SCOUT’S INITIATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3763, 6 March 1928, Page 1

SCOUT’S INITIATION.

PICTURESQUE CEREMONY.

“AM I HONOURABLE?”

The Chief Scout (Sir Robert Ba-den-Powell) has drawn up a form of investiture, based on the initiation ceremony of ancient knights, for the enrolment 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?” “Wjhat are my bad points?” “Have I pluck and patience to stick it when things are against me?” and “Am I strongminded 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 the St. George’s. Cross, upon which is set a ewer of water, a basin, and a napkin. The Rover leader says: “lif ancient time 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 co,mmenee afresh with a clean page. Are you willing to give such a sign?” The candidate says: “I 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 concludes with the Rover leader taking the new Rover leader by the left hand and giving him a buffet on the left shoulder.