GIRL GUIDES

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 53, Issue 3802, 31 August 1936, Page 5

GIRL GUIDES

ANNUAL MEETING HELD. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The annual meeting of the Te Awamutu Girl Guides Committee, held in the Borough Council Chambers on Friday afternoon, was presided over by Mrs 0. Gr Downes, the president, and among those present was Mrs G. G. L. Taylor, of Cambridge, the Commissioner, who was accorded a special welcome. * The secretary’s annual report was read as follows, and adopted'. Another year ot successful endeavour has concluded, and reviewing the position, there is occasion for appreciation. Interest has been maintained and attendance of members at meetings and Guides and Brownies at parades has been gratifying. Much hard work has, ot course, been entailed, but the cheerfulness with which that has been rendered must have been an inspiration and encouragement all round. Bereavements have been suffered by members of the committee, and a resignation has been tendered, owing to Mrs Mandeno’s ill-health and the captain’s uncertainty ot her movements. The possibility of Captain Mandeno leaving us, after years of splendid work, has been a source of much concern, but we are hopeful that means can be devised by which the movement can have the continued services ot such an admirable and loved leader. As to finance, a clear and concise statement will be tabled, by the treasurer. The proposed field day mooted some time ago and deferred until spring time, when better weather conditions can be expected,

should see the competitions for the Herbert 1 Smith Fund trophies decided.

It is pleasing to record the interest being shown in the establishment of a Ranger Company in the district, and we hope it will develop into a really useful organisation. The birthday party arranged by the committee for the Guides and Brownies proved very successful, and served its purpose in further stimulating the work and showing appreciation ot the sustained efforts ot all concerned throughout the year. Several church parades during the term were well attended. The president and members gratefully thank Mr Bockett for his many kindnesses for allowing them the use of the Borough Council Chambers; also kindness received from the Te Awamutu Courier. Personally I wish to thank the president and members ot the committee for their courtesy and kindness to me at all times; also Mr Reese for many kindnesses received. The treasurer, Mrs O. S. West, presented her balance sheet, which showed receipts totalling £l6 12s lOd, including £2 4s 6d from a Brownies’ dance and £7 5s 9d from a Guides’ uance. The principal items of expenditure were £2 10s hall hire and £2 7s 6d headquarters dues. There is a credit balance ot £8 6s 7d, as compared with £6 7s 6d a year ago. Acting on the advice of Mrs Taylor, it was decided to hold a field day once a year and the divisional rally will be held during the first week in

March next, probably at Hamilton. Regarding Captain Mandeno’s resignation owing to continued family ill-health, Mrs Taylor suggested that it be deferred, and Miss Mandeno be granted six months' leave of absence. Miss Ross was suggested as one capable of filling the emergency, but Miss Ross intimated her inability to except. Mrs Taylor asked if there was any one in the Rangers’ Companycapable ot taking charge, or of assisting Miss Ross. It would be good training for both. The secretary was instructed to write to Mrs Morton and the Guiders of South Auckland district regarding a field day about the last Saturday in February, and the divisional rally on the second Saturday in March. The reports of the Guides and Brownies were adopted, and Miss L. Cruickshank was warmly congratulated and thanked for her work single handed. It was reported that Miss Bailey, of Tokanui, has three Rangers enrolled by Miss Stewart, from Hangatiki. Mrs Tayior arranged to visit Te Awamutu on Friday, September 11th, to enrol Guides. A suggestion was made to hold a reunion ot all former Guides, and possibly form an Old Guides’ Association. Mrs Taylor expressed the opinion that one committee in a town the size of Te Awamutu should control the Guides, Brownies and Rangers. Approval was given a suggestion that a united church parade be held in Hamilton during the rally. Warm approval was expressed of the work of Miss Bailey in her efforts to form a Ranger Company, and of Miss Ross' sustained work under adverse circumstances. Captain Mandeno was granted six months’ leave of absence, and her resignation deferred. The election of officers for the new term resulted; President, Mrs Downes (re-elected); treasurer, Mrs West (re-elected); secretary, Mrs Goodall (re-elected); committee, all last year’s members were re-elected. Mrs Downes expressed the commit tee’s grateful thanks to Mrs Taylor for visiting Te Awamutu and directing the committee’s work along approved lines. Her mady suggestions were helpful and appreciated. Mrs Taylor, replying, said she hoped to visit Te Awamutu more frequently, and she would at all times be glad to co-operate in furthering the movement.

GUIDES’ ANNUAL REPORT. In presenting this report I would first of all express, on behalf of Miss Mandeno and myself, our keen appreciation of the work of the committee, for the splendid birthday party artanged for the company, the supper arrangements at the dance and for the loyal support, not only through the year under review, but over the years of our existence. Membership at 31/7/36 stood at 12 enrolled Guides and 10 recruits. Second class Guides seven. Several swimmers’ badges were won during the summer. The drop in numbers was due to girls leaving the district, others whose working hours debarred them from continuing, and others who felt themselves too grown up. We are glad to know that several ot our old Guides have joined the Ranger Company, and know that they will do useful work in that sphere. I feel that the formation of the Sherwood Rangers will fill a long felt want in this town, and wish it every success. A few hikes were held during the summer months, and these

are always much enjoyec. Miss Mandeno and I were guests at the Scout birthday party. BROWNES’ ANNUAL REPORT. The past year has been quite a successful one for the Brownies. We were sorry to lose our Brown Owl, Miss Walter, who left the district, but were fortunate in having Miss Mairs to act as Tawny this year. We both intend sitting for our warrants in the near future. Although the register numbers 24 Brownies, a full, pack, as compared with 33 last year, the average attendance is much better, enabling more individual attention. Badges gained during the past year are: One first class badge, five second class badges, eight recruit badges, seven proficiency badges, including weavers, needleworkers, collectors, swimmers and thrift. Miss Allen examined seven Brownies for their first class, and they have only one more test to pass to gain the badge. Five Brownies were transferred to Guides during the year. Meetings were not commenced until March this year, and on the 21st ot that month we all cooked our dinner in campfire fashion at a Brownie hike. The parade on Anzac Day was well attended, and on the following Saturday the Brownies had a memorable time at their birthday party. Joy Whitehouse won a stamp collecting competition, which resulted in a collection of over 6000 stamps, which are being sent to headquarters in aid of a fund to furnish the Crippled Children’s Home with a cot. A similar contest has commenced again. We are eagerly awaiting new games and ideas next Saturday, when our Tawny who has been to camp at "Otimai,” will be with us again.