GIRL PEACE SCOUTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 127, 21 July 1911, Page 3

GIRL PEACE SCOUTS.

(“Lyttelton Times.”) T'Jxo following report of the meeting convened by finely Barron, wife of the (Governor of Tasmania, is very interesting, as it shows what is thought of the scheme by those in high places and in other lands. The meeting was called upon receipt of Colonel Cossgrove’s letter in reply to his Excellency Sir Harry Bai ion’s, asking for information : A mooting of people interested in the Girl Scout movement, called by Lady Barron, was hold at Government House for the purpose of considering the question. There was a large and representative gathering of citizens. His Excellency the Governor (Sir Harry Barron) presided. Lady Barron said: Before his Excellency spoke—it was exceedingly kind of him to assist her in that matter—she would like to explain why she had called the meeting. Time had been for many anonths a groat deal of talk about this movement. She might tell them that in many places, especially hero, there seemed to lie a great many people opposed to it, but it was chiefly opposed by people who knew nothing about it. Some had been misled, herself included. She had been written to and asked to take this movement up as the one thing that was wanted here. They had been looking for, something that would interest the young people, and help to (ill np their time with a pleasant occupation, something that would really touch their young lives and promote the advancement of tl eir character and occupation. cbe had

been asked to consider the movement lor the sake oi' the State. The movement she considered would he -a, blessing indeed right through the State, Australia, and the Empire, provided they had proper-and elllcient scoutmistresses. It would he an incalculable blessing to anyone who took it up. She hoped it might lie taken up throughout the Empire. Unless they worked together to make this a really great success they had better far leave it alone. They wanted to get the strongest leaders possible, and they wanted, all classes to combine. The aim of the movement was the advancement of the people: to make the young girls more helpful in their homes, teach them how to minister to the sick, and every day to do some good turn to someone above themselves. It taught thorn nnscllishness and discipline, and gayfe them instruction with enjoyment. (Applause.) They did not want to keep them in after hours at their work;, they did not want them to he preached at. They wanted to interest them, and to know their young people. That was why she asked them to meet her. She was not forcing anything new upon Tasmania, but simply taking the matter in hand and starting it, if it was their wish. If Tasmania did not wish it, Tasmania should say so; but if they did desire .it they,must prill together. She asked his Excellency to assist her in this matter. (Applause.) His Excellency said he had been in communication with Colonel Cossgrove, of New Zealand, the originator of the movement. He was inclined to adopt the name Home Girl Guides in preference to Girl Scouts. Miss Badcn-Powcll, sister of Major-Gen-eral Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts, was interesting herself in the movement among the girls at Home. There had been a great deal of misapprehension as to the objects of the movement. Some people objected because they thought it would make the girls “mannish,” that they would try and copy men; but lie thought that was very foolish. Some also objected because they looked upon the movement as a military one, that they might go out in time of war and possibly light. (Laughter.) Many women, however, did go out

iii time of war to nurse the sick and wounded, and should such an unfortunate occurrence come upon them ho thought it.would ho a very good thing to have women who were anxious and capable to help the sick soldier. (Hear, hear.) There was nothing that he could see to make girls ‘‘mannish,” or to make the movement military. They must all recognise that the more fresh air the people got the bettor, and the combining of useful instruction with outdoor exorcise such as first aid to the injured, the care of the sick, nature study, and how to find their way 'through the hush hy day or night could not he other than beneficial. The success of the movement depended upon how it was started, and entirely upon the young women they got as scontin [.stresses. lie was glad to see representatives of the Boy Scouts present, and they had told him they wore anxious and willing to help in any way they could. They (the ladies) did not quite know how to start it; they did not know the difficulties of starting the Boy Scouts, they must start the movement with the assistance of those who had experience. He suggested that they form a small provisional committee of two ladies to assist Mrs Simmons (who was acting as president in the absence ol Mrs Henry Dobson) ami AL'ss Frasoi 1 to draw up rules and methods. Personally he was sure it was a good movement, and was certain it would suit. As regards uniform, he looked upon it as half the battle. The Boy Scouts could not go wrong whilst they had their uniform, and he was cm tain that whilst the girls were in uniform there would be no reason lo find fault with their behaviour. Body Bai rou would he glad to have the clashes idr the seoutmist reswes to si .art at once, so that when the summer came they would he efficient to take charge of the girls. One of the most interesting things they would learn would he flag signalling, which was very easy once the alphabet was mastered. ll anyone would like to speak lie hoped they would do so. He hoped tiie movement u ould be a great success. (Applause.)

Lisbon Mercer said he had very great pleasure in supporting the movement. It was hound to do good if carried out in a thorough and systematic manner. ft seemed to 1 him that whatever they did they ought to do nothing; that wotdd diminish the already small chance which the girls had of becoming efficient householders when the time came. How people could imagine that this movement was going to damage the girls he could not understand. He thought every girl ought to he thoroughly domesticated, and the movement had that in view. The strongest point was what was the alternative for the girls who paraded the streets in an aimless, foolish, and dangerous manner, with nothing to do? A system that would give them the opportunity of Idling in their spare hours on some such lines as laid down by his Excellency would bring sunshine and happiness to many who, if not dragged in the dust, wore dangerously near being so. He was president of the Peace Society, hut that did not say that he did not believe in defending their country. He approached the subject on broad, social lines, and ventured to commend the movement. To his mind, they did not do nearly enough to help those through all the dangers and changes which opposed them nr Australia. Tt was only by a strenuous, definite, and determined effort that they could get success. They must have the scoutmistresses thoroughly trained for a start. (Applause.) Mrs Llume said she heartily approved of the movement. She had three patrols at Lindisfarne, and she

saw what it did for them. She hoped it would go on. The Mayor (Alderman Amott) su'd he had five daughters, and he would he very pleased indeed for them to join the movement. The instruction and open-air exercise which girls would receive would make them better wives and mothers. (Applause.) lie moved: “That in the opinion of the organisation it is desirable to form an organisation.” Mrs Hume seconded the motion. Dean Kite said something should bo done to remedy a state of things which they all deplored, and for which hitherto they had failed to find a remedy. A good many of the protests against the movement were due to the title. If they could call it the G irb/ of the Empire he thought it would be better and taken up bettor. the girls in the factories and shops to be interested in this movement. Some might belong to girls’ friendly societies, Christian associations, and different societies, but at the same time there was an enormous number who were never kept in touch with at all She had been over these factories, and was quite certain that a little kindness and help these gilds would would be only too glad of, and in a very little time they would get to know them and keep in touch with them as no church could do. Dr. Purdy, chief health officer, said they had compulsory service for hoys, and in the near future they might have a compulsory service for girls, under which girls of fourteen to eighteen years of age would have to attend evening continuation classes. (Hear, hear.) At the same time he did not think anyone in Australia would bo prepared to bring forward such a scheme just now. He thought that if the movement were a success possibly the powers that he might make such a movement compulsory. After some further discussion his Excellency put the motion and it was carried unanimously.

Lady Barron, Mrs Simmons (act-ing-president of the council) and Miss Fraser (district secretary) were appointed a provisional committee to associate 'themselves .with those who they thought could best help them in the preliminary work. A vote of thanks to the (Governor and Lady Barron closed the proceedings, and all were invited by Lady Barron to afternoon tea.