GIRL GUIDES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 96, 4 December 1939, Page 3

GIRL GUIDES

MESSAGE FROM PRINCESS ALICE CHANCE TO HELP I-n a letter to the New Zealand! Chief Commissioner, Miss Herrick, H.R.H. Princess Alice writes as follows: — "I am enclosing a short memorandum on what the Guides have been doing in Great Britain during the crisis as I think it may interest you. At the same time I should like to send the following message to your Guides and Guiders who are, I a,m sure, at one with us in their desilre to serve the Empire. The chance to help in the fight for freedom and justice lias come first to the Guides in Great Britain because they are nearest to the scene of action., and they have been splendidly helpful and reliable. As Commissioner for Overseas, I know all you Guides in whatever part of the great Commonwealth of Nations you may be living, arc just as anxious to play your part, and I am certain will find plenty of ways in Avhich you can do so, but don't desert your Guiding for war work unless your help is specially needed. Remember the young will need your care over so much more now when probably both their parents may be engaged in war work of some sort. It is no use fighting against Hitler if we allow the new generation to grow up without religion, good principles or discipline, These ideals are the very foundation of our Guide Movement, and it is on such a foundation alone that Ave can hope to build a new and happier world —a world in which peace and goodwill shall prevail against the forces of cruelty and injustice. Exactly what you do in the way of Avar AA'ork avi 11, of course, depend on the special needs of your oavh community, and if avc find there is any particular Avay in Avhich Over-s':-as Guides can make a more direct j contribution toAvards t.-ie National effort Ave Aviil call upon your help, knowing that Ave can be sure of the response." With Guide greetings, Yours sincerely, (Signed) Alice Mary, Commissioner for Overseas. Memorandum. Guides and Guiders all over the Empire Avill Avant to know the JVrangements that have been made by Imperial Headquarters for them to assist in National Defence, says the memorandum. Guide people of all ages helped with the evacuation; meeting the children, helping to carry their luggage and settle in, and in some casev even taking oA-er and equipping empty houses for their receptions. Headquarters could not have any central scheme OAving to the varied needs of different parts of the country but Guides Avere greatly in demand and helped all Local Emergency Organisations, in most casessending their offers of assistance through their oavii Commissioners. Many Guides have joined the Auxil-ia-v Territorial and Fire Services, others Detachments: RjbW'* Ambu'a"C» Service, and. Guides have acted as messengers, helped to fill sandbags etc. Reports have been received of the ciuiet efficiency of members of our Movement and some services are ask ing new volunteers Avhether they haA r e been Guides. Although these activities Avill take un much of the Guiders time avc ask them to remember that Guide training for the children is more than ever needed and every eflort should be made to keen companies going and train recruits.