HOISTING THE FLAG AT A NATIVE SCHOOL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11855, 6 January 1902, Page 3

HOISTING THE FLAG AT A NATIVE SCHOOL.

The New Zealand Ensign, was hoisted .. at Whangaruru on December 20. All the , inhabitants of that place were invited to ft » tea party held at the sc'noolhousc to cele- • brate the event. - . ■ The proceedings commenced by, the chairman of the Native School Committee hoist- ; ing and unfurling the flap:, which, when duly : saluted as the emblem of our Empire, upon which the sun never sets, had its story explained to the school children and from 80 to 100 other guests by the schoolmaster. This address was translated at the time to the majority of the assemblage, who were, of course, Maoris, although there were a few Europeans and some Americans present. An , adjournment then took place to dinner, which : V" was served in the sehoolhouse. • The afternoon was devoted by all assembled to games, such; as law.i tennis,: races : for the children - . (who wore duly, rewarded for their exertions with prises), and some of the vigorous adults -** £ played football. At sunset the schoolmaster hauled down the -flag, and . the assembled -a';* thro'.ig were acquainted by him of the dates upon which' it should be , hoisted, during tha ~ year— times altogether. The assemblage, after doing justice to a good tea, with plenty of cakes decorated in a proper manner with ■ diminutive Union Jacks and New Zealand --j ensigns, were treated to a concert, which was - commenced as soon as the tables were clear- ' ed and continued far into the night. ;. It was finished by all . singing " God Save the - King." ; . ■■