LAKE TAKAPUNA SCHOOL,

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 150, 26 June 1902, Page 2

LAKE TAKAPUNA SCHOOL,

UNFURLING THE FLAG. <

The proceedings at Lake Takapuna in 'connection with the unfurling of the flag to-day were of a picturesque nature. Shortly before eleven o'clock the children of the public school, about SO in number, wearing rosettes and carrying flags, were marshalled inside the school grounds, under direction of the headmaster, Mr Hames, assisted by Miss TidcL. They then marched in double file order to the main gate, where t-hey were met by about 60 boys of the St.'Joseph (Roman Catholic) industrial school, in charge of the Sisters of Mercy. This section joined ■in the proceedings b, invitation of the Lake School Committee, and being nearly all clad in khaki presented a pleasant effect. The next halt was,made at Robertson's corner, where part of the Takapuna section of the Seddon Horse, on foot, fell in, under Sergt-Major White. Capt. Reid then arrived, and took command of the whole company. A further parade through some of the principal streets brought the procession into the school grounds again, where extended order was formal for saluting. Captain Reid, who performed the' ceremony, addressed the company as follows: —Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, non-commis-sioned officers and men of the Seddon Horse, —It gives me the greatest pleasure to unfurl the national flag. I regret we cannot haye the Coronation celebrations with it. I have been called on at a moment's notice, and as you all know I am not a crack hand at giving a speech, so you will have to excuse me for to-day. Captain Reid then let the flag out to the breeze, with the words, "Unfurled the National Flag.'' Saluting and marching past were then duly gone through, the "National Anthem" was sung, and King Edward VII. and the national flag were cheered. The flag was one sent out by the Board of Education, and the staff was erected by the School Committee, by the aid of private subscriptions. Luncheon was provided in the schoolroom, where the arrangements were carried out by a committee of ladies, working in harmony iwith the School Committee. A copy of the Coronation number of the "Graphic" was also given ito each family represented. A sham-fight by the Seddon Horse was arranged for the afternoon, in which Quartermaster-Sergeant Lisk was to command the attacking party, and Sergt.-Major White the defence, Captain Reid acting as umpire.* The event was originally intended to combine the celebration of the unfurling with that of the Coronation, but owing to the King's illness the proceedings were strictly confined to the flag.

As this was the first appearance of the Seddon Horse since their new uniforms were issued, some interest was shown in them. The new uniforms were considered an improvement on the old. The guests during the were very and more than filled the schoolroom at the luncheon hour, but the excellent arrangements a,nd willing hands Coped well with the demand. Owing to the cancellation of the holiday, the muster of the Seddon Horse was smaller than was Intended. The men taking part in fhe sham-fight each received 7 rounds of blank cartridge. Sergt.-Major White, with half the men garrisoned the school ;irid the ground iv expectation of an attack by a body of equal strength under Q.M.S. Disk. Captain Keid acted as umpire. The Sergt.-Major stationed ontposts around the enclosure under cover, and as soon as the attackers were discovered a brisk fire was opened on them as they came to cover in the advance, and was as briskly returned. The Q_MiS. took advantage of the cover c_ a hedge 100 yards distant, whence the final dash was made. This was delivered at two pioints, dividing the defending force. One half advanced over rather open country, while, the remainder crept close to the flank through the scrub and opened fire at close quarters. When cease firing was called the umpire decided that the disposition and firing of the garrison were good, but insufficient use was made of cover. The attackers did better in that respect, but owing to the 'open nature of the country the frontal attack would have failed. A simultaneous flank attack, however, had a better chance of success. An exhibition of volley-firing was then given.