Plea for more Guide leaders

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32778, 1 December 1971, Page 6

Plea for more Guide leaders

“Find two more leaders” is the 1972 slogan for all members of the Girl Guide Movement in New Zealand by the Chief Commissioner (Mrs W. G. Turnbull).

Although membership had increased this year by 3000 to 57,845, and 400 more leaders had been recruited, there were still 4000 girls on waiting lists to join, Mrs Turnbull told the annual meeting of the national association yesterday. “So, my slogan for 1972 for everyone is, ‘Find me two more leaders,’ to keep pace with the girls. “Every organisation manned by voluntary leaders is finding personnel more and more difficult to get; she said. “This is due to a changing way of life in our economy, and I view with apprehension the pursuit of the dollar to—in many cases —the detriment of the home.”

Mrs Turnbull said she applauded guide leaders, and was convinced of their worth. They were the kind of women of which the “backbone of New Zealand" was made. They gave unselfish, continued work with the reward of seeing a child happy and excited in achieving a standard. But more leaders must be found. The problem was a real one, and it could not be shelved. SPIRITUAL VALUES The movement was giving the girls of New Zealand practical training for adult life in a complex and changing world, together with spiritual values which the young were seeking.

“We give them the playground for leisure and a training for the future,” she said. “This is giving adults everywhere a chance to contribute to the development of our nation—surely a welcome duty on our journeying together. The challenge and the necessity is to continue the work. Let gratitude for the past inspire us with trust in the future. I have every confidence that we will do this.”

Reviewing the association’s jubilee year, Mrs Turnbull said the movement was in good heart—thriving everywhere. In the past year 165,400 badges had been earned. The New Zealand association contributed to the

growth and development of service in guiding. This year a considerable amount of money was earned for C.0.R.5.0., for Hong Kong day nurseries, for the relief of Pakistani refugees, for cots for Qui Nhon Hospital, Vietnam, and for assistance for training in the Island territories. Home service had also been considerable. Guides had raised more than $lO,OOO for

service projects this year, she said.

The association appreciated the Government’s goodwill and grants from philanthropic business firms. Mrs Turnbull mentioned a recent grant made by the Shell Company of New Zealand for five years for work in the field among Maoris and Islanders in New Zealand.

“This is inspiring help, and I think our record shows it is money wisely and carefully employed,” Mrs Turnbull said.

During the meeting, talks were given by Miss Kate Cotter on a young adults seminar she attended at Sangam, India, and by Miss Sandra Dobson on the work of ranger-guides.