Matilda 1939 vol 15 no 08 feb

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FEB R U A R Y,

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GUIDE AND SCOUT CRUISE.

The following are extracts from a letter written by a Cheshire Guider to Miss D. Coles:I went on the Chief Guides' cruise to Iceland, Norway, Denmark and Belgium. I met some people on board I know through trainings.

I think everyone was impressed with our first view of Iceland, early in the morning.

We had to land in the ship's boats at Reyrjavik and most of the town, and the Scouts and Guides turned out to meet us. The roads we went over on our tours were passing awful or past awful. That on top of the fog we had two nights after leaving Liverpool, but we also had some stiff winds. It was strange not to see any trees, only low scrub.

It was a pity that it rained, though we saw some wonderful cloud effects, but it spoiled the Gysirs. I did not go to the Great Gysir and the Gullfoss, but we saw a little oneabout 30ft.-and I think we got lost, as the road was of two kinds, bad and worse, and arrived two hours late at the Thingvalla.

The drive back to the ship was exciting for those who were not too sleepy to see it. The lights of Reyrjavik looked very pretty, and we ended with our bus and another l'acin5' through the main street to the square. We arrived on board about 12.30 a.m. On the trip I went we visited the new electric power station, a fine building, with enormous converter and very little noise. It is all built of concrete.

Next day we had the morning to look round the city. We smelt the whaling station, but did not see it. The German cruiser "Emden" was at Reykjavik as well, and left at the same time, so we had an escort for a while.

Time passed quickly with deck games and, on my part, talking-country dancing and other things. The crew were very amused at the "Rest Hour," 2 to 3 p.m., and "lights out" at 11 p.m. They were not used to everything they did drawing a crowd, from taking sound. ings to "fire drill." We had almost the full run of the ship. We were late getting to Trondhjem, as there was some confusion over

February, 1939.

the pilot. It was rammg and misty when we stopped by a small islet, or rock, and tooted for the pilot to come aboard. We were told that we were lucky to be able to see the Fjord -which was really very beautiful, and a strong contrast to Iceland with its bright colours and pines. We thought we had missed the city, but turning a corner there it was, with its red roofs glowing in the noon-day sun. Again we were taken ashore in little boats, then packed into buses and taken round.

I went to a small hill from which Eric - - first saw the village of Trovdhjem. We, too, had a fine view. Then from a winter sport centre we returned to the Archbishop's Palace for a parade. Two sides were Scouts from the two sections, the Guides, also both sections, on the third and we from the Orduna on the fourth.

We marched round and then the Mayor of Trondhjem spoke, also the Chief Guide, Sir Percy Everett. We then went into the Cathedral, which is being re-built. The Rose window is the finest I have seen in modern glass.

Later we broke up and wandered round. A friend and I picked up four small childrenonly one could speak English-learned in school-but we had some fun with them.

Vivian writes to me at times.

Antwerp-and 200 blaves to cheer us in!!

Next morning it looked quite different. (I should say here that we were divided into 30's of the same colour, we had colour-name-tags and subdivided into patrols). I went with two of our Patrol before 10 a.m. to the Cathedral and stopping to ask some Guides the way we were escorted by a young man who turned out to be the Scouter of the Second Zee-Scouts.

We all went different tours.

I went to Mechlin, where we spent about an hour.

I'd have liked a day!

Then came back to a tea party for the Guiders given by the English Guides-it was fun, though the children didn't speak English.

All too soon we arrived in the Mersey and spent the night in the river. It was a wonderful trip and I want to go again.

FOR SALE.-Guider's Costume; only worn six times. May be seen at Guide Office.

Printed by tbe Hilton Pre.. (1929) Pty. LtL. 228-26 Moray Street. South Melbourne. S.C.6.

"Matilda"

An Official Treasure Bag of Guiders' Information for Guiden of Victoria, Australia.

Price: 3/- Per Yenr; 4/- Posted.

Single Copies, 6d. each.

Editor: MARGOT ANDERSON. Guide Headquarters. 60 Market Street. C.l.

VOL. XV.

FEBRUARY, 1939.

FROM THE ACTING EDITORS. The Editor and members of "Matilda" Committee are on holidays during January, still we hope that this month "Matilda" will holu many treasures as it is a Thinking Day issue.

-E.B.S'.H.I. ---:0::---

WHAT WE ARE DOING? This month has decidedly been full of incident;. The first thing that happened in the new year was the exciting news that our State Secretary, Miss Irving, had been made do Member of the British Empire. Everyone In the Guide Movement was very thrilled to see her name in the New Year's Honour List, and we do all congratulate her and feel very proud that she has received this honour.

The Camps at the Guide House started off in full swing and everything seemed ready for a very successful camping season, for which we were very thankful, as last year, owing to the Infantile Paralysis epidemic there was no camping at all.

But we were fated to have another disappointment, as owing to the t errible month of bush fires and the very dry conditions shortly after the commencement of the second lot of combined camps and the extension camp, it was thought wise to evacuate the Guid;~ House property. So camping has ceased fOl' the time being.

Owing to the extremely dry conditions, the opening of the Guide House which was to have taken place on February 18th, has also been indefinitely postponed.

I am sure we would all like to congratulate the Commandants of the various camps wh(l so successfully evacuated the large number of Guides without a hitch, also the Guiders and Guides who, without exception, cheerfully helped in an emergency by showing no sign:> of panic-or disappointment, realising that any inconvenience or disappobtment tl-ey might be feeling was as nothing compared to the terrible suffering, misery, and sorrow of

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so many unfortunate people during this black month.

The feeling of all was immediately: What can we do to help ?-and although comparues were in recess and Guiders rather scattered through the State, wherever possible they at once did good work to relieve the distress.

Working through the Red Cross and State Relief Committees, clothes were collected, helpers for sorting provided, help for their office by typing, etc., also 40 paliasses and stores were taken to Powell town, one of the worst centres of the fires, and individually Guiders helped in their own districts.

The danger of tragic bushfires seems to have eased for the present, but the same dry conditions prevail and we are not at the end of the summer yet, so caution must still be maintained. We must remember in the coming year when companies commence again to impress on all the members of our Movement the importance of being fire conscious, and to realise the terrible consequences of a careless action. We all learn the correct way of lighting and putting out a fire, and we all ought to know the regulations concerning them and the months when lighting of fires is forbidden, except in proper fireplaces, and where they are. And if every Guide understands this thoroughly, puts it into practice, and passes the know ledge on to her family and friends, we may be able to help considerably in influencing the conscience of the community and make them realise that"Prevention is Better Than Cure."

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DO READ THIS- IT IS ABOUT THINKING DAY. Last year, just before Thinking Day, one Guider said to another, "What fun it would be to send to the Headquarters of every country in the world that has Guides, a small parcel containing things that are used by the Guides of

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Australia; and ask them to return to us some things that are used by their Guides."

The other Guider said, "Let's;" and so that is how it all started.

Small parcels containing our badge, diary, Matilda and our State badge were sent to each country; and then those two Guiders sat back and waited for something to happen.

After a few months things did. It was a thrill to see in the morning's mail a bulky envelope with a row of foreign stamps on it that we hadn't seen before-it was a great tempt ation to see those stamps, but the' other Guider said very firmly to the other: "They mustn't be touched, we must keep them until next Thinking Day; everybody must have a chance of seeing them!" (They both happened to be stamp collectors!)

Ar.d then what fun it was, undoing the parcels; fascinating post cards from Poland and Holland; exciting almanacs from Sweden; magazines from every country (alas, we can't all read them!)

And now the replies are almost complete.

Seventeen countries have sent their answers.

And Thinking Day is almost here again.

One Guider said to ' the other, "Let's have a special display of all our answers on Thinking Daj-. We will take the Big Room at Guide Headquarters and we will show our wares to all the Commissioners, Guiders, Rangers, Guides and Brownies, if they would care to come" The other Guider said, "Do you think we will have enough to show, as these things are very small?"

Then the other Guider said, "Why not ask the Commissioners, Guiders, Rangers, Guides and Brownies if they will help us? Ask them if they will try and collect pictures, stamp'>, songs, handcrafts, flags, photos of national costumes or the real thing; or anything they can find that belongs to these countries-Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czecho-S'lovakia, Egypt, Eire, Holland, Finland, India, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Roumania, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, U.S.A." And so the other Guider said, "Let's."

Suddenly, one of them had a brain-wave.

"Let's have the display for the week, startin;; on Monday, February 20tJ-., and ending Saturday, 25th; and we will keep it open at night and then companies can come together on their meeting night; and it will be such a help for t heir International Knowledge and World Citizen Badges."

The other, not to be outdone in bright ideas.

"Let's show. the Chalet Film each night; it is

February, 1939.

so much World Guiding, and it is so lovely; and it only takes fifteen minutes to show. Do you think the Guides would mind paying 3d. each to cover expenses?"

And, so it was all agreed.

AmI, a] this story that has been told to you is what these two Guiders are asking you to do now.

WILL YOU COME? WILL YOU COME? DO YOU MIND PAYI G 3d.?

GUIDE MAGAZINES FROM OTHER COUNTRIES. "Matilda" would like her readers to know that she now receives regular copies of the following publications and that they are kept in the Library at the Guide Office:-Bandeirante, Brazil; The Canadian Guider, Canada; The Girl Scout Leader, U.S.A.; I Chara Tis Odigou, Gr eece ; The Trailmaker, Massachusetts, U.S.A.; Le Trefle Rouge et Blanc, Switzer! and; The Waratah, New South Wales; and, of course, The Council Fire, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts; The Girl Guide Magazine, South Africa; The Indian Girl Guide Review, India.

-S.H.I.

MORAL RE-ARMAMENT. (By M. St. J. FANCOURT) (F rom "The Guider," Nov., 1938.)

THE days of the crisis through which we have lately passed saw the peoples of the world prepared for service and sacrifice on a scale undreamed of since 1918. After the Great War demobilization meant for too many of us a laying a side of any urgent sense of responsibility for our country's welfare. The resul t of this apathy on the part of people of goodwill in all the nations of the world has allowed the s'\vift spread of evil forces, so that onl y t went y years after the Armistice a new generation has stood on the threshold of destruction.

To-day the immediate crisis is over. How can we avoid the mistakes we made when we sagged back in 1918? The world cannot forever continue to swing f rom crisis to crisis.

If ordinary men and women of goodwill are to call a halt to this crazy progress, they must be morally and spiritually strong enough ann united enough to produce a new mental atmosphere in the countries of the world.

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MATILDA

In a recent letter on Moral Re-armament, written by Lord Baldwin and other public leaders to "The Times," there occurs this passage :-"Policy, foreign as well as domestic, is for every nation ultimately determined by the character of her people and the inspiration of her leaders; by the acceptance in their lives and in their policy of honesty, faith and love as a foundation on which a new world may be built. Without these qualities, the strongest armaments, the most elaborate pacts, only postpone the hour of reckoning."

If we are to re-arm morally, we must see the weak places in our defences. We in' Britain like to think we can rise to an emergency, but we have got to recognise plainly whera our own selfishness and apathy help to produce such periods of crisis. War is not just a disaster which "happens" to humanity; it is the result of friction and selfishness, suspicion and fear among masses of ordinary people.

Sheer human selfishness is the chief thing that undermines the life of any nation and saps especially the vigour of democracies. What sort of leadership, for instance, will the young people from the e ' ousands of broken homes in England give tJ the country to-morrow?

The head girl of a house in one of the most famous girls' public schools in the country remarked a short time ago that more than half the girls in her house came from unhappy homes. With such a personal back-ground of conflict and uncertainty it will be hard for these young people to achieve the wholesome outlook and spiritual poise required in the responsible posts they are destined to fill.

Then we have sectional selfishness-the complacency or greed of a class or section of society who do not care deeply about the need of other sections so long as their own gets all that ¡ is necessary. Sectional selfishness is bound to produce conflict between the '"haves" and "have nots." It is responsible for slums and maldistribution, and breeds trade disputes, economic war, and, ultimately, war between nations.

"But," perhaps flomebo dy says "I do not think this applies to me as a Guider. My home is quite a la,py one and I give a certain amount of mll time to public work. I do not want to boast, belt I d J definitely feel my ir.fluence is for geed rather than for bad."

The question we have got to face is whether numbers of dutiful people with a mildly good influence have been arcl are going to be a strong enough positive ag'ency to combat the swiftly moving negative forces in the

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world to-day. Those early Christians, few ih number, had a power to deal with difficulties as fierce as those with which we are faced, and by the vitality of their living and thinking, captured the pagan world.

Moral re-armament means having that power again. It means cutting away from all the little securities and se!f-considerations that drain it. If our reaction tc wrong in other people or nations is personal resentment, criticism or lazy tolerance, then we are useless as a creative force. If we are willing to give a certain amount of time to social causes that alleviate the results of wrong in the world, but are unable to pass on to others the ultimate cure for those evils, then we are still lacking in the real power to create a saner world. So many good people to-day have chosen respectable living and good works, instead of the creative way of love and selfgiving, which demands as its price the sacrifice of pride, and rights.

Insistence on rights is one of the chief causes of discord and disintegration in the world to-day. As a basis for political creeds it arouses man's pugnacious instincts to fight blindly for self-interest without considering the other person's point of view. Deadlock at the conference table is the result.

To-day Britain has tried to give a lead towards peace, but the idealists are divided, and voices of criticism and doubt are distracting the country. We, as Christians, believe that in the great creative mind of God a clear solution can be found to the problems that harrass us. We pray daily that His Will be done, but we are slow in insisting that the highest hope for our nation, or for any other nation, is to find and follow it. We are slow because it is difficult and means starting with ourselves. So long as we tolerate in ourselves seifishness and apathy, fear and prejudice, we are spreading the germs of war.

Personal regeneration, then, is the first necessity for building a new national life.

Some of us have strong international links, and we may be called on to give this same quality of caring in order to help consolidate the life of other countries. But for most of us, our immediate contact is with our own peoples. Because we are planning to find the highest for them, it will not, of course, mean that we shall adopt a critical attitude towards other nations-loving our mother more does not make us hate the neighbours.

One of our biggest responsibilities is our touch with the agencies which mould and re-

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f1ect public OpInlOn. All of us read newspapers, go to the cinema; and listen to the radio. What sort of a, lead do we feel they should give to the country? What are we doing personally in the way of showing appreciation for anything constructive they may give us '! Providers of public entertainment and enlightenment want to know what we, as the public, think. Sometimes we just criticise negatively, and are too lazy to tell them what we really want or to thank them when we get it.

If we are in a job we have another big opportunity for influencing public opinion.

Sometimes we are so set on our own security that we do not trouble or dare to think what are the real needs of our business and the people in it. If in our unit a new spirit of responsibility and co-operation were to supercede self-interest, we do not know how far it might spread as contact was made through the firm's usual channels of business from man to man across the country.

Our homes are the primary units for moral re-armament. Some homes have in them all the problems of Europe in miniature; others are merely comfortable and soft. Neither of these varieties is much help in equipping the sort of pioneers who are needed for the great tasks in hand to-day. When men were subduing the frontier and opening up new lands in America and the Dominions, the women who presided over the log cabins and covered waggons were not thinking primarily of their own comfort and pleasure, or even of that of their family. They were creating, in the face of tremendous difficulties, the sort of homes that would forward to the maximum the job in hand.

To-day our pioneering is just as real. If people do not get from contact with our homes a more vital equipment of the spirit for the work in hand, then we have failed. We are faced with a world where many of the values for which men have striven for hundreds of years are being swept away. The only thing that can save civilisation to-day is a steadily increasing host of men and women in every country who are prepared to give everything to overcome the moral rot that is at the root of all the trouble. In the words of Lord Baldwin, "Were we, together with our fellowmen everywhere, to put the energy and resourcefulness into this task of moral and spiritual rearmament as we now find ourselves obliged to expend on physical defence, the peace of the world would be assured."

February, 1939.

MORAL AND PHYSICAL RE-ARMAMENT.

(The Editor, "Matilda") Dear Madam,-First of all, I think I should make it quite clear that this is being written from an individual Guider's standpoint--I am not attempting to speak for a Branch or a Division, but rather from the point of view of citizenship.

In the last few months two national emergencies have arisen-one rather more personal than the other. At these two times I expect everyone has f elt rather the same-a passionate desire to "do something," a searching examination of one's useful capabilities. It was said in a recent "Guider" that an alarm did not ring twice-referring to the recent European crisis. Here in Victoria we HAVE been given a second char.ce-and are we going to let it slip by in the same way as the first?

This accusation of slackness may seem unjust-various Guides and Guiders are probably joining as V.A.D.'s or preparing themselves in some other way-but can we truthfully say that as a, movement we are prepared? I am afraid we cannot.

There are t wo points in connection with this whi:::h I think most of us overlook. The first is t hat when we speak of our patriotism and willingness to work for our country we must be prepar ed to back this statement with our t rained capabilities-whatever they may be.

The second is that patriotism is not, and should not, be an attribute of war alone. If we realise the second of these as truth, then it is our obvious duty to prepare ourselves for peace as well as for war.

If we are willing to concede these two points then it is our immediate "re-armament" which concerns us. How can we best help the nation -what can be OUr first contribution? Trite tllOugh they may sound, the words, "Be fit, be fit , in body first be fit," are probably the correct. If each company can truthfully say tha'; i' s members are as healthy and as fit as physical handicaps will allow, then we will have made a great contribution towards the welfare C'f the State.

This standa,:d of fitness may be attained in J1'1 a'w ways. Perhaps our greatest opportunity in Victoria is our work for the Stradbroke Cup. Here we could arrange for some form of physical competition for which practical work could be c:: rried out beforehand-team games, health charts, camping and hiking records, (Oontlnue<l on Pa,,<>e 10.)

February, 1939.

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THE RANGERS' PAGE ----:0:---Edit01': ELS1 IE COUT'l'S.

A New Year's Thought From Rangers To All Guiders.

God bless thy yearThy coming-in, thy going out, T11Y rest-thy travelling about; The Tough, the smooth, The glad, the drearGo] bless thy year."

A New Year Legend for Rangers.

"A HALL OF HEROES," f.rom The Fascinated Child.

In my dreams I came to a Hall of Heroes, and over the first door up which there were 7 steps, I read-"Heroes of Battle-sweet and beautL~ul it is to die for one's native land"and there I saw Leonidas of the Pass of Thermopalye, Horatius who with two others kept the bridge, Nelson with his empty sleeve pinned up upon his coat, Garabaldi in his red shirt, Lincoln in his funny top-hat, Gordon without a weapon, and that young ensign whom the Prussians found after the battle of Sadowa with the colours of his regiment hidden under his body from the enen:y. That was the lowest floor.

Then steps up I saw u71ot:1C'.r door a nd written-"Heroes of the Lonely Way"-there is a path which the eye of the vulture hath not seen."

There I saw David Livingstone who for six years, without a sight of a man of his own race, with deadly fever, forsaken even by his own native followers, yet tUrILng hi:> ace towards that impenetrable wilderness of the jungles with the words, "I , ill open up Africa or perish," and who died that Africa's slaves might be freed; and Columbus and other Pioneers whose endurance has done more for the world than even the conquests of thp. sword.

Then 13 steps up I Eaw another door, an ~l over it {'ead, "Heroes of Truth"-''the bravest man is he who can stand alone"-and there was Luther who defied the Pope, Mazzini who

preached sermons of liberty when an exile living in deep poverty in a London garret, and the whole noble army of mart" rs-Margaret Wilson, who was tied to a stake and drowned by the incoming waters of the Solway Firth, rather than give up her faith, and Covenanters -this one "burnt for the faith," this one "stoned for the faith."

The last door, and 17 steps led up to this one, had written above it-Heroes of LoveGrel!ter Love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his frier.ds." I saw a Cross, I saw a man crucified. 'Jesus" escaped my lips, and there I saw Father Damain who ministered to the lepers at Malokai, James Chalmers who went to the savages of New Guinea. Ah! those heroes of the CrossI could stand it no longer-I had looked upon the greatest thing in the world . I rushed down the steps, and the guide stopped me.

"You will be here one day," he said. "Me a hero? " "Why not?"

"You remember the time when . . " "Yes, but that was nothing-you have it in you-so has everybody. You will be here with us one day."

As I left, He held out His hand which bore the print of the nail, and said, ' On which floor would you like us to prepare a place for you?"

I wonder what answer you and I would have given!

RANGER MOOT IN NEW SOUTH WALES. After a long night spent in various trains, we reached Sydney on December 29th, en route for Mona Vale, for the International Ranger Moot. We were properly impressed by the buildings, the Bridge was magnificent, and the streets were intriguingly twisty and narrow; but where, oh where, was the traffic code?

However, in spite of this lack, or because of it, we at last reached our destination, "Quer-:r Haven" School, an architectural museum vf al~ ages, which also proved to be a geographicit' miracle in which we slept in bays, bathed '.:

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rivers and laboured in islands from the fou!" quarters of the world.

The ten days that followed were very full and busy days for all of us. There were addresses and discussions on subjects of interest to Rangers-fitness, international relations, the Ranger age, campcraft, the place of youth in the world of to-day and its hopes and despairs for the future-a lecture on air defence, after which we actually handled gases and gas masks -a demonstration by a beauty specialist who showed us something of the glamour that might be ours, whether Ranger or Commissioner. There were handcraft classes--swimming-excursions to places of beauty and interest. During the moot we bus-tram-trainlaunch-ferry-walked to the Zoo, Koala Park, the first Church, School, and Government House at Parramatta, South Coast and Port Kembla-the only aspect of the great steel works there that we really understood was the free ice cream-Hawkesbury River and Palm Beach, a morning tea party given by the Balmoral Local Association, and the Scouts' J amboree at Bradfield. We shall never forget the stirring spectacle of the march past, the pageantry of world guiding, or the ruthless exposure of ·the circus racket by the Soutb Australian Scouts, but most impressive of all was presentation, in the evening, and by artificial light of the life of the Chief Scout.

At last the Moot came to an end, as all good things must, but as we gasped for breath inside or hung on for dear life outside of the bus on our last drive into Manly, we all felt glad that we had come, because each in her own way had found somel;hing of worth to take back to her own State and Company.

-O.L.

SYDNEY VISIT. Sydney Week-January 3rd-10th.

What a week of good memories!

Our Victorian party consisted of twenty-five Guides and four Guiders--all hailing from dif·· ferent parts of Victoria. One only of the Guides had visited Sydney before, so the party was really thrilled at the idea of the visit.

To a group of people visiting and sightseeing the same places, various things of interest strike each one so differently.

The first impression each gained of our Guide party was one of friendliness and happiness, and by the time we arrived in Sydney, after a somewhat restless nighl;, everyone was

February, 1939.

well acquainted and felt as much at home as a member of the Victorian Guide Company, as she did in her own District Company. The Guides divided themselves into three patrols - VI a lkabouts, Sunshine and Frangipanni.

These may seem a strange collection of names at first, but each has a special significance as I hope readers will be able to gather.

On arrival in Sydney, we were met by Miss Hellicar, who directed us to our home for the week-St. Margaret's Hostel, Stanmore, where we were welcomed by Miss Thomson, the head of the hostel.

Tiredness and heat soon disappeared in the afternoon of Wednesday, when we set forth 011 the first of many jaunts. The first was to Sydney Headquarters, where we were welcomed and refreshed by the staff. Then on to Vaucluse Park, to see the Wentworth home.

We were unfortunate in not seeing the house, but we were impressed with the most beautiful garden in which we saw frangipanru growing.

The Guides had their first ride in a doubledecker bus. They swarmed up to the top, providing the driver with some enjoyment and causing tolerant smiles on the part of th/~ seasoned Sydney travellers.

On Thursday, we went to the N.S.W. Guide House, Glengarry, and en route had our first glimpse of the Harbour and also our first trip across the Bridge. The two latter experiences fully justified our expectations. At Glengarry, we were sad to see what must have been a truly beautiful valley devastated by a very recent bush fire. All the lovely trees and ferns, which came right up to the house, were in blackened ruins, making it easy for us to see the swimming pool in the valley below. The Guides have two cottages at Glengarry and a hall, which is used in wet weather and for country dancing, etc.

We had time to walk on to see the Sphinxa model cut out of rock by a returned soldier, who used a photograph of the real Sphinx a s his guide. The Sphinx is now a war memorial.

We lunched nearby, and then sel; off for the Jamboree at Lindfield, where we divided into groups to see the camp. Each Guide brought home with her that day, many and varied impressions of the Jamboree.

Some of the camp sites were quite remarkable. At the moment, one calls to mind the French colony with their ingenious gateway a"l.d cooking arrangements, the Maori pah of the New Zealanders and many others. Finally the Guides besieged the Scout Shop, which did

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a good trade that day in selling Jamboree souvenirs.

Friday was another most enjoyable day, spent with the Rangers on their trip to the Hawkesbury River by train, then on by motor launch to Palm Beach, where we stayed for lunch. The energetic ones climbed to the Barrenjoey lighthouse. After a stiff climb, we were refreshed with cool water brought to us by the caretaker, whom we noticed was wearing a Guide thanks badge!

I find it hard to describe the beauty of that stretch of water-miles upon miles of ocean and then the still waters of the river.

Nor was our home trip lacking in interest -again we boarded the double-decker buses.

At Mossvale we left the Rangers and went on to Manly by a bus, which registered a protest at the preponderance of Guides, by stopping on a hill until they got out and lightened th¡~ load. For the Guides the day's activities were suitably brought to a close by a ferry trip across to the city and then home to bed. The inexhaustible Guiders, however, finished their day at the Russian Ballet.

Saturday~Guide Day-saw everyone spruced up and ready for the great march past. The Guides looked very neat in their lighteÂŁ uniforms, brown shoes and stockings, and well deserved the favourable comments one heard on the Victorian Guides' appearance.

It is always a thrill at a great gathering of Guides and Scouts, to feel one is a member of the Movement, each individual helping to make the whole. That was the feeling we had as we marched past the saluting bare, rep: esenting our State of Victoria.

Once on the arena, we were addressed by Lady Wakehurst, after which we left th:! ground and watched the very interesting N.S.W. Guide Pageant, which was a display of the growth of guiding and its activities.

The Hospital at the Jamboree was run b] the N.S.W. Guides and was a great success, the hospital being full nearly all the ti me .

Tea time found the Victorian s scatteredvarious groups being invited out by their District Scouts. After tea we met to watch the Boy Scout Pageant of Baden Powell's life.

It was a splendid pageant, wonderfully organised and carried out by two thousand New South Wales Scouts. It was a great picture of the life of one man, who has endeared himself to so many.

Sunday was a free day, whe'1 friends and relations took most of the Guides out-those remaining going for a trip on the Show Boat

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ferry which took them round tile Harbour.

On Monday, we went to the Zoo in the morning and Bondi in the afternoon.

On Tuesday, the Guides divided into groups and we set off to see the city, dine at David Jones', and do some shopping. Thus the week passed, our evenings mostly taken up with sing-songs and talking of the day's impressions.

After farewells to some who were staying on in Sydney, we boarded the Melbourne express, each one bringing with her a host of pleasant memories and tangible tokens of the Sydney visit.

-H.M.B.

Dedication of Australian Flag by Miss Broadhurst.

Saturday, 26th November, was a very special day for the Guides of the 1st Lang Lang Company.

On that day we were presented with an Australian flag, and also celebrated our first birthday.

We were honoured in having with us three Commissioners-Miss Broadhurst, Miss Moran and our own District Commissioner (Miss Salmon)-besides Guiders and Guides from Poowong and Drouin. The local Scouts and Cubs with their Commissioner and Leaders came to witness the ceremony of the dedication of the flag which was impressively carried out by Miss Broadhurst.

The Presbyterian Church grounds made a very nice setting for the service. Fifty-six Guides formed the Horseshoe. In the centre was the rustic dedication table, made of ti tree lashed together. A large Girl Guide Trefoil made up of mesh, and prettily arranged with red, white and blue flowers decorated the front of the table.

In making the presentation to the bearer of the Colour Party, the President of tha Local Association (Mrs. W. Greaves) commended the Guides of Lang Lang to make their lives worthy of being the guardians of the flag whose symbol stands for LOVE, HONOUR, JUSTICE, TRUTH and PEACE. The flag was draped over the table. The Company closed in to listen to Miss Broadhurst's address on "Love of Country, Pride of Ownership, Service to Country and One's Fellows."

A very impressive part of the ceremony was when each P.L. lead her Patrol to the dedication table, and there made her promise'

10

MATILDA

on their behalf, to work for all that is good, honourable and true, and to do their best to make themselves good and useful citizens.

The hymn "Land of Our Birth" was followed by a prayer read by Miss Broadhurst.

The service came to a close with the singing of the National Anthem, while the flag was slowly hoisted.

The Birthday.

Following on from the dedication service, the Guides had a Camp Fire. Preparatory to opening the tent which the Lang Lang Guides have bought with a little assistance from the L.A., Miss Moran asked Company Leader Sadie Wells and the three Patrol Leaders, Enid Stanlake, F rances Koetsveld and Nancy Holloway, to make fast the four main guy ropes, which she said stood for:-Comradeship, Health, Good Camping, Nature.

On opening the tent door, two frogs hopped out to the strains of Pandian Pipe music anti hopped round the campfire. After a few musical and elocutionary items a Brownie waved a magic wand over a camp oven, and behold, when the frogs lifted the lid a beautiful birthday cake was revealed.

The decorations on the cake were rustic.

There was a tent set in the midst of bush land, with a creek near by, a fire glowed outside the tent door, and a Un :o:1 Jack fluttered in t he breeze. And standing in the centre was a Girl Guide wearing a tie of company colours and regulation uniform, even to a tiny knife hanging from her belt. In her hand she held the Birthday Candle which Miss Broadhurst kindly lit for us, while an Ex~en­ sion Guide, Nancy Gardiner, was called upon to cut the cake.

And so the first function of the Lang-Lang Girl Guides drew to a successful conclusion.

-M.G.

Moral and Physical Re-Armament.

(Oontinuell f),om Page 6.)

count ry dancing, badges which relate to health (e.g., the "physical" ones, Gymnast, Athlete, Hiker, Swimmer , Lifesaver, Dancer, Horsewoman, and so on, and the "physical wellbeing" ones, such as Cook, Childnurse, Sick Nurse, Ambulance, and the like).

February, 1939.

Surely if we combined in a drive towards physical fitness, and realised how necessary a contribution it is towards our country's future, we would then be more sincere when we say our motto is, "Be Prepared."

Coincident with this should come our mOl'al re-a:: : mament. One of the main causes of workl disturbance to-day seems to be an inability to think for ourselves, a dependence on what someone else says, a lack of clear thinking and independent action.

There are many factors which contribute towards this weakness-probably one of the foremost being a dislike for blame (and thus an avoidance of responsibility) which became more apparent during the war years and has intensified in the different times of depression and fear since then. If, however, we endeavour to accept our due responsibilities and to carry out our duties to the best of our ability, then it should be easier for all of us to make our own decisions and to act upon our considered judgment. At the present time there seem to be few people who will take even the smallest action without consulting one or more friends or acquaintances-and this seems doubly true of the Guide world, where we are supposed to have learnt courage and reliability.

We SHOULD endeavour to think for ourselves; to speak, after consideration of known facts on both sides of the question; to act, where necessary, with decision and forethought, We CAN train the Guides in our companies along these lines-by cliscuEsions, debates, acting (which builds up one's confidence), games -including wide games of all descriptions and those "emergencies" which are so often discussed and so seldom made real.

We can see that our efforts are directed along these channels of moral and physical rearmament-sometimes in viewing Guide companies, one wonders towards WHAT goal, if any, their energies are being directed. A little not very decorative handcraft, a little not very enthusiastic exercise, test-work often rassed with "That'll do." Guide!:! were keen at the beginning of Guiding because tests were difficult and they felt they were learning something useful-of how many Guides to-day can we truthfully say that we are training and helping them to become better citizens, primarily of their country, and eventually of the world as a whole?

-S. R.F.

February, 1939.

MATILDA

.Jolnt Editors: M. Hazeltine and M. Butt.

Do thy little well, and for thy comf'Ort know, Great men can do their greate_t work no better than just so.

Brevities.

Do your Brownies knowThat there are Brownies and Guides all over the British Empire, and in more than twenty other countries.

That, whilst most Brownies wear a badge something like ours, in about six countries they have a badge in the shape of a bird, the Swiss Brownies badge is a bee, Brownies of Portugal have a leaf, those of Hungary three lilies and in Latvia a badge like a tiny fire to remind them of the story of the "Little Flames."

That Brownies in Uganda can give a full salute when bare-headed because their uniform doesn't include hats or caps.

EXTRACT FROM A LETTER FROM MISS LARDNER, written after leaving COLOMBO. At Colombo I was met by Mrs. Lusk, a Brown Owl, and she drove me round Colombo itself, taking me everywhere she could think of. In the afternoon a Commissioner-a Brahman-took me to see two Packs, very different from ours. The first was at a school for Brahman children, there must have been over 40 in the Pack, they enrolled six that afternoon, and used the Magic Pool ceremony, the whole six repeating the rhyme together . and all bending over the pool-they looked sweet in their whjte uniforms and brown ties -then three at a time repeated their law and promise together. I taught them a singing game which they played with much gusto,

11

they supplied me with sweets and a drink, then they ended with a very nice chain ,c eremony.

The Guiders told me that they get a great deal of help from the Brownie Page in Matilda. We then went on to another Pack, at an Institute for blind and deaf children; they have 250 children whose ages range from 1 to 16 years.

The Pack there was the most interesting I have ever seen, thel'e were 32 Brownies (not Bluebirds as I had thought they would be called). Sixteen of them were blind and the other sixteen were deaf. The Brown Owl wore a white sari over her white silk uniform, and handled the pack single-handed. The children were marvellous at helping each other, the blind hearing for the deaf, and the deaf seeing for the blind. They worked in pairs for some things, and at other t~mes the Brown Owl divided them (by motioning to the deaf and calling to the blind), into t wo separate groups. The blind brownies played singing games, singing very sweetly, and the deaf ones playing a type of Kim',; game. I didn't attempt to teach them anyth'ng, just chatted to them; they were so very happy, and such friendly small people. I would have loved to have stayed in Colombo, as they v-ere having a Revel on the Saturday, something like 200 Brownies. They were being given the use of someone's garden, and such a tea! I certainly think they would have a marvellous time.

[Colombo B.O.-We would love to hear from you; write and tell us of your Revels.]

The fo\lowing is a Post Card received from MISS RUTH SCOTT, describing her experience at the International Camp at Lithuania:"I haven't seen any Brownies in Great Britain, but saw one Pack in Canada which was very much the same as ours. In Lithunia they were camping. They wear navy-blue pleated skirts and jumpers and red triangular ties.

They did a splendid Camp-fire-very dancing

12

MATILDA

classish items. In their camp were models of brown bears and storks and they had decora ted all the outside of the tents and pathways with patterns. Two Brownies every morning put up one of the foreign flags and took it down at night. For one stunt they did dancing and exercises and had a band mad~ from kitchen utensils. It was excellent. They always manage to arrange themselves in circles and lines without Guiders I-and are not a bit put out at performing. They had two as guards with huge poles parading around their camp and quite capable of coping with intruders."

26 Lombard Street, Did Portsmouth, Hampshire.

Dear Friends,-I am a Brownie who belongs to the Third West Central Pack. We have our meetings usually on a Wednesday. During August Brown Owl tries to get a house for us to go and stay for a week. The year befora last she got a boarding school, and this year she managed to get one called Grove School.

As I enjoyed it last time, my mother let me go this time. We went on August 6th to August 13th. We did not go by train, as expected, but we went by car. On the way one of the cars broke down and we had to squeeze together 'in the remaining two. The men who were driving the cars did not know where the school was, and it was quite a long time before a girl named Joy found it for us. As a little prize the man gave her sixpence, and Brown Owl Durham was quite pleased with her. When we had been shown round, we went upstairs to unpack our things and to make the beds. After that we went downs~airs into the garden to explore.

We found a little path and we went along it. Then that led us on to the drive, and we went along another path and that led us to the gymnasium which was to be our playroom. In the playroom we found another pack called St. Simons Pack. Soon after we had made friends the bell went for tea. After tea we all went over to the gym. and had badges given out.

I was leader of the Squirrels, and we had to work. At seven o'clock bathing began; by half-past seven we were in bed. About eight o'clock our supper came round, which was Force, wheat flakes and an apple. We were so excited that he did not sleep hardly. On Sunday morning it was raining so when we had finished our work we went over to the gym. and played.

After dinner we had rest

February, 1939.

hour, and canteen. On Monday morning we did our work, and on Monday afternoon we went to the Devil's Punch Bowl and took our tea. Tuesday morning we went to Wagoners Wells to see the Wishing Well. On Tuesday afternoon we roamed about the garden. Wednesday was visiting day and some of the mothers came to see us, and on Wednesday evening we had our plays. It was quite late when we went to bed that night. On Thursday we did our work as usual and then Wt! went on Greyshot Common and played. On Friday we went shopping, and brought presents home for our brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers. We also went on the Common again. On Friday evening we had sports. As it started to rain we had to go into the gym. and finish our races. After that we had a supper of lemon juice, bread and butter, with chocolate spread on it, biscuits and crisps.

During supper there was a storm of thunder, lightning, and hailstones, and it made us all scared. It was late when we went to bed.

On Saturday morning we went on the common and picked flowers. For dinner we had a nosebag, which is a bag full of nice things to eat. When the cars came and whirled .us away home we were very sorry, because it was the end of a happy holiday.

I remain, Your loving Brownie, DORIS PAY.

Brownie Howlers.

Brown Owls, send in to Matilda some of your Brownie Howlers. You know the things Brownies say so seriously, and you have to be so careful not to catch Tawny's eye. Send them in and we will publish them each month.

Here are a few choice examples:"Our own Missioner and the Missioner for Brownies are coming to visit our Pack Holiday."

"I promise to do my bust to do my duty."

How the first Union Jack was formed:"Queen Mary was out of work, and so King J ames came over from Scotland and he joined their flags."

Brown Owl: "Before Australia became a Commonwealth, no one bothered to think what would be best for the whole of Australia and they even made the railway lines different widths and that's why, when we go to¡ Sydney, we have to change trains at Albury."

Brownie: "And when we go to Kew, we have to change trains at Hawthorn."

l

February, 1939.

MATILDA

13

THE

SIGN POST Editor,' Elizabeth A ll1'ed.

GUIDERS, I hope you are all thinking about, and arranging, something special for Thinking Day, so that the Guides in your Companies may fully understand the meaning of this particular day and know just why we set it apart as a special day. If you cannot think of anything exciting, perhaps you might get a few ideas from the following:-

Idea for a Thinking Day Meeting.

(To last the whole evening).

The Company is turned into a Juliette Low Memorial Week at "Our Chalet." Perhaps at campfire the week before the Guides could be told the story of how Juliette Low started Guiding in America, and how the Girl Scouts of this country', in memory of one who had done so much for them, subscribed to a fund to make it possible for Guides and Girl Scouts of this eSliflhy, il'l memoq: gf one ~ .do.o.e.-so-.mu hem, ubsaibed t a- fund to make jt possible fe~ Guides-and OiIi Scouts from different countries to spend a week together each year at "our Chalet," where they have the opportunity of learning all about each other, and so promoting international relationship.

If the Company is a large one, I would suggest that each Patrol should take the name of a country, but, if preferred, the Guides may divide into small groups. The various countries should be chosen or given out the week before, so that the Patrols can find out something interesting to tell about the,i r country at the "Thinking Day" Meeting.

The evening c;)uld begin by having a short ceremony with the hoisting of the World Flag.

If the Company does not own one, it can be drawn on cardboard, and the symbolism explained. (Small pictures with the explanation may be bought, at Headquarters). This ceremony might well be followed by a game. Here are some activities which might be used during this meeting:-

Game (Played by French Eclaireuses).-A sheet of newspaper in front of each Patrol, or group; all the centre has been cut out, leaving a hollow square, with the rim of paper about an inch and a half thick. Have an equal number of Guides in each Patrol, and they, in turn, must run to the "post" and put tha ring over their heads and down to the ground.

The first Guide runs back to her place, and t'le next does the same, until the whole Patrol I' as had a turn. If the ring of paper is torn \.'hile being put over the head, a mark is c-:;unted against that Patrol, and a new ring ( f paper is provided. Points given for the first finished, and the Patrol with the least marks scored against them.

Game (A variation of an old game)-Eac~ person playing has the name of a country pinned on her back, the name of which country has to be guessed by that person by asking questions.

Only "Yes" or "No" m2y be answered to the questions.

This next game is a singing game from Belgium, and those Guides, who were ' ortunatc enough to attend the "Combined Guide Camp::; at the Guide House," will probab ~y te able to tell their Captains what fun it is, and also help in teaching it to the Comp'lnY. (Music is enclosed in "Matilda.'

Words:Last Monday night, The king, his wife, And their little daughter Came to visit me, To shake my hand they brought her: Finding I was out, Their little daughter said "Since there's no one home We shall return Tuesday.

Ditto-Wednesday, Thursday, etc.

Explanation of Game.-Guides stand in circle, and whim they sing "the king," they show him (putting their right hand up to its fullest extent), then "his wife" is slightly

February, 1939.

MATILDA smaller (hand at level of shoulder), and "little daughter" (about a foot from the floor). At the words "Came to visit me," Guides point to themselves, and at the next line (To shake my hand), they shake their own hands. At "Finding I was out," hands are moved horizontally in air from centre outwards about waist level; when you come to "Their little daughter said" show her height (about a foot from the floor); and at "Since there's no one home," hands are spread, palms upwards to show emptiness. This goes on until all the days of the week have been mentioned. For the last time, "SUNDAY" the words are said, not song, and the last word is 'No More."

Competition.-A simple Patrol competition is to jumble up the names of the countries where there are Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, and pin them around the hall. A certain length of time is given to see which Patrol can unjumble the most names. This competition helps the Guides to understand that their Company is just a tiny link in a big chain.

If it is possible to obtain the use of a fire, the evening can be ended with a campfire, and cooking Marshmallow Dreams-a Canadian dish. A threepenny packet of ordinary Marshmallows is needed, sufficient biscuits of any plain variety to have two for each Guide, and some milk chocolate. The Marshmallows are toasted in the fire (care must be taken that they do not cook too much), and then placed between two thin pieces of chocolate, which, in turn, are placed between the biscuits.

After eating, the Guides may like to ~earn a grace which is used in Guide camps in both Denmark and Sweden.

Tak fur matt, Den var gut, Wi aer alle mitte noo.

(More or less correct pronunciation would be: Tack fur matt, Dane var goot Vee air aller mitter noon).

The rough translation of this is: "Thanks for the food, It was good, We are all satisfied now."

The Norwegian Guides say this after their meals, all standing round the table clasping hands, and reg eating it very loudly-in fact, almost shouting.

You may be able to arrange your "Thinking Day" Meeting to finish with each Patrol telling something of interest about the country they represent or showing a picture, and then,

perhaps, learn the International Song, which can be found, both words and music, in No.7 of the small Campfire Song Leaflets obtainable at Headquarters.

A "Thinking Day" Prayer.

"0 Lord our God, this is the day which we have set apart in which to think of our sister Guides, beyond the narrow confines of race and creed. We are many and we are strong.

Grant us to grow in numbers and in strength, and give us faith and courage to work for Thee in this world which is Thine."

A Patrol Competition.

A good idea for an international Patrol competition is to use the Girl Guide and Girl Scout Painting Book, obtainable at Headquarters. Remove the pages from the book and give one to each Patrol, to be properly painted and returned at the Company meeting next week. Points could be awarded for neatness, accuracy and good painting.

This competition could be continued for several weeks, or could be completed in one week, by giving one page to each Guide instead of each Patrol.

When all the pages have been painted, they can be pasted on cardboard, cut out and used for various games at Company meetings.

These will prove both interesting and popular.

International Relay.

You have read in the above competition about the Girl Guide and Girl Scout Painting Book obtainable at Headquarters. From this book collect 10 or 12 complete "Families" cut out, coloured and pasted on to cardboard, then put them up around the hall-these should all be from different countries. Guides then have a few minutes to look at the "Families," after which they form into Patrols, each Guide being numbered.

Guider asks questions about the different "Families" and calls a Dl1mber; if the number called knows the answer, she runs to the Guider and tells her; if not, she looks around the room for correct answer, and then comes to Guider.

Points can be given for each correct answer, and another for first correct answer.

Examples of Questions: (i) Colour of French Guide uniform? (ii) What kind of hat does an Indian Guide wear? (iii) Is the Belgium Guide badge 1<imilar to ours? (iv) How does the Swiss Guide uniform differ from ours?

February, 1939.

MATILDA

15

spider-web upon it. I wondered whether it wasn't caused by some such thing as an insect pest like the woolly aphis? These peopla have also included an account of their hike.

"Guyser" Patrol.

Editor:

ELSI E SYDES.

Log Books.

No Log Books are forthcoming from the Guide Camps, but I expect this is mostly due to the bush fires causing them to disband. However, I have some fine ones from the Training Week.

Starts with Birds and their Habits, then a fine collection of specimens-grasses and pods, including wattle, rose, vetch; two pages of leaves to sh'ow difference in shapes (grass and long gum contrasting with broad ivy and broken-up fern and cootamundra), lastly two fine drawings, one of Painted Lady, other Common Brown, a beetle and a real moth stuck on as a final flourish.

The Log Books; Their Covers.

They are made of brown paper bound together with coloured thread, and the covers are very taking. One has an attractive design based on the flowering gum-leaves and gumnuts in each corner, and Log Book written in imitation brown logs. The next has grasses stuck .on to give it the proper flavour, another has a fine array of flowers drawn and coloured, as the border design, and in the centre a beautiful yellow robin (their patrol). The most original one and very effective too, has the title-Nature Log Book, written in shiny black wattle seeds. Unfortunately they are coming unstuck, so perhaps the "glue" available was not of the best. I noticed that our old friend adhesive tape has done good work in making specimens secure.

The Contents.

Range from drawings to actual specimens, leaves, birds, insects, a very interesting collection and one which I am sure will give you some ideas for your Guides.

Hayseed Patrol Log Book.

First page-fine specimens of fossilized gum and . wattle leaves-showing vemmg very clearly, also difference between wattle and gum veining. Next a comic touch-a small white envelope . with this legend beneath, "Gold" from the gold-mine we hoped we had discovered for Guide House."

Drawings of a beetle, seed-pods illustrating seed disper: al, leaves of different trees, birds, snail-shell, mosquito wriggler, and more beetle, this time with description.

SPECIMENS .-This fine book has an interesting collection of specimens-blackberry seeds and flowers, wattle gall, elm leaf with spider web, gum leaves, rosella feather, wing of butterfly, and a stick with a mass of white

Kintras.

Introduction in the form of poetry, notes on grubs moving en masse, a snake killing episode, drawing of red-capped robin, and note on gums.

Yellow Robin.

Sprays of leaves from native trees-blackwood, mountain ash, etc., native creepers, ferns, shrubs and plants-dogwood, centaury, etc., gum leaves, and a collection of weeds-wild radish, fat-hen, spurge, etc. All these were actual specimens-they seem to be the botanists of the party!

Answers to Questions.

I.-No. It has to pierce the skin first, then it sucks up the blood.

2.-Dragonfly and lace-wing fly.

3.-Two-winged insects-house fly, daddylong-legs. They have a pair of balancers that look like tiny wings that forgot to grow.

4.-lnsect means "cut into"-look at an insect and you will see how this name fits.

5.-The hard wing covers protect the delicate wings that the beetle uses for flying. He keeps them folded up when not needed, but ~ ometimes you will catch them partly out.

6.-Y ou can do this one.

7.-Cockroach-small egg-case like a mantis, which is glued to a fence or wall. Cockroaches take care of their eggs. The horny brown case contains about 16 eggs.

Earwig--eggs laid under stones, moss or bark: mother earwig watches over them, anti the larvae when hatched.

Cricket--eggs laid in a dugout under the ground-to the number of 300 or more. (Molecricket).

Codlinmoth-eggs laid in centre of apple or pear blossom, just before the petals fall.

The grub thus has access to the young apple.

16

MATIL:0A

Praying Mantis--eggs laid in a pretty case divided into many cells. These are often found stuck to a branch, fence, etc. The case has a sort of rib down the middle and when the eggs have hatched is dotted with small holes where the young have emerged.

Clothes-mot h-eggs laid on cloth, woollen.

Mosquito-examine a water-butt or still water and you will discover small brown rafts.

These are the eggs of the mosquito.

8.-Grasshopper, praying mantis, aphids, cricket, cockroach, earwig.

9.-Caterpillars, maggots, and grubs.

10.-Uses the tiny hooks that are at the ends of the four pairs of fleshy legs, holding on by these and the tail claspers. It gropes about with its head, thus finding its way by touch.

The body is a lso ver y elastic for movement.

Three Kinds of Mouths.

Insects have three kinds of mouth.

I.-Sucking mouth, e.g., butterfly.

2.-Pierces and sucks, e.g., Aphis, mosquito.

3.-Chewing mouth, e.g., beetle, praying mantis.

How Plants Eat. What a P lant Eats.-Roots fix a plant in the ground, this is their main duty. The plant eats with its leaves. In the air there is carbonic acid gas, which is formed of carbon and oxygen. Place seed on damp flannel and it will grow without soil. Place the same sprouts in an airtight jar and they will die.

Air and water are most necessary to plant life.

Necessity of Leaves.

Leaves are most necessary then to enable the plant to get this food from the air. SUpMATILDApose a plague of grasshoppers eat all the leaves from a plant, it dies unless it can grow a new lot very quickly. Some plants are rootless, others have no stems, but the few which have no leaves, are provided with stems which act like leaves.

The "Stomata" or Mouths.

Under the microscope a leaf is seen to have an upper and a lower skin, or "tissue," and between these a number of cells of different shapes and sizes. These contain the living gr eenstuff which makes the leaf green.

On the lower surface we shall see dozens of little openings, each guarded by a tiny pair of lips. Th~se are the breathing pores or

February, 1939.

mouths of the leaf and are called "stomata," a Greek word for mouths. The lips are called "guard cells," because they guard the mouth openings. They are very wonderful, because they can open and shut just like our lips.

Through these tiny lips the plant is busy sucking in the carbonic acid gas from the ail', thus feeding the plant all day long.

GODOLLO. Where Pax-Ting Will Take P lace Godollo, about 22.5 miles far from Budapest, I::; situated in a very healthy wooded part, surrounded with vine-yards, partly on a plateau, partly on the plaine of the river Rakos. It is a favourite summer resort of the inhabitants of the Hungarian capital. Its principal curiosity is the famous royal castle, now residence of the Regent of Hungary, an one-floor building built in French rococo style, with more than 100 chambers. The estate belonging thereto covers an area of 18,415 hectares, 3/ 5 of which being wood, excellent hunting ground, whilst 2/5 are devoted to agriculture. Of particular importance are there also the apicultureplants, the station for potatoresearches and the Poutlry-farm of the State.

Godollo is an old village, our know ledges about it date from the early years of the 14th century. Until 1723 it belonged to different feudal lords, in this year, however, it had been mortgaged to the mighty baron Anton de Grassalkovich, who then made Godollo the centre of his waste estates. Upon his order was built between 1744-47 the castle and more than 100 new dwelling houses in the village.

In the castle there were often very distinguished guests, in 1751 Queen Maria Theresia too passed here some pleasing days. Godollo and a principal part of the estate passed, after 1 64, into the property of the Hungarian state and so it had been annexed to the Crowndomains. In 1868, at the coronation of the King Francis Josef I. Godollo had been given a gift to the sovereign and since that time it rests as property of the head of the State.

It was a favourite residence of Queen Elisabeth of Hungary, the memory of whom had been immortalised by a splendid statue of her. Now it is the summer residence and favourite hunting ground of the Regent of Hungary.

February, 1939.

MATILDA

EXTENSIC'N COLUMN.

Editor: Joan Alston.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EXTENSION CAMP. The lovely cobwebby nest of the yellowcheeked honey-eater, where she fed her babies right beside the verandah.

* '* * *

The Guider who came on to the verandah when the entire countryside was abscured by smoke, who said, "Does anyone smell anything burning?"

* '" * *

The Post Guide who couldn't swim when she went into the pool-who swam the width of it before she came out.

* '" * *

The yellow-breasted robin who came to lunch on the verandah with u~ one day.

After the order came to evacuate, the small voice which was heard to say, "Please may I have my wooden leg put on?"

* .* .* *

And the "baby" of the camp who wanted to know, "do we pass Canteen on the way out?"

* * * *

The "thank-yous" we ALL want to say to the many people who were so g ood driving us up to camp and down again in the heat on the Tuesday.

-.J.A.

GUIDE HOUSE . NEWS. The Guide House Committee, after caref'llly considering the position, feel it would be most unwise to have 2,000 or more people travelling to Yarra Junction and congregating in a small srace so soon after the serious bush fi res in that area, and have decided to postpone the official opening of the Guide House,

17

probably until some time in the autumn. It is expected that at least this number will attend the opening as there are more than 2,000 Guiders, Guides and Brownies in the metropolitan area alone.

It was also felt that a general jollification (as there would be at the opening of our Guide H ouce) would not be in keeping when so many people have had such serious and tragic losses in the surrounding areas.

For similar reasons, it was decided that it would not be safe until after heavy rains, to have large numbers of people at the Guide House, so all summer camps have been cancelled, and the large A.N.A. working bee for which fifty people volunteered, has been altered to a series of small working bees, and spread out over consecutive week-ends in February and March. So from A.N.A. week-end until March 27th, there will be a working bee each week-end with an average of 8ix people at each, as it is essential to keep parties small in number according to the number of cars avaiiable at the House at week-ends, so that in case of emergency people can be evacuated safely.

Miss L. Andrews will be in charge of the Bees and will arrange for a member of the committee to be at the House to direct the work each week-end.

We are very fortunate, because although the recent tires were unpleasantly close, neither the house nor the property has been damaged.

Guides from the North Western Division, in camp at Rosbercon with Miss Hoffmeyer were able ~o visit the property on the 18th and were thrilled with it. They had planned to camp at Britannia Creek, of course, but had t o change their plans because of the fires.

Donations amounting to £9/ 3/ - have been received since Xmas and the furnishing committee has now purchased all the necessary beds and beddin g from the money advanced it by the g eneral Guide House Committee. As they hope to pay this advance back, however, t hey ¡a re still hoping that people will remember t.hey can donate stretchers, mattresses, etc., if they wish. Their latest "find" is a neat I:tt!e towel rail, complete with two drawers, two shelves for shoes and a towel rail on either side, and they would like to obtain twelve, as they would be most suitable for the bedrooms. Cost is only 25/ - each and they are made by hand, so if anyone is looking' fo r a really nice and lasting furnishing pres'Jnt for the house, one of these towel rails would be most suitable.

18

MATILDA

February, 1939.

CAM PING and TRAINING Camping Season, 1938-39.

This started off well at the Guide House, plans had been made for over 500 guides and guiders to camp on the property in thirteen different camps, including a Guiders' Trz.ining Week in the main house. All went well until January 10th, when we were advised to break camp owing to the proximity of bush fires, and the possible difficulty of getting so many guides away at short notice. At the time there were about 250 in camp, including 30 Extension Guides and Rangers.

Although the Guides were terribly disappointed to have their camps cut short, they packed up quickly and cheerfully and were all quite ready to leave when the buses came for the first consignment of luggage, about an hour or so after they had been told to get ready. The Extension Guides had decided at about 10 a m. to break camp and the last one had left before lunch; this was owing to the wonder~ ul response to the appeal for transport in private cars, made through the Victorian Society for Crippled Children and our own Guide Office in Melbourne. The other Guides left by the 5.50 train from Wesburn.

Many of them had a long wait on the station platform while the cars went back for other loads. Everyone had a meal at the station before the train left-this consisted of sandwiches, buns and hard boiled eggs, prerared by some Guiders who were remaining at the house, and fresh cold milk, straight from the dairy.

For the next two days a party of guiders who had remained behind worked hard striking 1.he camps and sorting equipment with intermittent dips in the swimming pool! However, as the fires approached within two miles they were obliged to leave on the third day without finishing the job; this was on Friday, 13th January, which everyone in Victoria will remember. We heard by 'phone in Yarra Junction, 2ยง miles from the Guide House, tha~ [;pall~s were showering down on the property and that a small patch had been set alight but h:!d been smothered at once.

Happily, no other spark lived long enough to do any damage, and the fires did not reach t he Guide House, so a small party of Guiders v'a s able to return a couple of days later and finish the tidying up job. Meanwhile, all other

large camps on the property for the rest of the season had been cancelled.

The fires did not come and interfere until after the second group of camps had openedthe first group, from Boxing Day until 4th January, were very happy and, I think, are being written up in another part of Matilda, for I know that the Matilda secretary wrote to all the camps for reports. The General Canteen, housed in the garage, was very popular, second only to the swimming poolwhere during the heat-wave the life-saver was continually on duty and each camp was able to fit in a swim twice a day.

Easter Camp for Rangers.-It is still hoped to hold this Camp instead of the one which was cancelled in December, but it is felt that this depends on the weather in the meantime. If there is rain, or no risk of bushfires, plans will be completed and details published in the March issue.

The Training Week, the first to be held in the Guide House, was most successful; both the house and cottage were filled to capacity. The majority of the Guiders present were from country districts.

The Camp craft Week was also successful, one Camp Adviser's test and fourteen Camper's Licence tests were taken, the most for some years, which is a very hopeful sign.

No.1 Combined Guide Camp (we were having six combined camps, so they had to be known by numbers) consisted of nearly fifty Guides from all parts, town and country, few of whom had ever camped before, and all enjoyed the adventure very much.

The camps that had to break up in the middl~ were four guide camps, these camps from all parts also, with not more than six from any one company. The Extension Camp also had to break up; this was a tremendous disappointment after so much work and preparation on the part of those in charge, and the many helpers.

The Camps that were cancelled were one combined guide camp, the East Malvern District Camp, the Prahran District Camp, and the Melbourne Orphanage Guide Camp. The Northern Division Guide Camp that was to have been held at the Guide House was transferred at the last minute to Rosbercon Girls' School, Brighton.

Fortunately, the bushfires did not interfere

-LJ\Bl' .-..

!':IOlrDAY NIGHT (see Sign;)o Gt 2.)age)

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II

February, 1939.

19

MATILDA

with any guide camps in other parts. "Bungarra," the Geelong District site at Ocean Grove, has been used continuously since Christmas by parties of Guides, and camps were held early b. the holidays at Yarra Braes, Eltham, a lovely spot on the river, since I hear, burnt out. Also in Gippsland a camp was held by Drouin and Warragul Guides to which they invited Guides from other parts of Gippsland and the Wo<.tern District Camp at Warrnambool.

PROGRAMME FOR EARLY 1939.

Guiders' Training Classes: The first course of classes in general guide training for the year will start in the second week in March, probably on a Wednesday or a Friday night.

Guiders who have not previously attended a course must bring a signed nomination form from the District Commissioner. It will be a great help in arranging the course if guiders will write in before 18th February, or earlier, if possible, giving their previous guiding experience, their present rank, and stating it either Wednesday or Friday would be impossible. The day decided will depend on the wish of the majority; the course will last for 10 or 12 weekly evening classes and some outdoor days.

Write to Miss E. Moran, 2 Wilks Avenue, Malvern, S.E.4, and endol'se envelope "Train¡ ing Class."

Campdraft Badge.-If there are sufficient applications a course will be arranged in connection with this test. It will consist of some evening classes and some week-ends, and the cost will be about 17/6. Read up the syllabus in P.O R. 1938, Rule 38, page 92. The course will be open to Guiders and Rangers. Rangers must send a signed nomination from their captain with the application. It is possible to take this course for the benefit of the training, without necessarily being tested at the end; if any new campers feel they would like the experience. Apply at once, and before 18th February, to the Hon. Camping Secretary, Girl Guide Office, 60 Market Street, Melbourne, C.l.

Pioneer Badge.-If any captain knows of any Guide or Ranger in her company who would like training for this badge will she write to the Hon. Camping Secretary at the Guide Office and arrangements for a class will be made if there are sufficient applications to warrant it.

This badge makes an excellent starting off base for the Campcraft Badge, and all campers should aspire to it.

-ELAINE E. MORAN.

CAMPCRAFT WEEK. Thirty-four Guiders were under canvas at the Campcraft Week from 26th December to 4th January at the Guide House this year.

M,ss Moran was in charge with Miss Broadbust as Assistant Commandant; and Miss \' enie Harrison; Miss Bunning as Secretary; :r.Iiss Jermyn, Q.M.; Sister Twyford, FirstA ,(.or; and Miss Dorothy Irving as LifeS~ \¡er. 'haining was given in a most interesting and practical manner, and covered a wide range of subjects, from lat trenching to the Lambeth Walk! Training was done mostly in two, two-hourly sessions, in the morning after orderly jobs and in the afternoon, after free-time, but sessions cropped up at other times, for example, those on the Lambeth Walk took place largely at water parades an'l supper after camp-fire.

As three camps were to follow on surrounding sites-offers were not slow in forthcoming to use these sites for pitching tents and erecting screening for practice and tests-in fact, the advance guards of these camps were most anxious that the Guiders from Campcraft Week should not waste a minute, but should spend all their time working for their test.

As the advance guard of one camp needed 12 tents pitched and there were only four people doing their licence, who were working on that site, Miss Moran announced that undoubtedly the best thing for her to do was to fail each girl twice so that the 12 tents would be erected.

The weather was perfect for camping, though a taste of wild weather would have been a good idea in the opinion of those in charge, in case the campers should acquire the idea that tents, once put up, stay up of their own accord.

On Monday, 2nd January, the camp read in the newspapers the exciting news that the State Secretary had been made M.B.E. Later in the day, while 14 unfortunate people were laboriously doing a written examination paper, Miss Sybil Irving, M.B.E., honoured the camp by her presence, and the examinees sprang to their feet and heartily sang "For She's a J oIly Good Fellow," in Maori "Ti tingita tongita pi ray tu."

A most energetic and thoroughly enjoyable week was had by all-everyone learning many new things and returning home with many new friendships made and the determination to share with their own Guides all the thrills and joys of camping.

20

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February, 1939.

MATILDA EXECUTIVE COMMITIEE.

Minutes of a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Girl Guides Association, Victoria, held at the Guide Office on 19th December, 1938.

Present: Lady Chauvel, Mrs. Faulkner, Mrs. Eadie, Mrs. Ebeling, Ml·S. Littlejohn, Mrs. Ta~e, Misses Broadhurst, Cameron, Moran, Ritchie, Russell, Swinburne and the Secretary.

Agreed: That a Public Risk Policy, on the lines of that in use in New South Wales, be taken out by the Guide Association in Victoria.

That the Handcraft Effort for 1939 be a "Victorian Walkabout," a certain space to be allotted to Divisions wherein they will depict something distinctive pertaining to their own locality and include articles for sale. Also that a representative meeting of all divisions should be held early in the year to explain the scheme and to arouse enthusiasm.

Routine and financial business was discussed.

-So H. IRVING, State Secretary.

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F OlSON POETRY. (From The Girl Guide Magazine, South Africa).

Send for the doclor, name the drug susl>ected, Keep every cup where poison is detected; In evel'Y case what .. 'er the poi;;on be, You may give water, eggs, milk and tea.

Oils may be used but two exceptions lie In phosphorous poisoning and in Spanish Fly. In every case where staining is not found, To give emetics is both safe 3.nd sound So mix at once-be quick but don't be flusteredTwo tablespoons of salt 01' one of mustard.

And if stains are found then pl'oceed with care, And of emetics most of all beware.

The poison known, to make the patient placid, For alkali corrosives give an acid.

An acid swallowed then reyerHe the matter And give an alkali to kill the latter.

The acid antidotes in hom,ehold U1;e Are table vinegar and lemon juice. "'hat alkalies to use need.~ no revealingTake whitewash chalk or pla1;ter from the ceiling.

C3.rbolic acid poi, oning to make the patient easier, Give tablespoons two of sulph"te of magnesia.

In opium pOisoning he snores like old Druid Give him a teallpoon[ul of \ 'oJtdy's Fluid.

In Strychnine poi~oninO' \\'11 'n there's long stagnation, Resort to artificial respiration.

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Write to us for Our List, Prices and Particulars.

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