SCOUTS' SERVICE

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 96, 24 April 1922, Page 9

SCOUTS' SERVICE

AT 3T. BARNABAS' CHTjr.. ATTENDED BY GOVERNOEGENERAL.

St. George's Day was celebrated by a Boy Scouts' service at St. Barnabas' Church, Mount Eden, yesterday afternoon, at which there was a crowded attendance, including Mr. Horace Stebbing (the Provincial Commissioner), Mr. R. C. Grigsby (Deputy Commissioner), and officers and troops of the Central Province. His Excellency the GovernorGeneral was present, accompanied by the Viscountess Jellicoe, members of their family, including the Hon. George Jellicoe, and attended by Captain Mundy, A.D.C. The guard of honour was provided by the St. Barnabas' Troop, tinder the command of Scoutmaster A. E. Berry. Lord Jellicoe was received by the Bishop of Auckland (Right Rev. A. W. Averill, D.D.) and the vicar (Canon H. H. Foster, M.A.). The Bishop was attended by his chaplain (the Rev. J. H. Selmes, M.A.). The church was prettily decorated, and special music was rendered by the choir.

The lesson was read by the Provincial Commissioner.

In the course of an address appropriate to the occasion, in which lie drew interesting illustrations from the life of England's patron saint, Canon Foster called attention toithe fundamental essentials of the rules governing and disciplining the life of the scout. Under all circumstances must women be respected. A Scout must be chivalrous, strong and honourable in every sense. "Be brave, be strong, both in mind and body," he continued. "Protect your bodies and the marvellous faculties with •which. God has endowed you. Be strong in' manhood, and preserve that wonderful gift He has given you. Eemember that you will be the bulwark of the nation. Do not mar the beauty and perfection of your body and observe the laws necessary to help you to enjoy the glory of living. Be strong in mind; guard and develop your abilities. And be strong also in soul. Remember that as is its people is the nation itself. Guard your individual good name; guard the good name of the land that _as given you birth; and guard the good name of the great nation whose inheritance is yours," urged the vicar in conclusion. "Let it be known that you are good and loyal citizens of your country and honourable citizens of Auckland. Deem it your duty and privilege to serve that flag. Thank God that you also have been accorded a privilege that m the past has 'been given to many, who on the altar of sacrifice and in defence of the cross of St. George gladly laid down their lives."

At the conclusion of the service the Bishop advanced to the steps of the chancel, and before pronouncing the blessing read the promises made by the Scouts when admitted, the words being solemnly repeated by all Scouts present', standing at the Walf-salute. The scene was an impressive one. The Scouts and Scout Mistresses later advanced and received at the hands of the Bishop the colours, which during the service had surrounded the altar. The proceedings closed with the National Anthem.