DUTY ON A BRITISH FLAG

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 186, 8 May 1925, Page 9

DUTY ON A BRITISH FLAG

FOR PRESENTATION TO AMERICAN CITY

DEMANDED BY NEW YORK CUSTOMS OFFICIALS DELEGATES TO ADVERTISING CLUBS’ CONVENTION ANNOYED A mild sensation was caused in New York when British delegates to a convention of Associated Advertising Clubs were ordered to pay duty on a British flag intended for presentation to the city of Houston. The delegates Ameican hosts were indignant at what they regarded as an affront to their guests. Br Tclbgbai-h—Press Association- Copyeight.

(Rec. May 7, 5.5 p.m.) New York, Hay 6. A mild sensation was caused when the British delegates to a convention of the Associated Advertising Clubs of the World, which is being held at Houston, Texas, were compelled to pay twelve dollars Customs duty on a British flag which was brought for presentation to the City of Houston. The story dates back to last year’s convention in England, when the New York delegation earned flags of the ■ United States, New York State, and New York City, which were presented to York City. On that occasion the Duke of York and other dignitaries received the American delegation with elaborate ceremony. The City of York accepted the flags, placing them reverently in the City Hall. This year the British delegates, desiring to return the courtesy, brought a large British flag for Houston

When the Customs officials questioned the British delegates they explained that the flag was intended for a gift and not for sale. Notwithstanding indignant protests by their American hosts to the Customs authorities, the Britishers were advised that the duty on the flag was twelve dollars, which they paid. ■ The American advertising men are still angered at what they regarded as an affront to their guests,, and have demanded a rebate of the "sum paid. The New York officials dispassionately replied that the money was in the till, and only an Act of Congress could get it out.

Washington officials asserted that the law says that flags must pay 50 per cent, duty, and there is no more reason for suspending it for the Britishers than for suspending the prohibition law for them, but privately they deplored the necessity for collecting the money. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.