IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 54, 7 March 1944, Page 5

IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY

SCOUT AND GUIDE SERVICE

SCENES AT POHATURQA ROCK

Colour and miHtary precision were the keynotes of the 'Founders Day' stervice and 1 ceremonial flag dedication carri'ed out by the local Guide Company and Scout troops at Pohaturoa Rock last Sunday afternoon. The parade which was attended 1 by some 175 Guides, Scouts,, Cubs and BjrownieS was a credit to the movement and constituted one of the finest youth displays socn in the town for many a day. The flag; dedication ceremonial which followed the service was carried out in traditional style, correct to every detail and was a credit to the various colour parties.

Headed by the Boys Band the procession with District S.M. Miller and Parade Marshall S.M. Thomas in advance moved up Commerce Street shortly before 2 p.m. and made an inspiring sight with colours carried aloft. With the Guide Company and Brownies; in the van, the Whakatanc Scottish came next to be followed by Awakeri, Citizens and the local Cub Pack. Arrived. at the Rock, where a large crowd had assembled, the units took up their allotted positions on the greensward in l'ront of the llagged dais erected at the foot of the Rock. The whole effect was as pleasing as it was an inspiration. Founders Service The Very Rev. J. G. Laughton (Chairm,an of the Whakatane Ministers Association) presided and associated with him were the Revs. H. Hogg (Presbyterian), J. C. J. Wilson (Anglican) and G. V. Thomas (Methodist). The Guide and Scout Commissioners Mrs B. S. Barry and C. Kingsley-Sinith respectively, also took part in the service. Following the hymn "All Hail the Power of Jesus Name" the Rev. Thomas led the gathering in prayer. The Guide Commissioner then read from the Book of Deuteronomy alter which the Scout Commissioner gave an address on the founder of the Scouting movement, the late Lord Baden Powell. The service was. concluded Avith the hymn "O God Our jlelp in Ages Past." Dedication of Colours The slow march, characterised all movements of the various colour guards as they advanced towards the dais, and stood in a neat line, colours raised and slightly inclined towards; the waiting Commissioners. The 5 bearers advanced singly and the colours were then piled in front of the dais and within easy range of the officiating minister. The Rev. G. V. Thomas read the opening statement after which the actual prayer of dedication was pronounced by the Rev. Laughton who laid his hands on the Hags. The Rev. Wilson added the prayer of consecration, alter which the colI ours were returned by the. Commissioners and the guards retired to their respective units. An impressive moment occurred when the guard swung round and the whole parade saluted the newly dedicated symbols. Inspiring Address The address on the honour of the flag, was given by the llev. H. Hogg who stressed the meaning of its symbolism and its high significance He spoke, of the need to honour the flag at all times and urged the young people on parade never to disgrace it by allowing it through their actions, to be. dragged or trailed in the mud.

The final hymn "Stand Up, Stand Up, for Jesus," was followed by tlie Benediction, pronounced by Rev. Laugliton, after which the National Antliem was sung by the assemblage. The. ceremonial March Past with the newly dedicated colours held high and with the two Commissioners taking the salute furnished a fitting conclusion to the parade which was unanimously described as one of the best advertisements the twin movements have yet had in Whakatane.