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Chief Commissioner Lucinda Wilson (1927-1934) became involved in the Girl Peace Scout’s Association in the early 1920s. She worked with an Auckland committee to start the Girl Guide movement in New Zealand. She met Lady Baden-Powell in London to gain approval for the New Zealand branch of the Girl Guides Association.
She travelled throughout New Zealand as an organising commissioner, finding leaders and setting up committees in all 10 provinces. It took until 1924 to encourage the last remaining Girl Peace Scouts to become Girl Guides.
Wilson became New Zealand guiding's first Chief Commissioner in 1927. That year, she and her daughter-in-law, Bertha Wilson, purchased Auckland property Otimai and gifted it to the movement as a training house. The motto of Otimai – Faith, Love, Service – is embroidered on the banner in this photograph.
In 1931, the standard and banner in this photograph were presented to her. It was designed and made by Ruth Innes (her design had to be sent to Imperial Headquarters in Britain for approval). Every member of the guiding movement contributed to its cost. The standard was used on formal occasions throughout New Zealand when the Chief Commissioner attended.
Also in 1931, Wilson was awarded the Silver Fish. This photograph was probably taken at either the presentation of the standard or the award.
Lucinda Wilson died in 1945 aged 69.