RALLY OF GUIDES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20055, 12 March 1935, Page 9

RALLY OF GUIDES

CHIEF GUIDE HONOURED SPECTACULAR DISPLAY A spectacular rally of Girl Guides and Brownies from most parts of Canterbury, at the Addington Showgrounds on Saturday afternoon, Was a fitting welcome to the World Chief Guide, Lady Baden-Powell, and the World Chief Scout. Lord Baden-Powell. Happiness was the keynote of the gathering, and the manner in which the varied programme was carried out had a strong appeal for the crowd of over 2000 spectators. A strong contingent was present from South Canterbury for the occasion, the total number from this district being about 200. The District Commissioner (Miss M. E. Marriott) was in charge of the Timaru Oivision. while Miss Barker, District Commissioner, had charge of the Guides from Temuka and Geraldine. The following companies were represented:—St. Mary’s Rangers, Lieutenant I. Young; St. Mary’s Guides, Captain M. Thomson; Ta Kama Guides, Captain R. Cooper and Lieutenant E. Mason; Kai-Arahi Guides, Captain N. Cook and Lieutenant Perman; Pareora Guides, Captain Nelson; Waimate Rangers, Captain D’Auvergne; Waimate Guides, Captain R. Herstlett and Lieutenant Judge. About 100 Guides left Timaru. but others were picked up at Seadown, Temuka, Orari, and Ashburton. On arrival at Christchurch, one guide from each company was selected to form a guard of honour, while Dorothy Tuck of St. Mary’s Rangers, was selected to carry the Chief Guide’s standard. Features of Rally Features of the rally were the march past of over 1000 blue-uniformed Guides and nearly 400 Brownies, the Brownies’ Grand Howl and singing game “Babes in the Wood,” and a display of physical drill by 250 Guides. Both the Chief Guide and Chief Scout addressed the gathering. Later the Guides gave displays of fancy skipping, sword dancing, physical drill and folk dancing. The programme was brought to a close with the singing of the Guides”song, “Taps,” as sung the world over. The World Chief Guide had a salute and a smile for the Guides and Brownies as they marched past in a spectacular procession in front of the grandstand. Lord Baden-Powell was also on the platform and took a keen interest in the marching. Following the march past the Guides formed into position facing the official platform. Then it was the Brownies’ turn. To the strains of "John Peel” from the Ist Canterbury Regimental Band, 400 of them, holding on to horizontal staves, trotted past the platform to the jingling of tiny bells and applause from the spectators. With ribboned harness they were driven by their leaders round the ground. Messages From Leaders

Lady Baden-Powell, addressing the gathering, expressed her delight at the size of the parade and at the enthusiastic display. She welcomed those who had not been in the Guide movement when she and Lord Paden-Powell were in Christchurch four years ago. Undoubtedly the movement, which was designed to promote good and loyal citizenship, was growing apace. The speaker referred appreciatively to the many happy smiles she had encountered that afternoon, and urged all to radiate happiness for the sake of themselves and others. That was one of the main purposes of life. New Zealand was one of the strong branches of what was now almost a world-wide movement.

The speaker read the following message from the Princess Royal to all Guides and Brownies: “I am anxious to send, through the Chief Guide, a message to the Guides and Brownies of the countries she is visiting. I follow your progress with great interest and wish the movement and all its members prosperity and happiness. May Guides ever grow and thrive in your country and be an incentive in your own lives to spread the spirit of service and good fellowship amongst you.” The visiting party included also Lieutenant-Colonel Granville Walton, Headquarters Commissioner for Rover Scouts, and Mrs Walton, Wolf Cub Commissioner. The New Zealand officials present included the Chief Commissioner, Miss Ruth Herrick, the Canterbury Provincial Commissioner, Miss Bromley Cocks, and the District Ranger Captain, Miss Molly Maxwell, who was in charge of the arrangements for the rally. Founder’s Day Service About 1000 Rangers, Guides and Brownies assembled on Sunday for the Founder’s Day service in the Cathedral. St. Mary’s Rangers, Timaru, together with their officers, stayed in Christchurch over Saturday night and were present at the Cathedral service. Members of companies in all parts of Canterbury province, together with 20 representatives from Marlborough, paraded at the headquarters of the Canterbury Girl Guides’ Association in Worcester street and marched to the Cathedral, headed by 26 patrol leaders carrying the colours of the companies. When the congregation had entered the patrol leaders carried the colours to the altar steps, and placed them against the altar rail. Guide Promise The service was conducted by the Rev. J. F. Fearon, who said special prayers and read a lesson. Special hymns—"Be Prepared," “The Children’s Song,” “For All the Guides,” and “A Guide Hymn”—were sung, and immediately before the sermon the Chief Commissioner for New Zealand, Miss Ruth Herrick, led the rangers and guides in the renewal of the guide promise.