• \
•
a I .
APRIL, 1936.
'
I
MATILDA.
April, 1936.
UIIIIIIIIIIIIII:IIIIIIIUUIIIUUm:mu:m::m:m:111111I11111111111111111111111::::11111111:111:1111111111111111111111111111111
IE'VAN EVANS
pTY. LTD·i . 680-8 Elizabeth St., MELBOURNE, e.l ... Official Canns Goods Hoaae to the Girl Guides Association.
SPECIAL CONCESSIONS OFF LIST PRICES TO ALL GIRL GUIDE ORGANISATIONS.
Write for Particulars to Your Headquarters, or Direct to Us. TENTS&FLYS GROUNDSHEETS CAMPING GOODS
L
r•
•
-
We have arranged i tf allow Concessions i on all Sporting Goods.
I
-
FLAGS TRA VEL. RUGS CAMP BEDS
WATERPROOFS SLEEPING BAGS MATTRESSES
SPORTING GOODS.
-
Write to Us for Our {.ist, Prices and Particulars.
-
TENNIS, GOLF, CRICKET, BASEBALL, BASKETBALL AND INDOOR GAMES.
SUPPORT THE FIRM WHO SUPPORT YOU
I
)Ummmllllllllmm::::::mmm::·::::mIIIlIIII:::::mIIIIIIIIIIIIUIII:mm:mIW.::mum:::::::::mm:::m:
"Matilda"
An Official Treasnre ]{ou ~c for Guiders' lnfonnatlon tor "ictoria, Australia..
OPEN DAILY f r om 9. 30 a .m. to () p.m . Price : 3/ · per Y£'ur. 4/ · P os t ed .
SA'l'U IU1.\ Y;;, f ro m 10 a.lU. to 1 p.m. Sin g le Co pies , 6(1. encb.
APRIL, 1936.
Volume XII.
Editorial. May I, on behalf of this year's committee, take this opportunity of thanking all those who contribute to "Matilda," especially the regular ones, and hope they will continue to do so. I would appeal to all readers of the magazine to help in either of two ways-firstly by sending material which may be of interest to a Guider in another part of the State. For instance, happenings in the North of Victoria will interest city Guiders, and vice-versa. This will bring about an exchange of ideas which is very good for everyone. Secondly, by telling "Matilda" what you would like discussed within her pages. I have heard it said that Guiders do not take "Matilda" because there is nothing of interest for them in it. Perhaps if they were to teU us what they would like discussed, we may be able to suit them. Much as I would like to accept your invitations to be present at your functions to report them, I regret that lack of time will not always allow me to do so. May I appeal to your generous natures to report them in detail to us instead. The E'd itor will be only too thankful to answer inquiries which, unless the correspOlldent wishes, need not be published. We invite criticism, but would point out tha t we would like to be the direct recipients (' f your remarks. For the benefit of intending contributon, and we hope there are some, subj ect mattel.· for "Matilda" goes to press on the 20th 01 each month, and reports and articles are asked to be sent to the Editor at least one week beforehand.
The Guide Uniform. This is a constructive criticism of that anachronism, the guide uniform. These proposals are not revolutionary, and I hope that those guiders who have been in the movement for many years and have become accustomed to choker collars, buttons galore, long sleeves and black stockings will not hold up their hands in Mrs. Grundy-ish horror at these mild sue:gestions. I do not think there is a guider in the movement who admires our guide hat. Noone thinks it suited to our climate, no one thinks it beautiful, and everyone thinks it too expensive. A cotton hat like that worn in camp seems an obvious alternative; it can be smart. and is certainly cheaper and cooler. Also, if no hat-band were worn, a saving of 2/6, the poorer guide might perhaps ~se her hat for
Number Ten.
other occasions. I know one likes to think of the uniform as worn only in complete rig, but that cannot always be so, and if a mother thinks there is at least one item that may come in useful elsewhere, it may make things easier. Anyway, a separate band is quite superfluous on a cotton hat, and the P.L. brooch looks decidedly ridiculous perched above the embroidered badge and G.G. The overall, of course, should have had short sleeves years ago. Very few children wear long sleeves these days, and it is surely a cruel contradiction to stuff them into long, heavy sleeves, a high collar, and black stockings (not to mention the felt hat) on joining an outdoor ( ?) movement. I have in this sketch an elbow length sleeve with a 2in. facing, giving a neat finish, which is lacking in the rudely chopped off sleeves of the scout. It leaves plenty of room for badges, as the right arm ones could be moved up a bit. The present collar could perhaps be a little lower, rather on the style of the new English overall-and without buttons. This fetish for buttons is incomprehensible; they are constantly coming off, one or two always contrive to be unfastened at the wrong moment, and they give one a needless quantity of button-holes to make. And please give the guides a tie. Why must they have a scarf, and go to tremendous diffi· culty to pass it off as a tie? The result is rarely attractive, and the ethics are bad. Wh\? disguise a scarf as a tie? If they must have triangular bandage, let them wear it as a scarf either as the scout wears it, with a woggl~ (g;iving great s~ope for individual design), or w~th a knot WhI~h is clumsy, or simply tie it WIth a reef, leaVIng both ends to fly loose like the American girl scouts; a more decor'ativC! and feminine method, but possibly difficult t o keep tidy. I think shoulder straps should be omitted from our uniform. The shoulder strap is a purely military acquisition, neither useful nor beautiful, and a terrible nuisance to fit in the shoulder seams when making. The straps are not now used to hold the haversack, which, I presume, was their original purpose, and though we wear the State badge on the left one, perhaps that could be moved to the left breast pocket as the scouts wear their embroidered tenderfoot. Of course, too, aU-round cords and such things are passed through the shoulder strap. I do not understand the ways of these cords, but a new method of wearing them could surely be devised by those who do know. Also, the four pockets have no central pleat. The pleat on the pocket of the present uniform is sti~ched down, thus givin~ no extra capacity and IS sheer superfluous decoration-bad design by modern standards, Again, the pleat!!
a
4
MATILDA
add considerably to the difficulty of making the uniform. Now the stockings-or lack of them! This I realise is rather up-to-date, but many youngsters already go about without stockings, and it is now being introduced to the English uniform. The ankle socks of company colour (or a district colour) are a tentative suggestior. only; if there be no stockings, small socks of some kind must be worn, for health and snakey reasons. The children would love the gay colours and they could look very attractive, but the light shades would show thn grime most lamentably, and for that reason may be considered unsuitable. Perhaps a regulation brown or dark grey sock would be more feasible. I suggest, also, that we be not too fussy about shoes, permitting either black or brown, whichever is possessed; of course, h brown socks are worn brown shoes necessarily follow, which is a point in favour of the multicoloured socks that could be worn with any shoes. Here may I put in a plea for the guides who go to camp. Stockings should be forgotten in camp, even by the colour party (which, by the way, is re~arded as a terrible nuisance when they have to dress so much). I think it would be a mistake to have a special separate camp uniform; it only means extra expense for the campers when they could be given the opportunity to display a little individuality and wear what they like (i.e., what they already possess)-short shorts, long shorts, or skirts. With bare legs and arms there is more skin surface to absorb the sunlight vitamins so essential to health, and though we must be eareful of sunburn, most children are already fairly 'a ccustomed to exposure to the sun, and do not require our present over-cautious atti .. tude. If strict attention to etiquette is demanded, the whole camp could change into uniform for tea in the evening, the uniform here sketched being a reasonable camp attire. The guider's uniform could be similar to that of the guide without, as at present, aU the fal-Ials so dear to the youngsters. For ordinary wear, the same cotton hat with the cockade at the side and the warrant badge thereon; the State badge could be worn embroidered on the left pocket like the guides. The overall of the guider could well be improved by a little fitting on the hips, with a pleat or flair to give the skirt fulness; the present garment is too like a night-gown tied in the middle by the unattractive belt. Fawn stockings and regulation shoes complete the uniform. I suggest that the turned-up felt hat be worn only with the full uniform-navy coat-frock. etc., and gloves. A plain belt without the side swivels but with the usual fastener, would be more suited to that outfit, which can be quite smart and inconspicuous. These suggested alterations to the uniform. which have been proposed with the idea of making it cheaper, easier to make, and more suitable, are, in brief, as follows: cotton hat with no particular band; overall with no buttoned collar, short sleeves with 2-in. facing, no shoul<ler straps, pockets without pleats; tie of eompany colour, not a scarf clumsily camoulIaged; no stockings, anq ankle socks of corn-
April, 1936.
pany, district or regulation colour; black or brown shoes as possessed. The change to the bright blue overall is a great improvement, and it might be a good idea to go further while about it. Any or all of these alterations could be made to the present uniform with very little trouble, and probably with great enjoyment to the guides. They will realise that we must move with the times, though we must not follow the vagaries of fashion, and will delight in making their uniform more suitable for a guide's outdoor M. J. LESTER. activities. [Cbanges in the uniform have been made of recent years, and minor alterations may always be made according to the wish of the wearer, e.g., some members have abandoned shoulder straps, buttons on collars and pleats on pockets, and it would be interesting to know if these discards are approved by Guiders and Guides. Stockings and shoes may be brown, but the Company should all wear either brown or black. Concerning stockings in camp, please read P.O.&R., 32, page 39. Readers of the "Guider" will have noticed that changes in the uniform are being considered and tried out, but no change will be made until the late Autumn (in England). Any new uniform if agreed upon will not be comp,ulsory, but will be an alternative to the present style.-Editor]
Self-Expression. It has been said of us in Australia that we
are too matter-of-fact. To be matter-of-fact is a quality, not a fault. It means keeping one's head, not being easily swayed by hysteria or sentiment, absorbed by the humdrum facts of our daily lives, and recognising the value of details, without which the foundations of so many of ,o ur enterprises and endeavours are weak and faulty. So far, so good. But like in all things, we need moderation to balance the scales. Therefore the word "too" is a criticism of this quality of which we should be so proud. Rushing through our lives, absorbed in the "daily round, the common task," are we not apt to become narrow-minded and ingrown, unless we can expand our interests and enlarge our scope? Shall we become like the man in "Pilgrim's Progress" who, gazing earthwal'ds employed in using his muck rake, failed to see the stars above him? Life is not meant to be all humdrum matterof-factness. Light and shade are essential in all things. So it is with practicalness and beauty. We have been given so much that is beautiful if we will but cultivate it. Stars and sunsets, flowers, the music of wind through trees, colours and scents-these are God's gifts to .everyone. Yet they are nothing if we do not see them. Appreciating them ourselves. how can we teach the children to see them? As you must balance the food given to a child, so you must balance its mental food. Music, singing, art--self-exoression in all its forms-these are the Qualities which will expand our vision, filling the cornel'S of our lives, balancing an~ brollgening our cnarllcters,
~A~p~y=il,~1~93~6=.__.____________________~M~ATI_L __D_A ____________________________
Therefore, Guiders, do not be so absQrbed in the daily task of practical achievements in your companies as to neglect the cultural. Do not let the usefulness of knot tying, nursing or cooking eliminate the joy derived from the arts. It is your privilege to have in your cal'e children at the most susceptible age of their lives, to you also can be given the joy of raising them from the ruck of their drab mattey-of-fact existences and setting their feet on the path of self-expression. Show them the stars! M.R.F.
Stradbroke CUp Competition. Circular No. 2. Girl Guides Association, 60 Market St., Melbourne, C.l. To District Commissioners. (1) The Cup will be awarded to the District obtaining the most points. As the competing teams will be selected from the best talent in each district, it is not necessary for each Company to provide teams in every section. (2) The following are suggestions' for the Commissioner in organising her District for the Stradbroke Cup competition. One-Act Play. This may be a Company entry or play from the whole District, in which case the Captains shouM tell the Commissioner of individual d1'8matic talent in their Companies (this can often be noted> in Company Charades). Having gathered together the talent, a play suitable for the numbers and personnel can be selected by the Commissioner, the Guiders, or an outside producer. In the event of a District wanting to produce more than one play, the best of those produced will be selected by the Commissioner (or judge) to represent this section for tne District. If any District cannot find a suitable play suggestions can be obtained from Headquarters after the end of April. Singing. ' It is suggested that all Companies learn the songs (for list watch the Guide columns in the "Age" and the "Argus") and later have meetings with District Choir Leader (who has not necessarily to be a Guider) who will choose the best representative voices for the Choir. Country Dancing. (a) It is suggested that the Rangers make this their special section. A local competition could be ananged to choose best team of eight to represent the District. (b) This could be the Brownies' effort. Story TeJlling of "International character" means that the scene of the story must be laid in a Country outside the British Empire. If Commissioners want further information it can be obtained from MISS L. M. ANDREWS, 27 Lansell Rd., Toorak, S.E.2. 5th March, 1936 Phone U2116.
SONGS FOR STRADBROKE CUP. "Guides and Rangers." Grasshoppers Three. Summer is a'coming in. God be in my Head. Roadways. . Rio Grande. Brahms' Lul1aby. These are all to be found in the Camp Fire Songs, sold at Headquarters Equipment Depot, 3d. a copy. God be in my Head (No.2). Brahms' Lullaby, Rio Grande (No.4). Summer is a'coming in (No.5). Grasshoppers Three (No.7). Roadways (No. '9.>lI "Brownies." Luther's Cradle Song (Camp Fire Songs No.3). Counting Game; King's Messenger (both of which will be found in "100 Singing Games," on sale at Headquarters, 3/-).
NOTICE-LEVY NOW DUE. For the benefit of Guiders who do not attend conferences we would like to bring before your notice the fact that at the Conference two years ago it was decided that all metropolitan Guiders should be levied 6d. to defray the expenses of the Guiders' Committee. This levy is now due--would you pay it to your district representative, or, if you haven't one, direct to Miss Daisy McKinnon, Secretary of Guiders' Committee Headquarters. We would like all money in by the end of May.
GUIDERS' LIBRARY. We would like to remind all Guiders of the library of 400 volumes at Headquarters, in charge of Miss Pearson, who is most anxious that the books should be made use of. For the small charge of 3d. Miss Pearson will post a library list to Guiders who require one, anti the cost for a book to be posted is the same (ld. for use of book and 2d. for postage). The librarian will welcome donations of books, especially those of interest to Guiders for Campfire stories.
TRAINING. Guiders who have not previously attended " Training Course at Headquarters must brhlg to the first class of any Course a Nomination Form signed by their Commissioner. Unless otherwise stated, all Trainin'7 Courses are held at the Guide Office, 60 Mar': ket Street, Melbourne, at 7.45 p.m Brownie Training. ' . The next course will begin on WEIDNESDA Y. 15th April, 1936. Guider in Charge: Miss Nancy Thewlis. Guide Training. T!te second course of General Training will begm on MONDAY, 20th April, 1936. Guider in Charge: Miss Shiela MacLeod. M. E. BUSH, Commissioner for Training.
MAT 1 Ll> A
------~------~~~~----------
April, 1~36 .
----------------------------~--~~.---
Observations.
An Adventure with Mantids~ Have you ever com e hom e from a Guide meeting or anything like that and found a family of forty or fifty in your room ? It r eaJly is rather breath-taking, and one just wonders what on earth one will do, because one has never thought of "being prepared" for such an excitement. It was a nice egg case, and looked so innocent on its twig, sitting on my table ; but coming home one night and switching on the light, 10 and behold! mantids to the right and the left, behind and before. On the greenery in the vase, on the books, the walls, the pictur~, while the favorite spot of all was "Rags," my fabric dog. They just loved his ears, his tail and his underneath, and the dear patient Rags had fully fifteen all over him. Being carnivorous creatures, maybe they thought he might be good to eat. Well! It was a pretty pass, and I couldn't see how I could get to bed with such an audience, so called for assistance, and removed the little pets to my wattle tree outside the balcony. 'rhey were not keen on moving, and for days and weeks I kept coming across one or two on the walls or the pictures and in unexpected spots. It really was exciting, and if you don't mind such a family as wJell as .a Guide company, find and take home a mantls case. You all know that lovely green and thos e,; funny forelegs, called raptorial, which make him look as though he is praying, only he isn't. He is waiting patiently to catch his prey and hold it as in a vice. Sometimes he is very slowly and cautiously stalking his pr ey. His family is called Orthoptel'a, and the locusts, crickets, grasshoppers and cockroaches are his cousins. They have that kind of a family name because their wings are odd; the front ones being leathery and narrow, while the hind ones are membranous and often large. Unlike the stick and leaf in sects, which are camouflaged fo r protection only, the mantids are made green and leaf-like for two reasons---protection fo r themselves, and to deceive their prey. Rather like the anemones which look so like flowers, but are animals, the pretty "petals" of which are armed: with a paralysing sting and force the prey into their middles or stomachs. A pretty legend tells us that St. Francis Xavier on seeing a mantis slowly moving along ~ith its forelegs raised in a devotional manner, called on it to sing the praises. of God, and it immediately sang a very beautiful canticle. RUTH DENNY.
Ants. Noticing a lump of ground kicked up in the back yard, I went to investigate, and discovered that someone han broken up an ant's nest. As I looked more closely at it, I saw in one little piece of earth that had been hollowed out, a lot of yellow crumbs packed very tightly; they looked to be cake crumbs, evidently stored away for the winter. In yet another piece of earth there were breadcrumbs, and in another there was sugar. It was interesting to watch the little black ants running everywhere in a panic trying to replace their broken home. BETH REES, 1st Bendigo Coy. Loofah. Mother brought me hom'e an interesting piece of loofah recently. A piece still in its bark-like covering, and a bared piece, with its small black seeds still in the "pockets." I'cJ never thought of where it came from before, but different people I asked said "from the sea, like a sponge." These pieces came from Queensland, where it grows profusely. M.M. The encyclopredia says: "A climbing herbaceous plant of the order Cucurbitace, akin to the gourds and cucumbers. Its long stems climb by means of tendrils, and bear large five-lobed leaves and white unisexual flowers. The fruit, which resembles a thick cucumber, has its flesh permeated by a network of tough fibres which form the loofah 'sponge' after the fl esh has been macerated from them." This sounds to me as if it grows on land, but I would lov¡e to kno¡w definitely whether it grows on land, or in the sea. Could you let me know for "Matilda," "M.M."? Cohuna. Cohuna sent in a beautiful death's head spider, and when I opened the box, he shammed death. HoweV'er, he wasn't dead, and in a day or two had his egg-bags suspended in the middle of a stout web. He looked like a miniature crab, with his curious body. Guiders at "Morongo" last year will remember finding one of these. Euroa Sends in the following on wasps. Insects that live in colonieS!, somewhat resembling bees. They have a narrow body, with a sting at the end, four narrow, almost transparent that live in colonies, somewhat resembling honeycomb, but made of a paper-like substance, which they attach to the wall of a building. The eggs are deposited in the cells, which are afterwards sealed. Each wasp has its own cell. (This is the pap,er-wasp, which is a "true" wasp, living in a social community. When living together like this, they make the paperpulp by chewing wood and pulping it with saliva, thus forming the paper-like nest YOll found. The "solitary" wasp uses mud. The young are tended in the cells when they hatch by the workers until full-fed . Then the larvre close the c,e1I with a silken cap and pupate.-Ed., Nature Page).
~A~p~ri~1,~1~9~3~6.____________________~M~A~T~I~L~D~ ¡ ~A~___________________________7
"Suffering is the school to which we are sen: for Life-and the more promising the Pupil, the harder the Loessons."
Easter Eggs. Red ¡eggs are exchanged, and the greeting "Jesus Christ is risen!" "He is risen indeed" in the Orthodox Church on Easter Day. IJI Germany emblematic prints depicting thre,! hens holding a basket of three eggs; in Vienna elaborate eggs of silver, mother of pearl and bronze; in England chor.olate eggs filled with trinkets were gifts exchanged on Easter Day. In most Continental countries dyed eggs we}'" and are exchanged. Why? From primitive times eggs were features of the feasts associated with Spring. They were used by the Ancients, Egyptians, Persians, Greeks and Romans. During the exile, the Jews would become familiar with the Egyptian use of eggs at springtime, for we find the egg adopted as type of the departure from Egypt, used at the feast of the Passov,e r with the Paschal Lamb. The Early Church made use of all good customs, and the egg was used by them as emblematic of the resurrection of life. It was ~ very suitable choice, for the egg seems lifeless, and yet from it comes life. In the early times no Catholic would eat eggs in Lent, an'; from Ash Wednesday, or in some parts of England from the first Saturday in Lent, eggs. as well as butter and meat, were not eaten tm Easter Day. Hence on Shrove Tuesday the pancakes were made to use up the remaining eggs and butter. The eggs were dyed r ed to signify Christ's blood, but later other colours and gilding' were used. In some parts of England, fairly recently, designs would be painted on the eggs before boiling them in the dye for extra decoration. If we are going to give Easter eggs thi" year, do not let us be superstitious about them, but realise the significance of our gu1rthe remembrance of the resurrection of our Saviour, the hope of our own resurrection, and the end of the period of fasting. If we have Anglican, Orthodox or Roman Catholic Brownies in our Pack. let I'" hp. careful not to have our Easter parties till it is Easter. The Saturday before Easter is in Holy Week. and Lent is not over. It is hard enough to keep Lent when you are small-do not let us makp it harder. Think of the tremendous joy of th~. first Easter, and let us make our Easter a L.T. joyous time too.
EASTER OPENING AND CLOSING. Opening.-Brownies are very special chickens who have been very carefully looked after by the "farmer." Farmer: "What is the matter, chickens?" Chickens: "It is Easter, so let us come out and play." The farmer lets the chickens out, and they fly into a ring around the toadstool, where they put down on the floor something they have brought for the farmer, their pennies covered in -s ilver paper. Closing.-Chickens in a ring around the toadstool. Easter eggs are placed in a smaller circle. Chickens: "Weare tired, farmer." Farmer: "Well, flyaway, chickoens, until another Easter comes." The chickens each pick up an egg and fly away. R.L.S.
EASTER HANDCRAFT. At the mention of Easter the first thought that comes into one's mind is-eggs; the next thought, naturally, is chickens, so why not let the Pack make some to go with their Easter eggs? All that is needed are some shelled beans, peas and tooth picks. The body of the chicken is composed of a bean with two halves of another bean fastened at right angles to the 'b ody with toothpicks. These form the wings. A pea fastened with another toothpick forms the head, with an end of a pick stuck in for the -b eak. The tail is formed by three ends of toothpicks, and the feet by two more. Many other interesting animals can be made in the samoe manner. M.E.H.
EASTER GAME AND HANDCRAFT. Chickens and Rabbits. In one corner there is a rabbit warren containing a mother and young rabbits. In another corner there is a nest containing a hen and chickens. (Equal numbers are best, but not essential.) When the old owl hoots, the young rabbits and chickens say to their motherS!: "All's well, mother, may we go out to play?" The mothers say: "Yes, but be sure and listen for the cock to crow, for the wily old fox then comes this way."
April, 1936.
MA'rltl>A Chickens and :rabbits then :run into centre outside their homes and dance together. As soon as the cock c:rows, they must dash fN' their :respective homes, and the fox (Packleader or T.O.) carries those whom he catches away to his den. Here they are given materials to draw and colour or cut out the animal they represent. When all the young rabbits and chickens are caught, the mothers come looking for them, and are caught also. It is well for the children not to know what is in store for them in the den till they are caught. Then when they are able to leave their drawing, etc., in place of themselves, they can slip away from the fox. If these animals are pasted on long lengths of strong brown paper they make attractive friezes for Six homes. V.H.
THE BROWNIE LIBRARY. When the library books were sorted out in the beginning of the year, the library committee was horrified to discover that a number of books were just simply missing. By this we mean there was no trace of them at all. They were not in the library, and they were not entered in the book. WHERE ARE THEY? Brownie Guiders, will you please look through your own books and see if any of the following are amongst them? No.3-Stories for Character Training. No.5-Songs and Games of Babyland abroad. No. 8--Brown Magic. No. ll-Brownie Games. Rhys David. No. 16--Brown Book for Brown Owls. No. 21-Brownie Games. Pelley. No. 22-Brownie Games. Rhys David . No. 23-Brown Magic. No 26--Stories of the Birds. No. 27-100 Singing Garnes. No. 30-All About a Brownie. No. 31-Stories of King Arthur. No. 32-Games for You and Me. No. 46--Round the Toadstool. No. 51-Why So Stories. No. 54--Forty Good-Night Tales. No. 64--Nature Stories to Tell to Children. No. 65-The Flower Fairies. The Committee has decided that something must be done to prevent this happening again. To enable a thorough search to be made for these missing books, the library will be closed to metropolitan Guiders only from April 1st. Will all Guiders who have borrowed books please return them as soon as possible. The library will be re-opened as soon as all books have been returned and checked. A suggestion has been made to the Library Committee that the library should be divided into two sections: one for metropolitan Guiders and one for country Guiders. The suggestion arose because it was stated that the books most wanted by metropolitan Guiders are rarely available when required. This suggestion if adopted, will necessitate a much bigger library, and the duplication of many books. If anyone has any books they think might be helpful, the committee would be most grateful to receive them. Such could be left at H.Q. addressed to the Brownie Library.
Suggestions for the reorganisation of the Library, the prevention of further loss of books, and ways and means of obtaining new books with limited funds, will be welcomed by the committee. So please, everyone, do your bit! DOROTHY SEDGFIELD, NANCY THEWLIS.
TWO HELPFUL IDEAS. Lend a Hand Books. These can be made by each Six out of broWl~ paper sewn with wool, and with a cardboard cover covered with wall paper. Into this the Brownie pastes pictures showing how a Brownie could lend a hand. Health books could be made the same way, and pictures of the right foods to eat and how to be healthy pasted in. C.W. Six Competitions. Get some button moulds, glue a match stick in the hole and paint them various colours, e.g., green for cleanliness, brown for good attendance, white for games, etc. Each Six has a plasticine garden, and as a "mushroom" is ea.rned, they plant it. When Six of one colour are in, a large one of the same colour is substituted. The Brownies find this idea great fun.
SOME GAMES TO PLAY. (1) Airmail (a compass game).
The eight points of the compass are marJ<,ed by green cards, with a white border (landing grounds) with compass point on the underside. If out of doors, circles can be marked on the g:round, but in either case they should be a good way apart. Each Six is a fleet of aeroplanes and they wear a paper aeroplane in their fleet colour. (These can be made by the Brownies). Having looked at a compass to verify the compass directions, they line up ready to fetch and deliver the air mail. which consists of from 12 to 20 labels or tags of the colour of their fleet, addressed to a compass point, e.g., S.W., N.E., etc., all of which arc in heaps in the middle. The Brownies go up in turn to take one at a time of their OWlI colour, and deliver it at the right place. They do not wait for each other to come back, but follow on as quickly as possible until all the mail is delivered. It is better not played as a race, but the Six with the most correctly delivered wins. (2) Dragons (fun and control). Yellow dragon eats everything except Storks. Blue dragon eats everything except Butterflies. Red dragon eats .everythings except Crabs. Green dragon eats everything except Rabbits. B.O. is the dragon and hides in her lair ready to pounce out roaring when T.O. calls. T.O. l,eads the Pack galloping on their horses all round the room or garden and when near the dragon's lair calls out "It's th.e Yellow dragon" (or whichever dragon she knows B.O. is going to be). The Pack must instantly become Storks by standing on one leg. The yellow dragon, who pounces out roaring, bites anyone (puts a colored string round arm) who wobbles or fidgets . B.O. hides again and becomes a different dragon. It is best always
April, 1936.
MATILDA
to have B.O., T.O. or Packleader, as the dragon and leader of the horses, otherwise it becomes dull as Brownies are apt to only bite their own friends and forget to roar! (3) Houses and Gardens. Each Six has a large piece of cardboard and son Ie green plasticine. The house can be drawn on the cardboard or made out of paper or match-boxes. The plan of the garden is drawn, including rockery, drive, orchard, pond or any· thing the Six likes. Twigs, pebbles, moss, grass, etc., are then collected (or if this is not possible B.O. can take a variety of things with her to meet the purpose). Each tree, etc. is stuck in its place with a tiny bit of plasticine. Path may be painted with glue and sprinkled with sand, and a mirror or shallow tin lid makes a good pond. There can be infinite va· riety in the garden.
GA{I'HERING OF BROWN OWLS. The first gathering of Brown Owls for thi:; year is to be held on Saturday, April 4th, a1 Wattle Park. Boundary Road gate is the meet· ing place at 3 p.m., and all will move to Mrs Bull's garden at 42 Boundary Road, Surrey Hills, E.10, by 5.30. Bring your own eatables and mug; there will be a fire for cooking Tea, milk and sugar provided. Ground sheets are necessary. We shall leave for home at 8.30. V. TATE, Commissioner for Brownies.
Recommended Books. In spite of our Summer months being the dull time for publishing in England, there are so many good books to mention since the January "Matilda" that they will have to be listed with very little comment. Outstanding biographical works include "The Life and Letters of John Galsworthy," by H. V. Manot, a long and interesting book, handsomely produced. "Facing Two Ways," by Baroness Ishimoto, is a very important book to anyone seeking to undel'istand woman's position in Modern Japan. It is charmingly written and has a number of excellent illustrations. "Tickets Please" is V. C. Buckley's new book, and is in the same vein as his popular "With a Passport and Two Eyes." Sir Philip Gibbs has done for England in "England Speaks" what he did on a wider scale in "European Journey." In humorous mood, A. P. Herbert giTes in his "What a Word" an account of the Principles and Progress of "The Word War." For those wishing to write and speak good simple English, this is an excellent book, and will provoke many smiles. People who suffer when motoring and would like to be reminded how funny it all is should read "You have been Warned." It is by Fougasse and McCullough. A. P. Herbert's "Uncommon Law" also should not be missed. For more serious consideration there are two paper covered books published in Melbourne that $hould prove interellting, "Careers
--------
9
for Boys and Girls," by G. R. Giles, and "Are Women Taking Men's Jobs?" by Muriel Heagney. Amongst the novels in demand are "The Glasshouse," by Barnard Eldershaw, "And Berry Came Too," by Dornford Yates, and Mary Ellen Chase's new book, "Silas Crockett." MARGERY HERRING, (Chaucer Library and Bookshop, Howey Court. 234 Collins Street.)
DEDICATION OF SCHOOL STANDARD. On Sunday, 15th of March, in the presence of Guides and Brownies of the Church of England Girls' Grammar School, South Yarra, and of their parents and friends. His Grace t.he Archbishop of Melbourne dedicated the school standard. The only one in Victoria worked entirely by Guiders, it was presented to the school by the Parents' Association, and by the Guides and Brownies. Designed by Miss Gladys Onians, an old girl of the school, and approved of by the Hon. Kay Shutlebroth, who designed the world flag which accompanies Lady Baden-Powell, it was worked by Miss Doris Morton, of 1st Eastern Hill Rangers, another old girl, and Miss Thel· ma Rogan, a Ranger, assisted by Miss Mor· ton's mother and Mrs. Rolland. Most beautifully worked on silk, the colors of the school, are the State badge, a grey kangaroo and a trefoil, and every time it is used it should be an inspiration to the Guides and Brownies to dedicate their lives to the service of others.
WALTZING MATILDA. DO YOU KNOWThat t.he original words to this song were written by probably our best-known Au,· tralian poet-----Banjo Patterson? That the music was written by his sister? That the tune has been praised by a wellknown English musical critic as being of particular merit? That the Girl Scouts of America are so enthralled with the song that they haVe written to Miss Irving expressing their delight, and asking to be enlightened on such exciting mysteries as the meaning of Billabong, CooIilil.h, Jumbuck. Waltzing Matilda. Do you know what these mean? And are you going to let another country be the first to "discover" one of our very own masterpieces? . We all know the tune-we have sung Girl Guide words to it for years Now let us put the music into its right setting-the setting for which it wa~ created. Let us make it our national song. Wouldn't "Matilda" be pleased to be distantly connef'+'ed-if by name onlyto such an exciting event? And incidentally wouldn't Banjo himself?
11)
MATILDA
April, 193f>'
Editor: Marion Sinclair. Lord of Empires, may the light Of the Southern Cross by night Keep Thine other Cross in sight, Helping us to live aright. To Thine Empire guide us.
TENDERFOOT TEST OR REVISION . N.B.-These are only rough ideas to be adapted and elaborated as required. They can also be used in Lone or Post Letters. The main idea is that the Recruit gets a thrill and does not necessarily know she is being tested. This is for practical testing. The Law and Promise should be dealt with separately. Captain waiting for Recruit on the "wharf." How does Captain recognise that it is the person she is waiting for? (Smile, handshake, salute). Invitation to go cruising. Both enter boat, (Made of chairs, ropes etc., 01' anything movable, plus imagination.) Before sailing hoist the flag (Knots. How many countries represented in this flag, etc. ? ) Untie the boat (recognise the knot used). Push out from the shore. Captain cuts hp.r hand, or is bitten by shark. (Bathe it in salt water, bandage with clean hanky, reef knot, etc.) In distance th1'ee piers are sighted, each marked with a distinctive cross (Can recruit tell which is St. George's Pier, which St. Patrick's, etc.) Lieutenant discovered on distant headland making signals. (Watch her. She will direct by hand and whistle signals to chosen pie1', avoiding hidden reefs en route.) Tie up boat and disembark. Land in the strange country. (Follow or lay a trail.)
GAME FOR A FEW. Patrol seated in circle. On floor in centre is a heap of cards, each bearing a phrase or quality refening to one of the Guide Laws, e.g., "Feed the dog," "BE punctual," "Fairness," "Sincerity." Call out the number of a Law. Each Guide chooses a card that she thinks illustrates that Law. Read them out in turn. Discuss. Award one point if by popular decision that answer is judged "correct." Put cards back and go 01. to another Law,
Pictures cut from magazines can be used. instead of phrases. The making of cards for this game can be the object of mental and moral activity at :l previous meeting. Variation. Each Guide is given a Law, and collects as many cards as she thinks will iIlustrate it. Discuss and award points as before, Suitable also for Rangers.
RECRUITS. A Commissioner once visited a Company and f ound the Guides happily playing a game, all except three miserable Recruits, who were in a corner learning their "Tenderfoot." Moral. Remember that Recruits are the most important and probably the shyest people ir.. the Company, so see that they are never left out. lio they go home from each meeting having learnt something definite, having had some fun, and feeling more at home in the Patrol and Company?
TRAVEL HINT. For the benefit of those going abroad (and others) from a Guider recently returned after a year in one of London's "one-room-flatlets." To dry the hair-brush, or tooth-brush, make a clove hitch in the middle of your blind cord, slip handle of brush through the loops, pull tight and allow to dangle in the open window
TWO GAMES FOR GUIDE COMPANY. Searchlights This game is played in a dark room. Before lights are turned out chairs are placPd at irregular intervals in centre of room, and nl the far end of the room a harbour is made (also from chairs) with a narrow entrance. The object is for the Guides (ships) starting at the opposite end of the room, to reach the harbour wihout knocking over any chairs (submerged rocks), or making any noise. At intervals Captain flashes an eledric torch in any part of the room (searchlight f r om an enemy ship). If a "ship" is seen moving ~he hilS to retl,lrp home ilnd st<lrt
MAT I L:::..:;D:....;A:.:.:.-_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ll
April, 1936.
again. Freezing saves a "ship," even when illuminated by a searchlight. If ~ny noise is heard the light is flashed in that direction and the offending ship sent home again. The Patrol with the greatest number of "ships" in harbour at the end of a given time is the winner. Nature Alphabet. Played in patrols. Given a time limit Patrols go out and find nature specimens to represent each letter of the alphabet, i.e., A acorn, B beetle, C clover One point is scored for each correct letter, except when specimen is picked from a living plant, when only half a point may be taken. Variation. Spell the name of the Patrol 0,' Company in a similar manner.
Rangers. BOOKS HELPFUL FOR RANGER -TEST. Girl Guiding (The Chief Scout). Scouting for Boys (The Chief Scout). Story of the Girl Guides (Mrs. Mark Kerr). Biennial Report (World Flag and International). Sherlock Holmes (Conlj,n Doyle), (Observation, Emergencies). The Bush Boys' Book (Donald Macdonald) (cooking and mapping). Exercises without Exercises (Devan).
THE DOMESTIC EMERGENCY. A Competition for Rangers. You and six friends go for a hike on Saturday afternoon. It turns out wet, and you decide to take them to your home for an evening meal. They have other engagements in the evening, so it has to be quickly prepared. All your family is out. What will you give them, using materials likely to be found in the average home. Send in -your answers to Ranger Editor, "Matilda," 60 Market Street.
Questions and Answers ON THE NEW RANGER TEST. Question: "There was woe and lamentation when I told the Rangers that the Second Class Test had been cut out. Some of the girls had only one more test to do. Will those Rangers be Guides now until the new test is passed? Or does that only apply to new recruits ?" Answer: Rangers who are well on with their old Second Class Test can certainly finish this on the old syllabus. If a Ranger has only done one or two of the easier sections of the old Test, it does not seem advisable for her to continue with it; there is no point in dealing with the obsolete tests in Company meetings, so she would have to do the work apart from the Company meetingI'!. But certainly Ie'; those finish who are on the verge of doing so. Those who have already been enrolled with Ranger Badges before the new rule came in are still Rangers, and remain so! Whether they do the new test or not is a matter for
â&#x20AC;˘
them to decide; in any case, they will be doing the work for it, because the Company will naturaly include much of the new stuff in Company work, for the sake of the new ones who want to be red-badged Rangers. Question: "One of my Lieutenants finisbed her Second Class Test at the end of last year. Will she be entitled to her Warrant, in view of this new test'!" Answer: Until the new 1936 issue of P.O.&R. appears, we do not know for certain which test is to qualify Ranger Guiders, though we feel it must be this new Test, otherwise how could the Guider instruct for it? In the meantime, I think there is no doubt that your Lieuenant would pe considered by her Commissioner to have fulfilled the test requirements for the Warr~t, tbough this test is of course only one of the qualifications for a Ranger Guider. Question: "Will we have to get new Ranger Test cards?" Answer: New cards will be printed as soon as we know the requirements for the new Ranger Star test; these have not yet been made available. Question: "For 'following a map for three miles in unknown country' what kind of a map is to be used-Broadbent's road map, or the 'Herald' road map? Or direct the girls to a certain place with a pencil sketch of the way?" Answer: At present we take it to mean a Military Survey (Ordnance) Map, wbich shows the configuration of the country passed througb, and is very interesting to follow. Mere road maps intended for motorists do not give these details, such as hills, swamps, etc., which are of interest to pedestrians, who are not moving at such a high speed, and can look around. I do not know bow fair it would be to test the Rangers on a pencil sketch made by an amateur. What do other Guiders thjnk? Miss Hayman tells us that the standard oI mapping in England is much higher than ours, but they certainly have a wider and better selection of maps to work from. I am not sure whether it is possible to get a Military Survey map of all areas; local enquiries would probably elicit information. F.V.B.
DIVISION COMMISSIONERS AND COMMISSIONERS FOR DEPARTMENTS. Minutes of a meeting held at the Guide Office on the 4th March at 10.30 a.m. Present: Lady Chauvel, Mrs. Davidson, Mrs. Edmondson, Mrs. Corney, Mrs. Littlejohn (by invitation), Mrs. Clive Fairbairn, Mrs. Faulk~ ner, Mrs. Troup, Misses Boyes, Bush, Black, Andrews, Campbell, Purnell, Wippell, Mrs. Officer and tbe Secretary. Chair: Miss Purnell was elected to tbe cbair until the arrival of Lady Chauvel. Apologies were received from Mrs. Guthrie, Mrs. Lansell, Mrs. Tate, Misses Anderson, Cameron, Hamilton, Kelly, Lascelles, Moore, Macneil and Syme. Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.
12
April, 1936.
MATILDA
Country Visits: It was agreed that the need this year was for training and help to be given to Guiders. The following wished visits arranged:Clunes: Brownie Trainer, not in Winter. Hamilton, Western: Brownie and Guide Training; Country Dancing. In August. before shearing. Mildura: Refer M. E. Bush. Mortlake. Camperdown: Miss Black will advise needs later. It was suggested by Miss Andrews that the E.F.D. and S. Society might be able to arrange for an expert to visit Hamilton and Western Divisions to instruct tn Country Dancing. Guide House: A prolonged discussion took place on the Guide House--whether to buy land now and build later, position, how to raise money. It was eventually proposed by Miss Andrews. seconded by Mrs. Davidson, that the Association try to obtain the loan of an empty house or one about to be demolished and hold in it a Happy Home Bazaar (as suggested by Mrs. L. V. Lansell), that Local Associations be asked to furnish the Home with articles for sale and that Guides and Guiders be asked to supply entertainments if sufficient talent be found in the Stradbroke Cup Competition. It was suggested that the lIappy Home Bazaal' be held during Show Week 1936. Stradbroke Cup: It was agreed that partici. pation in this Competition was optional, that judging would be by points, llnd Miss Andrews reported that her sub-Committee would meet shortly and send' out a further circular. "Pets" Association: It was proposed by Miss Black. seconded by Ml¡s. Edmondson. that an Association be formed of pets of Guiders, and pets of Guiders' friends, profits to go to the Guide House fund . It was agreed that Miss Black be responsible for this project. Special Receipt for' Donations to Guide House Fund: Mrs. Troup's suggestion of a specially designed and printed form of reo ceipt for the Guide House Fund was pigeonholed for use on a future occasion. Date Meeting: The date of the next meeting was arranged for 3rd June, 1936. Guiders' Club: Commissioners were asked to mention the existence of the Guiders' Club to Guiders in their Divisions. S. H. IRVING, State Secretary.
APPOINTMENTS. Divisi~m Commissioner,
South-Eastern Suburbs: Mrs. Clive Fair_bairn, 63 Clowes St., South Yarra, S.E.l. District Comm issioners, Bairnsdale-Mrs. Eric Morrison, 10 Mitchell Street, Bairnsdale. St. Kilda-Miss S. MacLeod, Malonga, Kooyong Road, )Caulfield, S.E.7. Acting Division Commissioner, Ballarat, etc.-Mrs. Ewan Mackinnon, Langi Willi, Linton (during absence abroad of Mrs. C. O. Fairbairn).
WARRANTS. Captain. 1st Hastin2's--Miss Perrott. Lieutenant. ~ 1st Colac-Miss S. Phillips. Ranger Captain. 1st Colac Distri($-Miss M. Jones. Ranger Lieutenant. 1st Terang Distri($-Miss J. MacMillan. District Secretary. Camberwell North-Mrs. G. F. Green.
CANCELLATIONS. District Commissioners. Fitzroy and Collingwood-Miss J . U. Boyes. Frankston-Mrs. Ballantyne. ' Kyabram-Mrs. McLeod. Captain. 1st Bentleigh Co.-Miss E. Jones.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS. Mrs. C. Forster to 42 Cochrane Street, North Brighton, S.5. _ Miss Lyel! Kelly, to 10 Malvern Road, S.E.4.
REGISTRATION. 1st Carisbrook Pack.
CHANGE OF REGISTRATION. 5th Brighton Pack is now 4th Brighton Pack. 1st Colac St. Andrew's Ranger Co. is now 1st Colac Ranger Co.
ACTING CAPTAIN. 1st St. Arnaud-Miss M. A. Wheeler.
SCHOOL BLAZERS Ribbon-bound Blazers in highgrade flannel, from 18/11
Blazers Tailored to Measure In the Flannel
best
quality Velour . . .. from 45/-
SNOWS John Snow & Co. Pty. Ltd., Melb.Cl
Wholly Set VII ':ud Printed by l\IcKELLAR PRESS. 229-31 Glenterrl .. Road, 1Ilalvem.