STRANGE FLAGS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 149, 27 June 1933, Page 3

STRANGE FLAGS.

STEAMER "GOES GAY."

WAITOMO RENAMED MEISHUN

EARLY SAILING FOR EAST,

A flag rarely seen in Auckland—the flag of the Chinese mercantile marine— fluttered from the stern of the former Union Company steamer Waitomo at the Western Viaduct this morning. The freighter, which has been renamed the Meishun, is now owned by the China Pacific Steam Navigation Company, and is expected to sail for the East tomorrow or on Thursday. The flag of the Chinese mercantile marine is a reminder of Jacob's coat of many colours. The inside top quarter is blue" with a large white star in the centre. The remaining three quarters are red. with yellow stripes running lengthwise. A "second flag flown from the mainmast of the old Waitomo to-day-was also unknown to Aucklanders. This was blue, with three white stars in a line running from the inner top corner to the outer bottom corner —the house flag of the ship's new owners. The master of the Meishun for her voyage to Shanghai, via Newcastle, the Philippines and Borneo, is a German, Captain B. Schreiber, the chief mate and first engineer, Messrs. P. Thorvaldsen and P. A. Moe, respectively, are Norwegians, the remaining officers arc British, and the crew are Chinese. Mr. E. C. MayoJl is second officer and Mr. E. Stevens is third, Mr. G. Maxwell is second engineer and Mr. 11. G. McLean third, and Mr. IL A. Berry is wireless operator.