UNFURLING THE ZEW ZEALAND FLAG

Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 2, 4 January 1916, Page 2

UNFURLING THE ZEW ZEALAND FLAG

AN INTERESTING CEREMONY

A delightful ceremony took place recently at the New Zealand General Hospital, Pont de Koubbeh, when Lady Maxwell unfurled the New Zealand flag that had been made and presented to the hospital by the ladies of Auckland. It was a glorious day. Early in the afternoon the guests began to arrive, and were met by the medical officers of the hospital and conducted through the wards up on to the terrace, which place had been specially prepared, being walled round by native matting, and where small tables had been sent daintily for tea. Further out on the terrace, in the open, rows of chairs awaited the guests against a background of gay matting, and where a small stage had been erected and surmounted by a large flagstaff. Lady Maxwell arrived together with the Prince Maurice of Battenberg and the Marquis of Anglesey Col. Parkes, Mcd 0.C., welcomed the guests assembled, saying how pleased he was to see so many New Zealanders there to celebrate the unfurling of the flag, the presentation of which was an indication of the splendid spirit throughout New Zealand, and the determination to help the men who were shedding their blood for the Empire. . He went on to say how the women of New Zealand had risen to the occasion, and how, through the various industries, they had helped with the grand equipment which enabled the hospital to stretch from 200 to 850 beds. After alluding to the additional equipment brought by reinforcements, he wished it to be known to all that his desire was to make that little bit of New Zealand in Egypt as homely as possible—the flag to cheer the sick and wounded, and those about to return^ to the front, to remind them of their home folk. After a- storm of applause, he went on to remind them of the offer of the Dreadnought New Zealand, and the good account she had given of herself in the North Sea, of New~Zealand's ever ready response to the, call of the Empire, and, though New Zealand had only a population of Glassow, she was sending out 50.000 men fully equipped, together with officers, and doctors, and sisters, as her contribution. He turned then to Lady Maxwell, and thanked her for her ever ready kindness which she had,always shown to the New Zealand Hospital ; also to Mr. Malony, who .had presented the massive flagstaff, and'the generous gifts he had given to the hospital.

Colonel Saunders, Commandant of the New Zealand forces at Zeitoun, summed up what had been said, and declared that 30,000 had already been sent, and that there would be as many more if wanted until the war was over.

Colonel Mackay then came forward and addressed the assembly, saying how glad he was to be there, and that he was proud to belong to New Zealand ; also that the British flag ever stands for the sacred rights-of liberty, handed down from generation to generation, which they were here to fight for. and he declared his. pleasure 'at seeing so many representatives of that little country, where patriotism for the ' British Empire burnt so brightly as it does in New Zealand. He referred to the whole-hearted hospitality of the people of Egypt, and to what they have done for our soldiers. Their houses and homes had been thrown open, testifying to the trust they put in New Zealand's sons. He ivoiced ..the. ,'QtherJJofficers as well as himself," and the gratitude of tho parents of' New Zealand. He then referred to the doctors and nurses, each one doing their little best, the great necessity of discipline, the terrible straggle we had at hand, and the ultimate crushing of the enemy; and, turning, said, " Victory will be ours, lads, as sure as that sun is shining above," and said we put our trust in the High Leader, the Lord of Hosts, the God of Battle, who would give ,us the victory speedy and complete. Lady Maxwell, rising, said how pleased she was to be there among the New Zealanders who had fought so splendidly, and turning to the wounded who were able to be there, said feelingly, " I thank you for "what you hay done, and for shedding your blood to uphold the honour of the British Empire."

Major Maguire was responsible for the carrying out of the arrangements, which were done in a most perfect manner. The people of New Zealand may indeed^ be gratified to know that there is not a more perfect staff of doctors and nurses throughout Egypt, and that their boys, whom they have so generously given, are cared for and looked after in so splendid a way. There were many distinguished guests invited, among them being Major-Gen-eral and Mrs. Spence and the Misses Spence, Lady Godley, Surgeon-General Ford and Mrs. Ford, Lieutenant-Colonel Saunders and Mrs. Saunders, Colonel and Mrs. Herbert', Colonel Sir John and Lady Rogers, Lady Barker, Sir Alex Baird and Miss Baird, Sir Reginald and Lady Oakes, Mr. and Mrs. Vaughan, Mr. E. A. \ Peacock, Mr. and Mrs. Crosthwaite M'Kenzie,' Captain Guy Thornton, Mrs. Studholme -and Miss Bowen, Captain Stokes, Mrs. de Castro, and Miss Herbert. ' .