GIRL GUIDES

Hawera Star, Volume L, 17 May 1930, Page 17

GIRL GUIDES

NOTES BY “GUIDER” Next. Sunday being the third Sunday of the month ‘HaWera Rangers, Guides and Brownies will parade at their own churches. FIRST KAPONGA COMPANY. It was with deep regret we learned our popular captain was leaving us, to join the staff of the Wanganui Hospital School. Captain Jonnston has been With us for two years and during that time she has endeared herself to us all. On Thursday evening Guides, Brownies, members of the executive, parents, and friends, Boy Scouts and Cubs gathered to bid farewell to our departing captain, the high esteem ,in which she was held by all being shown by the numbers present.

The evening was spent in country dances, competitions and items by the Brownies and Guides. We felt we could not let Captain Johnston leave us without giving her something to remind her of the jolly times we have all spent together, and on behalf of the committee. Guides and Brownies ■of Ivaponga, District Commissioner Mrs Steven presented Captain Johnston with a biege handbag. After supper We concluded our evening with a camp fire and Guide ceremony.

We will long remember the parting words of our captain. She said: “I hope to hear great things of the Ivaponga GOkies and fell sure I will do so if they continue to cheerfully work together as they Jhave done in the past. ” So, Guides, of Kapongh, by always: striving to do your best you will be showing your gratitude to our captain and this null repay nor in some measure for the spldmuv, service she has given to us.

FIRE LIGHTING. That part of the second-class tost which says, “lav and light a fire (when possible in the open), using not more than two matches,”, sounds almost ridiculously easy. But hoW many Guides come to grief from one cause or another. Either too large a fire is prepared, or the wind takes a hand (and your two matches) or the kindling is damp, or the kind that does iiQt catch easily. Oh, a hundred things may happen to make one feel small, almost abject, in fact. An English Guider has the following certain for.mula in her notebook. Place two short sticks in the ground and a third across to them to form a triangle. Against this frame place a number of the smallest and driest sticks you have, thTis forming a tiny hut. Outside these put a •second layer of larger sticks, all leaning against the first. Now staud to windward and apply your match. This, is certain to catch because your erection is in a horizontal position, and the flames draw up to it. You will also have a good ember if you have been Wise in vour choice of wood.

A BOON TO GUIDERS. ■Staffordshire has a fascinating rest house for the Guidcrs of the country. It was erected at Beau Desert through the kindness of the Marquis of Auglesea, and is 14ft by 10ft with an accommodation for three Guiders. The outside resembles a log cabin, and the inside is of three-ply wood with an oak door. It is known as the “Dartmouth Shieling,” as this was the name suggested by Lady Baden-Powell, who had seen one in the Transvaal. It is a source of unending joy to Guiders who desire to get away for a week-end or longer, surrounded as it is by the simple joys of the countryside. THE OUTDOOR TRAIL. The Girl Guide is a fresh-air girl. When you’re fit and smiling you can cheer up the world —but the stay r -in Guide will never be healthy, merry and weather-wise. Make yourself a real Guide by stalking the animals and birds until you know their homes and habits —learn to distinguish one tree from another. The native bush is full of thrills, aiul once you have learned to . distinguish the beautiful trees you will find there you will never forget them. LAUGH, PLEASE. First Guide: “I think I shall try for my cooking badge soon. Mother says I make lovely dumplings and meringues.” Second Guide:. “Oh! (pausej Which is this we’re eating now?” Recruit (who has failed to pass the fire-lighting test after six attempts, and* has been severely spoken to by her leader): “Leader, if you only.had one match, and you wanted to light the fire, the lamp, aim the gas-ring, which would you light first?” Leader: “The lamp, I think. Why?” Recruit (over her shoulder, as she goes for her life): “Well, I think I should light the match first!”

ANSWERS TO HIKING QUESTIONS.

1. Cashmere stockings are much the best w T ear for the hike. Only a tenderfoot would wear cotton or silk. The feet should be as free from darns as possible. Strong leather shoes with a good sole. -2. Fire should be lighted with opening towards the wind. 3. Burn everything possible. Tins should be flattened and buried. 4. A guide is taught to sit on a groundsheet because no matter how dry the weather there is always a certain amount of moisture coming up from the earth. She should carry a small square of American cloth or other rainproof material in lier haversack. 5. The Brownie motto, “Where wo have been, no one can find,” is an excellent one for the hiker. She stamps out her fife, replaces the turf; and as she has previously burnt or buried her rubbish and scraps of food, she moves on with a clear conscience knowing that she has not defaced God’s lovely handiwork.