MANAIA GUIDES.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 5 July 1927, Page 3

MANAIA GUIDES.

FIRST BIBTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

That Manaia should form a branch of the great Sisterhood of Guides had not even been considered until just over a year ago, when Lady Marjorie Dalrymple visited there and roused lasting enthusiasm. As a result of her stirring words, and as a proof of the generosity and keenness of the committee, Guiders and Guides, there is now a full company of thirty girls.

It was on June 24 last year that, under tlie captaincy of Miss E. Bell and lieutenancy of Miss J. Hill, the company of nine held its initial meeting in the hand room. Subsequently, on the resignation of Miss Bell, Miss Hill was promoted to captain, and Miss M. Ritter appointed lieutenant. On Thursday, June 30, the first birthday of the company was celebrated in the Oddfellows’ Hall. Those present were Mrs. F. S. Hodson (provincial commissioner), Mrs. J. Houston (district commissioner), Mrs. Bennett (president), (Mr. Orchard (secretary), and the committee —Mrs. Orchard, Mrs. Meuli, Mrs. Hansen, Mrs. Davies, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Hair, Mrs. Hickey, and Mrs. Molvor. Refreshments were prepared and served by the committee, and the cake, decorated with sugar tenderfoot badges and one scarlet candle, was made by the captain. While the- honour of lighting and of blowing out the candle was given to the second, youngest Guide, Ann Dick, that of cutting the cake was given to the youngest, Jean Wills.

After tea, when parents were admitted, interesting items were given by the girls of the Violet Patrol, who had gained entertainers’ badges. The items over, the Guides proceeded to demonstrate to the parents exactly what the different patrols and company were doing. The Violet Patrol, commanded by leader Margie Hawell, signalled the message “Welcome to our birthday” to the commissioners, and both commissioners complimented the girls upon their very fine display. The Robins, under leader if aryl Hobday, demonstrated bandaging for a sprained ankle; while the Tuis, commanded by leader Betty Paterson, tied the seven different and useful knots a- Guide must know. The captain put the company through its drill, and then the commissioner’s inspection took place. The most .beautiful and impressive part of t-lic evening was the camp lire ceremony. All lights were extinguished, hut the ruddy glow of the very realistic camp fire was just sufficient to silhouette the Guides squatting round it, singing camp fire songs. The commissioners introduced, several lieu- gongs, which were great Jy appreciated. The final proceeding was the horseshoe formation in preparation for the solemn enrolment ceremony of new recruits and the presentation of badges by Mrs. Hodson. Those enrolled were: Lieutenant Maisie Hitter, Ann Dick, Ohrissie Andrews, Sheila MacDonald, Gertie Duncan, Winnie Sutton, Sheila Coleman, and Freda Sutton. The Entertainers’ Badges were presented to Margie Howell, Molly Snroull, Myra Hansen, Connie Edwards and Bessie Young. Owing to illness Doris D alters was unable to attend and receive her badge. Margaret Cosgrove was given her second-class badge. 'Hie very interesting ceremony of investing the patrol leaders then took place, the Provincial Commissioner investing the four leaders with full powers of their rank.

Mis. Hodson spoke earnestly to the Guides for a. short time. Afterwards she addressed the parents by briefly explaining the value of guide work, and concluded by appealing for the support of parents.

'Pile evening closed with the singing of the National Anthem.