GIRL GUIDES' HOME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20086, 25 October 1928, Page 12

GIRL GUIDES' HOME.

PROPERTY IN WAITAKERES. NATIONAL RALLYING PLACE. notable gift to association. Hundreds of Girl Guides from all parts of New Zealand will be able to take advantage ot the amenities of open-air life on Iho bush-clad foothills of the Waitakcrc Ranges during the coming summer months. This has been made possible by the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. W. R, Wilson and Mrs. Roy Wilson, who have presented to the New Zealand Girl Guides Association a commodious home, situated in a properly of about 10 acres off Kauri Road, a short, distance from the West Coast Road "Otaimai," as the property is known, lies about four miles from the Glen Eden station. It stands high above the. railway and from its broad verandahs a glorious panorama spreads to the city in the eastern background. The property was bought by the donors from a retired sea captain about a year ago. At that time a small cottage was the only building thrre, but under the donors' and at their expense the building has been added to considerably. To-day there is accommodation for about 60 girls, and it is planned to take full advantage of the attractive) surroundings by large parties both during the week-ends and during special instruction camps. It is hoped that "Otaimai" will be for New Zealand what "Foxlcase," the guldens' centre in England, is for Great Britain. Electric light and an excellent water supply are laid on to the house, but gatherings will be more in the nature of camps, for tho girls will do their own work. Tho home itself is in a secluded and sunny position. Beautiful native bush surrounds it on all sides, and tho property slopes down to a shady creek. The guider's badge and motto are contained on a copper plate facing the main gale. Indoor activities will centre round tho "pine room," measuring 30ft. x 20h., and panelled in red pine. This possesses a large open fireplace, and tho room will be utiliised for lectures and dancing, as well as being used as a sleeping quarter. Mattresses . will bo placed on the floor at night, and during tho day the room will be used as a common gathering ground in tho house. Beneath this room are numerous lockers and also bathrooms. A wide verandah skirts tho front of the house, where all meals will be taken. Use will also be made of this for sleeping purposes during the summer. "Otaimai" is the first guiders' home of its kind to be made available in New Zealand, and, although it will for the greater part be nsed by Auckland members, it is intended that it should be a national rallying place. The Girl Guides Dominion Conference will be held here next month, and a whole day will be spent at the new home by delegates from all parts of the country. Hie entire cost, of the new building has been borne by the donors who have also provided furnishings, including a piano, for the home.