BOY SCOUTS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5250, 12 March 1928, Page 4

BOY SCOUTS.

THE INITIATION CEREMONY. The Chief Scout (Sir Robert Baden Powell) has drawn up form of investiture, based on the initiation ceremony of ancient knights, for the enrollment ceremony of Rover Scouts. The investiture includes questions similar to those put to knights in the days of old and picturesque and symbolic ceremonies. The candidate (says the London Observer) first has to keep a lone vigil in some quiet spot in the open or in a chapel, where he is guarded from interruption by his sponsors. During this vigil he must ask himself whether he (has any doubt about continuing the ceremony, and such questions as: “Am I absolutely honourable, trustworthy and truthful ?” “Wliat are my bad points ?” “Have I pluck and patience to stick it when things are against me and “Am I strong-minded enough to keep off. temptations to drink, to harm a girl or a woman ?” After the vigil, the candidate is brought before the Rover leader at- a table covered with th e St. George’s Cross,, upon, wh'cfi is set a ewer of water, a basin, and a napkin. Tht Rover leader says: “In ancient times it was the custom of those about to become knights to be laved with water in token of the washing away of past misdeeds and as a sign that they were determined to commence afresh with a clean page. Are you willing to give such a sign ?” The candidate says : “J am,” and then places his hands together over the basin. The sponsor takes' the ewer and pours water over them, while the other takes the napkin and dries the candidate’s hands. The ceremony conclude® with the Rover leader taking the new Rover ty the left hand and giving him a buffet on the left shoulder.