EMPIRE DAY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16567, 3 June 1914, Page 12

EMPIRE DAY.

WEST CHRISTCHURCTI SCHOOL CELEBRATIONS. INTERCHANGE OF FLAGS. Tho scholars of the West Christchurch School assembled around the uagstaff in the playground yesterday at'ternoon to witness the unfurling of the Australian Commonwealth flag which had been received from the .'.chool at Port Pirie, South Australia, in exchange for a Now Zealand flag sent by the West Christchurch scholars. The celebration of Empire Day was held at the same time. The Mayor (Mr H. Holland) unfurled tho hag, and in a lew remarks impressed upon the children the fact that tho Empire really consisted of its men and women, and that its future was in their hands. He exhorted them never to say or do anything that would not bo in keeping with the traditions of tiie British Empire. The drum and fife band of the school then played the National Anthem, after which three cheers were given for Port Pirie School. Dr Chilton, the chairman of the School Committee, addressed the children, saying that although New Zealand in point of size was a small part of the Empire, it could realise just as well as any other part the ideals for which tho Empire stood. In their school life, he said, they could express tho best elements of patriotism. On the call of Dr Chilton, three cheers wero given for the headmaster and teachers of the school. Mr S. M'Murray, a member of the School Committee and an old pupil of the school, also addressed the scholarsThe headmaster, Mr J. Ca'ughley, explained the proceedings that had t°ken place over the exchange? of tho flag'. Tho Nov.- Zealand flag had sent by tlie West Christchurch School in Vmc for the Fmp ; re Dav celebrations in Australia. On May 22, the date on which the Empire Dav celebrations were held in the Australian schools, ho had received a cablegram from Mr .1. Moves; headmaster of the Port Pir'c School. The teW'-nm road :—" Port Pirie erects West Christchurch School. Dominion fla<r unfurled to-dav." Tin Port Pirie scholars, said Mr CoiHiley. hrd "lso se"t letters to the pupils of tho West ChrisMmvcn School, and in return the pu"■'.'* had sent letters and photographs of their school.