AN INTERESTING INCIDENT

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXVII, Issue LXXVII, 17 May 1919, Page 8

AN INTERESTING INCIDENT

EXCHANGE OP FLAGS

BETWEEN HAWERA HIGH SCHOOL AND A FRENCH COLLEGE.

AjST INSPIRING GATHERING AT

BOULOGNE,

SPEECH BY MR MASSEY

BT CABLE-PEESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT ' (Received May 17, 9.45 a.m.) j LONDON, May 16. I Mr Massey visited Boulogne on Wednesday to attend the ceremony of an exchange of national flags between the College of Mariette, Boulogne, one of the oldest secondary schools in France, named after the famous scientist, and the scholars of the Hawera High School, New Zealand. ' The desire in France to establish in permanent strength friendly feelings between both countries is very strong, j and the Hawera scholars' reciprocal interests were keenly appreciated. The ceremony was very picturesue, many special guests and'an English band being present to welcome the New Zealand Premier, who referred to the eager, practical manner in which the people of New Zealand had rallied to the aid of France against the menace 4&T Prussian control of free nations. He emphasised the need of inculcating iri the youth 6f-;the Allied countries a love of nationhood"and.-unfettered freedom, Jfor which, the .armies of both countries jtad together ion. many ' battlefields. " Their common sacrifice.1 had formed permanent ties of friendship, and he hoped future generations,' in enjoying the fruits of victory, would in. less heroic activities in both coun-

tries make these ties stronger. The French flag which goes to New Zealand is exceedingly handsome.