UNFURLING THE FLAG AT DRURY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11440, 2 August 1900, Page 3

UNFURLING THE FLAG AT DRURY.

A ri.EAKiN'fi function took place at the Drtiry district school on Tuesday afternoon, the object" being to open the new school, recently erected to replace the "Id one destroyed by fire during the Christinas holidays, and also to unfurl the new I'nion flag. 'I he ceremony started at three o clock in the school, when the scholars sang and recited very Teditably under direction ot their teachers, .Mr. MeNaughton and Miss I'iggot. At half-past three the children were marched outside and marshalled in two long lines, facing the building. fly this time there were 140 to 150 adults and children assembled. The chairman of the School Committee (Mr. Celhird) briefly addressed those present. and the head teacher (Mr. MeXaughlon) and the Rev. 0. 1!. Hewlett (Anglican) gave patriotic and impressive addressee The chairman then asked the Rev. Mr. Norrie (Presbyterian) to address the audience and to unfurl the flag. Mr. Norrie was extremely happy in his remarks. lie stated he was a veteran, and wore the New Zealand wai medal. He made reference to the first school held in Drury I're-bytcrian Church, a building that was nil frrtuuately destroyed by fire some year" ago. He also spoke of the freedom and happiness that always ruled wherever the l iiion flag flew, and exhorted his hearers to honour the Hag and to assist in maintaining the prestige of the British Empire. Mr. Norrie then unfurled a very handsome I'nion flag (obtained by public subscription). The children sang " Tho Red. White, and Blue" very heartily, and marched past, saluting the flag with all honours. Mi. Norrie called tor three cheers for the Queen, and they were given very lustily. Cheers foi "liobs," the headmaster, and School Commit lee wore also given. Afterwards, on the invitation of the committee, all present were entertained to afternoon tea in the school. Mr. ,1. Otto entered, and deserves special mention for the excellent way in which it was done. Cheers were given for the architects, chairman of committee, Mrs. McNiuiglitou, and to the builder (Mi. W. Stoupe, of Mangere), who is to be congratulated on the really excellent work lie lias done. The National Antliom closed a red-letter dav in Drur^