POST GUIDES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 April 1943, Page 2

POST GUIDES

NEW ZEALAND COMMISSIONER ■ — > VISIT TO MASTERTON. ASSISTANCE TO DISABLED CHILDREN. The executive of the Masterton Girl Guides’ Association, in conjunction with the Crippled Children’s Society, yesterday entertained Mrs R. J. Coates, Post Guide Commissioner for New Zealand. Apologies for absence were received from the Mayoress, Mrs T. Jordan, Mrs E. Holmes, Provincial Commissioner, and Mrs D. Riddiford, Divisional Commissioner, The Directors of the Y.M.C.A. had kindly put a room at the disposal of the combined societies for the afternoon. Mrs H. E. Pither represented the Qrippled Children’s Society, and Mrs E. M. Hodder, president of the Executive Committee, represented the Girl Guides. Mrs J. Robertson was at the piano. Many of the Guides of the Ist Wairarapa Company of Post Guides were present, and Mrs Coates was able to meet and talk with them and their parents. During her stay in the district Mrs Coates will visit the Guides who were unable to be present. Mrs A. W. McKenzie, District Commissioner, who introduced Mrs Coates, spoke of the fine work that she was do--ing in bringing Guiding to children who, by their disability, were unable to take a part in the more strenuous game of active guiding. Mrs Coates, who thanked those present for the welcome given to her, told the story of post guiding and how, through the medium of letters, beautifully compiled and illustrated, the recruit guide was trained until, having passed her tenderfoot, she was formally enrolled as a guide. The day of enrolment was for the post guide made a very important one, a beautifully embroidered standard being sent for the ceremony, and a personal letter was received by the guide from Mrs Coates herself. After enrolment, many post guides, though badly disabled, continued their training, and in one case in particular, Mrs Coates said a crippled girl had become a first-class guide, a standard that was all too seldom gained in active guides. Mrs Pither, on behalf of the Crippled Children’s Society, thanked Mrs Kilgour and Mrs Mallows for the work they had done, and proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs Coates, the motion being seconded by Mr R. C. Drummond. During the serving of afternoon tea, Mrs Coates met and talked with post guides, who by this personal contact with their commissioner, realised their part in the Girl Guide movement.