GIRL GUIDES

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 81, 3 October 1944, Page 7

GIRL GUIDES

SERVICE TO MANKIND

"NOBLE CONTRIBUTION"

"Fpr over five years we have been fighting against enemies who would taiie from us our freedom and all .that ;we/cherish most dearly. It is not for ourselves alone that we are fighting, but for our children and fpr the I generations that are yet to be born," 'I said the Governor-General, Sir Cyril | Newall, in an address last night marking the twenty-first anniversary of the founding of the New .Zealand .Girl Guides' Association.

Both Guiding and Scouting were of great importance to New Zealand, the Empire,-and the whole world, said his Excellency. If given the necessary encouragement and support, they could and would make a noble contribution to the future • happiness of mankind. ''■.''

"We who are grown up," he continued, "are determined that our victory shall lay the foundation-stone .of a new and better world in which our children can live in peace and happiness, trained to appreciate their British Christian heritage and also to recognise the responsibilities which possession of that glorious heritage entails. It is towards this training that Guiding and Scouting can do so much." INTERNATIONAL SISTERHOOD. The aim of the Guide Movement, as stated By its founder, the late Lord Baden-Powell, was "character development towards happy citizenship through natural rather than artificial means." Guiding was an education for life, for an attitude of mind, which could not be learned from books alone. It was a national and, more than that, an international sisterhood in which healthy and happy activities formed the basis of training - in character, handicrafts, physical health, and service for others.

There were now about 11,000 Guides in New Zealand, and more were wanted. But quality was more important than quantity and more qualified leaders" were needed.

His Excellency, in asking .for support for the movement, said it would be a, genuine service to. New Zealand if all headmistresses'of schools would encourage and help their girls to become Guides or Brownies.

During this week, in most districts, there were;, to be reunions 'of old Guides, and special, meetings to which parents were to be invited. On Saturday next Guide rallies were to be held, open to the general public, in order to demonstrate in practical form something of Guide training. He hoped these activities would be well supported;