HISTORIC FLAG

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27450, 25 July 1950, Page 6

HISTORIC FLAG

Used On All Blacks’ Tour In 1905 AVAILABLE FOR SATURDAY PA AUCKLAND, July 24. The linesman’s flag that was used during every match the 1905 All Black team played in Britain may be used again at Eden Park next Saturday for the final Rugby test match between the British Isles and New Zealand. The flag has been offered to the Auckland Rugby Union for the game, and if it is thought to be in sound enough condition it will be brought out after a “retirement” of 45 years. The flag was brought back to New Zealand from Britain by Mr George Dixon, manager of the 1905 All Black team. It is one foot square and has a wooden handle three feet long. The flag is coloured in the traditional New Zealand all black, and on one side has two gold bands running from corner to corner, dividing the face into four segments. In the upper and lower segments is the rose of England in white, and in each side segment is an All Black silver fern. The reverse side is completely black. Mr Dixon treasured the flag as a great memento of a great tour, and when he died it remained in the possession of his widow, who lives in Remuera. Mrs Dixon is now 83 years old and recently wrote to Mr Jimmy Hunter, a member of the 1905 team and now a farmer at Fordell, saying she still had it. Mr Hunter wrote in turn to his brother-in-law, Mr R. G. Sellar, of Auckland. Tonight, Mr Sellar called on Mrs Dixon, collected the flag from her, and then offered it to the Rugby Union for use during Saturday’s game. Mr Sellar said the flag was almost in a perished state, but that repairs were being made to it by his wife. The gold cross-pieces particularly were in need of repair and were to be resewn. *

Mr D. B. Mulvihill, secretary of the Rugby Union, said Mr Sellar had offered the use of the flag to the union if it were suitable. He could see no reason why it should not be used on the side line on Saturday.