HISTORIC FLAG

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 158, 1 April 1937, Page 10

HISTORIC FLAG

Ensign H.M.S. New Zealand

Flew at Jutland PRESENTED TO MUSEUM One of tlie most interesting relies of H.M.S. New Zealand has been presented to file Dominion Museum. It is the white ensign flown by tlie battlecruiser during the Battle of Jutland in May, 1916. Other relics from her rest in tlie museum, but this tattered piece of bunting is probably the most desirable of all.

The Hag was originally 4ft. by Bft., but apparently the end has been blown to shreds by the wind, and only about two-thirds of it is left. About three feet of the end are missing from the lower side, but only one foot from tlie upper side, so that the Union Jack in the design is intact. The flag Is contained. folded, in a glass-fronted wooden case bearing an inscribed silver plate. "siitS Accompanying the ling is a certificate written by Admiral Sir John Green, certifying that tlie ensign was down on H.M.S. New Zealand during tlie Battle of Jutland. Sir John Green was captain of the warship at the battle, and the flag was in his possession for 20 years afterward. lie retired from tlie Navy in 1927. The flag has been presented to the museum by Major and Mrs. Hunter Blair,- “Elmwood,” Christchurch.

The principal other relics of the New Zealand in the museum are thc wheel with its Maori inscription, two tympanl presented to the ship by a New Zealand patriotic organisation and a collection of other souvenirs, mostly silverware, presented to the ship by friends. All these were sent to the museum when the ship was broken up. The White Ensign is the Navy’s flag, flown by all His Majesty’s ships but only by them (witli the exception of vessels belonging to the Royal Yacht Squadron). What tlie Dominion Museum possesses is the object in whieh the honour of the battle-cruiser New Zealand gave to England centred during the greatest naval engagement ot the war.