among the l'anges that only storms disturb our peace), the grass was green and 'luxuriant beneath our horses' feet, while t.he course of the river was outlined with giant red gum, willow5 newly green, and wattles in aU the glory of their golden beauty. Across the river rose the hills, gum and wattle clad, footstools of the snow-crowned Alps. We crossed small creeks, lagoonse and marshes, and trotted over smooth green stretches where long-dead treese stretched gaunt trunks to the sky, and approached a large swamp, into which we rode, urging the hon;es slowly on, for there, in the centre, on an enormous platform of reeds gathered from a radius of some 20 feet, was the nest of a pair of native companions. The male wase a magnificent bird, silvery grey with a brilliant head, whilst his mate was less beauteously clad, and were two of a large flock we had been watching for several weeks past feeding and dancing on the racecourse and paddocks nearer home. At our approach the male, who was off the nest, had flapped his wings and given a cry of warning to his mate, who quickly and quietly left the nest, so that when we arrived, we were able to examine the eggs, of which there were two, They were about 5~ inches long, creamy white in colour, flecked with brown, like very large turkey eggs, sharply pointed at Qne end and rounded at the other to prevent them from rolling into the water, for the depression forming the nest is more of fancy than fact. No feathers, down 01' moss lined the nest, for these babies must learn to depend upon
themselves very early in life, and are not cod<tled. Leaving this nest, we rode over the flats towards the river, and now saw the full grandeur of the Kosciusko Range in itse mantle of snow, the best it has worn for years. Tower路 ing high above the foothills and lesser treeclad rangese those miles of fascinating snow stood clearly and sharply against the sky, drawing the eyes incessantly from the lesser beautiese on every hand. The next nest we viewed was that of a wild black duck, very snug.ly hidden in a tusesock of marshy grass on a ridge. As the mother duck was feeding, she had, with native cunning, covered her eleven precious eggs from the prying eyes of crow and hawk by scratching grass and feathers over them. Other ducks rose in pairs from the ground around us, but we hadn't time to search for nests, being anxious to see the bla;ck swan's nest, for which we 'had to cross a lagoon and make a detour rouna the head of a gulch to a large swamp. OIJJe at a time, we followed our guide, who forced his horse to break a pathway through the reeds which grew high overhead. The water was up to the saddle flaps, and the horses didn't much like the job. Well in, quite out of sight from the land, was another huge mound of trodden reeds, piled high above water level, but not nearly so extensive in character as that of the brolgas. Here were five eggs, and we measured one. It was 5~ inches long, 2~ inches wide, oval in shape as the nest cavity was deeper, and the shells were a dirty blotchy green cQlour. There 路s eemed more architecture about this home, but the restiveness of the horses made us curtail our examination, as we didn't wish to be tipped off. The black swan was quietly feeding and swimming in a shallow pool nearby. There were other nests; our guide told us he'd seen five, but this was the easiest of access in that jungle of weeds and reeds. Evening was closing in as we turned our willing horses towards the gate, night falls quickly among the hills, and a sharp nip of frost made us eager to hurry, too. As there were no clouds, the sunset was not so spectacular as it ise in Autumn, but the mountains and valleys drew down the mystery of night as they changed from purple to dark blue, and the blush of pink faded from thf! snow, leaving it cold and white, while the rich afterglow still dyed the sky. Wedges of ibis flew overhead, plovers rose complainingly from the ground, every dead tree seemed to have its laughing jackass, and lights began to twinkle from hillside homes. We put up a fox, but it raced to its burrow, where our guide said there were 路 young ones. A hare wa.& enjoying perhaps his last evening meal, till we scared him, for there was to be a drive against them on the morrow. We splashed through the creek, slipped from our horses, who tossed their heads, and after cheery "goodnights" and "Thank you's" got into the cal', and made om' way homewal'd under the frosty stars. CORRYONG GUIDES.
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____________________________~M~A~TI~L~D~A~_____________________F_e_b_rl_la_l~¡y~,_1_9__ 36.
A "NATURE" DIARY. Last Sunday--Very hot, birds quiet and bathing in the bird bath, blackbirds, starlings, sparrows, two goldfinches and one thrushall in together! M(lfiday-Too busy to notice much, except to hear a bird-call I didn't know. "What's that?" J say to our washer-lady. "Where?" she says. 1 explain. "Goodness," says she, "I thought one of my sheets had blown down!" Tuesday-Batches of swallows flying very low-had a good look at them-also a hawk-hundreds of worm castings-rain! Wednesday-Golf rotten--too much nature going on altogether-"What are you peering at?" says my opponent, "there's your ball." Thursday-Counted in my lachanalia boxplanted twelve last year-now 11,ave thirty up!-very good business. I must have, as the Irish say, "the green finger." , Friday-Frowned at a mother hurrying along, dragging a very small one by the hand -it running to keep up! Saturday--Semi-sheltered from the rain, under some kind of eucalyptus-very intrigued with the flower cycle, all on the tree at oncevery handy and pleasant to me, beginning with the very pretty red, yellow and green starfish design-thro' the feathers, flowers, to the nuts. One of the "starfish" is now in a floating bowl, and a great centre of interest, and . wishing you could examine it. Sunday-Nothing-except to feed my still sitting lady dove! M.B.F.
"Let's Camp!" "Captain, we want to do something so badly, and we know you'll say 'No'." "Dear me!" said Captain, "Well, let's hear it, anyway." Then said the eager, longing voices, "The Governor has given us a holiday on Mon~ day-can't we come out here and camp?" "Well!!" said Captain, "Well-well!!" and several more like that--but, secretly, she was rather thrilled. "Here" is a lovely, w~ld bush hill, given to us by a kind friend and christened by Lady Somers. There is a solid stone hut there, built of the stone dug from our Hill. "Who will bring out our tent and billies and things?" asked practical Captain. You ask father," cried the eager voices. "Oh, dear, no! If anyone asks Father, you do!" and they did, and we camped. We went out on Sunday afternoon and spent a very busy time until sunset. A rope was slung between two trees, and u)J " wâ&#x201A;Źnt the tent--not so badly starred fOl' amateurs. A fireplace was dug and billies put on--quite soon we had afternoon tea. Lats. were erected, and we were almost ready for the 'night.
Captain, in the meantime, had made a pantry III one corner of the hut and when the Cook Patrol (of two!) came to get the tea. e\rerything was to be found. It was all so elementary and close to Nature. During the evening there was vivid lightning and a little rain fell, but this all added to the excitement. Early morning was marvellous-fresh and clear, with thrushes, bell-birds, cuckoos, honey-eaters, all joined in a chorus of living, joyous music, the bass being supplied by a Tawny Frogmouth, with his deep "Oom, oom, oom!" "May we go for the milk?" asked the two eleven-year-old -there were only six of usand away they went. One needs to have Crispies, scrambled eggs and toast in the early morning, under thc' most primitive conditions, to really appreciate how delightful it can be. Nature explorations were most productivecupmoth cocoons and caterpillal'S, casemoths, various tree-galls, cocoons of the Emperor gum-moth, butterflies, birds and flowers. The most charming discovery was a thrush sitting on her eggs in a nest inside our Hut. That quite eclipsed everything. She was not at all afraid of us-flew in and out and sang and sat comfortably down when ready. Outs id e, her hu band entertained her with song. During one of her absences we climbed carefully up and took a respectful, thrilled peep at ner home. Presently the Fathers returned, stowed our gc cds and us into their motor-cars, and a perfect day was ended. 3rd BENDIGO GUIDE COMPANY.
CAMP MUSEUM. Remember that your lists and stories must be sent in this week, Guiders, or you will be too late for the Competition. Address them to Guide Headquarters. "Matilda" is ever so interested to know all that you have found.
A NEW EDITOR. Deal' Guiders, For a few months Miss Elsie Sydes will have charge of our Nature Page. Will you please send your contributions to her, at the Kennington Post Office, via Bendigo. Some of you will know that your contributions have not yet been published; they are being handed over to Miss Sydes, so watch for them. I have received several letters, telling me of the helpfulness of the Page; this is due to your own live interest and help, so-keep it up, Guiders. It has been so interesting answering your quel'i-e s and sorting out your woJ'k. With many thanks for your help, MOLLIE HOFFMEYER.
February, 1936.
MATILDA
EVENING. The magpies are warbling their full-throated song; The wattles are gleaming with gold; The sunshine is lazy, the evening is long; In the silence, the robins are bold. The gum-tree, pale lady, is standing alone, Her toes shyly dip in the creek; The dusky grey-green of her hair is windbloom, And her arms for the cool dew-drops seek. The sun's golden fingers caress the blue hills, Then gently they fade from the west; The frogs lift their voices; the darkened ail" chills, And the mopoke begins its lone quest. The wind is a whispering lady of sleep; She passes, and ti-trees bow low; The soft, sounds of night make the silence seem deep, And the Bush dreams of long, long ago. C. E. McAULAY.
First-Class. The Chief Scout says "A Guide who is content to sit df>wn and be a second class guide i;; only a third class girl." Are we Guider~ content that our Guides shall be third class girls? What is our attitude towards the firstclass test? In the third biennial report we read that "the majority of Swedish Guides of fifteen have passed their first-class test." The Swedish first-class standard is an exceedingly high one. I cannot help wondering what percentage of Guides in our Companies gain first class. I know many Companies of several years' standing with no first-class Guides, and they have never had any. Someone has said that all the tests planned by the Chief Scout are, so it were, tools to be used by us in training of the Guide. If we neglect the first cla.ss test, we are refusing to use a tool given us by the Chief Scout, for the all round development of the Guide. If we leave out the first class test our training will be incomplete. How can we help to increase the number of first-class Guides in our Companies? 1. By looking upon the winning of the First Class Badge as a perfectly ordinary and natural thing. We expect children to get second c~ass--expect them to get first class. Let them see that you do not consider it som:.> e:l I:traordinary achievement, but the normal thing for a keen guide. 2. By trying to include first class work in nearly every company programme in the same way as you include second class. Even before she is enrolled a recruit may have learned some part of the first class test. Compass directions can make a track so much more exciting; two small eleven-year-old s have been known to be late for meeting owing
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to a violent argument as to which star was Venus, and which Jupiter; emergencies thrill any keen guide company; maps and piath finding can form the foundation of all sorts of exciting guide games; hiking, swimming and all the other thrilling parts of the test: why leave them till the guides are older or out of the programme altogether. 3. By getting Guides to go for their first class proficiency badges before going for a host of other badges. A young guide of twelve or thirteen may have more time to go for hel' needlewoman's badge than an older guide who is busy with school work. 4. By giving them some special incentive to work for, e.g., a week-end hike camp could be held to which only first class guides may go. 5. By getting first class ourselves our owl' example will count more than all our talking. While we want to increase the number of guides obtaining first class, we do not want t.o lower the standard of the test. Remember the children themselves always prefer a high standard. In case any of you think there are many difficulties in your way, may I remind you of this story told by the Chief Scout. I have received the report of a case where !'wlmming for the first class test was learned under exceptional difficulties, and should shame many a half-hearted boy into making an effon. It was in India, in a district where there was no river, and there were no tanks .)1" reservoirs. The only water to be got was in wells. Accordmgly the candidate for the first class was lowered into a well time after time until able to swim. That showed pluck and determination such as any man might be proud of; but it was not a man, not even a boy who displayed it; it was a girl, an Indian Girl Guide. She has given an example to many of her British brothers of the fact tr.at "where there's a will t.here a way," or even "where there's a well there's a way," provided you have the pluck to stick to it. -Mona Burgin, Commissioner for Training. (New ~ealand Guider.)
CARDS FOR THINKING DAY. The Greeting Cards for Thinking Day are now available at the Equipment Depot, and depict the Chiefs on board ship waving to a crowd of Guides and Scouts on the shore.
St. GEORGE'S DAY SERVICE. The annual St. George's Day Service for Anglican Scouts and Guides will be held this year on Saturday, the 18th April, at St. Paul's Cathedral. Further details will be published later. S. H. IRVING.
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MATILDA
February, 193G.
"Flowers are God's thoughts of beauty taking form to gladden mortal gaze."
BROWNIE REVELS HELD AT THE GUIDE PROPERTY, CANTERBURY.
BEGINNING PACK MEETINGS FOR THE YEAR_
Packs in the Camberwell North District were very interested and thrilled when they received invitations written on funny spotted toadstools asking them to be present at the Fairy Glade on a Saturday afternoon. On that day 69 Brownies arrived punctually at 2.30 and each one was sent to find an emblem to wear on her pocket to denote which group she was in. The emblems were taken from the Christopher Robin story books, and so we had Pooh bears, Piglets, Kangas and Rabbits. The Brownies themselves christened the Brown Owl in charge Christopher Robin, and the Tawny was Eyeore. To welcome the Commissioner, Golden Bar Brownies laid a trail of Sunshine for her to follow. (It was really a yellow streamer.) In and out among the trees, down to the bottom of the gully and up again it went. Thus she arrived at the end rather breathless, but what a wonderful thing was there! In a little clearing among the bushes grew a large toadstool and when some magic dust (well, it was really rose leaves!) was thrown over it, it came to life and sang a song of welcome: "Here we are your Brownies true, Weare here to welcome you. Piglet, Kanga, Rabbit and Pooh, N ow all wish you how do you do?" Then, with snorts from Piglets, growls and grunts from the bears, and squeaks from the Kangas and Rabbits, the toadstool broke up and ran, hopped or lumbered off according to whatever animals they were. Games followed, in groups, health, handicraft, nature, intelligence, etc., and then we had tea. The Commissioner told us a lovely story about a nightingale. Before saying "goodbye," we held a double Fairy ring, for there were too many to make one big one, round all the Toadstools and gave a Grand Salute for our Commissioner. Finally we sang "Brownie Taps," and l'eluctantiy left the Fairy Glade to the thrushes and the blackbirds, whose singing was quite as sweet as the nightingale in the story. M.K.B.
I do not know if any Brown Owls suffer iTom a bedraggled Pack at the beginning oj the year-we did one year so the next year we had our beginning meeting in our ordinary clothes. Each Brownie arrived with her complete uniform and then we had inspectiolJ. First of all as our uniforms are lent to tIll' Brownies, we shuffled them, and had a redeal so the lengths were all right. Then we set to work!! Packleader took charge of buttons and elartic. Tawny took charge of emblems, name tapes and darning. Brown Owl had a list and checked each possession-hat, uniform, tie, belt, stars, badge, socks and bloomers. The Brownies replaced missing buttons, put in new elastic, changed emblems, etc., and lent a hand to the others who were not finished quickly. Several rousing games were played. Then the clothes were taken home for ironing-they had all been washed before the meeting. The Brownies thoroughly enjoyed the meeting and next Pack Day Brown Owl and Tawny thoroughly enjoyed the sight of the Pack in clean, tidy uniforms, with nothing missing from anyone. It may be as well to have the first meeting for the year an ordinary one, and find then what things are missing, and make arrange¡ ments for the second meeting to be the working bee. L.T.
OUT-OF-DOORS PACK MEETING. Although out-of-doors Pack meetings are enjoyable, not to say essential, now and then at any time of the year, it is during the summer months that they are most easily carried out. The choice of the type of activities for these meetings depend very much on the weather, and aiso the space available. Different subjects can be used for the basis of these meetings such as Indians or other foreign people, 01' birds, flowers, animals, etc., but quite nice ones can he planned by just being Brownies.
February, 1936.
MATILDA
For instance: Packleader is a lost child, suitably dressed. with torn and buttonless frock, holey stocking and dusty shoes. These should be put on over ordinary uniform a!!l they have to be taken off. When wandering in the woods she comes across two large owls sitting beside a toadstool in an open space. while little brown toadstools crouch in groups under nearby trees and bushes. The lost child approaches the Owls and asks if they can tell her where she is. They jump up and say: "You're in Brownie land. to whit, tu-whit, tu-whoo!!" The little toadstools get up and stretch themselves on the first two syllables of the cry, and on the last one they run and form a circle round the tree and sing "We're tlotc Brownies," etc. , Brown Owl and Tawny then go round and make sure that no harm or injury has come to the Brownies while they have been toadstools, and they give Brown Owl the pr,e sent left by the fairy who sheltered under them during the night. The Brownies then show the lost child how to play "H!lVe you seen the Fairies?" As the lost child has wandered a long way and is very tired the Brownies take off her torn clothes and make her comfortable in the shade, where she goes to sleep. Then they mend the clothes and clean her shoes, and as the lost child is still asleep, they go for a walk to see how many things they can find on the ground that wer,e once on the trees. These they take back to show the lost child, who is now awake. Then everyone gathers round Brown Owl while she tells a nature story. After dressing the lost child, they show her the way to go home, and then after saluting Brown Owl, they disappear. V.H.
PRAYERS IN THE PACK MEETING. Since the article on "Moral Cowardice" appeared in these pages, one or two Brown Owl:! have sent in suggestions. What do other Brown Owls think-or do? The following extract h one Brown Owl's thoughts on the matter: "00.1 am enclosing a little Brownie prayer, just a simple little prayer that I use occasionally in the Pack at closing-it seemed to me to be fairly suitable for Brownies. Personally, I think that prayers, as well as other things in the meeting, should be changed about, as then they do not get too used to it!" . PRAYER. Cod bless all our Brownies and all our Tweenies too. Keep us very happy, sweet and good and true. Keep us wr:ll in body, sweet and pure in mind, And to be to others-thoughtful-helpfulkind. A.M.C. (This could possibly be sung to some hymn tune. Has anyone any suggestions ?-Ed.)
----------------- 9 AN APPEAL TO COUNTRY GUIDERS.
Country Brown Owls, we want to hear from you. Please write to "Matilda" and tell her of your doings. Town Guiders have the opportunity to meet quite often and exchange ideas, but you who are more or less isolated are unable to do this. What do you do when you go for rambles in the bush? You do go, don't you? What sort of Nature competitions do you have? You have such splendid opportunities for nature study. Are your Brownies able to tell you the names of crops they see? Which fruit trees are going to blossom first? Where is the most likely spot for mushrooms? I hope your Packs have gone mushrooming. Such fun!! Do your townspeople just think of Brownies as children dressed up in bro,wn dresses who make a frightful noise in the hall each week, 01' has the Pack shown outsiders that underneath all the fun and games there is something serious and worth while? How about good turns? Is there a hospital or some institution which needs your he1p? Gifts of flowers are always acceptable, and perhaps you could arrange an egg appeal for the hospital. I know of one Pack in a small town who decided that the main street was too untidy, so they wrote to the Council and asked them if they might put up some rubbish baskets. The Council was so impressed that they put up the baskets themselves and cleaned the grass away from the gutters. Please write and tell us of any original games 01' ceremonies, any handicrafts of which your Pack is especially fond. Even the most capable Brown Owls become stale at times, and an exchange of ideas is always helpful. It is up to you!! M.K.B.
THE CONCERT. "Brown Owl, we're going to have a penny concert. and give the money to you for the Guide House!" This was the Brownies' news during a Pow-wow, and, to her surprise, Brown Owl found out that a Brownies' Committee already had the proposed programme well in hand, though all except the date and time were kept a secret from Brown Owl and Tawny. As the organising Brownie's home was not large enough for this entertainment, Brown Owl suggested having it in the hall instead of Pack Meeting. This added to the thrill- "But. Brown .Owl," they said, "we'll never get through in an hour, we've got 40 items!!!" So, of course, Brown Owl had to let them start an hour earlier! On this special day, the small "artists" arrived at the hall. each with a large suitcase, which was rushed through into an impromptu "dressing room." Rows of chairs were set out for the audien('e (the Brownies' friends!) and the "pretended" stal\'e arranged. The "organisel''' then appeared- in evening dl'ess!-(her ~chool tunic without the blouse but with a wrap!) and announced each itf'nl. The flrst
11)
MATILDA
was "a ballet dance," whereupon a Brownie in a party frock gaily danced al out. The re was. no piano-but that didn't seem to disturb her! Next came a play, "The Baby who swallowed a pin!" which was much enjoyed by the audience. A "step dance" followed-again without music accompaniment!-and after that, the announcement, "The Daffodils-a song by Joyce and Unity," brought in the two smallest Brownies in gay paper frocks made up by themselves. Then came the interval. There was a call for Brown Owl, who was told to stand on the "stage," and as she was wondering what was going to happen, a Brownie stepped forward and presented her with a tin tied up in gl'een crepe paper with the pennies received as entrance fee (3/9), saying it was for the Guide House! More recitations, song~ and dances, with a change of frock for nearly every item, provided varied amusement for the appreciative audience. The whole programme was carried through most seriously, a curtsey marking each exit, and, at the end, all the little "artists" had a grand parade round the stage, finally facing the audience in a long row for the National Anthem! Brown Owl was then allowed for the first time to see "behind the scenes," where th bright frocks, face cream, rouge and lipsticks made quite a professional atmosphel"e. A little later, smiling Brownies carried off their suitcases in triumph! L.H.
Kindergarten Holiday Home. Relieving at Week-Ends. (Report for Year 1935) . Applications in connection with voluntary service at the Kindergarten Holiday Home, Forest Hill, were received from Miss Black, and the following Ranger Companies:1st Canterbury Rangers. 1st Hampton Rangers. East Ma:lvern Rangers. 1st Murrumbeena Rangers. 1st N orthcote Rangers. 3rd Kew Rangers. 1st Surrey Hills Rangers. S.R.S. "Arethusa" Sea Rangers. S.R.S. "Akuna" Sea Rangers. Ranger Companies wishing t o place their names on the Relieving List for the coming year are asked to communicate with Miss M. G. Lummis, 108 Dandenong Road, Malver~, S.E.7, as early as possible. (Please state if able to visit the Home during January and February). The Home will be closed during the month of July. The assistance of Rangers at the Kindergarten Holiday Home in loo~ing after the childl'en is very much apprecIated, and the Rangers themselves find pleasure in this service. Anyone who visits the Home cannot fail to realise t he great benefits the children from the city receive from three weeks spent in the
February, 1936.
fr esh count ry air, where there is plenty of space to play their games, good nourishing f ood a nd the necessary amount of rest is obtained. We hope that very soon money will be Iorthcoming for the proposed new building. The present Holiday Home is charming, but there will be many improvements in a modern building: the children will benefit, and a greater number will be able to be accommodated. It may be possible for Rangers to help in some small way towards the new Holiday H ome. Suggestions will be welcomed from those who are interested.
World News. THINKING DAY FUND, 1936. A Message from Dame Katherine Furse. Thinking Day is coming round again on the 22nd February, and we are looking forward to receiving remembrance pennies from all the Brownies, Guides, Girl Scouts and Rangers who can afford to give gifts to the Fund. In 1933 we received £520 / 12 / 6, in 1934 £371 18 / 8, and this year £386 / 11 / 9 has reached us. A good proportion of the money is to be spent on helping people to join international gathf'r. ings of different sorts, and we hope that more and more of these gatherings will take place, so that the Brownies, Guides and Girl Scouts of the world may mix freely and play our game together and get to know one another. The smallest gifts will be welcome, and receipt cards will be sent to all donors of sums over 6d. N.B.- Gifts from Victorian Guides should be sent through the Secretary. who sends to England a complete list of donors, thus ensuring that receipt cards are sent from the World Bureau. S.H.T.
ALTERATIONS IN AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINE BADGE (Guide) . In place of " Know som ething of the variou.:; area s in which the aborigine lived," it is now to r ead, "Know something of one particula1' al"ea in which the aborigine lived ." In place of "and how to prevent," read "how best to prevent." A~terations in Reading Matter:Del et e Australian Legends, Peck, The Australian Race, Curt", and N eighbours of the N£ver Never, C.M.S. To Spencer and Gillen, add Arunta, i.e., study section on Al"Unta only. Instead of Transactions of Australia>1 Museum, read Magazine of A.M. Add to list : Spencer- Aborigines of the N.T. Australian Aborij1:ines, by Basedow. Natives of Australia by Thomas. Aborigines of Victoria by Brough Smyth. Natives of S.E. Australia by Howitt. To list of Design add Australian Aboriginal Art, published by ational :Museum,
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YOUR SUBSCRIPTION IS NOW DUE. The office staff feels that an apology should be made to a number of subscribers who received Jlotice only just before Christmas that their subscriptions expired in December; in accordance with our rule those who did not forward their subscriptions before the 1st January did not receive the issue for that month. We are ever so sorry for any inconvenience that may have been caused by our adhering stt-ictly to our rule when the notice of expiry was so belated, and we would like to thank (a) those Guiders who have shown us the error of our ways; (b) the number of subscribers who forwarded stamps or postal notes even though they were, some of them, in camp at the time. We realise that it is some time since "Matilda's" circulating system was explained. She is edited by a sub-Committee which, howevel', does not undertake any responsibility for her circulation, so she is sent out from the Equipment Depot, which is entirely responsible for writing wrappers, cards, notices, and for posting some copies each month. Subscription due notices are sent, in theory, with the last issue of the subscription, and no further issue is sent until the subscription is paid. In years gone by three months' .notice was given, and Guiders complained that it was too long. Is one month all right? Guiders, "Matilda" is not wealthy, and we have to bQ extremely sure that her sub!lrriptions are paid in advance. At one tim,! we thought we were gifted with second sight, and imagined we knew when you wished to continue your subscriptions or not, but we we"e so often wrong and in consequence were financially embarrassed, so please help us by either paying or cancelling promptly. Do tell us, too, if there are any ways in .which you consider "Matilda's" circulation system might be improved, and please forgive us our past misdeeds. S. H. IRVING.
SOMETHING DIFFERENT! A LEAP YEAR MYSTERY PARTY !! to be h eld at Meeting Pool, H.Q., 60 Market Street, Melbourne, on Saturday evening, 29th FEBRUARY, at 8 p.m. Who committed the murder? Will the Soothsayer be able to clear up the dark mystel'Y? Are your love affairs proceeding smoothly? If not, why not? BRING YOUR FRIENDS, and FIND OUT! Admission 6d. V,G.C. Club Members and Guides 3d. Supper ld. A Vic. Guiders' Club Entertainment. P.S.-Have you any Christmas gifts you have no use for? If so, bring them along and you may (or may not) get something bl'tter at the Jumble Sale.
Camping. It is hard to realise that our Summer Camps are nearly over, and that it will be probably a yeal' before most of us know again the joy of Camping under canvas. For there is a joy which makes the difficulties that come through gales heat or pests seem of no account and sc we are always ready for our next Camp. There have been , 700 Guides and Rangers camping under canvas and 90 have been at Indool Camps. Most of the camps have been at Mornington but others were held at Eltham, Harkaway, Hamilton, Glenlyon, Montrose, Tarego River, Tarrawarra and Yan-a Junction, Campers included Guides from far and near, many being from Metropolitan Companies, while others came from Cape Otway, Sea Lake, Tempy, Murchison, Heyfield, Ouyen, Ban-aport, Cohunll. and other country districts. For the first time a Camp for Patrol Leaders only was held, and it is hoped t h at Leaders will have been helped by this Camp. Our State President, Lady Huntingfield, and our State Commissioner, Laay Chauvel, visited this Camp, and also t he Combined Guide Camp which was held so' that a few of the Guides whose Guiders have not a Camper's Licence might camp. All the Camps visited by Camp Advisers were good, the usual high standard of camping being maintained, and, best of all, the Guides were happy and were having a real holiday, which answers the question, "Why do we [Cam.p?" Nearly 800 have camped but pl'obably at least 800 others wanted to camp but couldn't because Captain hadn't a Camper's Licence or an Indoor Camp certificate. Guiders, have you thought seriously about this? Why not take your own Guides camping and learn to know them so that you can help them to be true Guides? Meeting them once n week for a short time means that it is almllst impossible for you to know them as individuals, but live with them for seven days, and you will find that your dullest Guide is full of possibilities, and your difficult Guide is no lon~el' a problem . Guidel's, will you think about this and talk it over with your Commissioner, and see if we cannot soon have many more Guiders with either a Camper's Licence or an Indoor CertIficate. EDITH H . PURNELL, Commissioner for Camping.
GUIDE SECONDHAND DEPOT. We have for sale at the Guide Secondhand Depot--Hats, prices 2/- to 4/6; Overalls, 2/6 to 8/6; Coat Frocks, 10/- to 30/-; Coat and Skirt, 15/- to ÂŁ3. Also belts, ties, whistles, lanyards, cockades, State badges, hat bands, blouses, and a Guider's official navy Of'ercoat. Apply MAISIE LYNN, 26 Holyrood Street, Hampton, S.7.
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TRAINING. Guiders who have not previously attended a Training Course at Headquarters must bring to the first class of any Course a Nomination ~"'orm signed by their Commis!1ioner. Unless otherwise ",tated, all Training Courses are held at the Guide Office, 60 Market Street, Melbourne, at 7.45 p .m. Brownie Training.--The first Course will begin on Thursday, 20th February, 1936. Miss E. L. Lardner will be in charge. Guide Training.--The first Course of General Tr aining will begin on Friday, 6th March, 1936. Guider in Charge. Miss D. Hayman. For NEW Guiders there will be a preliminary Course of elementary training for three evenings--Friday, 14th, 21st and 28th February, in charge of Miss I. Watson. All new Guiders should attend this preliminary course before continuing with the General Course. M. E. BUSH, Commissioner for '1Iraining.
MEETING OF DIVISION COMMISSIONERS. At a meeting of Division Commissioners, which was held at the Guide Oflice recently, there were present Miss S. M. Cameron (in
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the chair), Mrs. Corney, Mrs. Edmondson, Mrs. Faulkner, Ml¡S. Guthrie, Miss Andrews, Miss Wippell and the Secretary. It was agreed (1) that there was need for closer co-operation of Division Brown Owls with the District Commissioners, in whose areas they help. (2) That t hroughout the Movement there was a lack of courtesy in answering circulars, and that endeavours should be made to stress this point of Courtesy. (3 ) It was .suggested that for 1936 Country Divisions migh t combine for Trainers' visits, and it was ag reed that Commissioners be asked what visits t hey will need in 1936. (4) It was agreed that a start should be made at once to ohtain a property for the Guide House. (5) It was agreed that each District should make investigations to asce,rtain if Guiding i., in touch with all 'sides of the. Community. (6) It was agreed that the aim of the Stradhroke Cup Competition in 1936 should be (a) To develop the cultural side of Guiding; (b) to be good propaganda; (c) to raise funds for the Guide, House. And it was decided that the competition should be for Acting, Singing, Country Dancing, International Story-Telling, and that Miss L. M. Andrews be convener of a subCommittee to consider plans. S. H. IRVING, State Secretary.
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