Matilda 1940 vol 16 no 11 may by Girl Guides Victoria

a I

MAY,

194

MATI L DA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. Minutes of meetings of the EXl'cutin, Committee of the Girl Guides Association, Victoria, held at the (;uide Office on 20th :'ILan'h and ~th Apl'il, J~-lO . !lOth MAHCH. l're;,ent: Lady Chauvel, Mrs. ];'aulknel" Mrs, Blackwood, Mrs. Edmondson, Mrs. Litt lejohn, Mrs. Tate. :'I1isses Cameron, Cole", Harrison, Lascelles, I'Ul'nell, Ritchie, Swinburne 3.nd the Secretary Agreed: That Mrs. Orr's application for lea\'e of absence fOl' 1940 from the Commissionership for Hospitality be granted. Heported: That letters of apPI'cciation for clothing sent had been I'eceived fmm the Overseas l:;ecretal'Y and from \'tuious recipients of' the clothes. 'l'hut the decision of tile meeting of member" of the .-\.ssoeiation held on 13th l\lal'ch was to continue with childrens' ('Iothing :l.llU in addition to \\'01 k for men from lllinl'sweepers anrl tra\\lers. ""hese latter goods to he sent to the Seumens' ~ociety, Yarmouth. 'l'h'tt ihe following camps would he held at r~astel:-Fh·L'

indoor, !J under l'an,"a:-;.

Ith .\l'HIL. Pres,'Ilt: Lady Chauvel, Mrs. Faull'l1Cr. Mrs. E(lmond.on, "1rs. Littlejolln, Mrs. Tate, Misses CUnH!I'on. Coles, Harrison, Lu.~('(·llt.:::;. ::\lol'un, Pur-

nell, Hltdlie. Hussell and the

8e<:ret:ll'~.

Ag'l'eell: That in 1"t~~pOnHe to n rl~lil.lest fl'0l11

Englal,tl £101) from till' (;uide \Val Fuml be ,;pent Oil boy,,' trou,;ers. That the Empil'e .\il' .\milulance ~cheme he substit tll"U for Hoyal :\Ielhourne Hospital ant] local Hospital A llpeals during- Guide ,\Yeek. That l\1is,; Hus:-;ell ~hould organiKe the Air Amhulant'p scheme in conjunction with the Guide \\'eelt l'ommittee. That [WO representt\tive~ from each unit should hl'ing their unit's contributions to :l central spot in l\ lelhourne. That a State Rl'cortlcr for Old (:uides be appointed. 'fhat :'III'S. Edmondson should be the representath-e or the Gil'l (Tuides Association on the State \Val' l,oan and \\-ar Sal"ings Certificate Comm ittee. T hat Miss Zoe Jermyn and Miss Dorothea H oltz ,.,ho u ld be appo inted Camp Advisors. Repol·ted: That the programme fOl' Guide \ Veek was to be on similar li nes to 1939 with particular str ess on co-operation with Scouts, each d is t r ict

lVlay, 1940.

to plan its o\\n programme if possible on the lines :-;ug-gested by the GuidI' \ Veel< Committee, That, as Miss Martin is Icaving Australia sooner than expected, the Commissioners Train· ing' Course would not be held but instead a oneday Tr:1.ining for Commissionel's on 19th April. That M iss B lack had agreed to act as Commissioner fOI' Hospitality during :\1rs. OI'1"S absence on INwe. [{ouUne and financial business was discussed. -8. H. IRYING, State Secretary, ---:0:---

Warrants and Registrations. District Commis1iioner: Swan 1-1 ill, Miss E. :\I oyll'. B row ll 011' 1: 1st l'.] ooroopna, Miss M. iJ. I'earson. Captain : 1,,( Campenlo\\'n, Miss E. \ '. Hildehrand: 1st I )al'eton, Miss B. Baldock ; 1st Kiewa \'alley, ~[jss K Hoberts. Lieutenant: 1st A lphington, Miss N. D. Alton; Ith Bullarat, !\Ii"" Y. Gl'eenwood, Miss E. Slade; 1st "-arrugul. ;\Irs. G. Opie. ('ompany: 1st Hopetoun, Ith Melbourne. lRt \\'al'bnl'ton. Hang'el' Company: Changl> of regis! ration, 3nI I,ew is now Kew District Company. Loc~1 Association: \ Varburton. Change of Ac1dl'ess: Mis" M. Russell, District l'ommi~sioner, NOl'thcote, now 12 Spring-fieW .\ venue, TOOl·uk. S.E.!l.; Miss E. 1". Batten, Captain Northcote Hanger Co., now 12 Springfielll A \'enue, 'l'oorak, S.E.2.

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JUMBLE SALES. The l'arlton ])istrict if; planning a Jumhle Sal(' to he Ileld in ~t. Jude's Hall, Carlton, ahout the middle of i\ra~. Jl io; to raise funds to send the (':1.l'1ton Oistrit-t Guides to the Guide House for a week-end. Joan .-\.lston-\\7ndsor 2191 -will be yery gla(} to hear from anyone with any "jumble." or it ('an he left al (~irl Guide Headquarters. Thc time and date will hc ll1 the Guilll' Notes in the daily papers later on. The Brownie Guiders' Committee is organising a Jumble Sale in J une. T he proceeds will go to the Guide Cottage Fund. Has :lnyon e a n y " j u m b le?" If so, please ring Joan Alstol1-\ V indsor 2194-and she will arrange to hav it picked u p. W atc h t h e da il y pape rR for p lace and date.

I'rinted by the Hil!on Press Ltd., 223 -25 Morny Street, Sou th M elbourne, S,C,5,

"Matilda" An Official Treasure Bag of Guiders' Information for Guidera of Victoria, Aultrali •. Price: 3/· Per Yenr; 4/· Posted. Single Copie., 6d. each. Editor: E. H. PURNELL, 10 Hennitage Road, Geelong.

Contributions should rea ch the Editol' not lale r than the 18th of each momh.

VOL. XVI.

MAY, 1940.

EMPIRE SCHEME FOR GUI DE WEEK The following letter has been sent to all Commissioners for circulation amongst all Companies and Packs. Dear - - - , I have received a letter from H.R.H. Princess Alice telling of the launching of an Empirewide scheme by which the Guides can give two Air Ambulances to His Majesty's forces, and it seems a wonderful opportuni ty for us to 1ake our part with the Guides of the Empire in a special piece of war work. I feel that this will appeal especially to Australian Guides. Australia had the first air ambulances and it is because of the splendid work our Flying Doctors have done, that th ~ worth of these ambulances has gained recognition throughout the world. The fact that s) many thousands of Australia's airmen are shortly to go abroad on active service will pro· vide an extra incentive to us all. If every member of the Guide Movement in the Empire gives half a day's salary or half a day's income-or if that is not possible, what she feels she can afford-and if Guides and Brownies not earning money will give what they can, the necessary sum to buy these am· bulances will be raised. The Executive Committee has asked Miss P. M. Russell to organise the scheme in this State and you will receive with this a letter from her giving further details. Of course, the whole scheme is entirely voluntary. May I suggest that you put it to your Companies and Packs, stressing the point that if they cannot afford to give what is suggested, they give whatever they can? I feel sure that every Guide and Brownie would like to join in this, and it would be a splendid proof of our thrift during Guide Week, as well as of our anxiety to help our country. 1 do hope we will have a splendid result. Yours sincerely, (signed) SYBIL CHAUVEL. State Commissioner. Copy of the Circular received from Guide

NO. 11.

Headquarters, London:GUIDE GIFT WEEK - EMPIRE WEEK MAY 19th-25th Our country is in vital need of AN AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE FOR H.M. FORCES (Consisting of 2 ambulances Airspeed Oxford type) . TOTAL COST £15 ,000 These two machines which are now being built will be the first specially constructed ambulance aircraft to be used by the R.A F. during this war. COME ON GUIDES! HERE'S OUR CHANCE! LET'S GIVE THEM! But this is not all. We are a seafaring nation, so can't we give A MOTOR LIFEBOAT TOO. That would cost another £5,000. Well, why not? £20,000 To be raised in a week. How's that for a job worth tackling! Here is the way in which it can be done. MAY 19-25th, which includes Empire Day, has been set aside as a special GUIDE GIFT WEEK, in which Guiders 'a nd Guides of all ranks throughout the Empire, including Olrl Guides, are asked if they will sacrifice HALF A DAY'S SALARY OR INCOME to buy these gifts for our country. It is of course entirely voluntary and Guides not earning money and Brownies are simply asked to give whatever they can spare. OUR PRESIDENT, H.R.H. THE PRINCESS ROYAL, IS FULLY IN FAVOUR OF THIS SCHEME AND WISHES IT EVERY SUCCESS. If we all pull together with a will we shall get there, so gather your donations together and send them in with the donation form as quickly as ever you can. If you can send them along in advance of the date so much the better, but whatever you doDON'T BE LATE!!! The only expenses to be deducted are those for postage, stationery and printing.

M A TIL D A

May, 1940.

GUIDE AND SCOUT WEEK.

GUIDERS' COMMITTEE.

All companies, by this time, should have received notice of the arrangements for Guidc \Veek, to be held this year from 12th to 18th May, and it is hoped that a ll Districts are arranging Church Parades, Camp Fire Ceremonies and Parents' ights to take place during the Week The secret meeting place to which representatives of Companies or Packs may brin!:" their conttibutions towards the Air Ambulance Scheme has been decided upon. The details of this mysteri ous destination will be sent out later. The Companies' collections of silver papel', etc., may be left at Headquarters during the Week. Window disp lays for Guide a nd Scout 'W eek are bein!:" h eld at Walkers Stores, at G1enferrie Station. Will a ll Districts or Divis ions send in reports of their Guide and Scout Week activities as it will be interesting to compa re results of this yea r's \\Teek with other Guide and Scout 'IN eks. -A. SIDES, Hon. Sec.

Meeting Held 12th April, 1940.

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GUIDERS'

DINNER.

Date : 8th May, 1940. Time: 6.30 p.m. Place: Dining Hall in the basement of "Darl'od's," Bourke St"eet, n ext to Buckleys. Cost: 2/ - vel' person. Programme(a) Grace-\Vayfarer's. (b) A good dinner. (c) 'l'alk by J\I,Âˇs. Faulkner on her irnpres:;ion of Guiding- abroad, illustrated by photos projected through an epidiascope. (d) A se"ies of natul'al co lour and natuml histo,'y s lides by Miss Joan Harper. (e) S 'enes at the Guide House, co ll ected by Miss M. Young (finishing 9.45 p.m.) . \\That You Should Wear: Uuniforrn (either serge uniforms OJ' camp overalls, which are now cons itle"ed suitab le for all occasions). \Vhat You lust Do: If coming', and if you have no t a lready done so, send your name (not money) to Mis!'; M. ~Vills, 804 Burke Road, Ca m be,'Well, E.6. 'I'hone: WF.1934. Tote.- \\' ayfu rer's GraceF'ol' all the g lory of the way, For thy protection night and day, For roof, tree, tIre, A nd bed and board, l~o , ' friends and home, \\' t! I hu nl;: Thee, Lortl.

Present: Mrs. Knight, Mrs. Thomas, Misses Martin, Costain, Young, Nicquet, Lester, Oxley, Knight, \Vats on . Shop Committee: At the request of the Ex c utive, the Committee appointed a representative of each Branch to the Shop Committee-Brownie, Miss Hazel Gross; Ranger, Miss M. Young; the Guide representative will be announced later. Athlete's Badge: At the request of Peninsular Division, the Comm ittee are taking up the ques tion of the tim e a llowed for the swimming part of th e Badge. Guider's Dinner: See report e lsewh ere. Conference: Ditto. Revision of Bye-laws fOl' Guidel's' Committee: The following s ub-committee was appointedMrs. Knight, Misses Nicquet and Oxley. F inance: The Hon. TreaSU1'el' acknowledges receipt of 2/ - each from Portland, a nd Prahrall Districts. Next meeting, 3rd May, 1940, at 7.45 p.m. INA WATSON, Hon. Secretary. - - - : 0: - - -

RESIDENTIAL CONFERENCE. A Frant ic Ap peal Fro m a Despondent Comm ittee How DOES one hold the attention of Guiders long enough for them to remember their obligations re answering questions? In January a circular was sent to all Country Divisional or Acting-Divisional Commissioners and in March "Matilda," full details of our plansl were published, with a plea for your co-operation. If the Divisional Commissioner is away or where there is no Divisional Commissioner, WIll Guiders p lease write to Miss I r ving straight away so that the Division may be representeJ at the Conference. Here are five points to be noted and acted upon:1. We need to have an idea of numbers by th e end of May. 2. We need to have questions for discussion sent in by end of May. 3. Unless we hear from all Country Divisions very soon, either in the affirmative or negative, we will have to fill their places

May, 1940.

MATILDA

from Metropolitan Divisions. This is no idle threat-we 'a re very reluctant to do it, but we must! 4. In choosing your two delegates, remember that we are a Youth Movement, but remember also that the delegates will be expected to be able to communicate their Division's ideas to the Conference! 5. As one of the questions, would you like to di cuss whether a Conference is a good idea? 6. Remember you are having a Divisional Conference in July or early August! How will you know what questions to discuss? The answer is in YOUR hands! O. G. M. KNIGHT, President, Vic. Guiders' Committee.

---:0:--UNSPOKEN FACTS. I suggest that we have a short paragraph in Matilda each month stating one fact about Guiding that the present generation has not been told-the things we may know so well that we forget to pass them on. Here is oneLight Blue is the Girl Guide colour. The Princess Royal, then Princess Mary, chose light blue as her favourite colour and asked the Girl Guides to accept the privilege of adopting it. "In the beginning" most companies wore the light blue ties (not the original one or two, but when Guiding began to grow), but as companies increased variety was practical, and of course a choice was always allowed. It is a little as if light blue were the school colour and the company tie the house colour. In the early days no one in Victoria had seen the Guide Blue, and I suggested that it was probably the colour in which the book'> were bound, so a group of 1922-23 comp'a nies (1st Hawthorn, 1st East Melbourne, 1st Essendon, 2nd Camberwell, and some others) had ties of a blue more saxe than light, and still wear them. The mistake was put right by visitors in 1923, andj light blue was chosen by many companies as 'a link with our President and the recognised colour to have unless there was u good reason for another. Light Blue, then, is the colour of the Girl Guide Association. --G.H.S. (The Editor will be glad to receive similar contributions. )

5 Henham Hall, Wangford, Beccles, Suffolk, 28th February, 1940.

Dear Editor,In the January number of "Matilda" I read a suggestion that the Guide Promise "To do my duty to God" should be dropped. I am indeed horrified at the thought. Surely all thinking people of every nation realise that there can be no form of civilisation or contentment for themselves or others unless they at least try to do their duty to God. Promising to do your duty to a "God" is a foundation for all creeds and beliefs and is the universal wish of all mankind however feebly fulfilled. Yours sincerely, (signed) HELENA STRADBROKE.

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GUIDE WAR WORK. From a letter received from Lady Somers: "I cannot begin to tell you what everybody thinks of the cases that have been arriving from Victoria, simply lovely, lovely things, so beautifully and thoughtfully made. They were exactly what we wanted. I must say I felt very badly at your sacrifice of so many long planned efforts to raise needed money for the Guide House. In fact, I spent a morning running round London to make sure of the need, in case I could wire to say 'Don't send any more.' However, it was quite evident that the need was too great and everything that was sent was going to cases of real need. "It seems odd in some ways that so much distress has occurred, but the beginning months of the war brought an immense amount of suffering due to unemployment, apart from the loss of income to men joining up from well paid jobs, with their civil commitments hanging round their necks. Then came the intensely cold winter-felt far more acutely in the open country than huddled in alleys in the towns. "It has been a busy and bewildering timp. for us all. I seem to have been on the run all the time without accomplishing very much. I was in charge of the arrangements for th~ reception of children in this area-1,500 in about 20 villages, but luckily only 60 per cent. turned up. "It has been rather fun to see how those who have remained have become completely cuuntrified, knowing and loving the things of

MATILDA

May, 1940.

Bight English evacuees lrearin g lL'(tI'jJt 1000llell skirts and jumpe rs sent by tile Gi'r l G-uides Assn. of Victoria. This 8'IIUP Of th em, was sent to Jlelbowrll e by Miss K. jJI. Cavell, District CO?nmiSSioner, Wal'e, HeIÂˇts, Eng /und.

the country as much as one could wish-the great ambition of these Birmingham townie , is to be a groom or working on a farm, now! "It was a grim winter. I can't tell you whuc the cold was like, six degrees below zero here, and for a week thick ice formation on the trees. It was like seeing every little twig wrapped up in half-inch thicknesses of glass. WP: weighed a bough of pine with the ice on it-it was 6~ lbs., after melting the ice we weighed it again ,it was 7 oz.! "Every blade of grass was enclosed the sam'! way and ,e very leaf; and they jingled together in any breeze, but for the most part the country was wrapped in bitter silent grey days like a bad dream. All our pipes were frozen for two days and some places were ill that boat for weeks. "Branches of this frozen mass were crashing' from the oaks all day and night and one felt that nothing would be left standing, but it is amazing how spring is beginning to cover up the debris. Birches were the worst sufferers here as they split in two from the weight. Telephone poles for miles were down, broken and snapped clean in two." Egremont, Cumberland. Dear Girl Guides,My sister and I are two of the lucky little girls who received some of the lovely clothes you made for the evacuees. I am sure it was very kind of you all, the jumpers are beautiÂˇ

fully knit, I also received a pair of lovely wal m pyjamas which I needed very badly. My sister and I are from Newcastle, we have been here six months now. I am nine years old and my sister is seven. We both join in thanking you veri much for your kindness and may God bless you all. Yours sincerely, JEMIMA ARMSTRONG.

---:0:--THE GUIDE HOUSE. The Brownie Wading Pool. Through the courtesy of the "Age" we are able to let many people who will perhaps be ur. able to visit the Guide House, see the new wading pool which has been built above th'! swimming pool, for Brownies. Approximately 25 feet by twelve feet, it is the result of a series of working bees which have been in progress since A.N.A. Week-end. The old lily pond was emptied, drained and cleared out, soil and mud had to be dug out and there are hair raising legends about gum boots which were sucked down into the mudone pair contained the Assistant State Secretary, who nearly vanished out of sight altogether! At one stage the working party thought they had struck a spring when so much water kept accumulating on the bottom, but it was finally traced to seepage from the swimming pool, which was lowered and emptied altogether at one stage-then at the critical moment it was discovered swimming sports

May, 1940.

MATILDA

were five days off and hoses had to be hurriedly turned on to get it filled again in time. So parties of "Slaves" adorned in gum boots, baled out the overflow trap between the tW!) pools for hours on end. The rhododendrons surrounding the swimming pool have been watered sufficiently to last them for life according to the "slaves" who disposed of the surplus water round their roots. The sand and bricks were obtained locally,

the bits fly off! But we were describing the wading pool - yes, brickbat concrete floor, walls three feet high, of bricks laid by the experts and surfaced with concrete, with a hand rail running round the pool, and attractive pylons which now bear the initials of the workers, at intervals. The Ranger Sports Day brought many extra people who were pressed into service and who helped with all kinds of odd jobs.

J.,- CW

WADING POOL A7' Gt'lDE HO[ -S E.

- 13/o c /~

the floor is made of brickbats from bricks broken by hand on the site by the "chain gangs" - who spent many merry moments whacking away with hammers, rocks and anything handy to break them into small pieces. The most approved style is to drop something heavy on the centre of the brick and watch

CO UTtcS'V

Aue."

A flight of steps leads from the edge to t tl!) deepest end of the pool so that Brownies will be able to walk and not fall in, and plans are in hand for a toadstool adorned with Brownie emblems which is to be placed in the centre of the pool. In addition the water course up to the bridge

MATILDA

lias been cleared and reinforced with logs, 0 a waterfall will come down into the pool :It the top end, and the gully will be plante:! with ferns later. Two rangers were entirely responsible for the flight of steps from the croquet lawn level to the wading pool. They dug the spaces out, laid the bricks and concreted them-twelve, no lei;is-in a clay and a half. They were so proud of their first three steps that they rose at six on Eight Hours Day to complete the remaining nine in one day, and succeeded by the skin of their teeth with the aid of the Supervising Expert Bricklayer on the last lap. The photo shows them mixing concrete, if you look just to their right in front of the tin chute you will see two of the steps. The photo is taken from near the top looking down to the swimming pool, shows some of the workers in action and gives you a very good idea of how lovely the pool will look when the water i in. -M.B.F.

U~&i

- - - : 0 :- - ST. GEORGE'S DAY SERVICE Another St. George's Day Service, with all its pageantry and colour, has come and gone. Once more Scouts and Guides, Cubs and Brownies, have gathered together to do honour to their Patron, Saint George, and to re-affirm their desire to follow in his footsteps, to the g!or yof God, and for the service of his people. Once again they have sung the familiar hymns, listened to the Lesson (this year read His Excellency Sir Winston Dugan), and to the words of Canon Roscoe Wilson, who told how, although St. George was not an Englishman and knew nothing of England, the English people had adopted him as their Patron Saint because he stood for that quality which, above all else, Englishmen wished to possess-the power to stand firm in the resistance of evil. - Three things about the Service this year stood out for me; the attendance, which I think has only once been greater, and which was remarkable when one considers the really great counter attraction of the river bank; the very great kindness of Lady Dugan, in hurryin~ back to town in time to have tea with the Extension Guides and to speak to the Colour bearers . after the Service; and the remark of ;. small 12 year old, that "it was a nicer Serv'ice than last year, wasn't it, Captain." -CECIL ROGERS. ':;

May, 1940.

APOLOGY AND OMISSION. Before starting on the real business of thi. month's Bush Lore I must apolog ise for falling down on the job last month. An Easter camp was the cause of the trouble. Now will you tUI'll right back to your March "Matilda" and at the beginning of Bush Lore you will find a piece on "Beetles at Camp." That was sent in by Molly F'indlow of 10th Ballarat, but thc name was unfortunately omitted_

ROBINS. \"ith win tel' come the robins_ Have you seen or heard them yet? The following article is by Joan Harper and is reproduced by kind pm'mission of the "Age." The sub-headings are OUI'S by permission of the writer. "Tell me robin, whence thou artHow then cam'st by suit :;0 bright; l'hief of every human heart, With thy red and black and white." A !tstraliall Hobin -diffe1'ent {amily.-T h e robin redbreast of England is regarded with great affection chietJy because he is '0 friendly, and when most songstel's have migrated, brightens a sno\\'clad land with her cheerful presence. When the early settlers alTived in Australia, no doubt feeling homeSick, imagine what a delightful surprise it was to them to find a red-breasted songster. ~o our bird was called robin, and robin he will always remain, though the two birds belong to different families, the British bird being placed with the thrushes. 'I'he na1ne 1"oliin.-Red breast is the propel' name of the English bird, and no doubt robin is a term of affection added to this name. \Vhat of OUtÂˇ Australhn robins? Once given to certain members of the family, the name robin has been adopted for several related birds which boast no red at all, such as the crub robin of the mallee, the hooded robin, a black and white species, and th e well-known yellow robin. Au 'tralian robins 3.re much more brilliant than the British birds, which really possess rufous breasts a nd not the scarlet that makes our red brea ~ts such beautiful little gems. Five Red-breasts .- Vve have five red-breasts, named from the varying shades of their breastsscarlet, flame, red-capped (f!"Om his red topped head), pink and rose. The scarlet and flame are quite common, but the lovely pink and rose robins al'c rare, living in deep forest S'ullies, but they al'e found as close to Melboume a.s the Dandenong Ranges. Distinguishing scarlet f1"(nn ftame.-These two are often found tog-ether, so if you want to tell "tother from which," the flame has a red throat

May, 1940. while lhe scarlet has a black thro:lt and a white cap. The l1ume is a much brighter hue. 'The FcmaiC's.-A,; in th e case of many of our brig-lIt hued bird>;, the female robin is sobel'ly dad in quiet brown , with sometimes a faint tinS'e of pink on her breast. There is a I'eason for the lack of brilliance in the female. A brightly ,'oloured bird is conspicuous when sitting on the nel:it, and would attract harmful encmies. ::50 with her sombre hues she harllloni:;cl:i with Ilcr l:iulToundiug:;. Fell/ale '1'lwt J/arIl/UlliliC'd.- l rcmcmber one tJ ummel', when we went a>; usual lo a cottage in the hills we foulld a pair of scarlet robins had built their home on the top of a piece of sacking that hung from a tank-stand outside the kitchen window. So well did the nest and brooding' mother bird harmonise with the drab color of the 'acking that though several pairs of eyes were constantl y looking through the open window the nest remained unnoticed. Not until one member of the family, armed with a bl"Oom, proceeded to sweep the cobwebs from the tank, did the bird fly off, when for the first time her secret was discovered. Had she been brightly coloured we must have seen hel' at once. 'Pile Nest and L'ggs.-The nest was a dainty cup made of fine rootlets and grasse::; and ornamented on the outside wilh moss, lichen and cobwebs. Inside it was warmly lined with mbbit's (ur. The eggs were marked with b"owni."h spots, forming a rins' round one end, and they were three in numbelÂˇ. 'The /Sitting BilÂˇd.-She ::;eemed to have no fear of the easel' faces that peered at her from the window, but gazed back with bright inqui"ing eyes. Now and again she moved the eg"gs with her feet, but apalt from that, she silt quietly, sinking well down into the nest. Her mate brought her food fl'eqUently, announcing Ins arrival with 9. sweet subdued call from the ba>;e of an old apple tree. The next minute the female was all excitement, and slipping quickly off the ne::;t flew low O\'el' the ground to th e app le tree, where the dainty morsel was eagerly accepted. After a moment's respite she flew quietly back in the same unobtrusive way. Red breast never came nearer the nest than was nacessary. The heat in the daytime was intense and thel'e was no shelter, so that at first 1 thought it would kill the robin as she sat with wings adroop, breast heaving and bi ll gaping wide. For several days I tried to protect her by placing green leaves over her, then one morning she wa>; missing and the eggs were cold. Presen tl y redbreaMt appeared and seemed quite upset at her absence. Away he flew and re-

9 turned later wilh the truant and waited until she was safely seltled on the nest before leaving her. Is All Well-llfale Sits.-All seemed well, but next morning the home was desolate and all that day I watched in vain fot' the bird to return. Next day redbreast himself appeared and coming close gazed at the deserted nest in a sad way. However there seemed only one thing to do, hatch the eggs himself, so he hopped onto the rim of the nest and taking good care to turn hi:; bright breast to the tank, settled on the eggs. Sinking down very deep he strove to hide the lell-tale colour of his breast. This is the only time I have seen a male bird on the nest. He seemed very ill at ease and finally flew away, thus deserting the nest and eggs. Sad. Melody.-The scarlet robin's song is a rather sad little melody, consisting of a few notes, which are repeated. But it has a special charm and although quiet compels one to listen. Best heard in early spring, it then has an irresistible quality which commands attention where louder songsters fail. It says, "Dear, it is a p ity that poor Jenny is so plain." Breeding and Baby Robins.-Spending much time in the open the red-breasted robins retit'e to the gullies to nest, and it is thought that some of the flame breasts travel as far as Tasmania for breeding. Baby robins are brown with speckled breasts and usually take about three years to attain adult plumage. Unfortunately the robin is one of the hosts of the cuckoo.~ ---:0:---

The little cares that fretted me, I lost them yesterday, Among the fields above the sea, Among the winds at play . . . Among the hushing of the corn, Where drowsy poppies nod, Where ill thoughts die -and good are bornOut in the fields of God. -UNKNOWN.

---:0:--DO-NOTHING DAYS. Do-Nothing days m-ay be the busiest ones . . They are the days in which we absorb; while on the do-much days we try to make others absorb from us whatever we have 'in overplus; ribbons, wisdom or cheese. If ~Ie oftener eased the strain on our eyes and minds, we should be enriched by impressions that in our usual attent and mastering attitude we refuse to heed. -Charles

Skinner.

May, 1940.

MATILDA

POST BROWNIES' CORRESPONDENCE. Owing to th e resignation from the Post Brownie Pack of Miss Rae Lucas (Barn Owl), w ill anyone who has (or wants) any information about PoÂˇt Brownies, please write direct to the Post Brown Owl, Mrs. Stevel1l';, 27 Oak Street, Haw thorn, E.2. - -: 0 : - - -

EXTENSIONS AND GUIDE WEEK. Eclitor.' JOAN .I, LS1'Ol\Âˇ.

EXTENSION BRANCH PARTY. There was much badge polishing and donning of uniforms in the Extension Branch on Saturday, March 30th. It was the day of the Extension party at which the Commissioner for Extensions, Mjss Campbell, was to receive hel" Medal of Mel"it. It was a terribly hot day but Scots hurch Hall was beautifully cool and no one was worrying about the wea ther. They were all far too busy meeting other members of their Companies and talking about all the s orts of things that you do talk about when beforehand you'vc only "met on paper!" There must hav c been about 96 Extensions present, among them being re presentatives of nearly all the ten Post Guide Companies, and Rangers fl"Om t.he three Post Ranger Compani es were there ; also Post Brownies, 3rd MelbouJ"l1c Rangers , all the Guides from the Deaf and Dumb Institution, and a Guide from the Austin Hos pital Company and a Ranger from th e Craft Hostel at F ra nkston. Soon aftel" three o'clock Lady 'hauvel arrived with Miss Irving. They went round the Hall talking to tile various ompani etl a nd then came lhe presentation. Hazel Bell, of 3rd MelbouJ"l1e Rangers, spoke for the Extensions and told Miss Campbell just how much the BI'anc h appreciated all she has done and is doing for it. After that everyone did th eir best to rai'e the roof with their cheers. Then came afternoon tea and a competition in which everyone could join. Soon afterwards the car drivers began to arrive so e\'eryone had to put on their hats and say their good-byes until "next time." All the Extensions would like to thank the people who were so good doing transport and helping in many other ways. The members of the Executive Committee are others whom we want to thank very much for their great kind ness in giving the aft.ernoon tea.

Extension Guiders! Don't forget Guide Week, May 12th to May 18th. Extensions can join in District activities. Get in touch with the District Commissioners and tlnd out what is being planned. This is an opportunity for Exte nsions to joilJ in with a ctive Guides. - - - - :0:- - -

LONES. Dea r Lone Guiders,Now that the yeal" h; well advanced and we havc go t into OUI' s trid e, it will be interesting to hear fl"Om you all what you are planning to achieve by the lld of it. I do hope you will tell me if you have any Hcheme OC' ideas that might be helpful to others, so that I can pass them on ' In order to keep my record books as up-todate as possible I thought it would be best to take a census twice a. year, and it is for thi~ reason that yo u h ave each received a little tllip will] the list of uames of Guides, and have been ao;k ed to check it. nless I h ear continually lI"hen there al'e vacancies in the companies I cannot place the gi c'ls whom 1 ha ve on the waiting Ib;ts, and as names a re comiug in to me all the time anti I do not want to keep them waiting loo long, it will help me treme ndously if you will write to me dil'ectly any of your Guides drop out. I know this is difficult for you as so often your Guides are ilTegular in their answers, and it may take you tlome months to be convinced that they are no long'er with you, but it is a pity to prevent new ones coming in because you are keep in g places for the old who have appar-. ently lost their inte l"est. Also it is s uch a waste of poo;tage anel e ncrgy continuously sending out precious l:::Iudgets to someone who doesn't take the tronbl e to answer them. So I think you must be hard-h ea rted and cast them off to make room for the newcomer;;. You do, I know, send a persona.l lette," to them by way of encouragement when they have been absent from meetings too long'. H they fail to respond to this, t1wn I think

May, 1940.

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I'esponsibility has ended. About this countl'y visit that 1 made an effort to pay last November and didn't, because evel'yone else in the Movement was so busy with a regular job that none could spare the time to go with me, and I was too frightened to go into the Blue alone. I am hoping it can be achieved this year. I would very much like each girl to be enrolled first-hand as it were, and not by post if it can possibly be avoided. Perhaps the Commissioner of hel' district might be able to l;olve her problem. But if there is no chance whatever of her g'etting in to an active Company for her enrolm ent will you give me her name and address and I will see what ca n be done. At the last Lone Guiders meeting we suggestetl having a Lone Guider,; week-end at the Gu ide House. One country Guider has written to say it would be an excellent idea. 1 would like some more opi ni ons and suggestions. Do you think it a good idea to have it a training one? and would you like to in c lude a few active Guiders so that we can get their \-iewpoint and exchang'e ideas? Also perhapfl make friends with others in the Movement whom we wouldnÂˇt have the chance of meeting' any other way'! What time of the year would s uit you best? \Ve will have to get yOUI'

in eal'ly to book the time we want at Guide House. Or would you rather concentrate on a Lone Guide camp during the !<ummer? Do let us S'et busy thinking and planning! You will a ll have received by now the notices about Guide and Scout week, and I do hope you will be able to arrange some special way in which to commemorate it. The saving of silver paper is a vel'y good idea, and something that Lones can do more easily than anything else. This is a thing we can do permanently, and not only during Guide week. Develop the habit of aving small things, like silver paper, tooth brush tubefl, ca rdboard, papel' of all sorts, stl'ing and rags. Those who live far away may find it difficult to have these sent to places where they will be of use, but there are lots of us who can give them to people who will be g lad of them. If you think it would be best to have a centnt l depot for the silver paper I shall be glad to receive the contributions, and send them into Headquarters when they make a nice formidable parcel. And donÂˇt forget that this is your page and I will welcome any suggestions, letters or contriIlUtions of any sort that will be helpful to the rest of us. -M. R. li'AIRBAIRN .

....

(Editor: Margaret Haseltine.) "Season of mists a :- ci mellow fruitfulness! Close bosom friend of the maturing sun; Conspire with Him how to load and bless With fruit the vines that round the thatch eaves run; To bend with apples the moss cottage trees, And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core." -JOHN KEATS. - - -: 0 : - - -

BREVITIES. Don't 'forget this month has Guide Week in it. See that your Brownies do something 5pecial for this week. Have you looked 'at your Toadstool lately? It most likely wants a touch up. Don't let it

get that neglected look for the want of some paint. ---:0:---

AN AUTUMN PROGRAMME. Brownies are asked the week before to bring as many Autumn leaves as they can find. Opening, Inspection and Fairy Ring: Each Brownie as she arrives turns herself into a seed belonging to one of the leaves she has brought. Brown Owl is the Wind, Tawny the Sun, Pack Leader the Rain, and Hall a garden. Seeds with their own leaf pinned on them stand about the garden, First the Rain visits them to see that the snails have not been nibbling the seeds, then comes the Sun to see that the-

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shiny part of the seed is as shiny as it should be, and lastly comes the Wind to see that each seed is tied up properly so that it wiII not fall apart. The Wind, the Sun and the Rain then stand in the middle of the Garden around the Toadstool and sing: "Come little leaves said the Wind one day, Come o'er the meadow with me and play, Put on your dresses of red and gold, For Summer has gone and the days grow cold." The seeds with their leaves in their hands fly into Fairy Ring and starting with the seer] nearest the Wind make a smaller circle round the Toadstool with their leaves and pennies. When the last leaf is down all sing the Brownie Song. Then close in around the Toadstool and repeat this Autumn Prayer: "Almighty God by Whose power the earth was made, and by Whose goodness the fields give their harvest of food for men and animals, we would remember with grateful hearts all who work on the land to give us food and clothes. We thank Thee for the seed that grows, the fruit that ripens, the farmers, the fishermen and the Gardeners." (Taken from the Brownie Prayer Book) . Each seed in turn collects her leaf and the Wind then blows them to their own homes Jf. the Garden. Pow Wow.-Then the Wind calls all the seeds to a Pow Wow (Suggested Pow Wow about Autumn). Brown Owl giving the Brownies a lead as to what happens to the seedR, leaves in Autumn. What good the Wind, Sun and Rain do. The Pow Wow closing with each seed deciding just to herself what good she can do f01" next week. Ga me.-The Wind again calls the seeds to her and tells how one seed has turned into Jack Frost who chases the rest of the seeds and when he touches anyone of them they freeze until the Sun (Tawny) releases them. Handicraft.-The seeds then run to their homes and find in each a pastel book, sticking plaster and scissors. .Into these books they stick all t heir leaves. The nicest book receives a special cover made by the Wind for the occasion. .. Game.-While the seeds are busy with their leaves Tawny marks the eight points of the compass on the floor as far out as possible. The seeds with their own leaf pinned on them make a circle in the centre of the Garden,

May, 1940.

while the Wind stands in the centre of them and 1he sun has a special spot in the Garden awaiting leaves. The seeds sing the following words-to tune Little Brown Jug:"Some little leaves fell off the trees And gently fluttered in the breeze Along came the South Wind strong and gay And blew all the little leaves away." At the third line, the Wind, who star: ds in the centre, joins in and sings the name of a wind and the leaves at the end of the verse flutter in direction of wind mentioned. 1ÂŁ they go in wrong direction the Wind flies with them to the Sun where directions are learnt. Story.-"The Cargo of Wheat." (See below). Closing.-The seeds clear the Garden up and then line up in pairs at the gate of it. The Wind, Sun and Rain walk between them. Seeds then walk past them and are turned into Brownies and blown home by the Wind. -L.N.

---:0:--THE CARGO OF WHEAT. Seven hundred years ago Stavoren was the g reatest and most beautiful city in Holland . An immense dyke protected it from the sea; and the townspeople were very rich because they had many ships sailing to different parts of the world and bringing back riches from the strange countries they visited . The people of Stavoren were very proud and hard. The wealthiest and the hardest and the proudest of them all was a lady. One day she sent for the captain of her greatest ship, and said to him: "Set sail at once, my man, and bring me back a large cargo of the most precious thing in the world." "I do not understand," said the captain. "Do you want fine silks, or golden jewels, or diamonds ?" "I have given you my orders," replied the lady. "I am the richest person in Stavoren, and I am resolved to astonish all my neighbours. Find out what is the most precious thing in the world, and bring me a large cargo of it." The captain ran to the port and set sail at once. On reaching the open sea he called his men around him, and told them what his mistress had ordered him to do. "Now, what in your opinion," he said, "is the most precious thing in the world?" "Gold," said his first mate. "No," said the second mate, "Fine silks are worth more,"

May, 1940.

MATI:"DA

"In my opinion," said the third mate, "diamonds are the most precious things in th() world." The captain asked each of his men in turn, and each gave him some different advice. But a little cabin-boy said: "I really know what is the most precious thing in the world, because I have known what it is to be without food. It is wheat." The captain saw the truth of this. Setting full sail, he steered into the Baltic Sea and landed at the town of Danzig. There he bought a cargo of magnificent wheat, stowed it in the ship, and put out on the return voyage. In l1is absence his proud mistress called on all the rich townspeople of Stavoren, and said to them: "I have sent my captain to bring me a cargo of the most precious thing to be found in the world." Naturally, everybody in Stavoren became very curious, and they waited in great impatience for the return of the ship. In a fe\! days the captain came back. "How quick you have been!" said the lady. "What have you brought me?" "A large cargo of the finest wheat in th~ world," said the captain. "Wheat? You wretch! Wheat?" cried the furious woman. "I asked for the most precious thing in the world and you bring me some vulgar, ordinary, common wheat! I shall be the laughing-stock of Stavoren! Throw the whole cargo ir.to the sea!" And, in spite of the pleadings and t :le cries of the crowd of poor, hungry beggars, this was done. On her way home the lady met the captain. His face was set and stern. "You bad woman!" he said. "The day will come when you will know what it is to feel hungry. Then you will think of the good wheat you cast away." The woman laughed scornfully knowing she was the richest perssm in Stavoren. But when she reached her house a great storm began to rage, and some days afterwards she receive..! news that all her ships had been destroyed. In the tempest a great bank of sand was thrown up by the waves before the port of Stavoren. The ship in which the captain had sailed was wrecked and buried in the sandbank, and all the commerce of Stavoren was ended. For some months the proud lady managed to live in luxury by selling her jewels, but

when the springtime came all her money was gone. 8 he went to her rich friends and begged for food, but they laughed at her and turned her from their doors, One morning in April, as she was passing by the old seaport and looking at the sandbank, she saw that it was covered with green verdure. The wheat she had thrown into the sea had been cast up by the storm, and had sprouted in the mud! "It is a miracle!" she said. Knowing now what hunger was, she waited patiently until autumn came an d all the wheat was ripe, and then she led the poor people of the town to the sand-bank, and told them they could gather the corn, When it was all harvested they went into the inland country, and took the repentant woman with them, looking after her kindly. -(Taken from The Children's Encyclopedia),

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GUIDE SHOP. "Vintel' is the time for exercise and games. Headqual'ters stock quite a number of ordinary games books, but as well as these there are a big range of childl'en's singing games which make exercises much more interesting for the young. They are as follows:Children'S Singing (}a,mes, 1/ 6 each. They are in sets of four, five singing games in each set. Set 1-London Bridge, Old Roger (Part 1), Old Roger (Part 2), Walking Up the Hillside, Oats and Beans, Three Dukes. Set 2-Nuts in May, The Jolly MiUer, Oh When I Was a Schoolgirl, When I Was a Young Girl, O! A Hunting ViTe ~ Will Go, Dame Get Up, Push the Business On. Set 3-Jenny Jones, The Three Soldiers, There Stands a Lady, The Farmer's in His Den, The Butcher's Shop, Poor Mary Sits a-Weeping. SET 4-Looby Light, The King of the Barbarees, The Roman Soldiers, Three Jolly Fishermen, Two J oily Sailor Boys, Hark! The Robbers. Then there are two books Singing Gam es for R ecreatioll. Book 1 and Book 2. Price 1/ 3. These give singing games from different countries of the world. Book 1-Shoo Fly, The JOlly Millel', Cap'n Jenks, Dutch Shoe Game, Come, Let l s Be Joyful, Four in a Boat, Gustaf's Toast, Turn thc Glasses Over, Brown-eyed Mary, Here vVe Go Hound the Mountain. Book 2-The Gay MUSicians, Hey, Little Lassie, apdy Ladn, Duck of the Meadow, The Noble

MA T ILDA

Duke of York, The Roundabout, Skip to My Lou, Little Red Handkerchief. Daily Dozen for Curls and Women, 9d. plus po. Âˇt-

age. "Do You Stand and Sit WeW?" Perhaps so m e will answer that question with anothe l', n3.mel y, "Why should I?" Appearance, is, of course, one reason, but there are othcl's more important.

which

are

even

Here are two:(1) The "machinery" of your botly can only function REALLY well if you hold yo ur body in a g'ood position, i.e., as it is intended to be. (2) Good carriage saves energy; without knowing it you will, if you stand, walk and sit b3.dly, be making yourself more tired, while, if you carry youn;e lf well you will be using only the minimum amo unt of energy, whether you are shopping, doing the housework, or sitting at a typing desk." This little book is extremel y

well illustrated

with careful and cl ear in structions as to how to go about the different exercises given within. Good carriage and physical fitncss shou ld fonn one o( the ch i ef trainings in OUI' Guide Comp3.ny and this book is a welcome addition to our li st. '['he Daily )JaIl Dozen. (I 'rice 4d.) is a small

May, 1940.

illuslrated pamphlet, showing six exerc ises which could be used by Guides with great success. I t cou ld quite easily be pinlled up in Patrol COI'ners and wou ld help G uides to fOlTn a good idea of good carriage.

- - - :0: - - -

FORTHCOMING EVENTS. May 8th: Guiders' Dinner, May 12-18th: Guide Week, I May 25th: Gipton Arbour Day (see separate notice) . June 15-17th: Ranger Week-end (see Ranger page). August 3-10th: Snow Week (See Rang~ r page).

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THINKING DAY PENNIES. Although no definite appeal was made this year for contributions to the Thinking Day Fund, contributions have been sent in by twenty-one districts. The total is now ÂŁ5/ 9/9, which amoun., less exchange, will be sent to the World Bureau at the beginning of June. -So H. IRVING.

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THE RANGERS' PAGE Editor-E. FAULKNER. read this and we will try and have it for next are working for it." (Children's Newspaper), month. Do we want an interes'ing Rar. ger Page, or Rangers don't only "hope for the best," they don't we? Is it going to be of help to us, or expect it, and "work for it." isn't it ? Let us think it O'ler, and see what -E.F. we can do about it. ---:0::--There is a Ranger's Page Committee consisting of the Editor, fhree Guiders in turn NOTICE BOARD. for three months, ancl a member of the Ranger Committee. They are there to assemble the Mi nu tes of t he Guiders Committee, held at copy, make suggestions, and clo all they can No 7 Como Avenue, on Tuesday, March 19th to make the Ranger Page the first we turn to at 8 p.m. when we rush for Matilda each month, but P I'esent: Mrs. Faulkner in the chair, Miss they cannot know what everybody wants or Baillie, Bishop, Batten, Cleland, Irving, Mrs. what is happening all over the State unless Knight, Miss McCartney, Patience, Purnell, they hear about it. In fact, they want you to Readshaw, and the Head of Training, Miss keep the Page alive by making suggestions, Moran. Apologies received from 14 Guiders. sending in anything of interest that has been happening in your district ,or anything that T rai ning : Miss Moran discussed the possibility of having some Correspondence Training . you have read or heard about that you think may interest other Rangers . It was decided that each person present should For a start let us have a design for the study one chapter of the book, "The Rangers' head of our Page. Let us do it at once. Send Guiders' Job," and prepare a suitable question me in a design as S0011 as you can after you from it for the next meeting to discuss.

"It is no use hoping for the hest, unless you

May, 1940.

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Ranger Page: Miss Batten asked for an Editor for the Page from among the Guiders. It was decided that Mrs. Faulkner should occupy this position for the present, and that three Guiders from different districts shoulrl meet with her and a representative from the Ranger Committee once in three months to outline the Pages. These Guiders should take their turn in alphabetical order. A discussion took place over the growing but scattered groups of Old Guides, Guidons, etc., and it was decided to make a recommendation to the Executive Committee as follows: That a Commissioner for Old Guides be appointed to link all Old Guide Cos. together. The meeting then closed. Minute3 of Ranger Committee Meeting, held at H.Q. on April 12th, 1940. Present: Mrs. Faulkner and all members of the Committee . Ranger Pag e Committe<!: Laurie Wright was elected as Ranger representative on this committee, with Peggy Edmondson as assistant. Ranger ChoIr : It was decided to try aurl form a Ranger Choir which would be available for Ranger functions and to help Companies with their singing. A meeting will be held at. H.Q. on May 3rd at 8 p.m. Mystery Hike: The Convenor reported that this wi1l be held on Saturday, May 4th. Rangers will meet at Sandringham Station at 2.30 p.m. June Week-end Conference: The Conveno!' reported that this will be held at the Guide House from 15th-17th June. Transport will be by Parlour Coaches, and the inclusive cost will be 17/ 6. The next meeting will be held at Headqual'ters on May 10th, at 6.45 p.m. -B. HORSLEY, Hon. Sec. ---:0:---

COMING EVENTS. June Week-End. No replies have yet been received to requests in the Press and Matilda for Country Ranger<=; to advise as soon as possible whether or not they will be able to send a Delegate to the Conference, and to all Compa ~ ies for subjects they desire to be brought before the Conference. How about it? ? ? -L.W.

15 RANGER CHOIR.

RANGERS! Do you like singing? Would you like to learn some new songs? If so, senj your most tuneful representatives to a meeting at Headquarters (60 Market Street, Melbourne) on Friday, May 3rd, at 8 p.m. It is hoped to form a Ranger Choir which will be available for Rangel' fl1J:ctions, and for teaching Companies new songs. -WIN COZENS, Convenor.

---:0:--THE WIDER WORLD. A True Story. Excited arrival at Southampton after long awaited trip to England . Hustle, bustle, many, many, far too many cases-crush at the Customs-inexperience and ignorance of procedure -at last a gap. Helpless look of Custom Official at tottering mountain of luggÂˇage. Anything to declare, any so and so or so and so? Rack brains, can't think of anything-meekly answer, No Hum! Another hopeless look at lug'gage-then bright look at small badge in my coat. "Well, must take the word of a Girl Guide. Stamp the lot!" What a welcome! What observation! What a relief! -E.F. ---:0::---

GOETHE AS CINEMA PIONEER. Goethe, Germany's famous poet of the 18th century, may be said to have heralded cinematography. This is revealed by the new Theatre Museum in Mannheim, where a special exhibition dealing with projection and its place in theatrical spectacle is being shown. At the premiere of "Faust" in Berlin Goethe arranged for a presentation of the "earth spirit" to be projected on the stage by a magic lantern. The first complete cinematograph performance was show 50 years ago in Berlin, when the brothers Skladonowsky displayed their apparatus in th~ Winter Garden Music Hall.

- - - :0 : - - CAN YOU HELP WITH THESE QUESTIONS? Court

JJOIIOll,), ,'

'When do you have it? do the Rangel's test

What pmÂˇt of th e 'P es t

themselves?

MATIL.JA CORRECTION P LEASERANGER SNOW WEEK

Snow Week notice reading "Victorian Guides may join the party," should read "Victorian Guiders may join the party. We also wish to advise that those intending to come should make application as quickly as possible as same can only be received in order and vacancies are filling rapidly. -L.W.

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SWIMMING SPORTS. A very enjoyable day was held at the Guid e House on Monday, 8th April, when the annual swimming sports were held. About 50 Rangers were present, and as there was an Extension Guiders week-end in the House, work parties in the Cottage and camped on the Little Site, the Guide House had a very chee['ful countenancc as she looked benignly down on her' children working and playing in her paddocks and pools. She felt very proud too as the first quilt for the Ranger room had been finished by the crew of the 8.S. Arkuna, and was very beautiful. The swimming sports were a great success, the winning team, 3rd Melbourne, were pre-

May, 1940.

sented with a laurel wre9.1h in honour of their J,lrowess; 2nd Caulfield were second and Brighton District third, and everyone, Spartan' and onlookel's alike enjoyed themselves exceedi ngly, - - - :0: - - -

STOP PRESS. Secretaries. Have you received the circular glvmg details of the Mystery Hike a nd Week-end Conference? If not, ask yo ur Company Treasurer if she has paid your annual s ubscription yet, If not, ask her to send 2/6 to the Secreta['y, Betty Horsley, 4 Nelson Street, Sandringham, S.8, together with the name and address of the Company Secretary, and you will then be sure of getting all future notices. Send a P ostal Note at once. No Note -NO OTICE. -B.H. ---:0:---

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK. . .. OU[' natural egoism leads us to judg'e people in their relation to ourselves. vVe want them to be certain thing'S to us, a nd for us that is what they are; b'e cause the rest of them is no good to us, we ignore it.-W. S. Maughan, in "The SummingÂˇ-Up."

THE SIGN POST Edit01': Elizabeth Alt,Âˇed.

THE FIRST CLASS TEST. The Proficiency Badges. Before a candidate for the First Class Badge can be tested in the various sections, she must have passed! the Cook, Needlewoman and Child Nurse Proficiency Badges. The Captain should, therefore, encourage the Guide to work for these badges as soon as she has gained the Second Class Badge. The requirements for the badges are set om; in P .O. & R.; do let the Guides study these requirements, in order that they may be quite sure of what they must know and do. With regard to the Cook's badge, some of your

Guides may be doing a cooking course at school-this course culminates in an examination, the passing of which entitles a Guide t o her proficiency badge, proyjded she has shown that she understands the methods of makin .~ and use of the hay box. Where a Guide is not doing such a course, she will need to practis~ at home. Mothers will probably be quite gla'l of help in the kitchen on Saturday morning':) -and think what a triumph it will be whe~l Mary can cook the family's Sunday dinner! HINTS ON GIRL GUIDE BADGES gives som~ very helpful information on food values an,l the various methods of cooking. Practical experience is essential before this badge can be

May, 1940.

MATILDA

attemtped, and sympathetic understanding on the part of the Guides' mothers will go a lont; way towards the passing of the test. The Needlewoman's Badge also may be practised at home, and again GIRL GUIDE BADGES will be found helpful. Captains should be aware of the requirements of the badge before the articles are presented for examination, so that nothing is left out, and garments need not be remade. Little details such as seams facing the back of the garment, cottons properly ended off, buttons neatly sewn on, should be emphasised, so that a proper standard is maintained-here is laid the ground work of the Guide's future dress(flaking efforts. Different methods are used for the different patches-make sure that the right method is used for each one. Nimblefingered Guides will find little difficulty with this badge, but others, to whom every stitch is a labour, will need patient instruction and encouragement-but it is worth it. The Child Nurse badge is usually a popular one, and it is more so if some practical work is done when preparing for the test. Do yon ever take your Guides to the local Baby Health Centre? They would love such a visit. And why not have a Corner Night centreing round this badge-the preparation of miniature bedrooms and playrooms is tremendous fun, and can easily be accomplished by the use of th e Guides' dolls' possessions-beds, tables, etc.and the dolls dressed in the appropriate clothing. Menus can be prepared, and toys to be used for keeping the child "happy and good" should be produced. Examples of washing, ironing and mending can also be included in 1he Corner-and behold, the test will be almost done! The booklet "Children From Two to Five" is most helpful when preparing for the Child Nurse Badge, and the use of this, combined with the actual practice as suggested, and visits to the Baby Health Centre, should givE! a Guide quite a useful foundation on which to build further experience in the care of children. Do remember that these tests are prapal"ing the Guides for the future-and, who knows, the very near future? The Guides of England have responded marvellously in the months since the outbreak of war-and if they hadn't gained the Child Nurse badge before the evacuation of cities took place, there must sUl"ely have been a tremendous rush for this badge since! Their knowledge of cooking-, mending and first aid, as well as the care uf

children, will most certainly have been called on in these last six months-let us encourage our Guides to equal in efficiency at least their sisters in the Homeland. ---:0:---

COMPANY SUGGESTIONS. Variety in Programmes. The only way to ensure liveliness and fun in our companies is to include enough new things each week to hold the interest of the Guides every minute of each meeting. Of course, it is much simpler to do things the same way week after week without stoppin ~Âˇ to explain how it is done-and much less exciting. There is, too, the danger that ne w methods do not always work-probably a good many of them will not, but we will have tried them and found the weak spots, then I?erhaps we will be able to change them about to suit our Guides. There are so many excellent books giving fresh ideas that there is no need for an unimaginative Guider to be "stumped." Here are a few ways of varying the mainstays of every meeting:-

Opening A Meeting. 1. The usual horseshoe formation, Colour raising (or marching on the Colours) and the National Anthem. 2. Eliminate Colours occasionally and start off with a game, roll, call or inspection. 3. Colours informally-Colour party marches up to flag pole, one of the escorts blows a whistle and Guides stand where they are and salute while Colours are unfurled, then remain standing until the Colour party marches away.

Inspection. 1. Inspection in the formation used for roll call drill. 2. Inspection while patrols are lined up outside corners. This is especially good whell corners are to be inspected. 3. Each Leader moves to the patrol on the right and inspects it. 4. All Leaders together inspect all Patrols. 5. Inspection concentrated on one thing _ hats, pins, shoes, length of skirts (how they need it!), contents of pockets, posture, and so on. 6. Patrols lined up outside corners. Captain calls for one person from each Patrol to Come up to the front of the room for inspection (say, for instance, the tallest, or smallest, third pe~.Â son in line, Seconds, or any other Guide). One

MATILDA

Guide represents each Patrol and marks given her are the Patrol marks for the evening. 7. Company in a circle. Guiders select the persons with, first, the neatest tie; second, the best shined belt; third, the shiniest badge or shoes. The person chosen for each one of the"c inspections gains a point for her Patrol. 8. Leaders form a circle with the Patrols stretched out behind them in star formation arms distance apart. All Guides close their eyes (thus allowing honesty without embarrassment!). Captain announces that all Guidp.s who have shined their badges back and front (or cleaned their teeth twice that day, Ot· shined their shoes, and so on), put their hands up. Guiders count the Guides without hands up and the Patrol with the least numb r winR the inspection points for the night.

Roll Call, 1. The usual roll call drill. 2. Roll call taken informally by Leaders while in corners. 3. Roll call taken by Leaders wi' h patrols lined up outside corners. 4, Vary the above method by having Guides in the corners and Leaders standing outside. As the Leader calls a Guide's; name, the Guide runs out of the corner and falls in before th ~ Leader. says "Present, Leader," and pays he r

May, 1940.

penny, this being done until all Guides are lined up and then the Leader goes to the Guiders to report the number present, absent, and so on.

Closing A Meeting. 1. Usual circle for Foxlease Vesper or Taps. 2. Patrols in corners-one Patrol sings Taps and when it is finished the next patrol sings it. When all patrols have finished they all fling the last "God is Nigh" again . 3. Occasionally when the hall is to be cleared quickly, have corners put away first, then as Taps is sung the lights are gradually put out, leaving only one on by the door by the time Taps is over. 4. On a bright starry night, even in winter, what is nicer than Taps sung outside? 5. Company in circle, standing at attention, to repeat the Guide Law. 6. Company in circle, hands clasped, f·),' "The Cable." -(Adapted from "The Canadian Guider. ')

---:0:--T HE CABLE. On the strength of each link in the cable Dependeth the might of the chain. Who knows when thou mayest be tested? So live that thou bearest the strain.

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CAMPING and TRAINING Pioneer Badge Camp. Last month the preliminary announcement of this camp was made, By now all Guiders will have r ead the noti ce in Matilda at Court of HonOU", and it if; hoped that uiscussion s are taking' place among Guides in all parts of the State. Has each Patrol a copy of the cu rrent edition of P.O.R. so that every Guide can see the syllabus

woodpile to be proud of (see Campcr9.ft fo,' Gill Guides), and build a fire according to what YOH are going to cook (see Ch , II. in Hiking an,1 Lightwei£\'ht C9.mping). Th ere al'e lots to c hoose from, for you have the whole li st for the Cook Badge all well as the four special hike dishes. And keep your mind fixed on the Cook Badge itself, and practice so that when the di st ri cts test:; a r e arrang'ed, you

of the Pioneer Badge as often as she likes? Every month we will publish in this page a

prepar'ed!

will P9.SS

with

c r edit.

BIl

few hints on the Badge, so that eve ry Guider and

Open Week-Ends at Guide House.

Patrol Leader may have help in training th e Guides. Please read again final paragmph, page

if you do not know what these a,'e please "1'fer to "Matilda," I ecember, 1939, and January,

18, "Matilda," April, 1940. These crisp autumn days are just right foT' hiking. Make lhe purpose of YOUI' next hike th e

1940, 1st Jun e, apply by 18th May; 22nd June, apply

second clause in the Pioneer sy llabus. Fire-lighting restrictions are now over; take your tomahawk, and concentrate on the choice of suitabl e

Jul y, 9.pp ly by 5th Jul y.

fuel (this includes size and condition of wood , aR well as the kind of tree it ca m e from); p"ac-

Guidel's who hav e never 0" seldom camped and would like a taste of it are informed that if there

tice chopping (get a man to show you), make a

arE'

by 8th June; 5th July, apply by 21st Jun e; 19th

Week-End Camps For New Camper s. suffi cient

applications,

specia l

week-end

May, 1\)40.

MATILDA

camp'" \\"ill be held for them at .. ( ;ipton." Frankston, 28th Septemher and 26th Odoher. More of this later!

Trainings.

Otc!s.-(;uider-in-charge. Eagle 0\\"1 Diploma. 6th, 13th. 20th and 27th June, 8 p.m .. at the Guide Office. Ai. the final class Miss Lardner \\"ill tall, on her experiences with Guiding ahmad. First-Class Nessiolls.-A short course will be held on 21st and 28th May, 4th and 11th June. at the Guide Office. GuiUers are asked to notify Miss J<.:. Moran 01' Mi;;s B. Macartney if they intend to be present. U lIi/orill is wom at all Tmining Sessions. Guiders are asked to be punctual a,; classes must end at 9.30. Guiders are asked to hring notebook and pencil, a nd sandshoes. A fee of 3d. is charged for each class. Refresile r Classes tor

Mi~:s E. 1,:ll'dnc 1',

Lifesaving.

There ha:-; heen some unavoidable delay in starting the (;ourse of tmining- for the Rronzp McdallIon. Those who have sent in their names will receive notification of where and when clas!'es \\iII (;ommence. l\Ipmher:-; of the MO\'ement of 17 year;; and over may apply. Names should he ,;ent to the Hon. Camping Sec., Miss HUl'I'i,;on, 126 High ::otl'eet, Glen Iris, S.E.6.

Appointments. At the meeting or the Exccuth'e Committee on Ith April, Mi"s D. H.oltz and Miss Z. Jermyn wel'e :.lppointed CIUllj) Advisprs. \\'e offer them our congratulations and best wishe!'.

Guide House Site Rents. On t he recommendation of the 'amping Committee, at the meeting- of the (;uic1e HoU!';e Committ!'" on Hh April, site I'ent" \\'ere reduced 50 pel' cpnt. The future chal'g .. \\ill be:-1 / - pel' head pel' \\'eel< 01' f'~asler. 3d. [leI' head per 21 h01\lÂˇs. - I<JI,AIKE MORAN. - - :0:- - -

GIPTON ARBOUR DAY AND WORKING BEE. Saturday, 25th May, 1940. Everyone interested in Guiding and in Guide Camping is invited to come to Gipton on Saturday, 25th May. Visitors from the city should take the 2.8 p.m. train to Frankston, an d walk the H miles to the site, arriving at there at the same time as the official guests, Lady Chauvel and members of the Executive Committee, and Mr. and Mrs , Simpson, the donor. Boiling water will be provided for all comers, so the Committee would be grateful if Guiders would let the Gipton Secretary know before

22nd May the numbers expected. Bring your own mugs, etc., groundsheets, and food. There will be jobs for everyone, too-some troe-pl:m'ing, a good deal of hedge-prul ing(bring seccateurs if you have them), levelling, grass-cutting, and cutting out blackberries ! If any companies wish to make a who le-day hike out of this occasion, and thus increase their usefulness, they are welcome to come earlier-but do let the Hon. Secretary know beforehand how many are coming and at what time. F. V. BARFUS, Hon. Sec., Gipton Sub-Committee.

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SMARTEN UP THAT UNIFORM! Can we make Guide Week this year a tim.! of stocktaking - the Guides will be wearing' their uniforms more this week than any other \';eek of the year. Here is our opportunity to make quite su re the uniform is being worn ac:; it is meant to be worn. Does each Guide look as tidy a . she might? Is her cord neatly WOUilt! and hung on her swivel, or is it bulging untidily out of one pockzt. All Guides should know how to wind their cords - perhaps they must be shown again. First fold one end of the cord as if YOtl are making the first part of a sheepshank. The size of the fold depends on the length of the cord. Now take the remaining portion an,1 "'it'd it around the folds of the sheep~hank. When almost all is wound on, leave about tW() inches of cord and tuck this throug}1 th~ last coil, and pull it tight. It is then hung on the swivel by one end of the fold. Are ties neatly pressed and tied? And I'av,' you ever seen a Guide shining her badge with the end of her tie!! Whistles and knives polished? Lanyards waRhed? Badges an Âˇt stars shining-? All these little details help ollr Companies to look really smart-and our Guides to tak" a pride in their uniforms!

- - -: 0 : - --

MYSTERY HIKE. This will be held on Saturday, May 4th. Rangers will meet at the Sandl'ingham Railway Station at 2.30 p.m. The fare to Sandringham is 1/6 (buy your own tickets) an ,l the total cost will not be more than 2/-.. A camp fire will be held in the evening. Ranger~ may leave early or cook tea at the camp fir~ site-this is a good opportunity to practis" your Ranger cooking test!

May, 1940.

MATILDA

i--

Please send the number of Rangers in your Company, who intend to go for the hike, to the Convenor, Margaret Clarke, 2a Emily Street, Middle Brighton, S.5., by the 1st Ma" or ring Miss Baillie at X5571.

. _ , ._ - _ . _ , ._

.-..-t_ "-'4'g

•

Ii Evan Evans ii

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JUNE WEEK-END CONFERENCE.

l"l'}'.

•

To be held this year at the Guide House, King's Birthday Week-end, June 15th-17th. Inclusive cost: 17/ 6; deposit of 7/ 6 to be forwarded with application. Bllses will leave Batman Avenue at 1,45 p.m. ~n Saturday 15th. Accommodation is so limited at the Guide House that it is necessary that each Ranger Co. nominates a special delegate and if others wish to attend, their names should be include~l to be added to a waiting list. Vacancies caused through the inability of country delegates to come will be filled from this list. If Country Cos. are unable to attend, their ideas and suggestions will be welcome, and If it is desired, a town Ranger could put those ideas before the Conference, so Country Cos. are requested to return this form before MAY 15th. Town Companies please return not later than MAY 25th.

LTD.

680-8 .EIJIZABETH ST., MELB., C.l.

Official Canvas Goods House to the Girl Guides' Association.

Special off List Prices ; To all Ooncessions Girl Guide Organisations \Vrit(· for Particulars to Your Headquarters. or Direct to Us. TENTS and F'LYS, GROUNDSHEETS, CAMPI.'<G GOODS, FLAGS, TRAVEL HUGS, CAMP BEDS, WATERPROOFS. RLEEPING ~~GS, MATTRESSES.

.''t'

I •

i i i

SPORTING

GOODS

We have arranged to allow Concessions on all Sporting Goods. Write to us for Our List, Prices and Particulars. '.rennJs, Golr, Cricket, Baseball, Basketball and Indoor Games.

SUPPORT THE FJR)I

• WHO SUI'PORT YOU !L'I_"_'I_'_'_'_'_"_f""_'_'_~"_"

f"--"-"----'------" I

Are You Doing Anything About It? MOST girls dream about 'money,' and of how useful it would be, if they had a larger share of it, but not everyone takes steps to make her dream a reality. The most practical thing to do is to start saving. For the one who saves, far and away the best help is a passbook issued uyTHE

State Savings Bank

I II I I

fealures Keen Valu('s from the Special

COLLEGE WEAR DEPT. Girls' Doctor Flannel SCHOOL BLAZERS The ideal Blazer for School 01' College wear. Super Quality Doctor Flannel in Navy. Finished with Silk Ribbon Binding. Specially Priced

•

211

Tailored Fuji Silk

27~~I7~;~; ~~?t~~!~·

20il1. to 8/G: 36in. to 39in., 8/11; 42in. to 45in., 9/1l.

Victoria .f. TllOl'II/on JOJlC8, GeJleral ManageI'. JIead Office: Eli.zabelh 8t., .lIlelbourne.

THE MUTUAL STORE

1 THE MUTUAL STORE Fli ..... rsS+r • • +

;

#4"-' _ _

M .. lbourne

LIMITEO

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I_'_'I~C_"""I_