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MATILDA.
May. 19313.
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"Matilda"
An Official Treasure Hou~e for Guiders' Information tor Victoria, Australia.
OPEN DAILY from 9. 30 a .m. t o 6 p.m. Price : 3/ - per Yea r . 4/ - P os ted.
Volume XII.
MAY, 1936.
Number Eleven.
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Editorial.
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SATURDAY S, fr om 10 a.m. t o 1 p .m. Sin g le Co pies, 6d . each .
Are Guiders indifferent to activities in the movement outside of their companies, or is it that the acivities are such that they fail to interest? This is only May, the fifth month of the year, yet everyone I have met connected with committees and whatnots all ask tne same question: "Aren't Guiders interested?" Take the library-how many people know it is here? And how many knowing have borrowed books and have failed to return them? Miss Pearson has been a patient librarian for at least two years, but her patience with people who fail to return books is fraying. Are you one of the guilty ones? Then there is the Guiders' Committee, consisting of a representative from each dIvision. Do you know your representative? Metropolitan Guiders (500 of them) are supposed to pay 6d. a year levy to supply funds for this committee to carryon. Are you one of the 460 guiders whose 6d. hasn't been sent in this year? If you are unattached, or without a commissioner or a reprt)sentative, don't wait to be asked-send it to Miss Daisy McKinnon, H.Q's. Now "Matilda," if you took it for no other purpos~ than for reading the notices, at least you would know there was a Library and a Levy and a Guiders' Club!!! The result of the appeal for material from Guiders in last month's edition isn't encouraging, but I would like to thank the non-Guider who sent in a play. This interest of people outside the movement contrasts rather strongly with that of a lot of Guiders. Each of the several people who have been asked for articles for the magazine have been delighted to be of help. This month Miss Jerram, who is secretary of the English Folk Dancing Society in Australia, has contributed a particularly interesting one on Folk Dancing. This was planned to help Guiders who are preparing for the Stradbroke Cup Competition. but at the same time we hope country Guiders will find it useful. (Ed.)
Folk Dancing. The English Folk Dance Society has been in existence since December, 1911, and was under the direction of the late Mr. Cecil Sharpe. Its aim has been, and is, to revive
and re-popularise the various forms of dance that have grown up in the English countryside. Our national dances are of two types-Ceremonial and Social. To describe them briefly: the Ceremonial are the Sword and Morris Dances, and are representative of our national character. The average Englishman keeps his emotions pretty well under control; he likes things plain, not fussy; he takes enormous pains to excel at whatever sport he favours, and he loves a little nonsense. So, in his dancing, the excitement is there, but restrained; the movements are ofine and dignifi¡ed, but shorn of trimmings. The many curious customs, as well as the extra characters, e.g., the squire or fool, king, queen, witch or sword-bearer, which are commonly associated with the dance, all indicate that the Morris was once something more thaT) a mere dance. An analysis of the figures of the dance leads to the conclusion that it may originally have been part of an elaborate quasi-religious ceremony. This may be equally true of many of the folk dances of other nations, but very few bear upon them, as does the Morris, such clear indications of derivation from the primitive nature ceremonies. of the early village. And these qualities, which the Morris derived from its ceremonial origin, it has never lost. As practised to-day, it is a formal, official dance performed only on certain days in each year, such as Whitsun Week, the annual club feast, wake or fair day. The village Morris men, moreover, are few in number, especially chosen and trained, and form a close society or guild of professional performers. Admission into their ranks is formal and conditioned. It is not enough that the probationer is a good dancer, lissome ann agile; he mu st, in addition, undergo a course of six weeks' daily instruction at the hands of the elder dancers. Upon election, he will be required to subscribe to sundry rules and regulations, and provide himself with a special and elaborate dress, every detail of which, though varying from village to village, is prescribed by tradition . The Morris, too, is remarkable for the total absence of the love motive from all its movements. There is scarely a single dance in which the performers so much as touch each other. while "handing''' is unknown. Finally, it must be understood that the Morris is not, urimarily, a pleasure dance. It's function is to provide a spectacle or pageant as part of
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MATILDA May, 19:16. ----------------------------~------~-------------------------------the ritual associated with the celebration of the first step of a group and the weakest to popular festivals and holidays. the last. The second type, the Country dance, is es(3) Continuity. sentially social in character. The combination In learning a dance it is usually necessary of men and women as partners lead to the deto dissect its movements, but in the finished velopment of the Country dance for social dance these subordinate elements must be purposes, and it has flourished as much in pieced together and merged into one continuthe assemblY' room as on the village green. No. ous movement. To this end the dancer must ceremony or formality has ever been assothink ahead, perceive the relation between ciated with its performance, although delicate that which is to. follow, so that he may give balance and deft footwork are required to to the concluding cadence of each subsidiary dance the varying turns and figures with speed phrase its just degree of emphasis, and pass and neatness. The steps. and fig:uI\es are on without hesitation to the movement that simple and easily learned, so that anyone of follows . ordinary intelligence and of average physique (4) Concerted Movement. can without difficulty qualify as a competent The performer in a concerted dance has not performer. only to consider his own individual movements, Although it is danced in couples, the couples but to relate them to those of his companions make groups, and even though your partner in the dance. The expert figure dancer is may be dull, your dance may still be enjoyable. probably far more conscious of th~ movements If you are sitting out it is jolly to watch, for, of his fellow dancers than of hIS own, and despite the simplicity of the steps, the designs loses himself in the dance. and patterns the dancers weave, and the littie flashes of wit and fun which every now and (5) Style. again crop up in the movements, are excellent By style we do not mean polish. but rather entertainment in themselves. the air, the manner with which the physical No special dress is needed, not even holiday movements are executed. It is partly individclothes. The dances fJeing traditional, you ual, the expression of the dancer's personalnaturally wear your everyday clothes, preferity, and partly derived from the character of ably something dai.nty and cool. the dance. The English Country nance was not only Now a hin~keep those knees straight and popular in England, but was danced abroad in those feet close to the floor! There are a numthe early part of the 18th century and we ber of dances which have words that go with hear of balls at Vienna always enrling with them. Here are the words to the chorus part the English Country Dance. The oldest type of "If all the World were Paper." of dance is the "round," such as the Maypole "If all the world were paper, or Gathering Peascode. Meeting in the middle And all the sea were ink, and clapping hands is a relic of the necessity If all the trees were bread and cheese of touching the live tree, which the Maypole What would we have to drink?" once was. Every year or so the Folk Dance Society N ow for a word about technique and style. publishes some new book of dances. Amongst The first requisite of the figure dancer is the these are a number of dances which have polka capacity to move hither and thither freely and and change-hop steps in them. Some of the easily, with complete control over direction latest dances are very jolly and have a lovely and speed. Having attained this power he must swing, such as Steam-boat. Soldiers' Joy, Twin then learn, firstly, to "time" his movements Sisters, Pleasures of the Town, The Spaniard, accurately; secondly, to "phrase" them in accord with the music; thirdly, to blend them into one continuous movement without halts or hesitations, and fourthly, to execute them Coming Events Abroad, 1936. in concert with his fellow-dancers. March 27-April 3-International Extension (1) Timing. Training at Bedford College, London. Briefly, as the movements and the figures June 18-20-Ninth Session of the World Comof the dance are but the translation, in terms mittee, Stockholm, Sweden. of bodily action, of the music which accompaJune 23-July 2-Ninth World Conference. nies them, the dancer when learning a dance Stockholm and Rattvick, Sweden. should first of all listen carefully to the tune, July 3-13-International Camp of the Danish and, if possible, memorise it. In particular he Girl Guide Assoc., Island of Fyn, should note the number and relative lengths of Denmark. its several phrases, and calculate the number July 1(i-20-International Training in Poland, of steus that can be danced to. each of them organised by Polish Eclaireuses. (two in every bar in duple, and three in triple July 2O-29-Fifth International General Trainmeasure). ing (organised by the World Bureau), Ommen, the Netherlands. (2) Phrasing_ August 2-15-International Ranger ConferIt is just as necessary for the dancer to ence at Our Chalet, Adelboden, Switphrase his steps and movements, as it is for zerland. the musician to phrase his notes and strains. August 17-24--Round Table of Ranger Guiders Technically, the dancer phrases his movements at Our Chalet, AdeJbodenl Switzerby graduating the accents which he imparts land. to his stepsl giving the strongest accent to
May, 1936.
MATILDA
ENROLMENT OJ' BROWNIES AT CARISBROOK. On Tuesday, the 24th of March, eleven Brownie recruits were enrolled as members of the 1st Carisbrook Pack by Mrs. Troup, the Divisional Commissioner. Mrs. Troup presented the Pack with a totem and a set of building blocks. After the Brownies were enrolled Mrs. Troup told a story about a temple in Java and then, using the Registration Certificate as a foundation, the Brownies and members of the Executive built a temple with the blocks. Three members of the Executive were also enrolled.
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CENTENARY. In connection with the South Australian Centenary, the Girl Guides' Association in South Australia intends holding from the 4th to the 10th September an International Demonstration and Folk Dance Festival. A swimming carnival will also be held about this time. Miss Ralph, the State Secretary, writes: "We shall be pleased to arrange accommodation for any Commissioner, Guider, or Guide who would like to attend." The Association in South Australia intends ho1ding an Interstate and Overseas Camp during the Christmas vacation, full details for this will be given later. We understand that provision is being made for a certain number to be given an opportunity to attend from each State. S. H. IRVING, State Secretary.
BROWNIE GUIDERS' GATHERING. The next gathering arranged for Brownie Guiders will be held in the Meeting Pool on Thursday evening, 14th May, at 8 o'clock. Miss Clayton will speak on First Aid in a Pack. Threepence from each Guider will cover expenses. Supper will be served.
Recommended Books. By request this month's list will include only books that are particularly concerned with peoples of other lands. There is sO' much written about other countries with the author as the central figure, but there are very few interesting accounts of the people themselves. Moreover one is forced to go back over a fairly long period to find just what is suitable. "A Daughter of the Samurai," by Etsu Sugimoto is a charmingly written autobiography, telling how a daughter of feudal Japan became Westernised. It has been universally praised for its style and for the truth of its description. The book has recently been reprinted and is now available in a cheap edition at 5/3.
"My Brother's Face," by Dhan Gopal Mukerji, is an important book, dealing with modern India from an Indian's standpoint. Here are several books written for young people: "Heidi" is a delightful story of life
in the Alps, written by a Swiss authoress, Johanna Spyri; "Tales of Foreign Lands," a collection of old tales by Lewis Marsh; "Young Fu" (of the Upper Yangtze), an excellent and well written book about China. With this last must be coupled "Ho-Ming," which is about a girl of New China. For older young people there is "N anook of the North" an epic of Eskimo life by Julian W. Bilby F.R~G.S. ' "A History of Abyssinia," by A. H. M. Jones a,nd Elizabeth Monroe, ~as recently been published by the Oxford Umversity Press. It gives a comprehensive account of the history of Abyssinia within a moderate compass. "The Pageant of Chinese History" is a new b?ok by Elizabeth Seeger. Here the author gIves a vast panorama from about 3000 B.C. to the establishment of the Republic, and as far as possible she gives the Chinese point of view. It is a well written book and easy to follow. MARGERY HERRING Chaucer Library and Book Shop.
Stradbroke CUp Competition. N ow that the notices with the details of the Stradbroke Cup Competition are going out a few words on that subject might be of inter~st. The Cup was presented to us for competition by Lady Stradbroke in 1926. Now, to choose suitable competitive subjects is, as I am sure you all realise, a far from easy matter. Partly for that reason, the Cup has only been competed for three times--first in 1928, when the Competition was for the best Company j~dge~ on fourteen special points. The second tIme, m 19~O, the co~petition was based upon what we mIght descrIbe as the general Guide spirit in Companies, but included also a Nature pia~ and some handcra!t. This, as you may Imagme, was a most dIfficult competition to judge. The judges found that the general standard of handcrafts was not high, so, to encourage a better standard, the Stradbroke Cup in 1932 was awarded for handcrafts solely, ~~d. as a result we had our very excellent exhIbItIOn of handcrafts in the Town Hall which not only made us feel that Districts had become more intel'eSted and proficient in that part of their Guide training, but which also :oused a great deal of public interest in Guidmg. That year 1932, is the last in which the Cup was competed for. This year, the subject has received a lot of consideration. After much discussion with commissioners, it was decided to hold the competition for subjects which would as much as possible, be part of the ordina~y Company work, and which should not take up an undue pr?portion of Company time-the one-act play bemg, perhaps, an exception to this, but inch.~.ded becau~e it was felt that acting is a thmg that chIldren love doing, and a valuable method of self-expression. The other subjects were chosen because it was felt that they are parts of the Guide tra!ning, included in that largely because of theIr encouragement of the same self-expres(Continued on Page 12)
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___________________________M_A~T1L~n~A~________.____________~M~a~y~,~1~9~36~.
Observations.
Honey -Eaters. April is here, with its colored sunsets, yellowing apple leaves, and a decided nip in the air. The first robin redbreast has come back to us, and all the birds are busy enjoying themselves; no nests, no young birds, and hence, no responsibilities. The honey-eaters are full of playfulness, and will come quite close to the house, when you can get a look at them. Do you know the white plumed and the fuscous-two that are very much aliKl" both being a plainish sort of olive green above and whitish underneath. The fuscous is a shade smaller, and a shade plainer, being more a grayish-brown, while his first cousin earns the name of "Greenie," with his olivegreen back.¡ At first sight you might be apt to dub them all "white plumed," as I used to, before I knew there was such a thing as a fuscous. Now I have a second look, and make sure I see the distinctive white mark or plumes of the white plumed. I should think it would be quite half an inch long. Another surt: way of distinguishing one from the ?ther IS b.y their song. The fuscous' faVOrIte tune IS tiddly-um, tum, tum, tum, tum, (The "tiddly" fairly high, the "urn, turns" lower, and on the one note.) The white plumed, or "Greenie," earns yet another name by his song, "Chickowee." This he sings fast and with gusto, as he does his other notes, being quite a noisy fellow at all times. He also has a great habit of flying fairly high from a tree, then back again, singing "Whit-choo," "whit-choo," "whit-choo" all the time. He is a great friend in the town, and will pull cottons from the clothes line, and bark from the prop to line his nest. We used to tie pieces of cottony stuff up for them, and they came and took them off with great glee. I was amazed to find a white plumed honeyeater's nest low in a tree right near the footpath, not far from the centre of ~he ~own and railway station. It had a baby bIrd In, and 1 used to watch it grow, knowing it would sooner or later give the show away; because the parent bird seemed to throw her caution to t~ e wind, for she would fly up and feed It, whether there were people about, or not. No doubt she became used to them, and thus careless-or should I say trusting? However, one day a torn nest greeted me, and I knew that tragedy had come upon the poor birds. One last word about the "plumes" of "Greenie"-they aren't always visible, sometimes requiring the bird to turn its head to display them. ("Honey-eaters" to be continued. "Matilda" invites notes on any species.)
One corr~spondent writes :-"1 have discovered a lictor case-moth on the pussy-willow tree. That tree is such a pet, and it is always doing something. First it lost its leaves it: very deliberate degrees-such yellow ones showing up beautifully against the cypress hedge. Then its buds were positively tomatocolored, and now they have sprouted little silver tufts from the top of each bud. JDrou:i~
When the crane is flying it hangs its legs straight out behind it. Clover has tiny white knobs on its roots, and the clover with brown specks on its leaves does not grow like the other clover, which :o;ends out long strands, with roots from these '.;0 the ground. When the "Take-all" goes underground tp ~at the root of the grass it leaves a hole and little specks of dirt exactly like an ant leaves. The difference between a male and female mudlark is that the former has a black face and throat, while the latter has a white face and throat. A Kookaburra Story. I was greatly amused at the antics of some kookaburras and fantails the other day, and very interested too, because I always understood that kookaburras were the enemies of small birds. Hearing a terrible row going on, 1 looked up, and; there saw three kookaburras sitting on a very high roof, laughing as hard as they could, and greatly enjoying the performances of the two fantails, who seemed to be acting and showing off especially for the benefit of the jackasses. They seemed to be turning somersaults and doing all sorts of acrobatics. After watching this for fully three minutes one fantail hopped on to the beak of one of the "kooks," the other on to its back, and off they flew, just like that, and alighted on the chimney of the house opposite, greatly to the amusement of the remaining kookaburras. After more gymnastics one of the fantails perched on the back of one of the kookaburras, and the other fantail on the back of another, and off they set like competitors in an Air Race, soon being lost to sight among some big trees. F.R.
CAMPING. A camp for Guiders holding the Camper's Licence will, if applications warrant it, be held from 9th to 14th September, 1936, inclusive. Place and further details will be published later. E. H. PURNELL, Commissioner for Camping.
FOR SALE. Guider's tailored uniform, blouses, belt, etc., for sale. In excellent condition. Mrs. SHARMAN, 2 Montague Street, off Illawarra Road, Hawt horn, E.2.
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May, 1936.
MATILDA
STRADBROKE CUP COMPETITION (Continued from Page 5) sion, but in which as a whole we are not a5 interested as we might be to our greater advantage. It is not only in Victoria that it is felt that it would be an advantage to Guiding to pay more attention to these subjects; in England, also, that opinion is being freely expressed, and we are very hopeful that this year's competition may rouse a greater interest in our children for these subjects. And I think that Guiders may find it helr-ful if I accent this point-that the Stradbroke Cup Sub-Committee are looking, not so much for "star turns" a~ for good results produced as much as possible from ordinary Company work. It must, of course, mean some re-organisation of Company work, particularly as these have been the Cinderella subjects as far as most Companies are concerned, but I hope that Guiders will find the extra work involved worth while from the point of view of the benefit which their Guides should derive. SIBYL CHA UVEL.
Stradbroke CUp. Circular No.3.
Girl Guides Association, 60 Market Street, Melboul"Jle, C.l. 21th March, 1936. District Commissioners. DISTRICf JUDGING. (This is the responsibility of the district) It is decided that owing to the length of time required for the elimination of teams competing in the districts all entries should be sent to Headquarters, addressed to the Secretary, Stradbroke Cup Sub-Committee, by the 1st May, 1936. Final judging takes place during the month of August, therefore District Commissioner;: must have finalized their local judging by the 1st August. The Committee recommends that Commissioners obtain the help of any suitable people to act as judges. FINAL JUDGING. (This is the responsibility of the Central Sub-Committee.) In order that the Committee may make its arrangements for the final judges who must visit each district entering, the necessity of the early date for entries cannot be too emphatically pointed out. The following is the list of songs for Rangers, Guides and Brownies, which is also appearing in the Guide notes in the "Argus" and "Age." Guides and Rangers. Rounds: "God be in my head," Camp Fire Songs, Book 2. "Brahm's Lullaby," Camp Fire Songs, Book tI. "Summer is a'coming in," Camp Fire Songs, No.5. "Grasshoppers," Camp Fire Songs, No.7. Songs. "Roadways," Camp Fire Songs, No. II. "Rio Grande," Camp Fire Songs, Book 4. N.B.-These Booklets can be had at Headquarters.
Brownies. "Luther's Cradle Song," Camp Fire Song:;, Book 3. "The King's Messenger," One Hundred Singing Games. "Counting Game," One Hundred Singing Games. Any further communication or enquirles please address to Mrs. Clive Fairbairn, 63 Clowes Street, South Yarra,_S.E.l, who will be acting as Convener now in place of Miss Andrews, who is leaving for England. M. R. FAIRBAIRN. Convener Stradbroke Cup Sub-Committee. MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. (Continued from Page 9) for the General Purposes Sub-Committee be made annually." It was agreed that for 1936 Miss Purnell be Chairman if she is able to be present; if not, the Sub-Committee to elect its own Chairman and decide which member of the Committee shall report to the Executive Committee. Rotary Club.-Mrs. Frank Tate agreed to represent Lady Chauvel at the annual Rotary Club Luncheon. League of Nations Union.-It was agreed to accept for the Guiders' Library the offer of Leaflets from the League of Nations Union. 2nd Class Pamphlet.-It was agreed that the 2nd Cla:;;s Pamphlet be reprinted as recommended by the General Purposes Sub-Commit~ tee. Routine and financial business was discussed. S. H. IRVING, State Secretary. r:
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May, 1936.
MATILDA
ready for the Prompter, and that the players are correctly dressed and have any persQnal stage properties with them. ' If the Producer is not promMing, it is advisable that the Prompter should attend at least two rehearsals.
Just for Fun Games for Guides. Patrols must sit in circles back to back, with feet straight out in front, and their backs touching, and with arms folded. On whistle, all must rise and fall in a line behind their leader, without having unfolded their arms. Each <;ircle is composed of one patrol only. The first patrol up, and having kept to rules, wins. Which b It7 Divide players into two lines, standing about five paces from each other, and back to back. One line should contain only six Guides, to each of whom is given the name of an animal or bird, and they make the characteristic noise. On whistle, the six all make their noises as realistically as possible. On the second whistle lines about turn and Captain calls out "Run to the duck-pond," or "Run to the cow bail," 01' "Run to the dog kennel," and the first three to station themselves behind the guide from whom the correct noise came, score a point for tpeir patrol. Groceries. Each player takes the name of something to be bought in a grocer's shop. Th~y stand in a ring with one in the centre. The game is for the one in the centre to say the name of a commodity three times quickly. before the bearer (lan say the name once! If the player is unable to do this, she changes places witn the one in the centre, who takes her name, etc This sounds very simple, but it has only to be tried to realise what a paralysing effect the reiteration of one's name has on one.
OF INTEREST TO RANGERS. It is suggested that Ranger
Companies should c01}sider the advisability of opening a subscription to "The Guider" if they have not already done so. This monthly paper, originally "The Girl Guide Gazette," is now defin¡ itely specified as "published monthly for Commissioners, Guiders and Rangers." Apart from the help each issue contains in relation to the new Test work, this periQ.dical contains much that is of interest to Rangers individually and collectively, and certainly will help to give the Rangers the Wider Outlook. The subscription is 4/- per annum, (6/- posted). Another Ranger Company Library posses¡ sion could very helpfully be a copy each o~ "Girl Guiding," "Scouting for Boys," and "'The Story of the Girl Guides" (Mrs. Mark Kerr). Perhaps these books should be read in the inverse order? At any rate, it is important that Rangoer Guiders should lose no time about reading these books themselves. Let us know what you plan to incorporate as preparation for this section of the new test in the
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Company programmes--or are you just going F.V.B.
to lend the books to the Rangers?
EQUIPMENT. Weare very sorry indeed that the supply of Camp Fire Song Leaflets has run out; more have been ordered from England, and should be here about the 20th of May. Complaints both direct and indirect have been heard about the pins on Tenderfoot Badges; we would be very glad indeed if Badges, the pins of which break at the first use, were sent straight back to us, so that we can discuss the matter with the manufacturers. It is rather hard for us to lodge complaints without som1e idea of the pel;centage of faulty Badges in a number, say, of a thousand. We have been forced to make an all-round increase of 3d. in the price of the belts; this is owing to the rise in price of leather, and does not mean that we are making extra profit. M. LITTLEJOHN, Acting Commissioner for Equipment.
WARRANTS. Lieutenant. 1st Hampton-Miss Ida Gunn. 2nd South Yarra (M.C.E.G.G.S.) Miss S. Mitchell. Captain. 1st Bendigo--Miss M. Koska.. 1st Daylesford-Miss H. Grant. 1st St. Arnaud-Miss U. Wheeler. District Secretary. Carisbl'ook-Miss E. M. Dowie.
REGISTRATION. 5th Brighton Pack.
TRAINING. Gaiders who have not previously attended a Training Course at Headquarters must pring to the first class of any Course a Nomination Form, signed by their Commissioner. Unless othenvise stated, all Training Courses are held at the Gujde Office, 60 Market Street, Melbourne, at 7.45 p.m. Brownie Training.-The 2nd course was to begin on WEDNESDAY, 15th APRIL, 1936, but as no Guiders attended, it has been postponed until the first Wednesday in June. , Guide Training.-The second course of General Training will begin on MONDAY, 20th APRIL, 1936. Guider in Charge: Miss Sheila MacLeod. I Training Week.-It is proposed to hold a Training Week beginning about' 28th August, 1936. Further details re dates and place will be published jater. MERLE BUSH, Commissioner for Training.
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May,lU::l6.
JA&
JUjAPOJf Editor-Miss Phyllis Salmon. whatever stage property, if any, that character should have, a few seconds before an entrance actually occurs. This ensures that the player is ready for the entrance at the right The production of a play falls naturally into moment. four main divisions: (a) The casting; (b) The The first rehearsal should commence with a preparation; (c) The rehearsals; (d) The night reading through of the play. The Producer correcting pronunciation, showing which of the performance; and the first two are entirely the Producer's responsibility. words to emphasise in a sentence, and varying the pace in speech. It is often difficult to Assuming that a Guider is to produce a Disget inexperienced players to give a rising intrict One-Act Play, the following are a few flection on the last word of a sentence. The suggestions she might find useful. She will need for clear diction cannot be over-emphaprobably be drawing her players from differsised. ent companies, so she must either visit the The players should mark their parts so th<\t companies and see the charades and company when memorising lines they will learn correct "stunts," or the Guide Captains must send emphasis, pace and tone. their best "actors" to a central casting meet The next reading should be with moves, and ing. the stage set with necessary furniture, etc. Before this casting meeting, the Producer Let each player draw a plan of the stage and should study the play, visualising the characmark on her part, her moves. ters so that at the meeting she has clear-cut With a One-Act Play this ground should be definite id1!as of what she wants, and is able to covered at one rehearsal, but the Producer pick the best from the material given her. may find it will take two r,eadings before new At the meeting she should have sufficient players grasp the essential points. numbe.rs of copies of the play to make individDo not allow memorising until the player~ ual reading possible, and she should start by can read their parts correctly. At this point giving an outline of the plot, and a brief the Producer should be able to judge whether sketch of each character. Then let the company any alterations in cast should be necessary, read in turn. With a One-Act Play several and to make them. When that is accomplished readings should be possible, changing over the insist on lines being learnt, and no books at characters several times, so that the Pror,ehearsals, ducer would have a fair idea of the would-be Now with regard to moves and gestures. players' acting capabilities, and clearness of Players should move only on their own speech and voice' speeches, which should be so timed that speech Then the Producer casts the parts with a and move end together. When players are clear understanding that the casting is not standing they should keep still, body and feet. permanent, that there may be changes after Don't let them fidget. the first rehearsal. If a gesture has to be made, see that it is The Producer now studies her play afresh, a large one, not in any way cramped. how she will get the best effects with position When lines and movements are learnt, then of players, and intonation and emphasis in comes the polishing. Players must l'emember dialogue. It is far better for the ProduceI' that they should be acting the whole time to work out her own movements rIOl' Ithe they are on the stage, whether they arc players, to suit her own stage and condition", actually speaking or not. than to follow blindly the printed directions The play should run smoothly with an even in the book. pace, which should be speeded up towards the A simple way of working out these moves is final curtain. to 'Put small objects on a table to represent. On the night of the performance the Profurniture, with counters to represent one's ducer must see that the stage is properly set, characters, which one moves at will. that properties are in their right places, that These moves should always be marked people working the curtain know when to clearly in the Producers' Book. Also marked in lower it, that the prompt book and light are the book should be "Call SQ and So," witil
Some Hints on the Production of a One-Act Play.
May, 1936.
MATILDA
then returned to Miss King, and placed with the other colors at the altar. Others who tOOK part in the parade were the district captain (Miss Jean Murdoch), district secretary (Miss Thelma Morton), Lhe divisional commander for Clunes (Mrs. James Troup) and members of the local association. The color parties were 3rd Ballarat Company (N. Trevethan, P. Radford, M. Manning), 4th Company (C. Robertson, V. Greenwood, J. Hastie), 5th Company (T. Bodey, R. Kennedy, A. Grenfell), 6th Company (E. Dalton, D. Haines and B. Me· Lachlan), 7th Company (L. Gordon, M. Dean and M. Best), 10th Company (C. Bridger, M. Blackman and R .. Ewins), 11th Company (E. Harper, J. Ludbrook and M. Braybrook), 7th Company (world flag), (E. Ludbrook, M. McRae and B. Richards). Following the dedication of the flag the girl guides stood and declared the Guide Law and Promise. Addressing the congregation, the Archdeacon said it was a real inspiration to see such a gathering of girl guides and scouts in the House of God. The 22nd of February had been set apart as "thinking day" for girl guides the world over. It was the birthday of Lady Baden-Powell, who had launched the movement, and in Ballarat it had been decided to hold a commemoration service. That day tu them was "thinking day," and what a mysterious thing thought was. It was always with us, and it was one of the essentials of life. AI· though indestructible it could be materialised by word or action. If a Japanese who did not understand a word of English was in church the service to him would be a jumble of strange sounds. Yet they were able to interpret his words, and thus their thoughts were brought into harmony. One of the purposes of common thought was action. Guiding and scouting suggested more than thoughts. Many of them gathered before him that day had probably joined up with the respective movements because their friends had done so, or because of the fun which they could have together. As this was merely a first acquaintance with a truly great organisation he had no criticism to offer regarding their motives. It did not take long for worthy girl guides and scouts to be gripped with the "esprit de corps" -the feeling that they must not let their troop down, and then subsequently came the desire to do something which would better their group. Nor did interest in the group bring about the end of the development; it was but the training ground for bigger and better thoughts. They learned that districts, and even countries, were but part of the movement. and thus their interest was quickened and held. The real object of guiding and scouting was the peace and unity of mankindpeace which was based upon mutual love. In its best sense the movement was a worthy instru· ment of God.
Overseas Greetings. The followin,l!: has been received from the Girl Guides of Zurich, Switzerland: Enclosed you find a letter which has been
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written on the 22nd of February, the birthday of our Chiefs. Not only you, but all the associations of the world will get kind regards of the Zurich Girl Guides (Switzerland). Each of our 60 groups wrote in an hour to a certain land. Perhaps you can make use of it for your periodical. (A "group" comprises about 6 guides aged from 11-16 years.) Zurich, Feb. 22nd, 1936. Dear Fellow Guides, We Swiss Guides are also celebrating today the birthday of our Founder Lord Baden Powell, and we are thinking of our dear Sisters in all countries. . We are all striving towards the same aim and we are aware that to be a Guide is not an easy task, but a beautiful one, and demands much from us. Land and Water are not able to divide our Sisterhood, for we are bound together through our Common Pl'llmise and Work, we Swiss Guides endeavour in Camp and Work to be true Guides and good comrades. We spent last Summer in a very fine Camp in our beautiful little Switzerland. We eagerly work at our Tests, not forgetting at the same time Singing and games. We all hope we will be able sometime perhaps to greet you in our beautiful Chalet at Adelboden. With our greeting "Be Prepared" (all times be ready), KANGAROO GROUP.
Meetings of the Executive Committee. 2nd APRIL, 1936. Stradbroke Cup Sub-Committee.-It was reported that Mrs. Eadie, Mrs. McKenzie, Miss Salmon and Miss Jolly had agreed to be members of the sub-Committee. Guide HOllse.-Mrs. Littlejohn reported having seen a property at Woori Yallock, and it was agreed that members of the Committee should see this property before the next meeting. World Conference.-It was reported that Miss Smith and Miss Moran would be the delegates from Australia to the World Conference. 5th International General Training.-It was agreed that Miss Mollie Hoffmeyer be recommended for the Training, to be held at Ommen, Netherlands, in July, 1936. Guiding in Schools.-Miss R. Hamilton's resignation as Commissioner for Guiding ir, Schools and Colleges was received with regret, and .t he Secretary instructed to write a letter of appreciation to Miss Hamilton. Guiders' Committee. - Recommendations from the Guiders' Committee were received and agreed with. 15th APRIL, 1936. General Purposes Sub-Committee. - It was agreed "that the appointment of a Chairman (Continued on Page 12)
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MATILDA
Some Games to Play. (a) Health Game. Each Six is given a health rule (exercise, fresh air, etc.) and has to act what might happen if that rule were broken. When all have acted, change over, and each Six acts how they would remedy another Six's broken rule (e.g., "no fresh air." A class of lazy, stupid scholars with windows shut. They yawn, stretch, sulk, etc., Six acting remedy are the same class, but teacher opens windows, and takes them out for exercise). (b) Can You Remember? Pack sit in a circle and number off in fOUl'S or fives. A pile of beans, matches, counters (or their equivalent) is placed in the middle. B.O. says: "2 matches, 4 beans, 3 counters, No. 40's." No. 4's take the matches, etc., from the pile and arrange them in correct order in front of them. B.O. r.epeats the numbers, and the neighbour on each side of the Brownie checks and says if they are right. The Brownies who have the right number keep on.e bean. It is best to start with very easy numbers, such as 2 matches, 1 bean, and gradually work up to more difficult combinations. (c) Find the Bean (1st Class Game). The Brownies working for 1st class each hide a bean outside the room near some landmark, noting the compass point. (Have a compass in the room to which they can refer.) When all are back, the Brownie who was first to return signals to the others where her bean is hidden, giving compass point, e.g., "White gate, N.E." The Brownie who finds the bean and brings it back to B.O. first, then signals where hers is hidden, and so on, until each has had a turn, and all the beans are found. It is advisable to let the Brownies write down each letter ¡a s it is sent, and, for B.O. to stand by and check the signalling. If no one is available to check the signalling, give the Brownie a Semaphore card to check the letters herself. (d) Lend a Hand in a Foreign Land. (Group game for T.est work. Can be played as a competition by different groups or just as a game by one group.) B.O. tells the story: "There is an old English woman living in France in a little cottage just outside the village on the side of the mountain. She has staying with her her little granddaughters, both Brownies, one a Sixer and one a Recruit. Granny hears that the Chief Scout and Chief Guide are visiting the village. and knowing she is the oldest English inhabitant, are coming up to see her. Just at that moment, owing to the excitement, Granny falls down and hurts her knee badly, and says of course she cannot have the Chiefs now, as nothing is prepared. But the Brownies tell her not to worry, for they will do everything. Granny is asked to sit quite still with the little Brownie, while the older Brownie rushes down to the village and brings up three or four French Brownies, and in dumb show (for they cannot speak one another's language) explains what has happened, and what they have to do. Under Granny's direction two French Brow-
May, 1936.
nies make a milk pudding, as she knows the Chief Guide likes that. This is done by chalking and cutting out and arranging everything needed in the room for the milk pudding, not forgetting matches, clock, stove, etc., as well as ingredients. Two others lay the table. (Chalk and cut out all things needed for the table, and lay it.) The English recruit Brownie plaits her own hair and makes herself, or Granny, a sunbonnet out of coloured paper with /tape strings, which she ties in a reef knot under the chin. The Sixer bandages up Granny's knee, and helps her to tie up a photograph of herself as oldest inhabitant, to be given to the Chiefs. (Right knots must be used.) When all is ready, Sixer stands at the door and semaphores "Greetings to Chiefs" when they arrive. It adds to the fun if Brownies are given coloured paper to make into bows to tie up the French Brownies' hair, or to make aprons, etc., and B.O. and T.O. act the Chiefs when inspecting. Or it can be acted first and then B.O. can say what is right and what is wrong, as being a Test game, whatever is included must be correct or criticised afterwards¡. (Any Test work can be included.) (e) Nature Dominoes. B.O. has a few objects to start game with. She puts one down (.e.g., beechnut) and the Pack rush off and try and find another like it, and a new treasure as well. The first back puts down her "dominoe" and new one, which must be matched next. If someone else already has it, it can be put down, and B.O. supplies the next "dominoe." At the end of the game, talk about the different dominoes, where found, etc. (f) Knot Game. Each Six is a tug. B.O. is a boat in distress. and signals for the tug. Each Six has six different pieces of rope and cord, and they make a long line with a loop at the end. and try to be the first to throw it over B.O.'s hand from a given spo,t. Each Brownie should do one knot.
Guides' Commemoration Day. CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL, BALLARAT. A congregation which filled the Christ Church Cathedral assembled on Sunda y, March I, in the afternoon to take part in the commemoration of the 25th year of Girl Guiding. The service was conducted by the subdean (Archdeacon Morgan-Payler), and it was attended by a number of Scout troops and adults, as well as Girl Guides. The procesllion from the parish hall was led by the color parties. The choir, clergy, guides and guiders and scouts followed in that order. The color parties were paraded in charge of Miss Jean King, captain 6th Co. The Commissioner for the district (Mrs. G. F. Morton) received the flag of the 6th Ballarat (Burnballk Street) Guide Company from the officer in charge of the color parties, and passed it on to the Archdeacon, who after dedicating it handed it to the color-bearer (Dot Haines). It was
May, 1936.
MATILDA
7
"Knowledge is proud that he has learned so much, Wisdom is humble that he knows no more." Cowper. September, 1934; Nos. 4, 35, borrowed in November, 1934. FAIRY RING CEREMONY. Miss D. Morton-No.7, borrowed in August, Brownies asleep in their Six homes. B.O. 1935. calls "Tu whit tu whoo" very softly, and SixMiss H. Trotter-No. 12, borrowed in Noers wake up and run into Fairy Ring and say: vember, 1935. ''"What do you want with us to-night, Brown Miss E. Morey-No. 24, borrowed in DecemOwl?" ber, 1935. B.O.: "Run and wake your Sixers bright, Until these books have been returned, the And bring them to the Ring to-night." Library will remain closed to metropolitan Sixers run back and wake their Sixes, then Brownie Guiders. DOROTHY SEDGFIELD each Six in turn skip s into Fairy Ring singing NANCY THEWLIS. â&#x20AC;˘ the first line of their Six son~ . SEMAPHORE AFTERNOON. NATURE GAME. Even number of Brownies playing. Half the On Saturday, April 4th, a very enjoyable Pack from a circle facing outwards. The other Semapliore outing was held at Wattle Park. half each gets a question from Brown Owl, There were about 30 Brownie Guiders present. and when they have learnt it, they skip round Semaphore being the order of the day, the the Brownies forming the circle and sing. Guiders divided into groups, and a message Tune: Yankee Doodle . was signalled from one group to the next, and "We are all the Brownie folk, back home again-arriving correctly!!! Skipping in and out, Games were then played in groups each Looking for our partne!", group moving on when a whistle was blown. We turn ourselves about." If you can judge by the enjoyment of the Guiders, then the Brownies are going to have a "Sometimes we're an animal, happy time with Semaphore. At 5.30 p.m. everybody went to Mrs. Bull's And sometimes we're a tree; And now we are just Brownie folk, garden for tea and a camp-fire. Songs were And can you answer me?" sung and Miss Holtz and Miss Hill each told At the word "about," Brownies turn and a story. Then with the singing of Brownie skip opposite way. On the word "me" they Taps a very happy day came to a close. R.G.S. stop in front of a Brownie and ask her the BRIGHTON DISTRICT BROWNIE Question Brown Owl told them. When the Brownie answers, they catch hands, run to REVELS. Brown Owl and -'r epeat both question and On Saturday, March 28th, the Brownies of answer. First correct scores a point. Circles Brighton District held their Revels in Mrs. then change. A.B.S. Pearson's garden in Moule Avenue. It was a lovely afternoon and a lovely garden, so what THE BROWNIE LIBRARY. more could be desired? It is disappointing that, despite the appeal A Fairy Ring of 80 Brownies was waiting in last month's "Matilda," no missing book has to greet the Commissioner, who first had to been returned. This means a great loss to the travel down a magic pathway escorted by a library, as one or two of the missing books are Sixer and Tweenie from every Pack. After expensive, and one in particular, "Round the Fairy Ring came an exciting Treasure Hunt, Toadstool," is not replaceable. Some of the followed by games, handicraft and, of course, books that have been entered have been on tea, which wasn't served in just the ordinary loan for a considerable time. Overdue notices way, but in coloured paper bags, for which have been sent, but these have failed to elicit you had to pay a magic penny. any reply. Would the following please return After tea the Commissioner told a story all their books to H.Q. as soon as possible. about a wonderful dream, after which she was Miss N. Coyle-No. 25, borrowed in May, sent home along another magic pathway dusted 1934. with Brownie magic with a Grand Howl to Miss L. Hankin-Nos. 53, 38, borrowed in speed her on her way. M.H.
Some Helpful Ideas.