TWO FLAGS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 153, 10 April 1930, Page 3

TWO FLAGS

CARRIED OVER THE POLE. NEW ZEALAND AND AMERICAN. (Special to the "Guardian.") WELLINGTON, April 9. To be preserved as one of New Zealand's cherished possessions, a Dominion flag carried, by Rear-Admiral Byrd on his flight over the South Pole was returned to the Government by the explorer at tlhe Ministerial luncheon accorded to him to-day. "We carried with us across the South Pole the flag of New Zealand, and I now wish to return it to the Government," said Admiral Byrd in quietly handing the ensign to the de-putv-feader. of the Government (the Hon. G. W. Forbes). "The other flag I will take home with me and present it to the United States Government." (Applause.) The combination of the American and New Zealand flags in the table decoration scheme was noted by the Admiral. "I have been looking," he said, "at the two flags together on the tables, ours and yours. That is how they should be. (Applause.) I hope they always will be. I have no doubt in the world; that they will be. As far as civilisation and humanity are concerned we have the same common , interests. I take this opportunity of heartily reciprocating the sentiments of goodwill which have been exIn reply, Mr Forbes said the Government was highly honoured in receiving the flag from the hands of Admiral Byrd. It would be treasured as the memento of an historic event. The Minister asked the Admiral on his return to America to act as an unofficial ambassador for New Zealand, and to convey to the President and the people of the United States the Dominion's best wishes for their future prosperity. (Loud applause.) A MODEST SPEECH. THE MINISTERIAL LUNCHEON.

(Special to the "Guardian.") WELLINGTON, April 9. The Ministerial luncheon accorded to Rear-Admiral R. E. Byrd at Parliament House to-day was notable for the modesty of the' utterance of the distinguished guest. The conqueror of the two Poles and world' famous as an explorer, Admiral Bvrd had' nothing to say of his achievements. He preferred to be regarded as one ox the party, sharing equally with the others what praise was bestowed. Tvpical of the man was his references *to Scott and Shackleton. "Our job was nothing compared with theirs. They were the pathfinders, the real pioneers." After the toasts of the King and the President of the United States had been honoured, the Hon. G. W. Forbes proposed that of Admiral Byrd. "We welcome you," said the Minister, "as a representative of the United States and as an officer of We realise how much our countries have m>; common, how our soldiers and sailors fought in a common sacrifice that built up a bond of friendship that will have a most important bearing on the future prosperity and peace of the world." The Minister referred to previous attempts to reach the North Pole, and said that in all those contests there had alwavs been a full recognition of the merits of the rival expeditions. New Zealand had been closely associated with Antarctic expeditions, and it had nothing but admiration for the work the By2d expeditiaon had accomplished; . "New Zealand is proud that it has been the base country of the expedition," added the Acting Prime Minister. "Apart from the notable achievement of crossing the South Pole, a great deal of scientific work has been done, and it will be of great benefit to New Zealand, the United States and the whole of the world. We feel it is an historic occasion to be associated with you. It will be something ,to look back upon." The distinguished explorer, before acknowledging the warm welcome from the Hon. G. W. Forbes (Minister of Lands), on behalf of the Government and people of the Dominion, asked his colleagues in the expedition who were present to stand. Then at his request they drank to the good health of the Government and people of New Zealand, Rear-Admiral Byrd stressing the fact that he was only one of a team or seventy. He introduced his colleagues with a*.pleasant reference to their individual services. The meteorologist, Mr William C. Haines, had accompanied him on the expedition which ended in the flight across the North Pole, and it was explained by the Admiral that his friend at one stage announced that be had kept a couple of fine days up his sleeve, and he was going to let them rro, so' they had better start. (Laughter.) "And," said Rear-Admiral Byrd, "he did the same for us ini the Antarctic." .'. , A l In enumerating the services rendered to the expedition by various Government Departments, Rear-Admiral Byrd mentioned that the Lands Department made up a special map of the Ross Sea area, which contained information not available anywhere else in the world. He would feel everlasting gratitude for what New Zealand had done for them, and he asked the privilege of conveying to the American nation a especial greeting from the people of New Zealand.