GIRL GUIDES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 November 1939, Page 8

GIRL GUIDES

MESSAGE FROM PRINCESS ALICE. In a letter to the N.Z. 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 Bri- [ tain during the crisis as I think it may interest you. At the same time I should like to send the following mes- ' sage to your Guides and Guiders who are. I am sure, at one with us in their desire to serve the Empire. The chance to help in the fight for freedom and justice has come first to the Guides in Great Britain because they are nearest to the scene of action, and they 3 have been splendidly helpful and reliable As Commissioner for Overseas, r I know all you Guides in whatever • part of the great Commonwealth of Nations you may be living, are just as , anxious to play your part, and I am • certain will find plenty of ways in which you 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 probaby both their parents may be engaged in war work of some sort. It is no use fighting against Hitlerism if wo allow the new generation to grow up without re-1 ligion, good principles or discipline. These ideals are the very foundation of our Guide Movement, and it is on such a foundation alone that we 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 war work will, of course, depend on the special needs of your own community, and if we find there is any particular way in which Overseas Guides can make a more direct contribution towards the National effort we will call upon your help, knowing that we can be sure of the response.” With Guide greetings, yours sincerely. Alice Mary. Commissioner for Overseas.”

Guides and Guiders all over the Empire will want to know the arrangements that have been made by Imperial Headquarters for them to assist in National Defence. Guide people of all ages helped with the evacuation; meeting the children, helping to carry their luggage and settle in, and in some cases even taking . over and equipping empty houses for their reception. Headquarters could not have any central scheme owing to the varied needs of different parts of the country, but Guides were greatly in demand and helped all Local Emergency Organisations, in most cases, sending their offers of assistance through their own Commissioners. Many Guiders have joined the Auxiliary Territorial and Fire Services, others belong to V.A.D. Detachments: Sea Rangers are helping the River Ambulance Service, and Guides have acted as messengers, helping to fill sandbags, etc. Reports have been received of the quiet efficiency of members of our Movement and some services are asking new volunteers, whether they have been Guides. Al-1 though these activities will take up much of the Guiders' time we ask them to remember that Guide training for the children is more than ever needed and every effort should be made to keep companies going and train recruits.