GIRL GUIDE NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 21721, 16 May 1934, Page 3

GIRL GUIDE NOTES

[By Guides.]

Two new commissioners have recently been appointed in the Dunedin Division—Mrs J. Russell, who will have charge of the central district (St. Andrew, Mornington, Columba, Roslyn, 2nd Dunedin, Central Mission), and Miss Z. Hart, who will be commissioner for the Peninsula (Otakou, Highcliff, Macandrew Bay) and Ist and 2nd St. Anne’s. Another appointment is shortly to be made for North Dunedin, which will extend to include Port Chalmers, Waitati Company, and Seacliff Brownies. BROWNIE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE. ' So far only three Owls have written signifying tfieir intention to take this free course. It is to be hoped that man.y more names will follow. It is an opportunity not to be missed, and will be of great advantage to the packs. MEL BOURNE CENTENAR Y. No further particulars are to hand regarding cost or arrangements, but the date still holds for applications to reach headquarters on June 1. Consequently all names must bo in the hands of the provincial commissioner, accompanied by commissioner’s recommendation, not later than May 27. As the time is so far distant it will be in order if names come in at present provisionally. STORY OF THE SILVER FISH. 1908.—Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell founded the Boy Scouts, and soon after their sisters began to train themselves on the same linos, no less than 2,000 sending up their names to Boy Scouts Headquarters to be registered. Without • encouragement from parents, brothers, or Scout Headquarters, against the stream the fish began its journey, as all fishes do. 1910.—Miss Baden-Powell became president, and a small office was lent us by tho Boy Scouts down a tiny passage, where those who wanted to buy badges, or be registered, or ask advice, waited their turn to enter —and outside on the commons or in the houses of their friends the leaders of this movement struggled, by bazaars, displays, etc., to raise enough money monthly .for the rent of tho office and salary of the secretary. It was a fight against big odds, but the fish was making headway.

1913. —The movement spread _to Canada and other parts of the Empire, also foreign countries. Unasked and unhelped by us, without funds, their way beset with difficulties, true to type they swam against the stream and grew. 1914. ‘ Girl Guide Gazette ’ started. The Chief Scout became chairman of tho council. He suggested as an appropriate reward for work done a Silver Fish.

1916.—Lady Baden-Powell, after successfully organising Sussex, wifs unanimously elected Chief Commissioner.

1917. —Lady Baden-Powell was given a Gold Fish by her commissioners for the good work sho had done in getting the movement organised and finding commissioners throughout tho British Isles; and that in spite of a growing family, assisting the Chief Scout,_ and keeping an open house to all her friends and helpers. Wc owe her, however, more fhan her lead in business-like methods. That jolly Guide friendliness which we take for granted as part of guiding fo-day, that absence of formality and red tape which makes part of tho joy of belonging to the movement, was brought in by her. Wherever she went it grew, iio one was left out. The stolid, critical Headquarters’ Committee, became a meeting of friends, often melting into a hilarious tea party, nicknames supplanted surnames and titles. She taught us that work does not sutler from laughter, or efficiency from a friendly atmosphere, and leadership goes further than good advice. The same thing was happening m London under the leadership of Mrs Mark Kerr, whoso faith in people produced such great results; of which, often, no one was more surprised than the person trusted! 1918. —‘ Girl Guiding ’ published. Guide shop opened. Rally in Hyde Park attended by Queen Alexandra. Wo had now a book of rules; a place to buy things; and tho public approved of uus. Current getting less strong, fish swimming easier. 1922. —Foxlcase presented and endowed. A home of our own, and a training centre. 1923. —Royal Charter of Incorporation granted by tbs King. 542,000 Guidos in the movement.

1924.—W0r1d camp at Foxlease. We meet others, as we were once, without funds or homes or kelp, having made great sacrifices to come. We wondered, was our fish less virile?

1927.—Waddow opened by Princess Alary. International camp at Geneva. Once more a chance to compare standards.

1928. —World Bureau opened. 1929. —The Chief Scout was created a bn roii. 1

1931. —New headquarters opened _by the Queen. Total of over a million Guides throughout the world. 1932. —“Our Chalet,” given by Mrs Storrow for Guides of all the world. Chief Guide made Dame Grand Cross of the British Empire. Fishes all forging ahead and growing. 1934.—0ur fish. . . . ? —A. M. Maynard, in the ' Guider.’