FLAG-MINDERS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 283, 10 September 1938, Page 5

FLAG-MINDERS.

QUEER LONDON OCCUPATION. It is not generally known that there are hag-minders in London. Their iob is to keep an eye on the weather and change the flags over Buckingham Palace, St. James s Palace and the Houses’ of Parliament as required. And they frequently have to do so several times a. day. 'The Koval Standards lor the I alaces are supplied in three different sizes. The largest—lßJ‘t hy Pit is down in normal weather conditions. for moderate winds it must be replaced by a smaller size, measuring 12ft by 6ft. The baby size—6ft by 3ft is hoisted in strong winds, which would rip a bigger hag to pieces in a very short time. The Union Jack which hies oyer the Houses of Parliament is made in four sizes The largest is 36ft. b,v 24ft., the second 24ft by 12ft,. the third 18ft by 12ft., a neb* the smallest 18ft by 9ft.' That the smallest Parliamentary flag is equal in size to the largest. Koval Standard is due to the greater height and moro exposed position in which it is down. It is not unusual, with variable winds, for these hags to he changed anything up to eight times in a single day. The hags on the Cenotaph are not sized according to the weather, hut are changed when they become torn. There are always four complete sets- —one on the Cenotaph, another ready to take its place, and two more undergoing overhaul and repairs.