208 Crossing the Line 



1946, continued 



(Ü) There is no sort of reason, if space permits, why the Herald should not appear in a nautical 

 chariot drawn by Dolphins, or other symbolic vehicle. 



(iü) In an aircraft carrier, the advantages of using the forward lift for the arrival and departure 

 of the Herald and his attendants vidll be obvious, and similar remarks apply to the main 

 ceremony on the following day. 



(iv) It is by no means essential to provide an individual Summons for each "initiate," but 

 these documents are frequently treasured by the recipients just as much as the "Crossing 

 the Line" Certificates. 



The alternative is to broadcast the terms of the document and post copies on the Notice 

 Boards. Individual Summonses, if issued, should follow the hues of the Herald's Proclama- 

 tion set out above, the name of the individual being shown on a separate line in substitution 

 for the words: "All those who have not heretofore entered our Domains." 



The main ceremony 



( a ) Preparations 

 Routine 



The Ship's Routine should be so adjusted that nothing is done after scrub- 

 bing decks. The hands should be piped to breakfast as early as possible, and 

 to clean into skylarking rig. 



It is sometimes the practice to get out a completely bogus routine, em- 

 bracing such items as "Beais to cocoa and wash." The advantage of this pro- 

 cedure is that it provides a useful programme of events and adds one more 

 document for the record. 



Rigging 



The essential requirement is a stage, platform or dais, a canvas bath, and 

 a chair or chairs capable of being tilted in such a manner that the occupant 

 is precipitated backwards into the bath. If the number of initiates is sufficient, 

 two or more chairs may be provided, and possibly two baths, side by side. 

 The baths should be placed with the longer side running away from the 

 platform. The water should be about 4 feet deep, and it is well to place some 

 suitable cushioning material under the baths to prevent injury in the event 

 of any initiates receiving an extra heavy 'Tjumping." Arrangements shotdd 

 be made for the water to be changed at frequent intervals. 



Properties 



The second requirement is the 'lather" for use by the Court Barbers. The 

 essential point is lavish and simple apphcation, and somewhat staggering 

 quantities may be requü'ed. The normal recipe calls for a paste of flour and 

 water in white and two other colours, but in these days of food rationing 

 some less palatable substitute may have to be found. 



