SPRINGBOK FLAG RETURNED

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28053, 22 August 1956, Page 12

SPRINGBOK FLAG RETURNED

Posted To Rugby Union

AIR FREIGHT TO WELLINGTON

The person who cut down the Springbok flag from the mast above the number 2 stand at Lancaster Park last Saturday, has evidently suffered pangs of conscience for on Monday he posted the flag to the Canterbury Rugby Union. It was lying on the table of the union's management committee when members entered for last evening’s meeting. He did not know the flag was missing until Monday, said the secretary (Mr A. C. Felton) reporting on the incident. He had had several telephone calls yesterday that the flag was in the Waitham railway yard, but upon investigation it was disclosed that this flag was a green railway flag with a Springbok emblem painted on it.

“In the mail late this afternoon was a package and inside it was the missing flag,” said Mr Felton. “An hour later I received a call from some person who said he had posted it the previous day. I could get no other information from him.” Although all members expressed their pleasure at see.ng the flag again, ?M? n n,'y as more Phased than Mr C. W. McKeegan, the man in whose care the flag had been placed. RL c J? ven & av e me the flag early . Sat V r day morning,” said Mr McKeekan “It was hoisted and I saw it flying above the stand. Just before the end of/the game—it must have b fi en right on the final whistle—l looked across and saw it was gone I thought some member of the staff must have taken it down. “Later, in the Springboks’ hotel, Dr Gracen asked me for the flag and I at the Patk ’" Mr McKeegim said. “I went down to the E?? i4 th ?, ne * t mornin 8 but could not hnd it. Dr. Craven was very annoved hXr“' ? e said T but I thmk " h!d better not say what he said—but he h» S h V^ y hurt With me ° ver “ because hands.” SlVen “ tO me with his own

. flag was taken to the Nationai Airways Corporation’s offices late last WIU be flown up to Wellington this morning. It will be Avina while 6 th‘ P h^ tiC this afternoon while the Spnngboks-New Zealand Universities’ match is being played